I do not own…
Chapter Thirty-six: First day of school & Attack to the portrait
On the first day of school Hunter and the other boys woke up at the sound of their alarms. Everyone got up and started getting dressed. When they were done Hunter and his friends headed downstairs. Hunter was gonna wait for Mal but knew she wouldn't want him to hover over her so he went to the Great Hall for breakfast. He smiled when he saw that Vanessa was already there and was gonna sit down with her until Clyde stopped him.
"You might want to get your schedule first." Clyde said "Snape doesn't take any favorites unless you're a Malfoy."
Vanessa and Harry have warned him and the other VK's about this Professor and knew not to push him. So he sat down at the Slytherin table and gathered food on his plate while Snape passed out their schedule. Once he got his grabbed plate and goblet of Pumpkin Juice headed over to the Gryffindor table. This baffled everyone but Hunter didn't mind.
"Hey, Love." Hunter smiled and kissed her before sitting down.
"Hey, Babe." She smiled
"Fred, George, Uma, Malcom, morning." Hunter greeted
"Cheers mate." The twins said
"I see you survived the night." Vanessa smiled
"Oh I had a lovely talk with Lucas last night. Pretty sure we're gonna be best friends." He joked
"Oh Merlin." She laughed
"Boy, he looks like he's about to cast hex on you?" Uma said as she looked at the Slytherins table.
"I doubt he could if he wanted to." Hunter shrugged and took a bite of his eggs.
"Should we ask why?" Malcom chuckled
"I swap his wand with a normal stick." Hunter smirked
He secretly showed them the wand from his inner robe pocket. This made the twins nod in approval. Malcolm told him to hide it when he saw Percy walking over towards them.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, with an authority tone.
"Eating, like everyone else here." Hunter said, before taking a bite of his biscuit.
"Chill out Percy, there's no rule that another house cannot sit and eat at a different table." Vanessa said
"Yeah, Percy, you always sit at your girlfriend's table." George said
"Unless you think you are above us none just because you're Head Boy." Fred said
Before he could say anything Mal and Dawn came over to sit down with them, along with Eve and Carlos. Knowing that there was no rule against this Percy just let out a huff and walked back to his girlfriend's table.
"So how long are you gonna keep that wand?" Malcom asked
"Eh, maybe during our first class." Hunter shrugged
"So what's your schedule?" Vanessa asked Hunter
So far they had a few classes together for the first day. After everyone ate Vanessa told them that she'll show them where the History of Magic classroom is. Before she left she wished her cousin good luck on their first day in Divination. She knew very well that Hermione isn't going to like it once she sees that she can't get through that class with just books or knowledge. When they got to class she did warn the others that Professor Binns was not only a ghost but also very dual and very boring. That they'll have to hurry and write things down and try not to fall asleep when he speaks. Carlos and Jay only made it for about fifteen minutes before they fell asleep.
For their second class Potion where she had Dawn as a partner. Hunter had partnered up with Axel, Mal with Eve. Carlos partnered with Jay, Rain with Malcom, Uma with Artimis and Maggie with Marius. The moment Professor Snape entered the room everyone knew to be silent.
"Before we begin today's lesson." Snape said "I think it appropriate to remind you that next June you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my...displeasure. After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me. I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye. But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students."
After his lecture he started their lesson with a potion that would be in their O.W.L.s. It was hard for some, like for Dawn but Vanessa was able to help her without Snape noticing. Eve, Hunter, Uma, and Mal got top grades in potions and even though Snape was tough they were able to keep up.
When Lunch started she asked Harry how his classes were. Just like she thought none of them like Divination, especially Hermione. He even told her that Professor Trelawney predicted his death because she saw the Grim in his cup. Vanessa told him not to worry about it as she did the same thing to her in her third year. This seemed to make him feel a little better.
"Hey, love." Hunter smiled as he sat down with Vanessa.
The two kissed and started talking till they noticed Ron, Hermione and a few other Gryffinor's are still looking at them dumbstruck.
"Is there a problem here." She asked
"It's just...he's a…" Hermione said
"He's a Syltherin." Ron blurted
"And? What does that have to do with it?" Hunter asked
"Just ignore him. Some people...are just small minded and judge too quickly." Vanessa said as she glared at Ron.
"Hey V, do you think you can help me with the homework for History? Mal asked as she sat down with them.
"Yeah, sure." Vanessa said
"No offense Harry, but is your cousin mental?" Ron asked in a whispered
"They're actually an okay bunch Ron. There's nothing to worry about." Harry said with a shrug.
"Yeah Ron. Lighten up, no need to be twit." Fred said
"What's his problem?" Uma asked Vanessa
"Just ignore him, that's what we do." George said
Ron's face grew red but said nothing else. Gryffindors and Slytherins have always been enemies. Did they forget that all Slytherins are dark witches and wizards? He didn't understand why Vanessa is trying to befriend more of them. He didn't get why Harry is okay with this.
After lunch, third period started and for Vanessa, Rain and Hunter it was Ancient Runes. Professor Babbling made the same speech about O.W.L.s before starting the lesson. Her last subject was Defence Against the Dark Arts. Just like with their other classes Professor Lupin told them about their O.W.L.s before starting the lessons. Like at Auradon his classes were actually fun to be in. After class everyone either gathered in their common room or relaxed outside until dinner started. When dinner started Vanessa noticed that Draco wasn't among the Slytherins' table. She asked Harry what happened and he told her everything that happened during third period. Vanessa couldn't believe how pathice and low that brat would go just get his way. After dinner she passed a note to Rain, Artism and Melcom to go visit Hagrid. The four, along with the golden trio, had went out to see him. When they reached Hagrid hut, they knocked, and a voiced growled, "C'min."
Hagrid was sitting in his shirtsleeves at his scrubbed wooden table; his boarhound, Fang, had his head in Hagrid's lap. One look told them that Hagrid had been drinking a lot; there was a pewter tankard almost as big as a bucket in front of him, and he seemed to be having difficulty getting them into focus.
"Spect it's a record." He said "Don' reckon they've ever had a teacher who lasted on'y a day before."
"You haven't been fired, Hagrid!" Hermione gasped
"Not yet." Hagrid said, then took a huge gulp from tankard. "But 's only a matter o' time, i'n't it, after Malfoy..."
"How is he?" Ron asked "It wasn't serious, was it?"
"Madam Pomfrey fixed him best she could." Hagrid said dully. "But he's sayin' it's still agony...covered in bandages...moanin'..."
"That lying, selfish son of a…" Vanessa growled before saying. "Madam Pomfrey can mend anything. She even regrew half of Harry's bones last year. Oh how I wanna beat him until he's black and blue."
"You and me both, Vanessa." Harry said "He's just faking it. Trying to get attention and milk it all in."
"School gov'nors have bin told, o'course." Hagrid said "They reckon I started too big. Shoulda left hippogriffs fer later...done flobberworms or summat...Jus' thought it'd make a good firs' lesson… 'S all my fault."
"It's all Malfoy's fault, Hagrid." Artism said "Everyone knows you shouldn't provoke a Hippogriff."
"Yes, we're witnesses." Harry said "You said hippogriffs attack if you insult them. It's Malfoy's problem that he wasn't listening. We'll tell Dumbledore what really happened."
"Yeah, don't worry, Hagrid, we'll back you up." Ron said
Tears started to leak out of Hagrids' eyes. He grabbed both Harry and Ron and pulled them into a bone-breaking hug.
"I think you've had enough to drink, Hagrid." Rain said before taking the tankard from him and emptying it.
"Ar, maybe she's right." Hagrid said
He let go of the boys and heaved himself out of his chair before following Rain outside. They heard a loud splash.
"What's he done?" Harry asked nervously.
"Stuck his head in the water barrel." Rain said
When Hagrid came back his hair and beard was soaking wet.
"Tha's better." He said, then shook his head like a dog. "Listen, it was good of yeh ter come an' see me. I really…"
He stopped dead when he noticed that Harry and Vanessa were there.
"WHAT D'YEH THINK YOU'RE DOIN', EH?" He roared "YEH'RE NOT TO GO WANDERIN' AROUND AFTER DARK, YOU TWO.! AN' YOU FIVE! LETTIN' THEM!"
Hagrid stode over towards Harry and Vanessa and grabbed their arms, pulled them to the door.
"C'mon!" Hagrid said angrily. "I'm takin' yer all back up ter school, an' don' let me catch yeh walkin' down ter see me after dark again. I'm noth worth that!"
.
.
.
A month has gone by and things were somewhat okay. Hagrid was still having a hard time trying to teach and make it entertaining but Vanessa and Artism were able to help him. They asked to listen to the things he wanted to show the classes for each year and they'll work with him on it. This helped Hagrid so much that it helped him with his confidence.
So far when it came with Hunter and Vanessa love life. Some of the Gryffindors have gotten used to him sitting with them and with them dating. That was until the start of Quidditch. Wood thought that Hunter would be a spy to the Slytherin and would be a distraction. He only backed off when she threatened to hex where he wouldn't be able to ride a brook for a week. His obsession with Quidditch is the worst this year as this is his seventh year here, so it would be his last. So their practices were full of determination, three evenings a week. The weather was getting colder and wetter, the nights darker, but no amount of mud, wind, or rain could tarnish their goal of finally winning the huge, silver, Quidditch Cup. When practice was over everyone headed back to the common room to relax and warm up. They saw that all the third years were up beat tonight as their first trip for Hogsmeade started at the end of October.
"Excellent." Fred said "I need to visit Zonko's. I'm nearly out of Stink Pellets."
"Do you think it's wise for you and Vanessa to go to Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked
"Ease up, Hermione. Mom and dad signed our forms. They can't force us to stay unless it's really necessary." Vanessa said "Black is nowhere near or close to Hogwarts or Hogsmeade. So stop mother hen Harry. We already got Mrs. Weasley for that. No offense."
"None taken." Fred, George and Ron said together.
Suddenly Hermione's cat Crookshanks came over and leaped onto his mistress' lap. Ron noticed how the cat's eyes were eyeing his bag, where Scabbers was.
"Keep him over there, Hermione." Ron said irritably. "I got Scabbers asleep in my bag."
Just when Harry was about to do his own homework Crookshanks pounced on Ron's bag without warning.
"OY!" Ron roared, seizing his bag as Crookshanks sank his claws deeply into it. "GET OFF, YOU STUPID ANIMAL!"
Ron tried to pull the bag away from Crookshanks, but Crookshanks clung on, spitting and slashing.
"Ron, don't hurt him!" Hermione squealed
After a few struggles Scabbers flew out of the bag and Crookshanks started chasing after the rat. Fred and Geroge tried to help their brother by lunging at the cat but the cat got away. Wanting to put an end to this, Vanessa cast a freeze spell on both Crookshanks and Scabbers. Hermione grabbed hold of Crookshanks when Vanessa released the spell and Ron grabbed Scabbers.
"Look at him!" He said furiously. "He's skin and bone! You keep that away from him! Where's Dude at! Let's see how that cat likes being chased around."
"Crookshanks doesn't understand it's wrong!" Hermione said "All cats chase rats, Ron!"
"So do dogs with cats! Dude!" Ron said and called for Dude again.
Not wanting to deal with their little fight Vanessa and headed to the girls room to change.
When the 31st came all the third years handed their forms to Professor McGonagall and to Hogsmeade. Vanessa had spent time with her friends first before she and Hunter had some alone time. They had gone to Honeydukes where they enjoyed trying their new flavor of fudge. Vanessa did her best not to let her sweet tooth take over. So far all she bought was a Blood-flavor Pop, a box of 3 sounds sweets and a bag of Toffees. Hunter bought some salt water taffy, Chocoballs and a box of 3 sounds sweets as well. He even bought her a caramel fudge bar in the shape of a heart.
"This is really sweet of you, Hunter." She smiled "You didn't have to."
They were walking out of the store as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
"I know, I just wanted to." He said "This is nice. It's nice to actually wrap an arm around my girlfriend without being judged. Or getting hit in the head."
A few times when they tried to show affection in class Snape had either slapped or hit him in the head with a book.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Professor Snape doesn't show it, but I am his favorite student." She said
"Noted." He nodded
They were heading to the Three Broomsticks when they spotted Dawn by herself looking at a wanted poster of Sirius Black.
"Mal and I always noticed that whenever Black is mentioned she goes quiet and...odd." Hunter whispered
"Yeah, I notice." Vanessa said "I've tried talking to her about it but she just brushed it off, saying it's nothing. Would it be okay if we invite her with us?"
Hunter agreed to this as he felt like he needed to look after Dawn. So the two walked over to invite Dawn to the Three Broomsticks with them. She declined at first but after a few persuasion she agreed.
After the timing in Hogsmeade was over everyone had headed back to Hogwarts. When everyone had dropped off their supplies they all headed to the Great Hall for the Halloween feast. Some of the students were disappointed that Vanessa wasn't going to sing this year. But the entertainment that Dumbledore booked was enjoyable to watch. When the event was over everyone headed back to their command room. Everyone in Gryffindor headed to the Gryffindor Tower but when they reached the corridor where the portrait was, it was jammed with students.
"What's going on?" Vanessa asked
Fred and George shrugged as they tried to peer over the heads in front of them.
"Let me through, please." Percy's voice, and came bustling importantly through the crowd. "What's the holdup here? You can't all have forgotten the password...excuse me, I'm Head Boy…"
When he got to the front he went quiet for a few minutes.
"Somebody get Professor Dumbledore. Quick." Percy said
Moments laters Professor Dumbledore came and hurried towards the portrait. When everyone parted Vanessa took a look at the portrait and let out a little gasp. The Fat Lady had vanished from her portrait and it had some vicious slashes marks on the canvas. Dumbledore took one look at the ruined painting and turned around to see Professor McGonagall, Lupin and Snape hurrying towards him.
"We need to find her." Dumbledore said "McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch at once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady."
"You'll be lucky!" a Voice cackled.
It was Peeves the Poltergeist.
"What do you mean, Peeves?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
Peeves had dropped his grin as he did fear and respected Dumbledore more than anyone in Hogwarts.
"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." Peeves said happily. "Poor thing."
"Did she say who did it?" Dumbledore asked
"Oh yes, Professorhead." Peeves said "He got very angry when she wouldn't let him in, you see. Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black."
The moment he said that name Professor Dumbledore had sent all the Gryffindors back to the Great Hall. Minutes later they were joined by Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, who were all confused by what's going on.
"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle." Professor Dumbledore said as Professor McGonagall and Flitwick closed all doors into the hall. "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." Then he looked at Percy. "Send word with one of the ghosts." He was about to leave but remembered something else. "Oh, yes, you'll be needing…"
With one wave of his wand the long tables were placed against the wall and the floor was covered with hundreds of purple sleeping bags.
"Sleep well." He said before closing the door behind him.
The moment he left the Gryffindors told everyone what had just happened.
"Everyone into their sleeping bags!" Percy shouted "Come on, now, no more talking! Lights out in ten minutes!"
Everyone glared at him but got into their sleeping bags but didn't fall asleep. Vanessa and the other Prefects took guard with Head Boy and Girl. It wasn't long till the candles went out and everyone went quiet. The only light came from the ghost and the enchanted ceiling, which showed the starlit sky. When it was 3am in the morning, everyone was asleep, Dumbledor came in. Vanessa and Harry, who were a part but both were still awake, watched him walking over to Percy. Harry was closer to where Percy was but with her enhanced hearing the princess witch heard what they were talking about.
"Any sign of him, Professor?" Percy asked
"No. All well here?"
"Everything under control, sir.:
"Good. There's no point moving them all now. I've found a temporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. You'll be able to move them back in tomorrow."
"And the Fat Lady, sir?"
"Hiding in a map of Argyllshire on the second floor. Apparently she refused to let Black in without the password, so he attacked. She's still very distressed, but once she's calmed down, I'll have Mr. Filch restore her."
They heard the door open again and saw that it was Professor Snape.
"The whole of the third floor has been searched. He's not there. And Filch has done the dungeons; nothing there either." He said
"What about the Astronomy Tower? Professor Trelawney's room? The Owlery?" Dumbledore asked
"All searched…"
"Very well, Severus. I didn't really expect Black to linger."
"Have you any theory as to how he got in, Professor?" Snape asked
"Many, Severus, each of them as unlikely as the next." Dumbledore said
The three of them had stopped right next to Harry.
"You remember the conversation we had, Headmaster, just before...ah...the start of term?" Snape said
"I do, Severus." Dumbledore said, with a warning tone.
"It seems...almost impossible...that Black could have entered the school without inside help. I did express my concerns when you appointed…"
"I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black enter it." Dumbledore said, his tone made it clear that the subject was closed that Snape didn't reply. "I must go down to the Dementors. I said I would inform them when our search was complete."
"Didn't they want to help, sir?" Percy said
"Oh yes." Dumbledore said coldly. "But I'm afraid no dementor will cross the threshold of this castle while I'm headmaster."
With that said he left, leaving Percy looking abashed by the answer. Snape watched the Headmaster with a deep resentment on his face until he was gone and left the room.