Raylynx's POV
The next day, classes were back in session. Through the professor grapevine, I heard that Ron Weasley had cost Gryffindor fifty points in Potions.
"What happened?" I asked Professor McGonagall.
"From what I can gather, Mr. Weasley took it upon himself to fling a large, slippery crocodile heart into Mr. Malfoy's face in front of Professor Snape," she replied thinly.
I smothered a laugh, though in some ways, I did feel bad for Draco Malfoy. He was a slimy little git of a kid, always bullying others, but I reckon he never had a chance with his heritage. But Sirius was different, a voice in my head popped up suddenly. Sirius managed to get himself out of that, to escape the treacherous idea of blood purity…
Professor McGonagall's sharp voice broke through my thoughts. "Raylynx."
"Hm?"
"Do pay attention. You're spilling your tea down your front."
After Monday's classes, Remus came up to my room. "The hinkypunk was a great success with the class," he informed me. "Thank you." I smiled and inclined my head slightly.
Despite his light-hearted comment, Remus seemed distracted. I waited quietly for him to speak. Finally, Remus said, "I spoke to Harry after class. He asked me to help him learn the Patronus Charm."
"It must be because of how badly they affect him. Hmm, it makes sense, but I must admit, that's very advanced magic for a third year," I replied, thoughtful.
Remus nodded. "And I'm not the best at Patronus Charms," he admitted. "The dementors… They also have a disproportionate effect on me."
"And I don't - I never use-" Remus struggled to phrase what he wanted to say. "That is, I'm not particularly fond of my Patronus. I try to avoid casting it in its full-bodied form, if I'm honest." I knew what Remus was referring to. His Patronus was a wolf, and he hated seeing its form.
"But I couldn't say no," Remus said softly. "I figure that if this is how I can help Harry, I'll have to live up to it." He had been walking around slowly as he spoke, but he stopped in front of me. His eyes fell on the photograph he had given me, of Lily beating James on the head with a carrot. "Harry told me that when the dementors get too close, he can hear... he can hear Voldemort murdering Lily."
He looked down at his feet and murmured, "I guess the dementors didn't spare him of the worst, after all."
Finally, I said, in as strong a voice as I could muster, "You're right - we'll have to make sure Harry learns how to produce a proper Patronus. We'll find a way, Remus."
Remus and I were both hard-pressed to keep up with our professorial duties throughout exam time. But finally, it was the very first day of the holidays. Nearly everyone was gone. I made my way up to Gryffindor Tower as Crookshanks. Ron and Hermione were sitting in front of the fireplace. Ron was eating a Peppermint Toad and massaging his stomach and Hermione had decided to take this break to plan her homework, which she had spread out over three tables. But as Ron and Hermione talked, I suddenly realized that they were talking about Sirius Black. I scooted closer to them.
"It's so horrible. I can't believe that Sirius Black betrayed Harry's parents," Hermione said in a low voice.
I nearly slipped off the couch.
"I think it's even worse that Black's his godfather," Ron murmured.
I was stunned. How did they find out? My heart suddenly thumped painfully, as I thought of how Harry must have felt when he found out.
"Is that why your dad told Harry not to go looking for Black?" Hermione asked Ron.
"Must be," Ron replied.
"But you don't think Harry will?" Hermione asked anxiously. "I mean, it's too dangerous."
"He was pretty upset last night. And they're his parents," Ron said uncomfortably.
"We'll have to convince him otherwise. Black's too dangerous," Hermione said firmly. "I'm sure Harry's angry. He has every right to be. But he mustn't be stupid about this."
"Yeah," Ron said, chomping into another Peppermint Toad. "I reckon we'll- "
They cut off just then, as footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs of the boy's dormitory.
A moment later, Harry came in. "Where is everyone?" he asked glumly, as he slumped into a chair next to the fire.
"Gone! It's the first day of the holidays, remember?" said Ron, watching Harry closely. "It's nearly lunchtime; I was going to come and wake you up in a minute."
"You really don't look well, you know," Hermione said nervously.
"I'm fine," Harry replied.
"Harry, listen," Hermione said, and she exchanged a look with Ron. "You must be really upset about what we heard yesterday. But the thing is, you mustn't go doing anything stupid."
"Like what?" said Harry. I could hear the anger starting to brew in his voice.
"Like trying to go after Black," said Ron sharply.
Harry remained silent.
"You won't, will you, Harry?" Hermione pressed.
"Because Black's not worth dying for," said Ron tartly.
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. "D'you know what I see and hear every time a Dementor gets too near me? I can hear my mum screaming and pleading with Voldemort. And if you'd heard your mum screaming like that, just about to be killed, you wouldn't forget it in a hurry. And if you found out someone who was supposed to be a friend of hers betrayed her and sent Voldemort after her —"
"There's nothing you can do!" said Hermione, stricken. "The Dementors will catch Black and he'll go back to Azkaban and — and serve him right!"
"You heard what Fudge said," Harry said, his voice low and cold. "Black isn't affected by Azkaban like normal people are. It's not a punishment for him like it is for the others."
"So what are you saying?" said Ron, looking very tense. "You want to — to kill Black or something?"
"Don't be silly," said Hermione in a panicky voice. "Harry doesn't want to kill anyone, do you, Harry?"
Again, Harry didn't answer. Hermione and Ron looked at each other nervously.
Abruptly, Harry, who was now gazing out the window as snow fell through the air, said, "Malfoy knows. Remember what he said to me in Potions? 'If it was me, I'd hunt him down myself… I'd want revenge.'"
"You're going to take Malfoy's advice instead of ours?" said Ron furiously.
When Harry still didn't seem to be listening, Ron sat up to the edge of his seat and insisted, "Listen, you know what Pettigrew's mother got back after Black had finished with him? Dad told me — the Order of Merlin, First Class, and Pettigrew's finger in a box. That was the biggest bit of him they could find. Black's a madman, Harry, and he's dangerous —"
"Malfoy's dad must have told him," said Harry, ignoring Ron. "He was right in Voldemort's inner circle —"
"Say You-Know-Who, will you?" interjected Ron angrily.
"— so obviously, the Malfoys knew Black was working for Voldemort —"
"— and Malfoy'd love to see you blown into about a million pieces, like Pettigrew! Get a grip. Malfoy's just hoping you'll get yourself killed before he has to play you at Quidditch."
"Harry, please," said Hermione, her eyes now shining with tears. "Please be sensible. Black did a terrible, terrible thing, but d-don't put yourself in danger, it's what Black wants… Oh, Harry, you'd be playing right into Black's hands if you went looking for him. Your mum and dad wouldn't want you to get hurt, would they? They'd never want you to go looking for Black!"
"I'll never know what they'd have wanted, because thanks to Black, I've never spoken to them," Harry retorted shortly.
Hermione fell silent.
Finally, I detached myself from the carpet I'd been gripping at, which had been slowly disintegrating under my sharp claws. I sidled up to Harry and curled up around his foot, my ears low and my tail completely still.
"Look," said Ron, obviously casting around for a change of subject, "it's the holidays! It's nearly Christmas! Let's — let's go down and see Hagrid. We haven't visited him for ages!"
"No!" said Hermione quickly. "Harry isn't supposed to leave the castle, Ron —"
"Yeah, let's go," said Harry, sitting up, "and I can ask him how come he never mentioned Black when he told me all about my parents!"
"Or we could have a game of chess," Ron changed course hastily, "or Gobstones. Percy left a set —"
"No, let's visit Hagrid," said Harry firmly, and he slid his foot out of my hug and stood up, looking at the other three defiantly.
Hermione sighed, and Ron looked anxious, but they also got up and followed Harry out.
I followed them down to Hagrid's, keeping an eye on Harry. I was quite worried about him. But when we came to Hagrid's cabin, we could only hear low sobs.
"Think we'd better go and get someone?" said Ron nervously.
"Hagrid!" called Harry, thumping the door. "Hagrid, are you in there?"
There was a sound of heavy footsteps, then the door creaked open. Hagrid stood there, clearly sobbing. "You've heard?" he bellowed, and he flung himself onto Harry's neck. Hermione and Ron quickly came to Harry's aid, to keep him from collapsing under Hagrid's weight. They went inside. After a few moments, I understood what this was about: Buckbeak had been sentenced to death, due to the incident with the Malfoy boy. I sighed regretfully. Trust the Malfoy family to guarantee the worst possible outcome.
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione tried to comfort Hagrid, I noticed a black spot just behind the hills of white snow at the fringes of the Forbidden Forest. Padfoot. When I started to run towards Padfoot, he turned and led the way back into the forest, deep enough that we wouldn't be spotted. When we finally stopped in a clearing not far from his alcove, he ran in circles around me. Starting to get dizzy, I yowled at him to stop. He settled in front of me, tail wagging. I stared at him with rather unkind eyes. Harry's hurting right now. Because of you. Sirius, what did you do? What happened, twelve years ago? How can I protect you if you won't tell me? If you won't even approach me…
Padfoot looked a little confused at my rather pointed stare. His tail slowed to a halt. I let out a frustrated little mew that startled him. He jumped back instinctively before he collected himself. He trotted away from me and I thought that maybe he'd decided to leave, but then he came back, holding something carefully in his jaws. My whiskers twitched. It was a forest rat. He set it down carefully on the snow, and it went scuttling off immediately. I watched it escape sadly. He could have given that to me, the cat part of my brain said regretfully. But what was that about?
Then, Padfoot made an odd sound. He let out a very high-pitched sound that startled me. I cocked my head and looked at him. What is he trying to do? As I gazed at him skeptically, he kept trying to make this sound – this high-pitched squeak. I shook my head at him. Padfoot growled a little, frustrated. I immediately back away, not liking the growl, as it indicated possible aggression. Padfoot whined, clearly frustrated by how often I misunderstood him. He went bounding off.
I wondered if I should leave. But as I turned away, I heard a muffled bark behind me. I looked back to see Padfoot racing to me. Overexcited, he skidded to an unceremonious stop in front of me, showering me with a wave of snow. I yowled and pawed at the snow above my head. Using my strong back legs, I leapt out of the snowbank he had unintentionally created on top of my head. Padfoot looked at me apologetically, but his tail was still wagging and now he had something else in his mouth – a piece of paper. He came and dropped it in front of me. I looked down at it.
To: Quality Quidditch Supplies via Owl Office Mail
From: Harry Potter, Hogwarts Castle
I am placing an order for one Firebolt. Please take the gold from Gringotts Vault #88909. The vault will be authorized under my name as Sirius Black is my godfather and has authorized me to use gold from his account since July 31, 1980.
I looked up sharply at Padfoot. He gave a soft bark and nudged the paper towards me again. I bent my head down and snatched it up in my mouth. Padfoot gave a small bark of gratitude. I turned and holding the envelope as gently as I could in my mouth, I ran back up to the castle.
Sirius' POV
Still in my Padfoot form, I quietly followed Crookshanks up to the castle. When I caught sight of the dementors standing at the entrance, I stopped short and kept my distance. But I was nervous. I couldn't read Crookshanks very well. As cat and dog, most of our communication signals were completely different. What was more, Crookshanks was always on high alert near me and so I was very careful not to make any sudden movements. I wondered now if Crookshanks understood how important it was to me that that message reach the Owl Office in Hogsmeade.
I watched uneasily, wondering if I was unsafe and if I should just go back to my hiding spot in the forest. But then, I saw a figure step out. I paused. I swore I could make out the same note I had given Crookshanks in the person's hand. I hesitated, and then very slowly inched closer, knowing that this was very risky. I burrowed myself into a nearby snow mound and stared out.
Sure enough, the person was holding my note in his or her hand. I couldn't see the person's face, as he or she had their hood up. I held my breath, frightened that Crookshanks had gotten caught with the note, but the person then produced an envelope, in which they carefully put the note in and then sealed the envelope before tucking it away in their cloak. Then, the person started off down the road. Confused and worried, I trailed the person, though I kept a good distance away just in case.
The person walked all the way to Hogsmeade and headed straight for the Owl Office. I hid behind the corner of a nearby building, only poking my head out to watch what was going on. Just before stepping inside, the person lowered their hood. Raylynx! It was Raylynx. As she stepped inside the store, my mind whirled. What did this mean? Had she intercepted Crookshanks somehow? No, that seemed like far too great of a coincidence. Then, was Crookshanks her pet? Perhaps she'd adopted a cat in the past twelve years. That didn't seem like too whimsical a guess. But then, if Crookshanks took this letter to her to deliver, and Raylynx is delivering it, then what does that mean?
When I thought of approaching her immediately after breaking out of Azkaban, all of the signs pointed towards her not trusting me. She and Remus were discussing how I couldn't be trusted, and there was that letter on her table, possibly from her brother, that said he was out to hunt me. I had assumed that that meant that Raylynx had also accepted that I was a criminal and a traitor. And neither she nor Remus nor Dumbledore ever came and argued for my release or for a trial while I was in Azkaban. But if she was carrying this message from me through Crookshanks, then surely… surely she didn't think that I was completely mistrustful?
Slowly, a fragile but warm flicker of hope grew in my heart. What if she would be willing to give me a chance – to hear me out?
She stepped out of the Owl Office a moment later. Before she lifted her hood back up, she ran into none other than Hagrid, who was on his way down for a drink at the Three Broomsticks.
"Hullo, Professor. Last minute Christmas Shopping?" Hagrid said, by way of greeting.
"Yes," Raylynx replied. "I just placed an order for a gift. For Harry, in fact."
"Ah, Harry. Good kid. He and Ron and Hermione have been helpin' me…" His voice trembled a little. "Helpin' me put up a defense for Buckbeak. I'm sure you've heard about what happened."
Raylynx nodded sympathetically and reached out to touch Hagrid's arm. "Hagrid, I'm sure Buckbeak will be all right."
"Thank you," Hagrid said gruffly. "Ah, well, don't mind me. I s'pose you're busy enough already without havin' ter listen to me whine. Aren't you goin' home for Christmas?"
"I'll go home for a few days just after Christmas, yes, but I'll be at Hogwarts for the most part," Raylynx replied. "Take care, Hagrid."
Hagrid waved at her and left. Raylynx pulled her hood up and turned away. I whined softly. But her words stuck in my mind: I'll go home for a few days just after Christmas.
Jasper's POV
Now that I was back in London, Moody had assigned me a few new places to watch over. I had been paired with Kingsley Shacklebolt tonight, and we had been assigned to Mr. Ollivander's wand shop in Diagon Alley. The theory was that Sirius Black would need to acquire a wand somehow to sustain himself while on the run or to have any chance of fighting any Aurors.
Interestingly, however, we couldn't find his wand purchase certificate anywhere, so it wasn't just Ollivander's that we were guarding. Savage and Proudfoot were doing a parallel shift at Gregorovitch's, over in Carkitt Market. Shacklebolt was watching outside the shop, while I had been given the task of introducing ourselves to Ollivander and explaining that we were here to protect him and that we might be hanging around.
"You're good at speaking with people, Riley," Shacklebolt said to me. "It'll be better if you explain to Ollivander what we're doing."
"Says the man who used to be the most persuasive judge on the Wizengamot," I replied cheekily.
Shacklebolt paused. Then, he said, "Yes, on second thought, maybe one of us should have switched us Savage and Proudfoot. If Savage goes into Gregorovitch's, we're doomed."
I grinned. "That would depend on whether Gregorovitch likes to gossip."
Leaving Shacklebolt outside, I entered the shop. "Good afternoon, sir," I said politely.
"Ah, Mr. Selwyn," Ollivander said, bowing.
"It's Mr. Riley now, actually," I said, smiling a little.
"Forgive me."
"No need for apology, Mr. Ollivander," I replied.
"And how may I be of service, Mr. Riley?"
I stepped closer to Ollivander and spoke in a low voice. "Well, you see, sir, the Ministry of Magic has sent me and my partner, Kingsley Shacklebolt, to protect you. We think that Sirius Black may come looking for a new wand. We hope to protect you if such a circumstance should arise."
Ollivander gazed into my eyes and for a moment, I felt slightly unnerved. I recognized that he was both sharp and insightful, not easily lied to.
"Hmm…" Ollivander pondered for a moment before he said, "All right."
"I apologize, sir, if we are inconveniencing you in any way," I said, "especially when we are still uncertain as to which wandmaker that Sirius Black prefers."
Ollivander, who had been turning away from me, paused and turned back.
"Though, of course," I added respectfully, "I've certainly heard that your wand work is unmatched, sir."
Ollivander gave me a thin smile and said, "Do they now?"
I could tell that he thought I was flattering him – and I was, but it wasn't disingenuous in any way. So, I said in a cheerful and measured voice, "Yes, sir. One of my close friends, Raylynx, she swears that your wand work is singular."
Unexpectedly, Ollivander said, "Raylynx… Raylynx Kingsley?"
I blinked. "Yes, sir. Do you know her?"
Ollivander remained silent for a long while. Then, he said, "She bought her wand from here many years ago. Yes, well… I thank you for the compliment, young man." Then, he stepped closer and said, "And I believe that I can bestow upon you a bit of wisdom as to Sirius Black's preference for a wand, though, of course, history alone will not drive him to choose a wandmaker. I imagine necessity will." His eyes flashed, and then he pressed his lips together, as though something had just occurred to him, as though he had said too much.
I looked at Ollivander curiously.
Ollivander hesitated, and then he cleared his throat and said, "Yes. Well. Sirius Black acquired his first wand here, in my shop, Mr. Riley, over twenty years ago. Yes… Dogwood mixed with aspen, phoenix feather, eleven and a quarter inches long. Unwavering. Dogged yet brazen."
I frowned. "Sir, with all due respect, no sale was made under his name at this shop from twelve and a half years ago. Nor under either of his parents' names. Forgive me. It's not that I doubt your memory. It's just that the records aren't there."
Ollivander half-smiled. "Well, no," he said softly, "I don't believe it would be."
"Why is that, sir?"
"Because another bought his wand for him twenty-two and a half years ago, and the purchase certification is made under the buyer's name."
"Who was it, sir? Who was it that bought Sirius Black's wand for him?"
"Your friend. Raylynx Kingsley."
I sat in Ollivander's shop, trying to diminish my presence as much as possible. The last thing I wanted to do was interfere with his important work. But he himself seemed distracted, though of course, I had no way of knowing if that was how he normally worked. Finally, he made to close up shop. I bowed to him and left, meeting back up with Shacklebolt.
"Anything to report?" Shacklebolt asked me as I walked up to him.
I shook my head.
"Good. Then, the area's clear," Shacklebolt said, nodding. "I'll report to Moody. You can go home, Riley. We expect you back tomorrow."
"Of course," I said. I started to leave, but then turned back and said, "Shacklebolt."
"Hm?"
"We're not getting any kind of break over the holidays, are we?"
Shacklebolt slowly shook his head. "The Ministry's ordered all Aurors to be on high alert until Sirius Black is captured. No breaks until then."
I let out a soft sigh. When am I going to be able to see Raylynx?
"Sorry, Riley," Shacklebolt said. "But that's how it is for everyone right now."
"I understand. It's not something you need to apologize for," I replied. "Take care of yourself. Don't let Moody bully you into another seventy-two hour watch."
Shacklebolt smiled wearily. "I'll do my best."
Raylynx's POV
I spent Christmas Eve as Crookshanks, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Hermione fell fast asleep as soon as she returned to her room, as she usually did these days, given how exhausted she was from all of the schoolwork she was heaped with. I worried about her, to be honest. As much as I wanted her to continue with Ancient Runes, I sometimes wondered if it might be better for her to drop a class or two, and if that had to be my class, then so be it. I would rather she be healthier and happier than force herself to take my class on top of so many other courses. But, for now, as least, she slept peacefully.
On Christmas morning, Hermione awoke to find presents at the end of her bed. She went through them neatly, packing up the little ribbons and folding the savable paper. Then, she turned to me with a last string of tinsel and said, "Want to wear this?"
Oh no, I thought immediately. No, I do not want that itchy, annoying, bright thing around my neck. No, thank you.
But Hermione reached over and tied it to my neck anyways, rubbing my back to appease me. Then, she picked me up and said, "Shall we go check on the boys? They should be up, shouldn't they?" Carrying me in her arms, she made her way to the boys' dormitory.
I could hear Harry and Ron's laughter as we approached the door. Then, Harry's voice sounded out. "I can't see Lupin affording something like this."
Hermione pushed open the door and walked in. "What're you two laughing about?" she asked them.
Upon seeing me, Ron said loudly, "Don't bring her in here!" He hurriedly snatched Scabbers from the depths of his bed and stowed him away in his pajama pocket.
But Hermione wasn't paying any attention to Ron. Dropping me onto Seamus Finnigan's empty bed, she turned to look at what Harry was holding: a Firebolt. I glowed with happiness when I saw it. So, Harry had received it. Thank Merlin the transaction went through. And he looks so happy.
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione said, shocked. "Who sent you that?"
"No idea," Harry answered, grinning. "There wasn't a card or anything with it."
Hermione's back was to me, but my cat senses picked up on her stiffness.
Ron, seeing her face, said, "What's the matter with you?"
"I don't know," said Hermione slowly, "but it's a bit odd, isn't it? I mean, this is supposed to be quite a good broom, isn't it?"
Oh no, I thought. She's going to suspect it. Hermione's going to think it's unsafe. I should have forged a note or something.
Ron sighed exasperatedly. "It's the best broom there is, Hermione."
But as he spoke, I noticed his pocket shifting around. Scabbers is in there. I plodded around on Seamus' blankets, trying to to get the itch out of my paws, trying to stop myself from lunging at the rat.
Hermione was still pondering about the Firebolt. "So it must've been really expensive…"
"Probably cost more than all the Slytherins' brooms put together," said Ron happily.
Ignore the urge, Raylynx. Come on, come on, come on. Don't ruin Christmas. Don't make things difficult for Ron and Hermione. Leave Scabbers alone.
"Well, who'd send Harry something as expensive as that, and not even tell him they'd sent it?" said Hermione.
"Who cares?" said Ron impatiently. "Listen, Harry, can I have a go on it? Can I?"
As Ron spoke animatedly, he moved in a way that Scabbers bounced slightly off his chest. I heard a soft high-pitched squeak. No one else heard it. I only noticed it because I was so fixated on Scabbers anyways. But when I heard that noise, it made me think of a similar noise… Of Padfoot's strange little squeaks… Could it be that Sirius was trying to refer to the rat? Or am I being crazy here? I paused. But it must be, right? In fact, Sirius had even brought a rat to me. Was he trying to reference Scabbers? But why…? Why would he care about Ron's rat?
"I don't think anyone should ride that broom just yet!" said Hermione shrilly.
Ron barely kept himself from rolling his eyes as he said, "What d'you think Harry's going to do with it – sweep the floor?"
I need a closer look at that rat. I had hardly thought this when I sprang from Seamus's bed, right onto Ron's chest.
"Get him out of here!" Ron bellowed as my claws ripped at the front of his pajamas. Scabbers, throwing himself about desperately, tried to escape over Ron's shoulder. I started to swipe at him, but Ron pushed me off. I landed on the floor. Ron tried to kick me, but he missed and made contact with the trunk at the end of Harry's bed instead. Ron howled in pain.
Suddenly, a shrill, tinny whistling filled the room. I hated this high-pitched sound more than anything. It was as though someone was sticking knives in my ears. I hissed at the Pocket Sneakoscope that had become dislodged from Harry's trunk and from Uncle Vernon's old socks (from when Ron stuffed it into the bottom of his trunk on the Hogwarts Express) and fallen onto the floor.
"I forgot about that!" Harry said, bending down to the Sneakoscope. "I never wear those socks if I can help it."
I mewed angrily. Between the tinsel around my neck and the Sneakoscope going haywire, my cat senses were on overload.
"You'd better take that cat out of here, Hermione," said Ron furiously, sitting on Harry's bed nursing his toe. "Can't you shut that thing up?" he added to Harry as Hermione picked me up and left the boys' dormitory.
"Crookshanks, I've told you, you can't keep going after Ron's rat," Hermione pleaded with me as she carried me back up to her dormitory. I looked up at her and seeing her tired and sad face, I suddenly felt extremely guilty. I mewed softly and rubbed her neck with the top of my head. She smiled a little and patted my head. But then she sighed and said, "You'll have to stay in here for today, Crookshanks. I'm sorry, but I don't want to argue with Ron again today. You understand, don't you?"
I sat on top of her bed, waiting until she left the room before slipping back out.
That day, all of the remaining staff and students joined together in the Great Hall for a Christmas meal. There was a single table, set for twelve. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Flitwick were already sitting there. Sadly, Remus could not join us, as it was the night of the full moon. I wondered about Jasper, too, and where he might be at the moment. Filch joined us, followed by seven students: two first years, a fifth year, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Merry Christmas!" Dumbledore greeted the students happily. "As there are so few of us, it seemed foolish to use the House tables. Sit down, sit down!"
"Crackers!" said Dumbledore enthusiastically, reaching over to take one. When he turned and started to offer the end of a large silver noisemaker to Snape, I drew my wand under the table and thought "Mutationem vulturis." Snape took the end of the cracker reluctantly and tugged. With a bang like a gunshot, the cracker flew apart to reveal a large, pointed witches hat topped with a stuffed vulture. Snape's mouth thinned and he pushed the hat toward Dumbledore, who swapped it for his wizard's hat at once.
Perfect, I thought. Now, Snape will have to look at it all throughout the meal. Noticing McGonagall's narrowed eyes at me, I quickly began piling food on my place to dig in and hide my laughter.
A distraction arrived, however, in the form of Professor Trelawney. "Sybill, this is a pleasant surprise!" said Dumbledore, standing up.
"I have been crystal gazing, Headmaster," said Professor Trelawney in what she considered a most mysterious voice, "and to my astonishment, I saw myself abandoning my solitary luncheon and coming to join you. Who am I to refuse the promptings of fate? I at once hastened from my tower, and I do beg you to forgive my lateness…"
"Certainly, certainly," said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling. "Let me draw you up a chair —" He drew lines in the air, which formed into a chair that fell with a thud between Snape and McGonagall, much to their displeasure.
However, Professor Trelawney let out a soft, but horrified shriek. "I dare not, Headmaster! If I join the table, we shall be thirteen! Nothing could be more unlucky! Never forget that when thirteen dine together, the first to rise will be the first to die!"
"We'll risk it, Sybill," said McGonagall impatiently. "Do sit down, the turkey's getting stone cold."
Trelawney seemed to deliberate, but finally lowered herself into her chair, though her face was screwed up as though she expected to me killed as soon as her bottom hit the chair. Meanwhile, McGonagall poked a large spoon into the nearest tureen. "Tripe, Sybill?"
Trelawney ignored her. Instead, she said, "But where is dear Professor Lupin?" I paused, a little startled at the fact that she knew Remus was still on the grounds for the holidays. I hadn't even been aware that they'd met each other.
"I'm afraid the poor fellow is ill again," replied Dumbledore somberly, though he kept his tone light. "Most unfortunate that it should happen on Christmas Day."
"But surely you already knew that, Sybill?" said McGonagall, her eyebrows raised. Professor Flitwick's eyes met mine for a moment. We hurriedly looked away from each other.
Trelawney gave McGonagall a very cold look. "Certainly I knew, Minerva," she said quietly. "But one does not parade the fact that one is All-Knowing. I frequently act as though I am not possessed of the Inner Eye, so as not to make others nervous."
"That explains a great deal," said Professor McGonagall tartly.
Trelawney's voice became more indignant as she said, "If you must know, Minerva, I have seen that poor Professor Lupin will not be with us for very long. He seems aware, himself, that his time is short. He positively fled when I offered to crystal gaze for him —"
Ah, I thought, that explains how she met Remus. Right, I forgot she offered to look into the crystal ball for me, too. I paused and looked up at Trelawney. Her predictions are so outrageous and yet, twelve years ago, she was the one who made the prophecy that led such tragic events. My eyes traced the line of fate from Trelawney to Dumbledore to Snape to Harry. I gave a quiet, deep sigh.
"Imagine that," said Professor McGonagall dryly.
"I doubt," interrupted Dumbledore, "that Professor Lupin is in any immediate danger. Severus, you've made the potion for him again?"
"Yes, Headmaster," Snape replied.
"Good," chirped Dumbledore. "Then he should be up and about in no time…"
At the end of the meal, Harry and Ron got up first from the table. Trelawney wasted no time in shrieking loudly. "My dears! Which of you left his seat first? Which?"
"Dunno," said Ron, looking over at Harry, who returned his confused look.
"I doubt it will make much difference," said Professor McGonagall coldly, "unless a mad axeman is waiting outside the doors to slaughter the first into the Entrance Hall."
Most everybody laughed, causing Trelawney to look affronted and shoot McGonagall a nasty glare.
Later, as we all filed out of the hall, I said to Flitwick under my breath, "I don't think Professor McGonagall can tell me off for bickering with Snape anymore." Flitwick gave an amused chortle.
Raylynx's POV
That evening, I went up to Remus' office. Not wanting to bother him, I left his Christmas present at his door. Then, pulling my cloak tight around me, I left the Hogwarts grounds and Disapparated to Sola's home.
It was a very full house, to say the least. Sola and Chris were both very popular figures in the Ministry. Their daughter, Emily, ran straight into my arms when I stepped in. I laughed and hugged her tightly.
"Hello, my love," I said, smiling down at her. "Have you been well?"
"Yes!" she said brightly.
"Good girl," I said, and gently pushed her hair out of her face to kiss her forehead.
"Ray!" I looked up to see my brother.
"Jamie!" I said, and he pulled me to him in a tight embrace. Behind him, his wife, Amy waved at me. But her other hand was resting on top of her stomach. My mouth dropped open and I looked up at Jamie. "Is she -?"
Jamie nodded, beaming.
"Congratulations!" I said warmly and made my way over to carefully hug Amy. She smiled at me and replied, "Thank you, Ray. We couldn't be more excited."
Jamie's friends, most of whom were his fellow Quidditch players, were also at the party, and certainly knew how to keep things lively. The Christmas celebration lasted well into the night, with Emily falling asleep with her head on my lap just after midnight. Chris came over to me and gently carried her upstairs to bed.
Sola came over and sat next to me. "It's so good to see you, Ray." She reached over and squeezed my hand. "Jasper couldn't make it?" she asked me.
I shook my head.
"Well, I imagine he's busy at the Ministry these days," Sola said seriously. "They're not letting Aurors take any days off, not until Sirius Black is caught."
She felt my hand stiffen under hers. Peering into my face, Sola asked me in a quiet voice. "Are you…? I mean, have you…?"
"What?" I said, a little brusquely, anticipating her question.
Sola bit her lower lip before she said, "You're still with Jasper, aren't you?"
I nodded.
"Good," Sola said. "I thought perhaps – well, with Sirius Black escaping, you might have… you might have slipped back."
She sensed my extreme reluctance, but pressed on, "Raylynx, I'm sorry to have to say such a thing, but you must know - even if he's back, we don't know what this all means. He's still guilty of his crimes."
"He didn't do it," I said firmly. "He's not a criminal."
"He is under the law," she replied, though she kept her voice quiet, not wanting to upset me too much.
Sola continued, though a bit warily, "And there's simply nothing that he can give you-"
"He doesn't have to give me anything," I murmured quietly.
Sola paused. This was exactly the response that she was afraid of. This was exactly what she didn't want to hear.
"All the same, you deserve someone who can be there for you... Someone who is stable and made it clear that he loves you," Sola replied.
I looked at her, half-irritated and half-amused. "Could you be any more obvious about advocating for Jasper?" I asked her.
Her eyes softened and she said, "I just feel that, as your sister, it's nice to see someone look after you for once. That's all."
"And with Sirius..." Sola sighed and then said grimly, "The Aurors will find him, Raylynx, and then, there will be no future for you with him again. And even if he somehow stays out of Azkaban, he'll still be a criminal, let alone the fact that he might not be himself ever again…"
"Well, at any rate, you don't have to worry about my feelings for Sirius Black," I said, staring out in front of me into the crackling fire. "He never came to find me."
"But I know you," Sola said, and her voice was even quieter, barely above a whisper. "You'll never stay with someone you don't feel complete loyalty to... You're not the type of person to wait for someone to come to you. You risk everything to go to them. You always have."
I looked away from her, annoyed because she was right.
Sola wrapped her arms around me and rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, Ray. I don't mean to upset you like this. But you must know... It's not selfish to want to be with someone who knows how to love you. I just thought you needed to hear that."
The fireplace before me was suddenly blurry, but I managed to keep my voice steady as I said, "I know, Sola. And I know it's hard for you to watch me. I'm sorry."
We stayed that way for a while, watching the gold flames flicker in the fireplace.
The party finally ended at around half past three in the morning. Other guests had already fallen asleep in various beds and chairs throughout Sola and Chris' home, so I decided it was best for me to make my way home. Sola sleepily kissed me on the cheek and handed me a present. "This is from Jamie. He meant to give it to you earlier." She turned slightly and I followed her gaze to see that Jamie was fast asleep, gently hugging Amy, who was also sleeping on the couch with him.
"All right," I said. "I'll open it when I get home."
"Be safe," she said to me.
"I will," I promised. "Thanks for everything, Sola. Merry Christmas."
Walking out into the chilly night air, I quickly made it to the Apparition spot and turned, picturing my home in my head.
I landed on my street with a soft crack! I quietly made my way down the sidewalk, my chin sinking tiredly into my scarf. It was so cold tonight…
Sirius' POV
I'd finally arrived. The run through the freezing night had been exhausting, but I'd made it. I was back in London. And now, as the early morning light broke through the silver-grey cloud above, I slipped behind a large bush just beside Raylynx's house. It was still so cold, even for a dog. I shivered. I peered out at Raylynx's house, wondering if she was home. She said she'd be here just after Christmas.
Suddenly, I heard a sharp crack in the air. Recognizing the sound of Apparition, I quickly looked out into the street, expecting to see Raylynx. But it wasn't. Instead, there was a tall, cloaked man walking quietly down the street. He was clearly a Wizard. I paused. I'd never seen him before, though something about his dress and demeanor made me think that he had been raised in a pureblood household. He walked up to Raylynx's front door and rang the doorbell. As he waited, I saw him hold his hand up to his chest and grimace slightly.
Just then, the door opened. The man dropped his hand and hiding any traces of being unwell, he greeted her. "Raylynx!"
She'd clearly just woken up. "Jasp-?" She stared to say something when he reached for her and immediately pulled her into a tight embrace.
Who is this man? I wondered. Then, I saw him reach down and cup her face in his hands, and he kissed her all over. My jaw dropped. A deep emptiness seemed to spread in my chest, not unlike the cold numbness a dementor inspires.
"Oh, thank Merlin," he breathed out between kisses. "Thank Merlin you're here. You said in your letter that you would be home, but I didn't know if you meant in the morning."
Raylynx was rather flustered. "Jasper-" she began again.
So that was his name. Jasper. And he was her… He was whatever I had wanted to be for her. But Raylynx and I had never had that time to truly be together. I could never have kissed her on her front porch like that, in broad daylight. Even now, I couldn't be with her like that. I was a criminal, a runaway...
"I know this is sudden, but I had to see you, Raylynx," he told her. "And this is the only time I can slip away. The Ministry has me looking for Sirius night and day otherwise…"
I growled softly. He's "J", I realized. He was the one who left the note for her. And he must be an Auror, since he's on the hunt for me.
"Jasper. Jasper, wait," Raylynx said. She reached up and took his hands in her own and stepped back slightly. "There's something we should… should talk about…" Then, she frowned, and in a worried voice, she said, "Jasper, you just transformed back, didn't you? The full moon was last night."
He nodded, but quickly tried to comfort her. "Don't feel bad. I'm fine. I just – I needed to see you, Raylynx. We've been apart for months…"
"But you're burning up. You need to rest. Do you want to come in? I could try to make a Potion for you…" Raylynx offered.
Jasper shook his head. "I have to go back for my shift," he told me. "They give me nights off for my transformations, of course, and that's more of a break than any of the other Aurors are getting. Kingsley worked a three-day-straight shift, if you can believe that."
"In fact, to be honest with you, I'm a bit late for my shift already and Mad-Eye will have my head." He touched her face and said tenderly, "I'm so glad I caught you, Raylynx. And I'll be better about keeping in touch with you, I promise. I'm sorry I'm always so busy," he said. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead before murmuring, "Happy Christmas. Next time, I'll have something for you. Something I hope you'll accept." And he was off.
A cold wind blew through the bush. So, she had moved on without me, I realized. Of course she did. Fool, I berated myself, did you think she would wait for you for twelve years? Did you think you could just waltz out of Azkaban and find the world exactly the same? Raylynx was still standing out on her front porch. She slowly sat down and bringing her arms up atop her knees, she buried her face in her arms. Was she crying?
What does it matter, I thought to myself bitterly, when she already has someone to kiss away all her tears for her? The sadness I felt began to twist into something darker, into anger. Not only did Raylynx never come to see me or protest my imprisonment in the past twelve years, but now I found her with someone else. She doesn't need me in her life, I thought moodily. I would just be a burden for her. I turned and left, steeling myself for the harsh and cold run back to Hogwarts.
