Harry hadn't ended up bumping into Ron and Hermione until the day before they were supposed to take the train but he was happy to be able to see them early. Farlan had stayed at the Leaky Cauldron today and let Harry wander off on his own, and once Harry bumped into them, they dropped by a shop for Hermione to get a pet and for Ron's rat Scabbers to get looked at. It hadn't quite gone as planned with Hermione purchasing a cat that went after Scabbers in the shop but Harry told Ron that he could have Farlan take a look at Scabbers too, surprising the two when he explained what had happened.

"So, he just came and picked you up?" Ron questioned.

"Yeah. He said he had some things to do and figured taking me with him was fine. We've been here for the last two weeks."

"That was nice of him," Hermione mused, getting a nod from Harry as they returned to the Leaky Cauldron where Arthur Weasley was sitting with the Daily Prophet at the bar.

Farlan was at his usual table nearby and only glanced up to acknowledge Harry was back when Arthur called out to the boy.

"Harry! How are you?" Arthur asked, smiling at him and lowering his paper where Sirius Black's portrait still sat.

"Fine, thanks," Harry answered, giving the paper a glance but saying nothing.

He almost hoped Sirius would never be caught if the man had been framed, but he knew most people didn't view it that way and didn't mention it. Mrs. Weasley stepped in then with the twins and their older brother Percy, who acted rather strangely because he'd been given the Head Boy position this year. It was a bit funny and was only made funnier when the twins nudged at him and started acting in the same pompous manner until their mother scolded them. It didn't stop a bit more teasing from happening before it was time for dinner.

Harry managed to coerce Farlan into joining the group, though he was hesitant until the twins spotted him and hauled him over as well. Mrs. Weasley was the only one hesitant about his presence but let him be as the others at the table interacted with him.

"How are we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?" Fred asked and Farlan was the one who spoke up.

"The Ministry is sending some cars."

"What? Why?"

Farlan glanced at Harry, who understood immediately but George answered Percy instead.

"It's because of you, Perce. And there'll be little flags on the hoods with HB on them…"

"...for Humongous Bighead," Fred finished, making everything snort into their pudding as Arthur cleared his throat to clarify.

"Y-You didn't have to do that, Farlan."

Farlan shrugged, unbothered. "The Minister insisted and I just convinced him to add a few more. I have somewhere else I need to be anyway, so I won't be going with you."

"Where will you be?" Harry asked curiously.

"Picking up the new Dark Arts professor."

Fred and George booed. "We don't need a new one."

"Yeah, we got the best of the best right here."

Farlan shook his head though. "No, I have my studies I need to focus on…" He hesitated though, a bit flushed in embarrassment as he glanced away from the students around him. "T-Though I did agree to co-teach with him."

The twins high-fived with large grins as Farlan sighed lightly and Harry cracked a smile, glad that he wasn't going to stop teaching. Hermione and the others were happy as well and she looked at him curiously.

"Will it be like it was with Lockhart?"

Farlan nodded. "One class for each year of students and I'll be covering for any absences from the professor as well."

"What about your other work?" Harry asked. "Wasn't the Care of Magical Creatures professor retiring this year?"

Farlan let out a small groan. "I'll be co-teaching with the new professor as well… mostly to prevent injuries."

"Is he that inept?" Percy questioned and Farlan shook his head.

"Not inept. He knows how to handle creatures fine but…" He frowned lightly, thinking. "He forgets how dangerous some creatures are."

"Dangerous?" Mrs. Weasley said with a hint of concern.

"Any creature can be dangerous if provoked, even owls," Farlan returned, making her flush and mutter something under her breath. "It is just hard for him to manage the number of students he's expecting by himself along with the creatures he'll be showing."

"Do you know who it is? Can you tell us?" Ginny asked eagerly, making Farlan crack a smile.

"You will know once you arrive, though I don't know who the Dark Arts professor is. Dumbledore refused to tell me."

Harry smiled at the frown he had before the students soon drifted off upstairs to head to bed and pack their things. There was a commotion next door to Harry though and he found that Ron and Percy were bickering over missing items. Ron's rat tonic was left downstairs so Harry offered to get it while they searched for Percy's badge. He was about halfway to the bar when he overheard voices in the parlor. He hoped they weren't arguing but heard his own name being mentioned and couldn't help but listen in.

"Harry's got a right to know. I've tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating Harry like a child. He's thirteen years old and—"

"Arthur, the truth would terrify him! Do you really want to send Harry back to school with that hanging over him? For heaven's sake, he's happy not knowing!"

"Enough," Farlan's voice cut in, silencing the two as Harry edged closer, seeing Farlan looking at the two Weasleys who were both embarrassed at being caught arguing. "First off, you're both too loud and could easily draw attention to yourselves by arguing about this in public. Second, Harry is not your son—"

"He might as well be," Mrs. Weasley argued and Harry was surprised by Farlan's response.

"Harry had a mother and she isn't you."

Mrs. Weasley reddened, looking angry as Farlan continued.

"His parents would be the ones choosing whether he should know something or not and no one else. Harry isn't someone who needs to be coddled by anyone and he is capable of making his own decisions. For people who have placed the entirety of the wizarding community on his shoulders—telling him his whole life here that he's the Boy Who Lived—none of you have a right to say what he can and can't do or know. That is his choice and his alone."

"You have no right—"

"The only rights I have are my own to exercise as I see fit, Mrs. Weasley. You do not get to tell me what is my right and just to get you to understand this further, he already knows."

"W-What?"

"I told him about Sirius Black. I told him what I thought, let him read the article to see what others thought, told him the facts about what I knew of him and what people were saying about him. He asked me and wanted to know. For Merlin's sake, the boy has already lived eleven years not even knowing who he is! He walked into the wizarding world carrying the burden of a magical miracle on his back, where people told him every second of every day that he was a hero and would defeat the Dark Lord when he returns. He almost fought a weak version of the man his first year if I hadn't stepped in and you expect him to not ask questions when he suddenly gets picked up over the summer?"

"But Dumbledore—"

"Dumbledore doesn't control anyone and it's about time you thought for yourself instead of hanging on his every word," Farlan scoffed, muttering under his breath something that Harry missed but Mrs. Weasley didn't—Arthur grabbing her wrist when she bristled angrily. "Harry asked and I answered. That's all there is to it. If he didn't want to know, then he wouldn't have asked or he would have stopped me. Instead, I told him the truth and just in case you haven't noticed, he's fine. He can make his own choices and should be allowed to do so freely. Not get blocked at every turn by adults trying to control and manipulate him."

"I just want what's best for him. You wouldn't understand that. You don't have kids."

Farlan just shook his head, picking something up from off the floor and standing to walk past the Weasleys as she glared at his back. "Then, how is it I understand him better than you?"

Harry scrambled to rush out of sight as Farlan left the room. Harry waited as the man stopped and let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair and down his face. He looked tired and annoyed. He frowned at his shaking hands before huffing and looking right where Harry was hiding. Harry went stiff, wondering if he was caught before Farlan placed something in front of the stairs and left. Harry waited another half second before seeing what he'd left and winced. It was the rat tonic he'd gone to get. He knew I was there.

Harry went up the stairs as well, not wanting to bump into the older Weasleys, but paused in front of Farlan's door. He muttered a quiet thanks before heading off to his own room, staring up at the ceiling in thought and eventually drifting off to sleep.

Morning came far too quickly and Harry was glad that Farlan wasn't there. He was worried about how their breakfast would go after the argument he'd heard the night before. Still, he didn't have much time to think about it with the chaos that happened as everyone gathered their things and soon piled into the cars sent by the Ministry.

Once at the station, everyone was herded through to the platform two at a time and then their things were loaded up. Mrs. Weasley insisted on kissing them all goodbye and gave Harry an extra hug as well.

"Do take care, won't you, Harry?" She said before handing everyone sandwiches until Arthur asked Harry for a word.

"I just wanted to ask you something, Harry. Farlan said he told you—"

"About Sirius Black," Harry cut him off. "Yeah, he did."

He nodded, eyeing him for signs of worry. "Harry, I knew you were, well, made of stronger stuff than Fudge seems to think, and I'm obviously pleased that you're not scared, but—"

His wife called for them to hurry and Arthur winced before explaining what he wanted to say.

"Harry, just swear to me you won't go looking for Black."

Harry frowned, confused. "What? Why would I go looking for him? Because he was friends with my dad?"

Arthur grimaced again as the train whistled in warning. "I don't know what Farlan told you. I just want you to stay safe."

"Farlan told me the truth," Harry stated sourly, having thought that Arthur had been a bit more accepting than his wife. "He told me what he knew and what people thought of Sirius. That's all. I don't know why you think I'd go looking for him but wanting to know the truth shouldn't be something I have to ask for."

Arthur nodded solemnly, understanding that Harry had also overheard the argument that occurred the night before. "Okay. I understand. Just… ask others first. Even if we're wrong about him for whatever reason, Azkaban changes people."

Harry nodded stiffly and left, leaving Arthur to sigh softly, as he boarded the train and joined Ron and Hermione, determined to explain to them too. The trio went in search of an empty compartment only to step into one with a familiar face. Farlan was sleeping soundly with his head against the glass of the window and the hood of his robe pulled up over his ears. The salamander of his poked its head out with a little hiss at the trio while the Grim at his feet barely peeked open an eye before sleeping again. Across from him was an equally shabby man who was also resting, though looking almost ill with how pale he was.

"Is he the new Dark Arts teacher?" Ron asked quietly as they settled into the compartment. "Or the new Magical Creatures one?"

Harry shrugged as Hermione spotted his luggage.

"Professor R. J. Lupin," she read. "Suppose he could be either but Farlan didn't mention picking up anyone but the Dark Arts professor. We could always ask once he wakes up though."

Harry glanced at Farlan beside him. "If he wakes up. He's a really sound sleeper when he's tired."

He shook his head then, brushing the thought off before explaining to them what he'd overheard the night before. The two were stunned and Hermione worried.

"You think he's coming after you? Oh, Harry. Do be careful."

"I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me. Besides, I don't know what to think about him. Farlan said a lot of things that I feel might be true. You saw how Lockhart turned out. Farlan says that Sirius Black wouldn't ever side with the Dark Lord and that they didn't even hold a trial, which doesn't seem fair."

"There were witnesses though," Ron pointed out.

"And Lockhart wiped a bunch of memories easily when he was fibbing," Harry countered. "I just don't think I should be convinced one way or the other until I know everything, is all. What if Farlan's right and he was framed?"

"And if he's not?"

Harry shrugged. "Then, it's not like I'm looking for Sirius Black. It's not my business so long as he's not coming to kill me. If he is, then I guess it's a good thing I'm at Hogwarts where it's safe, right?"

The others didn't look entirely convinced but were feeling better off than before. Ron began taking wild guesses about how Sirius might have escaped Azkaban before they had to dig through Harry's luggage for a whistling Sneakoscope. None of them were sure why it was going off so they silenced it and put it away before talking about Hogsmeade. It all sounded great except for the fact that Harry had never gotten his permission form signed and the other two looked at him in shock.

"You're not allowed to come? But—No way. McGonagall or someone will give you permission."

Hermione bobbed her head. "Maybe Farlan can work something out."

Harry wasn't sure and voiced his concerns, reminding them that everyone was worried about Sirius Black killing him so even if he asked he still wouldn't be allowed. The train ride continued though, on a slightly more awkward note when Hermione let her new cat, Crookshanks, out. It obviously had it out for Scabbers—who Ron kept hidden—but they didn't have any issues as the food cart arrived a while later. In fact, the only mildly exciting thing that happened was Malfoy appearing to try and start a fight, only to leave when he found out there was a professor and Farlan in the compartment as well.

"We must be nearly there," Ron commented a while later, though there wasn't much to see out the pitch-black window.

The train began to slow and he got up to look but Hermione was uneasy as she checked her watch.

"We can't be there yet."

"So, why are we stopping?"

Harry got up to look out the door into the corridor as the train slowed, seeing a number of others doing the same, but then it jolted to a halt and all the lamps went out.

"What's going on?" Ron called out as he stepped on Hemrione's foot and Harry felt his way back into the compartment.

"Do you think we've broken down?"

"Dunno."

Ron wiped at the foggy window in the dark, peering out as best he could. "There's something moving out there. I think people are coming aboard."

The door to their compartment opened then and someone fell over Harry's legs. It was Neville who came to try and find out what was happening, eventually falling into a seat before Hermione got up to try and get out for answers. She ran into Ginny though and there were complaints as the group fumbled about in the dark before someone spoke sharply.

"Quiet!"

The group went silent at the voice of Professor Lupin and a small, crackling light filled the compartment as he held a handful of flames. Farlan was up too, eyes equally cautious and wand drawn as he started for the door.

"I want all of you to stay here and stay quiet," he commanded, but before he could reach the door, it opened to reveal a towering cloaked figure.

A decaying grey hand was reaching out of the cloak and it sucked in a rattling breath as an intense chill swept through the room. Harry's breath caught in his throat as his mind grew foggy and his gaze swept away from the creature toward Farlan. Harry hadn't seen the man look so scared before. His skin had gone pale and his wand quivered as he stared at the creature starting to edge into the compartment. Harry felt as though this was it, the end of everything because even the man he looked up to was terrified.

Then, there was a growl as the Grim rose and moved between the dementor and Farlan. Its fur stood on end to make itself look larger as the hooded creature stopped advancing and let out a hiss of breath. It was enough to draw Farlan's attention and he closed his eyes, taking a sharp breath through his teeth before glaring at the figure and lifting his wand.

"Expecto patronum!" He snapped and the silvery fox Harry had witnessed before on the Knight Bus appeared, chasing the cloaked figure and nipping its heels out of the compartment.

Farlan followed it out into the corridor and fired off a few more foxes, placing his wand to his throat to speak through them as they rushed after the other cloaked figures who'd gotten onto the train.

"All students are to stay inside their compartment until told otherwise, no exceptions. Head Boy and Girl will be tasked with checking on everyone once I give the all-clear." He lowered the wand and turned to Lupin who nodded.

"Go. I'll watch them."

Farlan nodded and hurried off up the corridor as Lupin turned his gaze to Harry, who was covered in a cold sweat and shaking mildly.

"Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah," Harry lied, eyeing the door where the creature had stood uneasily before a loud snap startled him.

Lupin had broken a large piece of chocolate and was handing out pieces to the group. "Eat it. It will help."

Harry took it, hesitating as his need for answers superseded the want for the sweet. "What was that thing?"

"A dementor," Lupin explained, crumpling up the empty chocolate wrapper. "One of the dementors of Azkaban." He glanced toward the door himself, muttering quietly. "I didn't know he could use a corporeal patronus."

"A patronus?" Harry asked, but Lupin lightly nudged his hand with the chocolate.

"Do eat it. I promise it will help."

Harry reluctantly did, and—as Lupin had said—his shaking calmed and warmth filled him while the chill of the dementor quickly faded. The train shuddered into motion again as the lamps came back on and a moment later—after their group checked on each other—a silvery fox rushed past calling out to the students.

"Head Boy and Girl please check on all compartments and if the prefects would hand out chocolate from the sweets trolly; one to every person, please. Students are free to leave their compartments after eating the chocolate though we will be arriving at Hogwarts within the next ten minutes."

Farlan himself soon returned to the compartment, giving the group a once-over before Lupin cleared his throat and offered him the final piece of chocolate. Farlan was still pale and he nodded his thanks, running a hand through his hair and eating the piece as he sank into his seat with a sigh. His salamander squirmed out of his robes though and scuttled over to Harry, surprising the boy as it curled into his hands to warm them. He glanced at Farlan but the man kept his eyes closed and didn't acknowledge what happened.

The compartment remained rather quiet and subdued until they arrived at Hogwarts and filtered out of the train into the chilly rain. The carriages took them up to the castle then, and once they entered they settled in for the sorting and feast. They couldn't avoid what happened on the train though, and Dumbledore stood to address it.

"As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises—or even Invisibility Cloaks."

Harry caught his pointed look at them before the headmaster went on to warn them and then deal with the new professors.

"On a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Though, as you have all eagerly expressed, he will be sharing his teaching role with Mr. Daggrow in the same manner as was done last year."

The students applauded as Lupin stood briefly and sat, saying something to Farlan, who wrinkled his nose. Harry wondered if they knew each other. They look friendly and Lupin said something before on the train. Farlan said he didn't really make friends here though.

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

More applause rang out and soon the students were well-fed and eager to start their return to Hogwarts; all thoughts of the dementors were set aside to worry about later.

It was the first day of lessons and I was already exhausted. After what happened on the train, I was hyper-aware of the dementors that patrolled the edges of the grounds. I couldn't see them, of course, but I knew they were there and my paranoia had me feeling far more chilled as of late. It's all in my head. All of it. Yet, as much as I told myself that, it didn't help me forget about them. As it was, I had frozen on the train when the dementor entered. It was all well and good to be capable of conjuring a corporeal patronus, but it didn't matter if one couldn't put it into practice.

Having never faced a dementor until then, I hadn't known what to expect. The books and stories could only prepare someone so much. Facing the creature and feeling the effects of it sucking the joy and happiness from everything around it had been far more terrifying than I wished. It brought back a lot of memories that I hadn't wanted to remember and the same feeling of helplessness from when I'd returned home that one summer day to find out my mother passed away. Surprisingly, it had been the Grim that snapped me out of it enough for me to conjure my patronus.

Still, it made me uneasy and sleep evaded me for the evening. Not that I would have gotten much sleep anyway since Hagrid had nearly broken down the door to my shed at five in the morning. I had been hoping no one had noticed me sneaking in after my usual restricted hours, but he apparently had and held back on scolding me so long as I helped him prepare for his first lesson that afternoon. Why he needed to start preparing so early for an afternoon class was beyond me, but an Invigoration Draught woke me up enough to be useful to him and I appreciated the distraction. When it was finally time for the class, however, all hopes of a peaceful day were ruined.

Slytherins and Gryffindors. Great. I sighed lightly as I leaned against the wall of Hagrid's hut, arms folded over my chest and a hand rubbing at my temples already. I'll need to give warnings before we bring out the creatures. Hagrid either won't or will give a very light warning. Most would listen but the Slytherins can cause issues when they're together with Gryffindors. Any other lesson group might have been fine but especially not this one. I spotted Harry, Ron, and Hermione heading over and took a steadying breath. I'd already heard and been witness to the Slytherin trio in front of me picking fights with them, and I didn't expect anything less during this lesson. Hagrid might give them a chance but I won't hold back when creatures are involved.

Once all the students were gathered up, Hagrid led the way to the paddock and he began his lesson.

"Everyone gather 'round the fence here! That's it. Make sure ya can see. Now, first thing you'll want ta do is open yer books—"

"How?" Draco asked, taking out his book bound with rope while others hesitantly withdrew their own bound books.

"H-Hasn't anyone been able ta open their books?" Hagrid asked and upon seeing no one had he borrowed Hermione's to show them. "You've got ta stroke them. Look."

He ran a finger down the spine of the book, which quivered and fell open. Draco sneered though.

"Oh, how silly we've all been! We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess?"

"Watch your tone," I said sharply, pinning him with a glare as he frowned. "You don't have to like your professors but you will respect them or you will leave."

Hagrid cleared his throat when the boy went quiet at my scolding before offering to get the creatures while I stepped forward to give the students the safety warning required of us, as well as what I would add for the troublesome students we were dealing with today.

"Now, there will be strict rules in this class that are not up for debate. We are dealing with creatures who can be dangerous when provoked or when not treated with the respect they deserve. I will remind you," I said shortly, giving Draco a pointed look, "that you are here to learn. In order to learn, you need to listen and follow instructions. This class is here to teach you how to handle, breed, and understand the magical creatures presented. If you don't want to be bothered to listen to your professor or myself, then I will remove you from this elective. You have one chance and one chance only. I do not tolerate anyone who disrespects these animals and have already been given full rights by the headmaster to punish you accordingly. Don't like it, then leave."

The students were dead silent, most understanding the severity of what I was saying though the Slytherins were less impressed. Just those three too. The other Slytherins seem to get it. I'll have to keep an eye on Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. I heard Hagrid returning and moved aside for the students to see as Hagrid brought in the herd of hippogriffs. He brought them forward and tethered the creatures to the fence by their leather collars and chains, and the students took a few hesitant steps back as he grinned at them.

"Hippogriffs! Beautiful, aren't they? You're welcome to come a bit closer," he offered and the trio of Gryffindors were the only ones to start approaching at first. "Now, firs' thing ya gotta know about hippogriffs is, they're proud. Easily offended, hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing you do," Hagrid warned and I drew my wand, snapping out a stinging hex to make Draco yelp.

"Last chance, Mr. Malfoy," I warned, making him mutter something about his father under his breath before paying attention.

"You always wait for the hippogriff ta make the first move," Hagrid went on. "It's polite, see? You walk toward him, and ya bow, and ya wait. If he bows back, you're allowed ta touch him. If he doesn't bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt. Right, who wants ta go first?"

"Hagrid," I piped in, giving him a glance. "A demonstration perhaps?"

He nodded hastily. "Course. Yeah. Would you…?"

I nodded, tucking my wand away and stepping into the paddock as Hagrid removed the collar of a pitch-black hippogriff. I stepped a few feet away, catching its attention as it lightly pawed at the ground in a challenge.

"You'll want to look them in the eyes," I instructed the students behind me. "As Hagrid said, they only respect those who prove they're worth it. Not looking them in the eyes is a sign of weakness, of cowardice. You might be tempted to because most people don't feel comfortable staring into the eyes of others for a time, but hold your nerve. Then, you'll want to bow." I drew an arm over my waist and bowed low before the creature. "You are showing you trust it by putting yourself in position and if it trusts you back…"

The students sucked in shallow gasps as I rose from my bow and the hippogriff bowed in return, dropping down onto its front knees and back up.

"Then, it will bow in return and allow you to approach," I finished, stepping forward and running my hand over the head of the creature as it closed its eyes with a soft coo.

The students applauded as I stepped away from the creature and beckoned them into the paddock.

"You will all have to do this to continue with the lesson, so there's no point in prolonging it. Hagrid and I are here if needed and those who are shier should stay with Hagrid to ensure that he can help should the hippogriff sense your uneasiness. I would offer the same but I know better than to draw my wand around creatures, no matter how tame. This also means that I should not see a wand out at all unless you're instructed otherwise. Immediate punishment will be given and removal from the elective. I have no tolerance for short-minded people who are trying to be funny."

The students nodded in agreement and started to filter into the paddock. Hagrid released the other hippogriffs from their tethers and we split the class into groups to greet them. Those who were shy stayed near Hagrid and one of the more easy-going hippogriffs while I kept watch over the other few groups with their hippogriffs. Harry's group figured it out well enough as did a group of Slytherins. The only one who was really struggling was Neville who was over with Hagrid along with a few shy girls who were hesitant.

"Is this all we're doing today?" Hermione asked, letting Ron have a turn with the chestnut hippogriff they were assigned.

"Mm, we might offer a short ride for any who are confident enough to try but then we will be going over their care and breeding habits. Things to look out for when choosing one, what they're used for, varying colors and personalities, that sort of thing," I informed her, giving the group with Draco a glance with a small frown.

They had been paired up with Buckbeak before I had a chance to choose a less prideful hippogriff for them. Not wanting to switch things up after the fact, I'd let it be but chose to keep a close eye on the group instead. They had done as instructed thus far and Draco was approaching Buckbeak after the creature had bowed. I wonder… I inhaled deeply for a moment, focusing on the group and the creature now being pet. It was strange as always, using legilimency on a creature, but I was just feeling out its temperament while with the Slytherin trio. It was far easier than trying to convince the hippogriff to do something, anyway.

I relaxed at the feeling of calmness from the hippogriff but decided to head over anyway to check up on them as I had the other groups. Everyone else had their chance to greet their respective hippogriff but I wasn't sure if Crabbe and Goyle had their turn yet and wanted to move things along. I had just gotten over there when I realized Draco was saying something to Buckbeak and I felt a rush of anger. It wasn't mine but it fueled me to rush over and intervene as whatever Draco said made Buckbeak jerk away from him and rear back.

My hand grabbed the back of Draco's robes, jerking him back as my arm came up to try and protect myself. A flash of talons blocked my vision momentarily as the students around noticed what was happening. Buckbeak wasn't about to relent his attack and Hagrid was trying to hurry over but I pushed past the wave of anger I felt from Buckbeak and shoved it back with a shout.

"Enough!" I snapped, mind giving a painful throb at the use of legilimency to try and force him to calm down.

Thankfully, he hadn't expected the mental attack and it made him falter and stop his assault. His feathers were still ruffled and he pawed at the ground in anger and frustration but I held up my hands to keep him calm, lightly changing my approach.

"Calm down," I muttered, closing an eye as something warm rolled down my brow but ignoring it as I pressed as much of a calming feeling toward him as I could.

Thankfully, Hagrid had managed to bring over the tether then and Buckbeak was relaxed enough to do nothing more than give a small huff of annoyance and turn away. I stopped using my legilimency to try and ease the pain rolling through my skull, ignoring Hagrid's calls of concern as I whipped around to Draco on the ground angrily.

"You daft, stupid boy," I spat. "You're lucky I don't go straight to the headmaster and have you expelled."

"Y-You can't do that."

"You think?" I argued as he got to his feet. "You think Lockhart just got sacked and sent to court by nobody? You think I couldn't put together a case against you?"

"My father—"

"Could be the damn Minister of Magic for all I care but guess what, Mr. Malfoy? Hogwarts is run under its own rules and jurisdiction. Your father has no sway here and far less when he's been sacked as a school governor. Did that too, if you must know, so let me explain what's going to happen right now. First, fifty points from Slytherin for your lack of caring, lack of attention, lack of thought, and putting the class and creatures at risk because you couldn't be bothered."

"But—"

"I'll make it a hundred if you interrupt," I bit out, silencing him. "Second, two months of detention which I will bring up with your head of house immediately. Third, you are no longer allowed in this elective course. I warned you at the beginning and again multiple times after that. I gave you your chance and given how little you seem to care about the creatures here, it's obvious you will not pass any exam about them and do not deserve the chance to try. You're a waste of our time and effort and I'll not have you endanger the class nor the creatures in our care. Now, get the hell out of my sight." I turned to the other Slytherins there and offered them a glare as well. "And if anyone else wants to follow, I suggest you leave now. I do not have the patience to deal with any more stupidity when you are here to learn."

Draco glanced back but none of the others followed him except Crabbe and Goyle. As I had expected, the other Slytherins were here to do what they needed, not appease those pureblood students who ruled by name alone. A few looked hesitant, as though they were considering it but they didn't leave and I was reassured that not everyone was as stupid to challenge me as Draco. I let out a huff of frustration, reaching up to wipe away what had blocked my vision on the right side of my face as I spoke.

"Hagrid, is Buckbeak alright?"

"You're worried about 'im?" Hagrid said in disbelief. "Farlan, you're the one in rough shape. Ya need to get to Madam Pomfrey."

I frowned, not wanting to but not having realized the extent of my injuries. The hand I'd used to wipe my face was smeared with blood and it hadn't done much to prevent more from dripping out of my wound. My arm was bleeding quite a bit as well and looked far worse than I thought, though it was hard to see the extent of it with my dark robes. Add that to the headache and the slight bit of dizziness I was now feeling, and I knew he was right.

"I-I'll take him, Hagrid," Hermione offered and Hagrid hesitated before I waved him off.

"It's fine. I can let her know the rest of the lesson myself later. Finish things up. They're sure to pay attention now."

He nodded tethering up the rest of the hippogriffs for now and starting to herd the students out of the paddock as Hermione eyed me in concern and we started for the school. Once in the doors, I was beginning to feel the pain a bit more, sweating a bit and searching through my robes with a grumble.

"I swore I had one in here. Ah, there." I pulled out a blood-red vial and downed it with a grimace as Hermione's eyes went wide.

"Y-You shouldn't take anything until we see Madam Pomfrey!"

"It's a blood replenisher," I muttered to ease her worries, wiping at the blood over my eye again. "I'm a bit dizzy, is all. Not the first time I've been hurt by a creature… I should probably let Dumbledore know."

I started to draw my wand but Hermione stopped me.

"I-I can tell him once you're with Madam Pomfrey. You can't do magic like this."

I frowned, wanting to argue that point but it had been my wand arm that was in tatters and I knew my left hand wasn't as dexterous. Damn, she's right. I sighed but agreed, putting my wand away and remaining quiet until we got to the infirmary. The pain had grown worse as we walked and despite the blood replenisher, I was once again dizzy. It was harder to hold back the pain and Hermione had obviously become even more concerned, not even knocking before she brought me into the infirmary.

"Madam Pomfrey!"

"No need to shout," the woman huffed, stepping out of her office before pausing when she saw me.

I winced as her eyes narrowed, suddenly feeling as though I was the one who'd been scolded. Though I have no doubt she will scold me. Hermione was either oblivious to her anger or ignored it.

"There was an incident with the hippogriffs in today's lesson. He said he took a blood replenisher on the way here."

I quickly turned my gaze away as the healer stormed forward, cringing as she grabbed my chin and turned my face to see.

"You absolute idiot boy," she scolded, letting my chin go and clicking her tongue at the sight of my arm. "I've told you time and time again about things like this. How long did you wait before coming here?"

"Not long," I muttered, and she scoffed.

"Not long? Then, why is the blood already drying on your robes?"

I went to answer but she held up a hand to stop me.

"I don't want to hear it. No more of your excuses, young man. I will be having another word with Dumbledore about this, and I've already told you about taking potions before getting treated."

I pouted as I followed her to the nearest bed; Hermione bowing her head a bit before heading off to inform Dumbledore what happened once I waved her off. "I was dizzy."

"You wouldn't have been if you'd come right here after being injured. You're not even putting pressure on the wound to help. Sit."

I sat on the bed with my frown firmly in place, knowing she wasn't going to listen while she was scolding me.

"Honestly, the number of times you've been in here…" she rambled on, cleaning my face first and making me shiver as she ran her wand over the wound that ran from over my brow and down toward my neck. "You'll be lucky if this one doesn't scar for more than a week. A hippogriff?"

I nodded as she moved onto my arm, cutting away my robes and cleaning the wounds as best she could before getting to work. "A student chose to not follow instructions and I had to intervene."

"You have a wand, young man."

I winced, closing my eyes and swallowing thickly as she knitted skin and muscle back together. "I … forgot."

"Of course you did," she huffed, pressing a vial into my other hand. "Drink."

I chugged the potion down, grateful as the numbing sensation she'd made in my arm with her wand was doubled, even if it did make my thoughts a bit foggier.

"This one will scar," she informed me idly, giving me a softer look as she finished up and wrapped the injury. "I'll give you a sling and some vials for pain in a few hours, then you'll be okay to leave. You need to be sure you're eating properly to regain your strength and should be fine by dinner. I'll provide some instructions to help with dexterity in your fingers since the muscles were badly damaged and I want you to come back Thursday morning for a recheck. Earlier if there is any bleeding or the potions aren't helping."

"Thanks," I murmured, grateful for her care even if she was upset with me.

"It is my job, dear, though you alone work me far harder than any of these students," she drawled, giving me another once over as I laid back in the bed upon removing my outer robes. "I'll add some dreamless sleep as well. I heard you helped the students with the dementors on the train and you look like you might need them."

I nodded, curling onto my side and closing my eyes with a sigh, childishly trying to defend myself in my dazed state. "Wasn't my fault…"

"Yes, yes. So you've said and I'm sure you gave the student a firm scolding. Now rest, Farlan. I will wake you if you're not up for dinner."