Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady

I don't own Digimon or Harry Potter.

The weeks carried on with little events of note; there were daily reports of Sirius Black and his supposed whereabouts ever since being sighted in Dufftown, but Elyan and Winn found few clues when they investigated the town. Yet they did discover strange, large wolf or dog-like footprints in the mud.

For some reason, this put Alexander on edge, and he increased the patrols he and the Dragon Cloaks performed. One of them was shadowing Daisuke and Harry's classes whenever they moved around the castle or onto the grounds for their Care of Magical Creatures lessons.

Everyone's favourite lesson by far was Defence Against the Dark Arts, though the Slytherin students did little to hide their displeasure at having Professor Lupin as their teacher. Pansy Parkinson could often be heard making snide comments about his state of dress or his unkempt, messy hair, but everyone paid her no mind.

Care of Magical Creatures had become one of the worst classes everyone took. After an amazing first lesson, Hagrid lost confidence after Daisuke's injury. He barely even spoke to her out of shame and regret and had the class tending to Flobberworms, one of the most boring and unimpressive creatures they had ever seen.

"At least they're not dangerous," Herissmon chirped one afternoon after a class, trying to lighten the mood, but it seemed only to make everyone grumpier.

"I'd rather take dangerous over boring," Ron grumbled, shaking the mud off his sleeves.

"So would we all, but do you think anyone would let Hagrid off if someone else gets hurt?" Daisuke questioned him with a small frown, glancing back at Hagrid sadly.

"I guess not. I bet Malfoy's not even apologised to you yet for nearly getting you killed," Ron said, glaring at Malfoy as he walked past them.

"I don't expect him to." Daisuke sighed before walking off.

Luckily for Harry and Daisuke, Quidditch training eventually started up again. Daisuke was the reserve Chaser for Gryffindor, and as such, she would take part in the training sessions to make sure she was up to date with all of Oliver's tactics and ideas.

"This is our last chance, my last chance to win the Quidditch Cup. Gryffindor hasn't won the cup for seven straight years, and it's not been our fault. We've had injuries, the tournament being called off last year," he shuddered at the memory of that. "But we've got the best damn team Hogwarts has ever seen. Three amazing Chasers and one excellent reserve Chaser!"

"Damn right," Daisuke said, bumping her fist against Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, and Angelina Johnson's fists, the four girls sharing a grin.

"Two unbeatable Beaters,"

"Aw, stop it, Oliver, you're making us blush," Fred Weasley said, sitting beside George Weasley with a grin.

"And a Seeker who has never once lost us a match," Oliver continued, and Harry nodded with a smile.

"Don't worry, Oliver, we'll win this year," Daisuke told him.

"Yeah, we got this!" George shouted.

"Yeah!" Harry added, and the team cheered before heading out to the pitch for another training session like always. Harry and Daisuke then spotted one of the Dragon Cloaks observing their practice, keeping an eye on them from the stands.

"Huh, it's papa this time," Daisuke said as she flew into the air on her broom. "I wonder why he's here watching us."

"Maybe he wants to see our practice. He did say he's always wanted to see us on the pitch," Harry shrugged.

"Yeah…" she replied before flying off to do some drills with her fellow Chasers.

As they flew about, Alexander narrowed his eyes and looked around at the darkening pitch and the surrounding castle grounds. "I know you're somewhere, Black. I'll find you yet, and I'll ensure you don't lay a hand on my daughter or my son." He thought, clenching his fists.

Daisuke and Harry, followed by the rest of the Quidditch team, trudged into the Gryffindor Common Room later that evening, soaked and exhausted, but both were in high spirits. "About time you guys got back. What took ya so long?" Veemon asked them, sitting beside Herissmon as the two played a game of Go Fish.

"Oliver had us doing some drills he came up with over the holidays. He really wants to win the Quidditch Cup this year," Daisuke answered, plopping herself down beside Hermione and Ron, who had two of the best armchairs by the roaring fire.

"What's got everyone so excited?" Harry asked, holding his hands in front of the fire to warm himself up.

"First Hogsmeade visit. Last day of October, Halloween." Ron answered, pointing to the notice on the message board.

"Ah, excellent," Fred said with a grin. "I need to visit Zonko's. I'm nearly out of Stink Pellets."

"If I catch you with those, Fred, I'm writing to your mother," Daisuke warned him, and he grinned.

"Don't worry. I was going to use them on Malfoy as revenge for getting you hurt. The little git has it coming."

"Not sure how to feel about that,"

Harry sank into a chair with a sigh. "Do you think mum and dad will let me go to Hogsmeade with Black still out there?" he asked.

"I'm sure they will. They just might send the Dragon Cloaks down there in force to keep everyone safe." Hermione said.

Harry scoffed. "Or they'll keep me here and not let me visit."

"That wouldn't be fair. You can't be the only third-year left behind," Ron said. "You had your permission slip signed and everything."

"And that won't matter if Professor McGonagall puts her foot down and says no," Harry replied as Crookshanks jumped into Hermione's lap, a dead spider dangling from his jaws.

"Aw, clever Crookshanks, did you catch that by yourself?" Hermione cooed, petting her cat.

"He had help," Salem purred, jumping onto Daisuke's lap.

"Looks like you two have been awfully friendly," Daisuke said with a smile.

"Just keep them away from me. I've got Scabbers asleep in my bag," Ron muttered irritably, glaring at both cats while doing his homework.

"Please, I would never sully my mouth by eating that rodent," Salem replied with a bored expression. Crookshanks, however, didn't share the same sentiment, and he pounced without warning, sinking all four sets of his claws into Ron's bag.

"HEY, LET GO, YOU STUPID ANIMAL!" he shouted, swinging his bag around; Crookshanks refused to let go, hissing and screeching as he clawed at the bag.

"Ron, don't hurt him!" Hermione squealed. The entire room was watching the scene unfold before them. Scabbers went flying out of the bag and took off running across the room.

"Catch that cat!" Ron shouted as Crookshanks gave chase after Scabbers. George made a dive for the cat but missed; Crookshanks ran between several pairs of legs in his pursuit of Scabbers before Veemon tackled the cat and pinned it down.

"Hold still, will ya!" the Digimon shouted, struggling to keep the cat pinned as it hissed and struggled. He managed to keep the cat pinned long enough for Ron to pick up Scabbers and hold him tightly before he wheeled around and glared at Hermione.

"Look at him!" he shouted, holding Scabbers to her. "He's skin and bone! You keep that bloody cat away from him!"

"Crookshanks doesn't know it's wrong. All cats chase rats, Ron." Hermione said softly.

"Tch, why don't you teach him not to chase Scabbers! Stop letting him do what he wants!" Ron stormed off up to the boy's dormitories.

"He's got a point," Harry muttered, looking down at his homework as Hermione and Daisuke glared at him.

Soon, it was Halloween morning; Harry and the others went down for breakfast like usual, yet he seemed to be the only one not excited about the upcoming trip to Hogsmeade. "If you don't want to go, I can stay with you. We can practice flying on our brooms or something," Daisuke said.

"No thanks. You should go. I don't want you to miss out on the trip." Harry told her. "Besides, Herissmon will be with me. We can explore the castle or something."

Daisuke glanced at Hermione and Ron, who looked at Harry, concerned. "Well, alright, we'll bring you back some treats then." She told him.

He smiled, and everyone soon headed to the Entrance Hall, where Professor McGonagall stood beside Mr Filch, waiting for them. "All students going to Hogsmeade, hurry up. Those that aren't going move along," Filch ordered, sneering at the students as they walked past.

"Mr Potter, are you joining the others?" Professor McGonagall asked, looking at the young man as he and Herissmon stood beside a statue.

"No, Professor. I…I'm not feeling well…" he lied flatly.

The older woman raised an eyebrow. "Very well. You'd best check in with Madam Pomfrey then. We wouldn't want you to miss lessons." She said gently.

He nodded and waved to Daisuke, Veemon, Ron, and Hermione as they joined the other students heading off to Hogsmeade.

He and Herissmon watched them leave, escorted by Percival and Leon. Once they were out of sight, Harry sighed and returned to the castle. Herissmon turned and hurried after him. As they walked up the staircases, Harry thought about what to do. He could go back to Gryffindor Tower, but that would mean the others would see him, and he didn't feel like being questioned why he didn't go to Hogsmeade with everyone else.

He turned and walked down a hallway. He had his hands in his pockets before someone spotted him and called out. "Harry!" he spun around and saw Cedric walk over. "What're you doing here? I thought you'd be with the others going to Hogsmeade."

Harry shuffled and adjusted his glasses. "Not really…I wasn't feeling well…" he muttered.

"Well…have you seen Madam Pomfrey?"

"I don't feel like being in the Hospital Wing right now. So…how's your year been so far?"

"Same old, same old, can't complain. What about you?" Cedric asked.

"Oh, brilliant," Harry scoffed, pacing back and forth while Herissmon and Cedric watched him. "If you don't count the Dementors making me faint on the train, Malfoy and Snape being even worse this year, oh yeah, there's also the fact an insane mass murderer is coming after me! But, other than those things, I'm peachy!" Harry ranted before taking a deep breath.

"Feeling better?" Cedric asked with a smile.

Harry panted before he nodded. "Yeah…"

"Come on, let's get some fresh air," Cedric said, grabbing his arm and dragging him off. "I saw Peeves coming this way earlier. I don't want to run into whatever trap he's cooked up for Filch, do you?"

Harry giggled and nodded, following Cedric with Herissmon, and the three soon were standing on the wooden bridge that spanned a chasm linking the Hogwarts grounds to a courtyard in the castle. "So, Herissmon, you're Harry's partner, right?" Cedric asked the Digimon as he and Harry leaned on the railing, the Digimon sitting between them.

"That's right," he chirped with a smile. "I was waiting for Harry for a long time."

"Just how long exactly? And are there more of you?" Cedric asked.

"I dunno how long. I just knew that Harry would be my partner someday. And I don't know. I think I'm the only Herissmon around." He answered with a smile.

"Well, I'm glad you're the only one around. Just means you're special," Harry said, hugging his partner, who giggled and nuzzled him.

Cedric smiled at the duo. "The Digital World sounds amazing; think you could take me one day?" he asked.

"Hm, I'll ask Daisuke. She'll run it by the others. I was going to ask if Ron and Hermione could come along too." Harry said.

"Looking forward to it," Cedric said, grinning as he ruffled the boy's hair, making it even messier than usual. Harry whined, swatted his hand away, and huffed before they heard a chuckle and turned, seeing Professor Lupin approaching them.

"Professor Lupin," Harry said, surprised to see the man there, especially since he looked dreadfully ill and wore a cloak over his body to keep him warm.

"Harry, I was looking for you. I was wondering if we might have a word," he said softly.

"Of course, um, Cedric…" Harry looked back at the older teen, who smiled.

"Don't need to ask. I'll see ya around, and you'd better be training hard for our Quidditch match. I'm gonna fly circles around you otherwise." He teased.

"Yeah, when pigs fly," Harry muttered, making Cedric laugh before he walked off.

Lupin smiled before standing beside Harry, looking out at the scenery before them. "This is a beautiful time of year; I always enjoyed the quiet I could find out here, away from everyone else."

Harry nodded before he sighed. "Professor, I was hoping I could ask you…"

"You want to know why I stopped you facing the Boggart, yes?" Harry nodded, and Lupin sighed. "At first, I thought it would turn into Lord Voldemort, and the last thing the school needed was news of that happening."

"I did think of Voldemort first, but then…I remember that night on the train…" Harry shuddered.

"I see. I'm impressed. You're very wise. The thing you fear is fear itself." Lupin said softly.

"Before I fainted…I heard something…a woman, screaming."

"Well, Dementors force us to relieve our worst memories. Our pain becomes their power,"

"I think it was my mother, the night she was murdered."

Lupin sighed softly. "You know, the very first time I saw you, Harry, I recognised you immediately. Not by your scar, but by your eyes. They're your mother's." Harry blinked, and Lupin nodded. "Yes, I knew her. Your mother was there for me at a time when no one else was. Not only was she an incredibly gifted witch, but she was also an uncommonly kind woman. She had a way of seeing the beauty in others when they themselves could not. Your father, James, on the other hand…well, let's just say he had a knack for getting into trouble. A talent I hear has passed onto you."

"I don't go making trouble…it just has a habit of finding me," Harry muttered, scratching his neck.

Lupin chuckled and smiled. "You're more like them than you know. In time, I hope that you see that." He told the boy. "And how is living with the Ainsworth family, if I might ask."

"Great. They're amazing. They're everything I could have asked for." Harry answered honestly with a bright smile.

Lupin nodded. "That's good. Now, we'd best be heading inside. We've spent enough time in the cold already."

Harry nodded, and Herissmon jumped into his arms as they returned to the castle.

Meanwhile, in Hogsmeade, Daisuke and Veemon walked out of the Honeydukes shop, their arms filled with huge bags filled with every sweet they could get their hands on. "Do you think we've got enough for Harry?"

"I'm sure we do. I also managed to grab the last packet of Blood Pops. Ya know he loves those." Daisuke said with a smile. Veemon nodded as they walked off to find Ron and Hermione; both had split off to do their own things. Hermione wanted to sightsee, and Ron wanted to visit Zonko's Joke Shop.

"Oi, Ainsworth! What you got there?" Daisuke frowned and glanced over her shoulder to see Crabbe and Goyle stalking over to her.

"Nothing for you two. Haven't you eaten enough already?" she asked, looking at their chocolate-covered lips and pockets overflowing with other sweets.

"There's no such thing as too much candy," Goyle said. "Now gimme!" he said, snatching some of the candy from her bag, Crabbe doing the same.

"Oi!" Veemon shouted with a glare. "That isn't yours!"

"Ah, shut up, you dumb lizard," Goyle said.

"I'm a dragon, not a lizard!" Veemon retorted. He dropped his bag, about to tackle the two Slytherins, when he spotted Malfoy walking over.

"Crabbe, Goyle, what're you doing!?" he shouted at his two henchmen, who quickly tried to hide the stolen candy behind their backs.

"Uh…nothing, Draco," Crabbe said.

Malfoy crossed his arms. "It looks like you're stealing Ainsworth's candy. Did you two even bother to check that the Dragon Cloaks weren't around?" he asked, pointing down the street to where Leon and Percival were, keeping their eyes on the students.

"If those two catch you harming their boss's daughter, they'll drag you back to the castle so he can dish out a punishment! Now give her back what you stole." He ordered.

"But…but…but…" the two stuttered.

"No buts. Do it now, and while you're at it, go and buy her some more candy as an apology!" Draco said, pointing at the candy shop.

"Right, sure thing, Draco." Both said before dropping the stolen candy and running into Honeydukes. Draco sighed before kneeling to pick up the candy and putting it back into Daisuke's bag.

"Um…thank you, Draco." She said softly, giving the boy a soft smile.

He rubbed his neck and tried to fight down his reddening cheeks. "Don't mention it…I mean it," he huffed. He crossed his arms and waited for Crabbe and Goyle to return with more candy, which they quickly dumped into Daisuke's arms. "Good work. Now come on," Draco turned and walked off, his goons following him.

"Oi, Malfoy," he turned and caught a candy bar Daisuke tossed at him. "Don't eat it all at once," she winked and walked off with Veemon.

Draco flushed before seeing Crabbe and Goyle looking at the chocolate bar, and he tucked it into his pocket. "You've had enough." He told them and walked off.

Later that evening, the students returned from Hogsmeade and enjoyed the Halloween feast like always. After that, everyone headed off to their dormitories.

"Enjoying the Blood Pops, Harry?" Daisuke asked with a grin as she and her friends walked up the stairs towards the Fat Lady's portrait.

Harry nodded, humming with delight as he sucked on one Blood Pop while Herissmon licked his own. "Hm, so yummy," the Digimon chirped.

The others chuckled at his happiness before noticing the rest of their house ahead of them no longer moving up the staircases. "Why isn't anyone going inside?" Ron asked, peeking over some students, trying to see what the hold-up was.

"Excuse me, coming through. Let us through, please," they heard Jun's voice and spotted her and Percy walking down another staircase towards the crowd. Once arriving, both were silent, and a hush fell over everyone.

"Send for the Headmaster at once. No one is to go inside until it has been fully searched." Percy said seriously.

Ginny pushed through the crowded staircase to Harry, Ron, Daisuke, and Hermione. "The Fat Lady, she's gone!"

"She's what!?" Daisuke shouted. The students ahead of them moved about, and through the gaps, they laid eyes on the portrait slashed to pieces.

"Serves her right. She was a terrible singer," Ron muttered.

"Not funny, Ron," Hermione told him.

A moment later, Professor Dumbledore arrived on the scene, followed by Alexander, the rest of the Dragon Cloaks, and Mr Filch. "Mr Filch, round up the ghosts, tell them to search the castle to find the Fat Lady." He ordered, running his fingers along the jagged slashes on the portrait.

"There's no need for ghosts, Headmaster," Filch said, looking up a few levels. "The Fat Lady is there." He said, pointing to one portrait. Everyone hurried up the stairs, pushing and shoving Jun and Percy out of the way.

"Sorry!" Daisuke called back to her cousin as Veemon and Herissmon jumped onto their partner's shoulders to keep themselves from being trampled. Professor Dumbledore pushed past some students and stopped in front of a painting of the African Savanna, where he saw the Fat Lady hiding behind a hippo.

"Dear lady, who did this to you?" he asked.

The Fat Lady whimpered as she peeked over the hippo, tears running down her cheeks. "Eyes like the devil he's got and a soul as black as his name. It's him, Headmaster, the one they all talk about. He's here somewhere in the castle, Sirius Black!" she answered.

"What!? How did he get inside?" Alexander shouted.

"Secure the castle, Alexander," Dumbledore ordered. "The rest of you, to the Great Hall!" he shouted to the gathered students.

Harry gulped, looking at the Fat Lady before he felt Daisuke grab his hand and lead him down the staircase. "How did Black get into the castle?" Ron whispered nervously.

"Something papa and the others will find out; we're not going after him," Daisuke said. "We're not stupid,"

"Course not." Ron agreed as they hurried down to the Great Hall.

The end of the chapter.

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