"I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the related characters. The Harry Potter series is created by JK Rowling and owned by Warner Bros. This fanfiction is intended for entertainment only. I am not making any profit from this story. All rights of the original Harry Potter story belong to Warner Bros."
We continue…
CHAPTER FIVE—The Dementor
"It's all right, Crookshanks," Hermione cooed through the wickerwork. "I'll let you out on the train."
"You won't," snapped Ron. "What about poor Scabbers, eh?"
"Hermione dear, it's clear the cat wants to eat the rat"—Ted said kindly. He stopped Sirius from talking— "I know what it is, I mean she doesn't. it's a little inconsiderate"
Hermione frowned.
The Ministry of Magic cars seemed almost ordinary. though Harry noticed that they could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernon's new company car certainly couldn't have managed.
"I remember thinking back then, that Wizards could adapt to the muggle world if they wanted, why do no more wizards have cars?"
"Because it takes a lot to charm and ward cars. Not all wizards know about Muggle science."—Kingsley said
"Muggle studies is incredibly outdated"—Hermione said.
"Ah, there's Penelope!" said Percy, smoothing his hair and going pink again. Ginny caught Harry's eye, and they both turned away to hide their laughter as Percy strode over to a girl with long, curly hair, walking with his chest thrown out so that she couldn't miss his shiny badge.
The Weasley brother bit their lips to not laugh.
-"Remus used to do the same thing to Dorcas". —They all turned to look at Remus expecting a sarcastic comment.
But he laughed. — "She liked powerful men"—He said making Sirius laugh.
"Harry," said Mr. Weasley quietly, "come over here for a moment."
He jerked his head towards a pillar, and Harry followed him behind it, leaving the others crowded around Mrs. Weasley.
"There's something I've got to tell you before you leave —" said Mr. Weasley in a tense voice.
"It's all right, Mr. Weasley," said Harry, "I already know."
"You know? How could you know?"
"I — er — I heard you and Mrs. Wesley talking last night. I couldn't help hearing," Harry added quickly. "Sorry —"
"That's not the way I'd have chosen for you to find out," said Mr. Weasley looking anxious.
"Fourth time to explain everything"—Harry said.
Arthur tensed— "I'm sorry, Harry. I really thought I was protecting you"
"I know"—Harry answered.
"Promise me, Harry," said Mr. Weasley, talking more quickly still, "that whatever happens —"
"Why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me?" said Harry blankly.
"Swear to me that whatever you might hear —"
"Arthur, quickly!" cried Mrs. Weasley.
Steam was billowing from the train it had started to move. Harry ran to the compartment door and Ron threw it open and stood back to let him on.
"You never promised him"—Remus said understanding everything.
"I need to talk to you in private," Harry muttered to Ron and Hermione as the train picked up speed.
"Go away, Ginny," said Ron.
"Oh, that's nice," said Ginny huffily, and she stalked off.
The golden trio flinched.
"Yes, thank you for that"—Ginny said sarcastically
"Ronald! Your sister probably needed you; she hadn't made friends the year before."—Molly chastised.
"You need more friends"—Luna said kindly.
"Ouch"—Sirius said trying not to laugh at Harry's discomfort. – "Maybe she is right"—Sirius added
"How many other friends did you have?"—his godson said accusingly
. —"Outside the Marauders? Plenty. The quidditch team, your mom, Alice, Marlene, Dorcas, Jonathan McMillian a Ravenclaw bloke from my grandmother's side of the family, a few boys from younger years who we played chess and explo…"
"I get it"—Harry said annoyed.
The stranger was wearing an extremely shabby set of wizard's robes that had been darned in several places. He looked ill and exhausted. Though quite young, his light brown hair was flecked with gray.
"Who d'you reckon he is?" Ron hissed as they sat down and slid the door shut, taking the seats farthest away from the window.
"Professor R. J. Lupin." whispered Hermione at once.
"How'd you know that?"
"It's on his case," she replied
"Wonder what he teaches?" said Ron, frowning at Professor Lupin's pallid profile.
"That's obvious," whispered Hermione. "There's only one vacancy, isn't there? Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"The best we've had"—The twins
"I learned many things"—Luna said
"You should come back"—Neville said
"The classes were captivating"—Hermione said
"Hogwarts really needs you"—Harry said
"I paid attention, that was a win"—Ron finished.
Remus was turning red. Sirius was beaming, proud of his friend.
"When this is over, and we get rid of the toad Remus is coming back"—Harry stated
"Oh really Mr. Potter"—Minerva said amused— "But, after this, we do need to be prepared and Remus is perfect. So yes, I think Professor Lupin will make a return"
Remus took a sip of his tea and tried to hide his smile. –"Let's wait until the books are over"—he never tried to hope and he won't start now. They had more important things to do before planning anything else. He tried not to look at Dora's winked.
"He looks like one good hex would finish him off, doesn't he? Ron doubtfully
Remus smiled. — "It was the day after the full moon and I wasn't in Wolfsbane yet. I was exhausted"
Hermione had her hands over her mouth. She finally lowered them to say, "Sirius Black escaped to come after you? Oh, Harry… you'll have to be really, really careful. don't go looking for trouble, Harry…"
"I don't go looking for trouble," said Harry, nettled. "Trouble usually finds me."
"That is half a lie"—Augusta said— "you might not want the trouble, but you don't shy from it"
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Oh, Ron, don't talk rubbish," snapped Hermione. "Blacks already murdered a whole bunch of people in the middle of a crowded street, do you really think he's going to worry about attacking Harry just because we're there?"
"He clearly didn't"—Ron said rubbing his leg.
"He looks like he could do with some food."
Hermione approached Professor Lupin cautiously.
"Er — Professor?" she said. "Excuse me — Professor?"
He didn't move.
"Were you really asleep?"—Tonks asked
"Not at the beginning, I heard all about Sirius Black being after Harry and then exhaustion settled in. I could hear the voices, but I didn't pay attention to them"
Harry, who was nearest the door, got up to look into the corridor. All along the carriage, heads were sticking curiously out of their compartments. "There's something moving out there," Ron said. "I think people are coming aboard…"
"That's when I started waking up"—Remus said— "I felt the presence of the Dementors"
The compartment door suddenly opened, and someone fell painfully over Harry's legs. Sorry!
"Hullo, Neville," said Harry, feeling around in the dark and pulling Neville up by his cloak, Harry (…) heard the door slide open again, and then a thud and two loud squeals of pain.
"Who's that?"
"Who's that?"
"Ginny?"
"Hermione?"
"What are you doing?"
"I was looking for Ron —"
"See, Ron your sister was looking for you because she felt scared"—Molly said making Ron frown.
Professor Lupin appeared to have woken up at last. Harry could hear movements in his corner. None of them spoke. There was a soft, crackling noise, and a shivering light filled the compartment. Professor Lupin appeared to be holding a handful of flames. They illuminated his tired, gray face, but his eyes looked alert and wary.
Dumbledore sighed— "They weren't supposed to board the train"
"I was furious when Susan sent me the letter. It could have ended badly"
"You're showing off"—Ted said amused, trying to make fire. Remus laughed and snapped his fingers. A flame appeared. —"This was good for a Smoke in the tower"
Minerva gasped— "Remus Lupin you did not just say that"
Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames in Lupin's hand, was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. Harry's eyes darted downward, and what he saw made his stomach contract. There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, and scabbed, like something dead that had decayed in water… It was inside his chest; it was inside his very heart…Harry's eyes rolled up into his head. He couldn't see. He was drowning in cold. There was a rushing in his ears as though of water. He was being dragged downward, the roaring growing louder…he heard screaming, terrible, terrified, pleading screams. He wanted to help whoever it was, he tried to move his arms, but couldn't… a thick white fog was swirling around him, inside him —
Harry leaned into Sirius and closed his eyes. Sirius hold him, trying not to remember his own experience with the Dementors.
"I Can't imagine what it felt, a small compartment with that thing in there"—Charlie shuddered
"It was awful. I could hear Tom's voice and the fear of being in the chamber."
"I just felt cold, like the air was being sucked out of me"-
Harry opened his eyes; there were lanterns above him, and the floor was shaking Who screamed?"
"No one screamed," said Ron, more nervously still.
Harry looked around the bright compartment. Ginny and Neville looked back at him, both very pale.
"But I heard screaming —"
Sirius frowned, he never asked Harry what he heard when he got close to the dementors. He turned around to ask him, but his godson was looking at his shoes and frowning.
Ginny, who was huddled in her corner looking nearly as bad as Harry felt, gave a small sob; Hermione went over and put a comforting arm around her.
"But didn't any of you — fall off your seats?" said Harry awkwardly.
"No," said Ron, looking anxiously at Harry again. "Ginny was shaking like mad, though…"
Harry didn't understand. He felt weak and shivery, as though he were recovering from a bad bout of flu; he also felt the beginnings of shame. Why had he gone to pieces like that, when no one else had?
"Nothing to be ashamed of Pup"—Sirius said passing a hand through his hair. Harry smiled at the gestured
"I was close to passing out"—Ginny mumbled. She never wanted to be close to those things again. She rarely went outside that year.
where at least a hundred stagecoaches awaited the remaining students, each pulled, Harry could only assume, by an invisible horse, because when they climbed inside and shut the door, the coach set off all by itself, bumping and swaying in procession.
The coach smelled faintly of mold and straw.
"Not anymore"—Harry whispered
"What?"—Sirius asked
"That I know now, what pulls the coaches"—
Luna smiled— "It's alright Harry, they're not so bad. The ones in Hogwarts are quite docile"
Hagrid— "Ah yes yes. They do tend to bite though so watch the fingers."
"You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottom telling the truth? You actually fainted?"
Malfoy elbowed past Hermione to block Harry's way up the stone steps to the castle, his face gleeful and his pale eyes glinting maliciously.
"Shove off, Malfoy," said Ron, whose jaw was clenched.
"Did you faint as well, Weasley?" said Malfoy loudly. "Did the scary old Dementor frighten you too, Weasley?"
Neville sighed— "Sorry Harry. I remember getting back to my compartment with Susan and Hannah and I guess he was passing by when he heard. Susan also reacted badly to them, she vomited."
Amelia sniffed and they all turned to look at her. — "Susan's worst memory is of the attempt my husband suffered when she was three. They were in Muggle London and some wizard recognized him."—Amelia answered Harry's unspoken question— "My husband is a retired hit wizard, it was a sort of payback"
"Is there a problem?" said a mild voice. Professor Lupin had just gotten out of the next carriage.
Malfoy gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare, which took in the patches on his robes and the dilapidated suitcase. With a tiny hint of sarcasm in his voice, he said, "Oh, no — er —
Professor," then he smirked at Crabbe and Goyle and led them up the steps into the castle.
Remus chuckled— "I'm sure I wasn't dressed up to Malfoy standards."
"You've always dressed hippie."—Sirius shrugged.
"You know who he remembered me off?"—Remus said not noticing everyone was looking at them— "Of you and James with that pureblood accent."
"Oi its called Posh drawl according to Dorea and …
"The proper way of speaking, yes, I remember. But I heard him speak and I thought of you and James."—Remus laughed.
"I can still speak like that"—Sirius said clearing his throat.
Remus shook his head—"Ughh, no"
"Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train, Potter."
Before Harry could reply, there was a soft knock on the door and Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, came bustling in.
Harry felt himself going red in the face. It was bad enough that he'd passed out, or whatever he had done, without everyone making all this fuss.
"Oh, I had no intention of making you feel bad Mr. Potter but when they informed us you had fainted I expected the worst"—Minerva said
"Setting Dementors around a school," she muttered, pushing back Harry's hair and feeling his forehead. "He won't be the last one who collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate —"
"I'm not delicate!" said Harry crossly.
Harry felt himself blush while a few laughed. He glared at the twins who were about to say something.
Sirius pinched one of his biceps
"Did he, now?" said Madam Pomfrey approvingly. "So, we've finally got a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies?"
Remus shook his head disappointed— "It's sad that me giving away chocolate is so up in the good techniques of teaching"
Dumbledore continued, "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.
George— "Well we know who was that one for. Fred and I kept trying to remember when we had used an Invisibility cloak."
"Do you really think all the warnings are for you?"—Charlie said
"Yes!"—Both twins said
"First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to all the other teachers in their best robes.
"Look at Snape!" Ron hissed in Harry's ear.
Professor Snape, the Potions master, was staring along the staff table at Professor Lupin. It was common knowledge that Snape wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but even Harry, who hated Snape, was startled at the expression twisting his thin, sallow face. it was beyond anger: it was loathing. Harry knew that expression only too well; it was the look Snape wore every time he set eyes on Harry.
Sirius had a comment right on the tip of his tongue but the tension hadn't left Remus shoulders since they started reading and he knew Dumbledore forced a truce from him. So, he just rolled his eyes and kept his mouth shut.
Harry sighed, the revelation of what his father had done to Snape still fresh in his mind. He had been thinking about apologizing on behalf of his father, but he didn't know if it would do any good. Snape hadn't even tried at the beginning of the reading with that taunt he had given Remus.
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."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at one another, stunned.
Hagrid blushed and thanked Dumbledore, but Hermione had a little panicky look and leaned into Harry, Sirius and Remus always listening. – "Harry!"—She whispered harshly— "We didn't always speak nice things of his classes"
Sirius chuckled— "Just say sorry, the big guy won't mind"
They reached their familiar, circular dormitory with its five four-poster beds, and Harry, looking around, felt he was home at last.
CHAPTER SIX—Talons and Tea Leaves
As they passed, Malfoy did a ridiculous impression of a swooning fit and there was a roar of laughter.
Andromeda rolled her eyes— "I'm sure he wasn't very brave either"
George laughed— "He wasn't, almost wet himself the little git."
"Hermione," said Ron, frowning as he looked over her shoulder, "they've messed up your timetable. Look — they've got you down for about ten subjects a day. There isn't enough time."
—" Ron leaned closer to the timetable, disbelieving, "look— underneath that, Arithmancy, nine o'clock. I mean, I know you're good, Hermione, but no one's that good. How're you supposed to be in three classes at once?"
"Don't be silly,"
"Pass the marmalade," said Hermione.
"Subtle"—Tonks smirked— "Did you really never tell them, made them guess, taunted at it?"
"Never, Professor McGonagall and Croaker were very adement of no one knowing"
"Yet you broke the laws of time"—Amelia said
"Professor Dumbledore told me"—Hermione said quickly making Kingsley laugh—"Well we can say Hermione wouldn't hold under torture"
"Yeah, threw him right under the bus"—Ted said while Hermione blushed.
"We'd better go, look, Divination's at the top of North Tower. It'll take us ten minutes to get there…"
The golden trio groaned remembering their divination classes.
Harry was used to the subjects of Hogwarts paintings moving around and leaving their frames to visit each other, but he always enjoyed watching them.
"The portraits are the biggest, nosiest people in the school. If you want your secrets known, talk near one"—Sirius said rolling his eyes.
"Yes, but if you're nice to them, they will tell you those secrets to you"—Fred smiled
"Sir cardagos is always helpful, but I don't think he was very sane in real life"—Charlie laughed
"Mental, I don't know how many Gryffindors he left outside even after giving him the password"
"'Sybill Trelawney, Divination teacher,'" Harry read. "How're we supposed to get up there?"
As though in answer to his question, the trapdoor suddenly opened, and a silvery ladder descended right at Harry's feet. Harry climbed the ladder first.
He emerged into the strangest-looking classroom he had ever seen. In fact, it didn't look like a classroom at all, more like a cross between someone's attic and an old-fashioned tea shop. At least twenty small, circular tables were crammed inside it, all surrounded by chintz armchairs and fat little poufs. Everything was lit with a dim, crimson light; the curtains at the windows were all closed, and the many lamps were draped with dark red scarves. It was stiflingly warm, and the fire that was burning under the crowded mantelpiece was giving off a heavy, sickly sort of perfume as it heated a large copper kettle. The shelves running around the circular walls were crammed with dusty-looking feathers, stubs of candles.
Augusta made a face—"Like I told Neville, why is Divination up there?"—
Albus answered—"Sybill asked for that specific room. She likes to look at the stars"
Sirius looked at Harry—"You climbed that ladder every class? That wasn't motivation enough to leave?"
Harry made a face—"I should have left after the first omen of death"
"My name is Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me before. I find that descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the main school clouds my Inner Eye.
McGonagall snorted, and everyone turned to look at her. She blushed and tried to pay attention to the book but Augusta didn't let her.—"Anything you want to say, Minerva?"
"Nothing"
"Oh, we heard you, you don't like this woman do you?"
Minerva sighed—"I have nothing against dear Sybill, is her teaching and subject I don't like.
You, boy," she said suddenly to Neville, who almost toppled off his pouf. "Is your grandmother well?"
"I think so," said Neville tremulously.
"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear," said Professor Trelawney, the firelight glinting on her long emerald earrings. Neville gulped
Minerva looked at the Augusta and pointed at the book. — "See what I mean"
Neville shook his head remembering— "I was so scared, but since Gran hadn't liked me choosing the class, I knew a letter of me worrying about a nonfull prediction from my divination teacher wouldn't be well received"
"Absolutely not, there hasn't been a true seer since Cassandra Trelawney. I'm sure this is one is just a farce"
Dumbledore shook his head, how wrong and right Augusta was—"Sybill is her great-grandaughter"
"And she's not entirely a farce"—Harry said, Sirius went rigid next to him, and he discreetly looked at Dumbledore who shook his head. None the wiser that Snape was also looking at them, he like Sirius had immediately thought of prophecy sitting in the DOM.
"What do you mean?"—Neville said, Harry shook his head—"She gave me a prophecy, I'm sure we will read about it"
Sirius turned around with a questioning look— "Of the day I met you"—Harry said
"In the second term," Professor Trelawney went on, "we shall progress to the crystal ball — if we have finished with fire omens, that is. Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice. And around Easter, one of our number will leave us for ever."
Harry, Ron, and Neville looked at Hermione who squared her shoulders and rolled her eyes.
"Right," said Ron as they both opened their books at pages five and six. "What can you see in mine?"
"A load of soggy brown stuff," said Harry. The heavily perfumed smoke in the room was making him feel sleepy and stupid.
Sirius chuckled— "All this sounds like rubbish to me"—He knew prophecies were real, his grandmother Melania was a true believer but this woman sounded far gone in her pretenses of actually being a seer, she believes her own lies.
"My turn…" Ron peered into Harry's teacup, his forehead wrinkled with effort. "There's a blob a bit like a bowler hat," he said. "Maybe you're going to work for the Ministry of Magic…"
He turned the teacup the other way up.
"But this way it looks more like an acorn… what's that?" He scanned his copy of Unfogging the Future. "'A windfall, unexpected gold.' Excellent, you can lend me some.
Remus bit his lip to stop himself from laughing.
Arthur chuckled— "Perhaps pay attention, son"
"The falcon… my dear, you have a deadly enemy."
"But everyone knows that," said Hermione in a loud whisper. Professor Trelawney stared at her.
"Well, they do," said Hermione. "Everybody knows about Harry and You-Know-Who."
Harry and Ron stared at her with a mixture of amazement and admiration. They had never heard Hermione speak to a teacher like that before. Professor Trelawney chose not to reply. She lowered her huge eyes to Harry's cup again and continued to turn it.
"The club… an attack. Dear, dear, this is not a happy cup…"
"I thought that was a bowler hat," said Ron sheepishly.
"The skull… danger in your path, my dear…"
"My my Hermione who knew you had it in you"—George said amused
"Doesn't she know who she's talking to"—Andromeda said pressing her lips.—"I'm sure what Hermione said couldn't take her by surprise.
Harry sighed; he should have changed electives after this. Now he had so much work to do to fix his mistake.
"My dear," Professor Trelawney's huge eyes opened dramatically, "you have the Grim."
"The what?"
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"The giant, spectral dog that haunts churchyards! My dear boy, it is an omen — the worst omen — of death!"
Harry's stomach lurched. That dog on the cover of Death Omens in Flourish and Blotts — the dog in the shadows of Magnolia Crescent
"Ok, yes I do look like the Grim but…padfoot is cute"
Ron made a face—"Cute my a…"
"RONALD!"
Remus laughed—"He is if you look past the huge size, bear-like paws, and gleaming grey eyes. Also, the maniac within itself…"
"We get it Remus"—Sirius said.
"When you've all finished deciding whether I'm going to die or not!" said Harry, taking even himself by surprise. Now nobody seemed to want to look at him
"No Harry don't be surprised. Be this Harry"—Charlie nodding his head— "Tell people to fuck off, maybe you would have less problems that way"
Ginny made a face in agreement but smiled—"Harry is too nice to do that"-Though she agreed, maybe Harry needed to rebel a little.
He hardly heard what Professor McGonagall was telling them about Animagi (wizards who could transform at will into animals), and wasn't even watching when she transformed herself in front of their eyes into a tabby cat with spectacle markings around her eyes.
Minerva pressed her lips— "The most important moment of class"
"Show off"—Alastor said
"That's why…"—Hermione said snapping her fingers
"What?"
"Harry is observant, but he paid no attention to Professor McGonagall's explanation. Don't you see, perhaps if he had, he could've caught Pettigrew's odd behavior or Remus sooner, but you weren't paying attention."—Hermione said looking at Harry. He nodded, he understood what she meant, this type of magic interested him, but he had been too preoccupied with his own death to actually care.
"The boy isn't that observant"—Mad-eye said
"But it's the little details that get him interested"—Tonks remembered him.
"Really, what has got into you all today?" said Professor McGonagall "Not that it matters, but that's the first time my transformation's not got applause from a class."
Dumbledore chuckled but tried to pass it as a cough after Minerva glared at him.
Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?"
Everyone stared at her.
"Me," said Harry, finally.
"I see," said Professor McGonagall, fixing Harry with her beady eyes. "Then you should know, Potter, that Sybill Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet. Seeing death omens is her favorite way of greeting a new class. She stopped again, and then said, in a very matter-of-fact tone, "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."
Sirius smiled at his ex-professor.
"Harry," he said, in a low, serious voice, "You haven't seen a great black dog anywhere, have you?"
"Yeah, I have," said Harry. "I saw one the night I left the Dursleys'."
Ron let his fork fall with a clatter.
"Probably a stray," said Hermione calmly.
Ron looked at Hermione as though she had gone mad.
"Hermione, if Harry's seen a Grim, that's — that's bad," he said. "My — my uncle Bilius saw one and — and he died twenty-four hours later!"
"Did he?"—Hermione asked the Sr Weasleys. Molly nodded but Arthur shook his head.
Percy rolled his eyes; his family was awfully superstitious. — "Uncle Billius probably died from inhaling too much potion fumes. He liked to experiment"
"I think Divination seems very woolly," she said, searching for her page. "A lot of guesswork, if you ask me."
"There was nothing woolly about the Grim in that cup!" said Ron hotly.
"You didn't seem quite so confident when you were telling Harry it was a sheep," said Hermione coolly.
"Professor Trelawney said you didn't have the right aura! You just don't like being bad at something for a change!"
He had touched a nerve. Hermione slammed her Arithmancy book down on the table so hard that bits of meat and carrot flew everywhere.
"Superstitions exist in the muggle world as well as in the magical world, you just don't have to get carried away by it. Has anyone seen a Grim? and no Sirius you do not count"—Ted said
"I think magic is very complex, just because some don't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Simply not everyone has a need to see them or rather not everyone has to see them."—Luna said looking at Hermione. Who was biting her tongue to keep quiet.
Ron frowned after her.
"What's she talking about?" he said to Harry. "She hasn't been to an Arithmancy class yet."
"We were stupidly oblivious"—Ron said shaking her head.
"Care of magical creatures with the Slytherins sounds like hell"—Bill said
"Oh, it was"
"Hasn' — hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?" said Hagrid, looking crestfallen.
The class all shook their heads.
"Yeh've got ter stroke 'em," said Hagrid, as though this was the most obvious thing in the world. "Look —" He took Hermione's copy and ripped off the Spellotape that bound it. The book tried to bite, but
Hagrid ran a giant forefinger down its spine, and the book shivered, and then fell open and lay quiet in his hand.
"Oh, how silly we've all been!" Malfoy sneered. "We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess!"
"I — I thought they were funny," Hagrid said uncertainly to Hermione.
"Oh, tremendously funny!" said Malfoy. "Really witty, giving us books that try and rip our hands off!"
"Shut up, Malfoy," said Harry quietly. Hagrid was looking downcast and Harry wanted Hagrid's first lesson to be a success.
Snape pressed his lips. Even though he agreed with his godson, about Hagrid being incompetent in his classes, he was getting tired of listening to Draco making a foul of himself. He thought he had more presence in the boy's temperament but this attitude won't end well.
"God, this place is going to the dogs," said Malfoy loudly. "That oaf teaching classes, my father'll have a fit when I tell him —"
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry repeated.
"What is he going to do when Daddy dear isn't around?"—Ted said shaking his head.
"Gee up, there!" he roared, shaking the chains and urging the creatures toward the fence where the class stood. Everyone drew back slightly as Hagrid reached them and tethered the creatures to the fence.
"Hippogriffs!" Hagrid roared happily, waving a hand at them. "Beau'iful, aren' they?"
"The introduction to our dear Buckbeak"—Sirius said smiling at Hagrid.
"Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs is, they're proud," said Hagrid. "Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do."
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle weren't listening; they were talking in an undertone and Harry had a nasty feeling they were plotting how best to disrupt the lesson.
"Right — who wants ter go first?"
Most of the class backed farther away in answer. Even Harry, Ron, and Hermione had misgivings.
"No one?" said Hagrid, with a pleading look.
"I'll do it," said Harry.
"I don't know why no one wants to participate, it sounds fascinating. Kettleburn, also did the Hippogriffs in third year."—Charlie said disappointed.
"Not everyone likes animals Chars"—Fred said.
Harry ignored them. He climbed over the paddock fence.
"Good man, Harry!" roared Hagrid. "Right then — let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak." Malfoy's eyes were narrowed maliciously.
"Easy now, Harry," said Hagrid quietly. "Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink… Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much…"
Harry's eyes immediately began to water, but he didn't shut them. Buckbeak had turned his great, sharp head and was staring at Harry with one fierce orange eye. "Tha's it," said Hagrid. "Tha's it, Harry… now, bow."
Harry didn't feel much like exposing the back of his neck to Buckbeak, but he did as he was told. He gave a short bow and then looked up. But then, to Harry's enormous surprise, the Hippogriff suddenly bent its scaly front knees and sank into what was an unmistakable bow.
Hagrid beamed at Harry; he had been very grateful to him. – "Always respect the animals, they know when you're afraid or don't like them. "
"That's the problem, you don't tell Buckbeak what to do. He does what he wants you just have to nudge him in the right way"—
"Yeah, I'm not interested in flying anything with wings anytime soon"—Harry told his godfather
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle had taken over Buckbeak. He had bowed to Malfoy, who was now patting his beak, looking disdainful.
"This is very easy," Malfoy drawled, loud enough for Harry to, hear him. "I knew it must have been, if Potter could do it… I bet you're not dangerous at all, are you?" he said to the Hippogriff. "Are you, you great ugly brute?"
It happened in a flash of steely talons; Malfoy let out a high pitched scream and next moment, Hagrid was wrestling Buckbeak back into his collar as he strained to get at Malfoy, who lay curled in the grass, blood blossoming over his robes.
"I'm dying!" Malfoy yelled as the class panicked. "I'm dying, look at me! It's killed me!"
Those who had seen Buckbeak flinch.
"I'm sure Poppy patch him up right away"—Andromeda said
"Oh, she did, but its Malfoy he took it too far"
Snape pressed his lips. Draco had told him a different version. He had been incredibly angry about the lack of judgment Hagrid had shown and now he realized his godson had absolutely fucked it up himself.
"There's a light on in Hagrid's window," Harry said suddenly.
Ron looked at his watch.
"If we hurried, we could go down and see him. It's still quite early…"
"I don't know," Hermione said slowly, and Harry saw her glance at him.
"I'm allowed to walk across the grounds," he said pointedly. "Sirius Black hasn't got past the Dementors yet, has he?"
"Not the Dementors but I did past the Station Aurors before making my way to the highlands"—
Amelia groaned. — "I'm firing people"
One look told them that Hagrid had been drinking a lot; there was a pewter tankard almost as big as a bucket in front of him, and he seemed to be having difficulty getting them into focus.
"'Spect it's a record," he said thickly, when he recognized them. "Don' reckon they've ever had a teacher who lasted on'y a day before."
"Oh Hagrid"—Minerva said— "You should have spoken to me."
"School governors are fucking useless."
"I think you've had enough to drink, Hagrid," said Hermione firmly. She took the tankard from the table and went outside to empty it.
"Ah, maybe she's right," said Hagrid, letting go of Harry and Ron, who both staggered away, rubbing their ribs. Hagrid heaved himself out of his chair and followed Hermione unsteadily outside. They heard a loud splash.
"What's he done?" said Harry nervously as Hermione came back in with the empty tankard.
"Stuck his head in the water barrel," said Hermione, putting the tankard away.
Minerva pursed her lips. She knew that Hagrid was friendly with many of the students and that friendship had helped many children, but she didn't want any of them to see him drink. - Hagrid, we're going to have to talk about your alcohol use"
Hagrid only nodded.
Hagrid stopped dead, staring at Harry as though he'd only just realized he was there.
"WHAT D'YEH THINK YOU'RE DOIN', EH?" he roared, so suddenly that they jumped a foot in the air. "YEH'RE NOT TO GO WANDERIN' AROUND AFTER DARK, HARRY! AN, YOU TWO! LETTIN' HIM!"
"We can't always control Harry"—Hermione said pressing her lips
Harry rolled his eyes.-"I don't need to be controlled."
Before the book could keep going Molly spoke. "We should have lunch"— looking around. Everyone agreed and she stood up to walk to the kitchen. Remus excused himself, Tonks and Sirius watching him leave with a frown. The rest decided to stretch their legs and use the restroom. Sirius went looking for his friend. He found him in his room hiding in the bathroom, so Sirius laid back on the bed. He waited until he realized Remus wouldn't come out. He grabbed a book and threw it at the door. Remus opened the door and gave him an irritated look. – "Do you need something"
"You promised Harry you wouldn't drown in self-pity"
"For heaven's sake Sirius get out"
"NO!"
"Let me be"
"No!"
Remus sighed exasperated and leaned into a dresser— "I just needed a moment"
"To self-pity"—Sirius said again— "I understand, I saw Andy's face to"
Remus flinched— "I don't know what you're talking about"
"Yes, you do. She will come around I promise"
"You can't promise me that and there is nothing for her to come around."
"Dora wants you"
"Dora is too young and I'm…"
"A werewolf"
"Old, dangerous, and poor. Not exactly Boyfriend material especially for the daughter of Regal Andromeda Tonks."
"Please, Dora isn't how she is because Andy was always Regal. I'm sure Andy's problem with you has nothing to do with your condition."
"Yet she still has a problem with me"
Sirius sat up with a growl. — "So? Andy isn't the one that wants you. Tonks is more than willing, girl practically falls at your feet."
Remus smiled adoringly— "That's because she's clumsy and she tries to walk too fast and…"—He shook his head
Sirius rolled his eyes— "She's 22, in Auror, and is fighting a war. I'm sure Tonks can afford to make her own decisions…"
"No, Dora deserves someone that can give her everything and I have absolutely nothing. She deserves to be cherished and spoiled and I can't afford that, she deserves someone that can protect her and take her of her and I can't do that, I have a target on my back and I need constant care a few days a month, let's not forget I can't give her a normal relationship like children… risk they are born with this curse…"—Remus said harshly.
Sirius eyes widened— "Children! What the fuck… you've known her for what six months and she's been flirting with you for what 3 of them… holy shit you are so smitten"—Sirius said completely baffled.
Remus groaned passing a hand over his face. – "Shut up, I just meant…"
"I know what you meant… you like her, I mean you like like her. It's ok, I guess it happens. I mean look at James… I mean I'm sure there have been some girls in all these years…"
"One or two but nothing lasting and the last one was a werewolf, but it wasn't meant to be… it's just that…."—Remus stood up leaning on his elbows. Sirius had a shit-eating grin and nodded, encouraging him to keep talking but Remus shook his head—"nothing, it cant happen. We have other things to concentrate in"
Sirius took a deep breath, knowing his friend wasn't going to speak more, he had reached his limit. –"Fine, fine I will keep my mouth shut…for now, But even if we have all of this going on…you have a right to focus on you"
Remus eyebrow raised—"What about you?"
"me?"—
"About what Amelia said…"
"Ah, I don't like to hope. Free or not, my priority is Harry and making sure he lives. I might even go with you to Hogwarts."
Remus smiled—"Too many things going on… it's getting exhausting"
"Yeah, we got information from the future, I might be free, and you might have children"
Remus punched him on the shoulder, Sirius laughed and went back to lying down next to Remus, shoulder to shoulder.
"It's only going to get worse, isn't it?"—
"Oh yeah"
Hi guys, I'm sorry it took so long to update but I kind of reached a slump with these chapters. I'll try to update you sooner. I hope you like it.
So the reason I didn't update is that I rewrote this chapter, I tried to get it out quickly and it felt forced. I promise I will give you a Remadora scene, I'm just waiting for the perfect chapters, probably when Remus starts teaching Harry the Patronum.
Now for those who asked me not to pair Sirius and Hermione. DON'T WORRY I WON'T. I am planning a Sirmione, it won't happen here. For now ill keep her with Ron but only because I still don't know what ill be doing with them.
I hope you like it and please Review.