Chapter 24 Is Professor Lupin ill? Hermione's dreams and Halloween the day of the death, a 'bad' holiday.
28th October 1993, Defence against the Dark arts classroom, Hogwarts
Harry walked into the classroom with Hermione, Neville, and Ron. They took a seat around halfway in the classroom even though Hermione try to get more at the front of the class, but when Harry did seat down she quickly took a seat at the desk on the left side with Ron on her left side and Neville took a seat at the desk on the right side of Harry.
Harry didn't see Professor Lupin, yet. Professor Lupin walks in but Harry like most students found that Professor Lupin looks quite sick, but never less he started the class. It was theoretical as he discussed Trolls. Homework for the class was to name the four kinds of Trolls, what the difference is between the different kinds and the uses of 'living' Trolls in the wizard community. Professor Lupin wanted 2 feet as homework and because it was the longest (if you didn't count potions) until now, Professor Lupin gave you time until November 12th.
28th October 1993, the Library, Hogwarts
Hermione's table was almost known by the whole school as her table in the back of the library and if you put two feet between you and the table you could clearly see the entrance and most of the library while you were barely visible.
She was working on the Trolls when she started to remember the encounter in her first year with a Mountain Troll when Harry saved her. Yes, Ron was there too but he was the reason she didn't know about the Troll and he just barely managed to do a spell right for once while Harry jumped on the back of the Troll to save her or at least distract the Troll from her so she could get away, unfortunately, she was almost frozen. That action could have very well severely hurt him and maybe even killed him. Ron wanted to run away and was almost hiding just outside the room but when Harry asked to think about something to help them he immediately looked at Hermione who mounted Wingardium Leviosa.
She decided to grab her arithmancy book so she wouldn't focus on the memory of the Troll that sometimes still woke her up at night.
28th October 1993, Third-year girls dormitory, Gryffindor Tower.
In the dream sometimes the troll hit her with the club with the last thing she saw was a laughing Harry and Ron or Harry saying you are not worthy of me, let stand to be my friend filthy, beaver faced, bushy-haired, know-it-all mudblood.
However, the worst nightmare was that it killed Harry and then left her laughing before leaving sometimes throw Harry's body around before leaving or used his club on his dead body mostly with a laughing Ron, sometimes Ron wasn't there or screamed you fault before running away and screaming get out of this yourself you ugly, friendless, know-it-all. Sometimes you only heard Ron's voice screaming the same thing. Fortunately, she didn't have those nightmares anymore, well almost.
Later that night she woke up not because she had a nightmare. No, it was a very pleasurable one where Harry saved her, hugged her and said: "I love you, Hermione."
She responded, "I love you too from the first moment I saw you on the train before I knew you were Harry Potter" and kissed him back almost turning into a snog before her mind understand what she did. This was the first time she dreamed of something like this and said that she loved him. She woke up shocked and disappointed that it wasn't real which shocked her more and feeling guilty towards Ginny and somehow Katie before she decided to work on some homework she needed to do and not use the time turner as she was awake now anyway.
31st October 1993 Halloween, just outside the great hall, Hogwarts
Harry had a lay in today. He has been running at least four times a week mostly in the morning but sometimes in the evening. Some weeks he did it every day but never less than four times a week. He was walking out of the hall after Breakfast with Hermione, Neville, and Ginny. The other boys from his dorm invite him for a game of exploding snaps after the feast as tomorrow morning they had history of magic so they could sleep some more in the class. They invited the third-year girls and some of the older years but the girls didn't want to do it and the older years didn't have a class where they could sleep a little more early in the morning like the third years (Gryffindors).
Professor McGonagall was passing them but before she could enter Harry said "Professor McGonagall could I ask you a question?"
Professor McGonagall said "I am sorry Mr. Potter I am very busy at the moment the Dementors and Aurors patrols ask my attention so I am sorry but I cannot talk to you at least until the end of November outside of class. I know I would tell you about your parents and wanted to surprise you to have some stories about your grandparents but ales it needs to wait because Professor Dumbledore is busy with ICW and wizengamot business because of Sirius Black. I don't know exactly what the ICW wants of the wizengamot for that matter but it is enough that he put most duties including everything that has to do with the Dementors and Aurors patrols as I said before on me besides the other duties I have which is quite a lot this year."
Harry said, "I understand Professor and I don't mind maybe over Yule holiday, we can talk if you have some time, but that wasn't what I wanted to ask."
Professor McGonagall gave him one of her few smiles she ever showed her students and said: "I am very sorry Mr. Potter that I couldn't keep the promise I made to you before the school year, but what is it that you want to ask?"
Harry said "I know everyone should be present for feasts like Halloween but I ask permission if I could not be present tonight. Most people like Halloween and will be having fun and celebrate it, but for me, it was the night my parents died and that is why I hope you could allow it for me to pass the feast."
Professor McGonagall's face softened almost letting her mask slip. She said "I understand Mr. Potter and I will allow it as there is nothing important at the moment. If something happened that you should need to know about or request your presence I will let you know. However, I do want to know where you would be during the Halloween feast."
Harry thought for a moment and said: "I don't know yet Professor McGonagall I thought maybe watch sundown and the night sky on top of the Astronomy tower or be in the Common Room reading, doing homework or enjoy the view outside the windows in the Tower or the third year boys dormitory."
Harry thought about going to the chamber, but he didn't want to ask for Dobby's help when the kitchen would probably be very busy with preparing and making enough food for the Great Hall and all the students and teachers even during the feast.
Professor McGonagall said "okay Mr. Potter as head of your house I allow it, but you need to be in the Common Room by the curfew for the fifth year students if there is a feast so that is 10:30 PM. I will make sure you get parchment that allows you so you can enjoy your evening on this very sad day Mr. Potter. Don't abuse the extra time or that you don't have to be present at the feast or you will be in detention for the remainder of the year and 50 points will be taken at least from Gryffindor."
Harry said, "thank you, Professor McGonagall."
Before Professor McGonagall could walk into the Great Hall at the same time Ginny and Hermione said: "Professor McGonagall I like to also be excused so we can support Harry through this night." Hermione and Ginny were shocked they said exactly the same thing and what they asked of Professor McGonagall. They said it before they thought about it and they felt they needed to say it but didn't know how or why.
Professor McGonagall said "Sorry Miss Granger and Miss Weasley I cannot allow that as you don't have any reason to as you are just friends to Mr. Potter and nothing more …. at the moment. For your loyalty and wanted to give support to another student I award you both 10 points for Gryffindor."
In the end, Professor McGonagall did something very unlike her, she gave a wink to Ginny and Hermione which made both blush like a tomato. Harry looked at Neville and Neville just shrugged. Harry was oblivious while Neville thought about it and thinks that Professor McGonagall meant some kind of connection with Harry but thought about it further as he followed Hermione, Ginny, and Harry.
Professor McGonagall has walked into the great hall for breakfast as she didn't have the morning duty to be present for the beginning of the breakfast. Ginny and Hermione didn't say anything but looked very sad but they had already walked away hoping Harry and Neville for that matter didn't understand why they were blushing.
The rest of the day they spend doing homework or in Harry's case reading. They saw Ron only when he came looking. After breakfast, Ron came to play chess and Dean and Seamus try to defeat him together. It took quite some time but still, Ron won easily from them. Ron wanted to play again but Seamus and Dean still had homework to do. Ron wanted to postpone it but Dean and Seamus weren't as bad as Ron. Ron didn't want to start so he went to look for other Gryffindors that wanted to play but weren't in the Common Room.
The next time Harry saw Ron was during lunch before he with Hermione, Neville, Ginny and a very reluctant Ron went back to the common room to work on their homework even though Harry was the only one done. Hermione would normally also but since the Hogsmeade weekend homework had increased for all the classes and she had almost trouble keeping up without using the time turner, she would not be done 2 days before it was needed and mostly was done the day before she needed to hand it in while in the first two years she week be done the day or 2 after she knew what the homework was.
31st October 1993 Halloween, Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts
It was a couple of hours later when students that were in the Common Room or came from the library when they were done went to the Great Hall for the feast. Ron wanted to go quickly because he was afraid he would miss the start and wouldn't get time to get a second, third and maybe even fourth plate of food if not more.
Hermione wanted to stay behind but her trust in authority figures won and she reluctantly went to the Great Hall. Ginny wanted to stay but she was too nervous to be alone with Harry on just an emotional day for Harry and that is not to mention Hermione almost drag Ginny with her both looking sad and worried. Neville said, "see you later Harry."
Harry said, "yes Neville, Hermione, and Ginny see you later."
Harry sees that everyone has left and decides to go to the Astronomy Tower and hopes Hedwig comes to him.
31st October 1993, top of the Astronomy Tower, Hogwarts
When he reaches the Astronomy Tower almost 10 minutes later he already sees Hedwig sitting there like she is waiting on him. When Hedwig sees him she flies towards him and lands on his shoulder before affectionally nibbling his ear. Harry had some owl treats in his pocket as he grabbed some treats before coming here for the chance Hedwig was here or found him.
When Hedwig had eaten the owl treats they were silently watching the sundown while Harry was scratching Hedwig which she loved. After almost 30 minutes Harry hears a pop behind him which sounded very hard because it was almost completely silently just a moment before. Harry stands up while turning around and sees Dobby with a tray with food on it including a plate with only bacon strips and a few owl treats.
Dobby said "Master Harry Dobby didn't see Master Harry in the Great Hall. Dobby went to find Master and Dobby found Master so Dobby came to give Master and Master's owl dinner."
Harry sees on the tray all the food he normally would take including some things he sometimes takes. A big pitcher of pumpkin juice, an empty cup and two pints of butterbeer. Two plates one empty, the other clearly for Hedwig and his favourite dessert treacle tart but had two pieces. He grabbed the tray before he put it down and see Dobby snap his fingers when he looked confused Dobby said: "Dobby put a warming charm on the food and a cold charm on the drinks."
Harry smiled and said, "thank you Dobby, but I thought there was no treacle tart during Halloween or bacon strips."
Dobby nodded and said, "yes Master Harry but Dobby made it for Master Harry and the bacon strips for Master Harry's owl Hedwig."
Harry tried to make Dobby stop calling him master and said: "Thank you very much Dobby, but Dobby you know you don't have to call me Master, Harry is okay."
Dobby shook his and said "no Master Harry. Master Harry is Dobby's master and friend."
Harry sighed and thought 'Dobby, Dobby, Dobby why would you call me Master when you are my friend like yourself just said.'
Harry asked "okay Dobby, but if you call me Sir that can also if other people are nearby except Hermione. I remember the look in her eyes when I told you about you last year and that you needed to punish yourself."
Dobby looked at the floor and said: "does Master Harry want Dobby to punish himself."
Harry said with a loud voice "no never Dobby." Harry continued without a loud voice "as I said before if you think you did something wrong just come to so we could talk about it you don't have to punish yourself."
Dobby nodded very enthusiastically and said "yes Master Harry. Dobby will come if Dobby did something bad."
Harry said, "Dobby there is no chance you won't call me Master when we are alone or when other people mostly Hermione will understand is there?"
Dobby said "No Master Harry but is Master want Dobby can sometimes call you Sir Harry Potter Sir if Master Harry calls for Dobby when is alone except for Master's owl Hedwig or the big snake Medusa. Dobby wants to call Master Harry mostly Master because Dobby loves being Master Harry's elf."
Harry said "thought so. Okay, Dobby you can keep calling me Master, but I prefer sometimes Sir but only if you want to. You can call me Sir if someone is close by but not Master until I tell you so like I said before I am afraid Hermione would be very mad, I wonder how she would react that Hogwarts has house elves if she doesn't know already."
Dobby didn't say anything and Harry asked "Dobby is it very busy in the kitchen right now"
Dobby nodded and said "yes Master Harry. Does Master Harry need something?"
Harry said, "No Dobby I have everything I want right here as does Hedwig but maybe after dinner, she wants some more bacon strips."
Hedwig hooted agreement and Harry smiled "Dobby you want to go to the kitchen to help your friends right?"
Dobby looked at the ground and nodded. Harry said "that is okay. If you want you just needed to ask."
Dobby raised his eyes and hugged Harry's leg. Dobby cried "Master Harry is so good to Dobby."
Harry said, "it is okay Dobby, but before you go I have one request."
Dobby nodded while still hugging Harry's leg. Harry sighed and asked, "could you take some meat after dinner to the chamber for Medusa?"
Dobby hesitantly said, "if Master wants it, Dobby will bring meat after the feast to big snakey."
Harry said, "is there a problem Dobby?"
Dobby said "no Master Harry. Dobby will do as Master ask."
Harry still saw that Dobby was reluctant and said: "Dobby you can tell me what is wrong?"
Dobby let go of Harry's leg and looked at the floor. Dobby said, "Dobby doesn't trust big snakey Master Harry after everything Dobby heard in old master's manor."
Harry smiled and said, "Dobby you trust me right not as your Master but as a friend."
Dobby nodded before looking up at Harry. Harry continued "then trust me on Medusa. She would not hurt innocent people and would protect the castle from attacks and dangerous people. She agreed not to enter the castle unless the danger is in the castle and if possible she would ask me first. So please trust me to trust Medusa."
Dobby said "yes Master Harry. Dobby will trust Master Harry as a friend but also as Master."
Harry put his hand off his head and said "thank you Dobby. I don't want to keep you from working in the kitchen I will see you again soon when you have more time Dobby. Don't forget to give some meat to Medusa and goodnight."
Dobby said "goodnight Master Harry. Dobby hopes to see Master Harry soon."
Dobby popes out and Harry went to sit again while looking at the horizon over the forbidden forest not noticing the skeleton horses that sometimes fly to the tops of the trees. The skeleton horses were barely visible because of the darkness caused by the Dementors because the horses are black.
Harry was lost in thought thinking about how the year was going on and how his friendship with Neville and Ginny were greatly improving, with his other dorm mates and year mates (including the girls even from other houses) were improving, the way his house (Gryffindor) was seen more as a family with almost everyone has apologized for last year or the start of this year even some of the other house except Slytherin of course. There was only one person and one group who didn't improve and somewhat deteriorate and that was Ron's friendship and Malfoy, his goons and the rest of Malfoy's gang were worse than normal.
Harry sighs happily that his plan to improve his stamina was working but it was improving at a slow rate after the first few weeks. First, it went well but as the weeks progressed he was improving less than expected, but I didn't bother him much he was enjoying the running. Hedwig was looking over Harry when he was running but Harry didn't know that.
The evening was slowly progressing and Hedwig sat on the railing looking at the horizon with Harry a few feet behind her sitting against a wall enjoying the evening and the calm night.
31st October 1993, Great Hall, Hogwarts
It was dinner time and many students were happily talking forgetting about the dementors just outside of Hogwarts, the homework you needed to do or the difficult classes but mostly forgetting that a mass murderer named Sirius Black might be coming here to kill one of your fellow students. A few girls were worried about Harry Potter and his friends.
Hermione and Ginny were having trouble eating thinking about what Harry would be doing and thinking right now. Last they saw him he was in the Gryffindor Common Room almost 30 minutes ago 'maybe he was working on some homework or reading ahead to get his mind off his parents' death and forget about Sirius Black' Hermione thought. Ginny hoped that 'he was okay and not be too unhappy' but felt that he was okay and calm not contained by grief or other unpleasant things and just enjoying the calm night.
After a few hours, the feast was nearing its end. Normally you could go when you want but not when there is a feast. If there is a feast you need to stay until the end even if you aren't hungry or are done already. When the feast was half done Neville, Fay, Lavender, Parvati, Dean and Seamus with help from the Quidditch team and a few second and first years managed to encourage Hermione and Ginny to eat and not worry about Harry when Fay, Katie, Fred and George, and a few others asked where he was.
When the feast was nearing his end Hermione and Neville decided to wait for Ron to finish his last plate while almost the rest of the houses slowly started to leave just when Ron took his last bite everything disappeared leaving only empty house tables and Ron was looking confused at the Gryffindor house tables like he still wanted to eat while he had at least had four plates of food.
Ginny already went ahead with the second year because she needed to do some homework that she wanted to do already. The first two months without the diary showed that she was one of the top students of the years theoretical but was having trouble performing the spells fortunately she was getting better thanks to Harry that sometimes could help her mostly with simple charms or 'complex' DADA spells and even some transfiguration spells that she needed to learn.
31st October 1997, 7th floor Gryffindor Tower just outside the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hogwarts.
Hermione, Ron, and Neville we almost at the Fat Lady when Hermione noticed a large group standing in front of the Fat Lady. She couldn't see the painting but she noticed that almost all the students were Gryffindors seeing the Quidditch team, girls from her year and dorm, seeing the boys from her year (minus Ron and Neville because they are behind her). She also recognized Percy as head boy and some other upper years when Ginny came through the group and said: "The Fat Lady was attacked."
Hermione didn't know how to respond when Neville asked: "what do you mean attacked?"
Ron said "don't be ridiculous Ginny, she can't be attacked, she is just a painting. Ginny sto…"
Before Ron could continue he was interrupted when Professor Dumbledore asked to move aside followed by Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick and Vanessa the sixth year prefect from Gryffindor. Hermione only knew her name because in Hogsmeade she saw her lunch in the Three Broomsticks with only Wood, captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and she heard some guys and girls tease and congratulate him on his first date with a hot girl like Vanessa.
Professor Dumbledore touched the slashes, Hermione, Ron, and Neville now saw and Professor Dumbledore said: "Mr. Filch round up the ghosts and research every painting in the castle ... to find the Fat Lady."
Mr. Filch two feet behind Professor Dumbledore was already looking around and answered 'there is no need for ghosts Professor." Mr. Filch pointed and said, "the Fat Lady is there."
All the students run to the painting Mr. Filch pointed at while the head boy (Percy Weasley) said: "he mind where you're going, slow down, you listen I am head boy" when they pushed and ran past him.
When Professor Dumbledore stood before the painting he said: "Dear Lady who did this to you?"
The Fat Lady was hiding behind a hippopotamus in a painting with more hippopotamuses gazing on a savanna. She looked over the hippopotamus she was hiding behind and said with a shocked crying voice "Eyes like the devil he's got. And a soul as dark as his name. It was him, Headmaster. The one they talk about. He's here. Somewhere in the castle. Sirius Black.
All the students started to panic. As the students react, Dumbledore's voice cuts through.
Professor Dumbledore said "Secure the castle, Mr. Filch. The rest of you... to the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall, please bring all the students from your house to the Great Hall. Professor Flitwick, do the same with the students from your house. I will let Professor Sprout and Professor Snape do the same with their house. The students will sleep in the Great Hall tonight while the staff will search the castle for Sirius Black."
Professor Dumbledore immediately walks away and Professor McGonagall says "okay everyone we should go to the Great Hall immediately."
Before Professor McGonagall walks to the front of the students Hermione and Ginny stand before Professor McGonagall and said quietly so only Professor McGonagall could hear "Professor McGonagall, Harry."
Before Professor McGonagall could say anything five more girls said: "Professor McGonagall a few of our housemates aren't here."
Katie said "I haven't seen Harry during dinner. We must find him he doesn't know he needs to be in the Great Hall. I hope he is alright."
Fay and Parvati standing behind her nodded, they wanted to say the same thing. Parvati because she talked with Harry and started to really notice him this year and Fay spend quite some time with Hermione because they were partners in Herbology, Arithmancy and were the fourth of the group in the study of ancient runes (the group is Hermione, Fay, Neville, and Harry) and started to talk more about Harry (because of Hermione) but also with Harry.
Alicia said, "Fred, George, and Lee are also missing." Angelina continued "but all three were at the feast."
Right after she said that Lee was walking up the stairs, but the twins were not with him. Professor McGonagall saw that and asked, "Mr. Jordan where were you?"
Lee said, "I was just walking around Professor McGonagall." Lee told a half-truth as he was walking around but not just. He was asked by the twins to play some pranks while they planning another prank in the form of candy. Unfortunately, Lee didn't see students play a prank as this prank was for students of other houses.
Professor McGonagall didn't believe him and asked: "where are both Mr. Weasley's, the twins?"
Lee said, "I don't know, professor."
Professor McGonagall didn't believe Lee and decided to not ask him to speak the truth and say the reason why she needs to know where they are. "Mr. Jordan we all need to go to the Great Hall for safety, Sirius Black is in the castle."
Lee looked shocked and said "I don't know where they are exactly but they said they went towards the Astronomy Tower that is all I know. They said they wanted to surprise Harry, but I don't know why they think he is there. I suggested that he is in the Common Room as he wasn't at dinner, but they were sure."
Professor McGonagall sighed, sure the twins with Lee were pranksters but to be honest Harry's father, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and bless his soul Peter Pettigrew were a bit worse, but the twins with Lee were close. However now was not the time to compare them or get lost in the past if Sirius Black still is in the castle every student is in danger, but especially Harry if Amelia spoke the truth when she spoke after talking to Hagrid about his retrial.
Professor McGonagall sees the Fat Lady closing her old portrait and asked: "my dear Lady do you know if Mr. Potter is still in the Common Room."
The Fat Lady said, "Mr. Potter left a few minutes after the feast started, but I don't remember which way he go."
Professor McGonagall thanked the Fat Lady and said: "prefects bring our house to the Great Hall safely."
Professor Flitwick said, "I will join you, Minerva, Ravenclaw common room is close to the Astronomy Tower where the twins would probably be after that we could find Mr. Potter if he isn't at the Astronomy Tower."
At that moment Oliver Wood walked with Vanessa beside him and asked Angelina "did you tell Professor McGonagall that the double trouble twins are not here?"
Angelina and Alicia nodded. Alicia said "yes and Lee told us where they are probably."
Oliver Wood nodded before he followed the rest of Gryffindor's house. Professor McGonagall said, "Miss Granger, Miss Johnson, Miss Spinnet, Miss Bell and Miss Weasley go with the other students."
Angelina and Alicia nodded but Hermione, Katie, and Ginny didn't want to and first see Harry safe. Professor McGonagall saw that and said, "I cannot take you all that would be too dangerous Miss Granger you can come because you know better than anyone else why Harry would not be in the Common Room."
Katie and Ginny were reluctantly dragged away by Alicia and Angelina but as soon as they were descending the stairs the struggling stopped and they speed up to catch up with the Gryffindors who reached the fifth floor. Alicia was a prefect so when they reached the Gryffindors nothing was said by the head boy, Percy Weasley.
31st October 1993, near the Ravenclaw Common Room and Astronomy tower, Hogwarts
Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and Hermione were walking to the Astronomy Tower when they crossed Professor Babbling. Professor McGonagall asked "Bathsheda what are you doing here. Shouldn't you be in the Great Hall?"
Professor Babbling said "yes, but Headmaster Dumbledore said that I should get the Ravenclaws because Professor Flitwick was with you probably first taking the Gryffindors to the Great Hall, so I would be better if I would get the Ravenclaws."
Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick nodded that it was understandable but they both wanted that Professor Dumbledore first asked them or Minerva thought 'he should have asked Filius' while Professor Flitwick thinks 'he should have asked me.'
Professor Flitwick said "if you are here we could get them. I may sound unhappy but I am not at you Bathsheda but the Headmaster should have asked me certainly because Minerva send the Gryffindors down with the prefects and head boy which was also my plan but instead of the head boy, the head girl of course. After all, there is only one head boy and my house has the head girl."
Professor Babbling was happy that the two most senior members of the staff except the Headmaster weren't mad at her at least. They continued walking towards the Ravenclaw Common Room. Hermione was curious about what the Ravenclaw Common Room looked like and hoped she could look inside. She was picturing it in her mind when suddenly Harry was in her mind and she thought no Harry is much more important. The Ravenclaw Common Room probably filled with books is not more important than Harry, Harry is a thousand times more important to me than some books.
Hermione was shocked by the realization that Harry was getting more important every day, but only as a friend right? Before she could continue to think about it all the Professors stopped walking and she almost bumped into professor Flitwick who was walking in front of her while Professor McGonagall was beside her and Professor Babbling was walking behind her.
31st October 1993, just outside of the Ravenclaw Common Room, Hogwarts
Hermione easily looked over professor Flitwick and saw a heavy door with an eagle statue above it and a knocker that looked like an eagle's head. Flitwick points his wand at the knocker and the knocker goes three times to the door. The eagle above the door said, "Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."
The eagle moved as it lived just like in the paintings. The eagle opens his wings and said: "greetings Professor Flitwick, are you here to test your wit or do you need to enter the Common Room immediately?"
Professor Flitwick "greeting. I would like to enter immediately if you don't mind."
The eagle bowed a bit and said: "of course, Professor Flitwick all I need is the password from you, Professor Flitwick."
Professor Flitwick smiled and said to the eagle " wit is the knowledge that doesn't corrupt."
The eagle bowed and closed his wings, and the knocker disappear at the door. The door opened and Professor Flitwick and Professor Babbling walked in. When Hermione wants to follow Professor McGonagall put a hand on her shoulder and said: "we just wait here, Miss Granger."
Almost 15 minutes later the door opens again and Professor Flitwick and Professor Babbling walk out of the Ravenclaw Common Room followed by the head girl Penelope Clearwater and two prefects before the years come out starting with the lower years and ending with the seventh years.
Professor Flitwick said "Miss Clearwater, you will lead the house to the Great Hall."
Penelope said "Yes, Professor" and walked in front of the students. Professor Babbling didn't walk with them and said: "Filius, I will come with you, Minerva and Miss Granger to look for the Weasley twins and Mr. Potter."
Professor Babbling really likes Mr. Potter. He was very good at Ancient Runes for just a third year, she thinks he could pass the OWL's with at least an acceptable not good enough for the NEWT class but still get an OWL two years before he needed to take the OWL's.
Professor Flitwick said, "we should go to the Astronomy tower to find the Weasley Twins and Mr. Potter."
The other Professor and Hermione nodded and went to the Astronomy tower. A few minutes later they were at the base of the stairs that led to the top of the Astronomy Tower.
31st October 1993, Astronomy Tower, Hogwarts
Harry suddenly heard "oh Harry you are alright."
Before he could look at the voice of the sound he was knocked to the ground and noticed the brown bushy hair of his best friend. Harry asked, "Hermione what is wrong?"
Hermione was sobbing and said "I-I-I was s-s-so scared th-that y-you were hurt. Sirius Black w-was or s-s-still is in the castle. He attacked th-the fat lady to gain-n en-en-entrance to t-the t-t-t-t-tower. If y-y-you were in in in the tower and heard t-the co-commotion o-outside y-you would h-have certainly go go go outside to what was ha-happening and could h-have b-been ca-captured, hu-hurt or ki-ki-killed."
When looked at the staircase and sees Professor McGonagall, Professor Babbling and Professor Flitwick all smiling even professor McGonagall even though it was a small smile.
A second later Professor McGonagall said, "Miss Granger this is highly inappropriate, get off Mr. Potter immediately, we need to go to the Great Hall immediately."
Hermione gets off Harry and holds her hand out to help Harry up. As soon as Harry was standing Hedwig fly to Harry and landed on his shoulder. Harry scratched her but when he stops she didn't fly what she normally does. Professor McGonagall said, "Harry sent Hedwig to the owlery so we can go to the Great Hall."
Hedwig hoots something and Harry said to Hedwig "but you need to."
Hedwig hoot again and Harry said, "but Hedwig….."
Hedwig hoots interrupting Harry. Hedwig hoots almost a full minute before Harry says "Hedwig you need to go."
Hedwig nips his ear and hoots what looked like anger for almost 5 minutes until Harry says "okay, okay I will ask but that means I tried okay." Harry sighed saying "by Merlin's beard."
Harry looks and the Professors and said "Professor McGonagall Hedwig doesn't want to go. She wants to stay with me so she can protect me and I don't end up in the Hospital Wing again just like with Buckbeak but she is happy when I am happy playing Quidditch where I can get hurt weirdly enough."
Professor Babbling and Professor Flitwick look amazed. It looked like Harry and Hedwig were having a conversation or better said an argument and obviously Hedwig won the argument. Professor McGonagall knows Hedwig is smart and that was why she was mad for Harry being hurt at the start of the school year, Hedwig loves Harry after all, but she has never seen a real conversation between Harry and Hedwig before.
Professor McGonagall sighed and said while looking mostly a Hedwig "she is not going to let you leave without her is she, Harry?"
Hedwig hooted and Harry shakes his head and says "no and even if she left she will try to find a way back into the castle."
"And she will find it," Harry said after thinking for a minute when he remembered that the chamber has entrances and exits inside the castle and you can enter the chamber from the forest. Hedwig hooted in agreed and Harry felt that Hedwig thought the chamber was a good idea and she just need to try to avoid Medusa's eyes… for now. Harry wondered why for now, but was shaking out of his thought when he hears Professor McGonagall say "okay but she must behave and not try to keep the other students awake or you for that matter as tomorrow is still a school day."
Harry nodded and said "I am sure she just wants to see that I am safe and not get hurt in any way. I do want to ask if you could be provided with a perch for Hedwig and if I can see the portrait of the Fat Lady to see what has happened."
Professor McGonagall nodded and said "let's go" before walking down the stairs followed by Professor Babbling while Professor Flitwick waits for Harry and Hermione to walk down the stairs.
When they were at the base of the stairs Professor McGonagall said: "Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley hold it right there."
Fred and George stopped and looked at the sound of the voice but already knew it was Professor McGonagall.
George said "good evening Professor McGonagall."
Fred continued "what can we."
George said, "do for you?"
Professor McGonagall "we need to go to the Great Hall immediately."
Fred said, "we know Professor."
George "but we know."
"And We saw," Fred said knowing Luna as does George.
"Miss Lovegood walking" George continued.
They said in unison "this way earlier."
Professor McGonagall said, "do you know where she went?"
Fred and George shook their heads and Fred said: "no, but we know."
George continued "that she didn't leave this floor."
Fred said, "at least not through."
George said "the Grand Staircase."
George continued "so she should."
Fred said, "still be on."
In unison said "the seventh floor."
Professor McGonagall groaned when they are done. She hated it when they finished each other sentences. She secretly was happy for them to have such a sibling but when they used it on her she hated it.
Professor Flitwick was a bit shocked as Luna Lovegood was one of his houses and to be honest a fascinating young woman in his eyes even though sometimes she said something he didn't get. Why did none of his house say that she wasn't there like the Gryffindors did with Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley the twins and Mr. Jordan?
Everyone followed Fred and George and after searching for a few minutes they saw her walking on bare feet. Professor Flitwick said "Miss Lovegood, why weren't you in the Common Room?"
Luna looked and said "because Professor Flitwick Nargles stole my shoes and tomorrow I got Herbology and didn't want to go to the greenhouses on bare feet as long as it is cold outside. I hope if I found the Nargles I could find my shoes, but I saw some Nargles but I lost them when they went up here. I forget to protect my stuff including my shoes, but I and my clothes were protected.
Professor Flitwick pointed his wand and cast a spell silently and almost five minutes later two pairs of shoes fly towards Professor Flitwick and said: "Are these your shoes, Miss Lovegood."
Luna put one pair on and grabbed the others and said: "yes thank you, Professor Flitwick."
Professor McGonagall said, "now that Miss Lovegood got her shoes we can go to the Great Hall."
Professor Flitwick said "Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley both 10 points for Gryffindor so a total of 20 points for Gryffindor for trying to help a student.
When they were on the third floor they come across Mr. Filch and he said "Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and Professor Babbling I was notified by Professor Sprout that according to Miss Bones, Miss Abbot from her house and Miss Patil and Miss Li from Ravenclaw that Miss Lovegood wasn't with the Ravenclaws."
Professor McGonagall said, "that is alright thanks to both Mr. Weasley's we knew and found her."
Mr. Filch nodded and went down to the Great Hall followed by the group. The twins talked with each other Hermione talked with Luna if you say it is talk. Hermione was confused by Luna's creatures and appearance, but she knew Harry was lost in his thoughts about Sirius Black and didn't want to interrupt him. Hedwig was pushing her head against Harry's and Harry mindlessly scratches Hedwig while he kept thinking about Sirius Black was in the castle to kill him.
31st October 1993, the Great Hall, Hogwarts
After Fred, George, Hermione, and Harry (after getting his attention to the present by Hermione's elbow) all said "goodnight Luna" that gave Luna a big smile on her face and she said "goodnight" back. They entered the hall and Professor McGonagall guided her Gryffindors to the area where normally the table for Gryffindor was while Professor Flitwick led Luna to the area where normally the Ravenclaw table was and Professor Babbling went to Professor Dumbledore where all teachers were standing.
Professor McGonagall has put the Weasley twins near the doors where all the older years were as they could protect themselves better than the younger years. She led Hermione to an empty place but she refused when she saw a little further two empty spaces next to each other she grabbed the sleeping bag and followed Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall said, "you can lie here Ha- Mr. Potter."
Professor McGonagall grabbed her wand but said nothing. She pointed just at feet above the head of Harry's sleeping bag is where now stood a perch where Hedwig immediately took her place and looked around looking for any dangers for her master and familiar.
When Harry lies down Hermione puts her sleeping bag down and lies down next to Harry. Professor McGonagall doubted returning Hermione to her previous place with the other girls but decide against it because Hermione reminded her so much of Lily that it almost scared her.
Hermione fell asleep but Harry couldn't. Hedwig was also wide awake although she knew that Harry was still awake she kept her eyes open for any danger.
31st October 1993, later in the Great Hall, Hogwarts
Harry was still awake and he heard all the teachers and Mr. Filch leave while the head boy and prefects kept watch, but Professor Dumbledore was only gone for maybe 30 minutes and stayed the rest of the evening in the Great Hall.
He hears the great doors open and he hears Mr. Filch say "Black is not on the third-floor and the fourth-floor, Professor."
Dumbledore nodded and he said "thank Mr. Filch, you can retire if you desire. There is a bed for you in the room there." Dumbledore pointed to a door Harry didn't remember being there before.
Harry didn't think about it more when Professor Snape walks in and said "I've done the dungeons, Headmaster. No sign of Black. Nor anywhere else in the castle. According to the other Professors."
Dumbledore nod while saying "I didn't really expect him to linger."
They were walking to the front of the Great Hall when Snape said "Remarkable feat, don't you think? To enter Hogwarts castle on one's own, completely undetected...
Dumbledore didn't respond. Snape decided to continue "You may recall, before the start of term, I did express my concerns when you appointed Professor."
Dumbledore interrupted Snape when he holds up his hand and stopped walking just one foot behind Harry and said: "I do not believe a single professor inside this castle would have helped Sirius Black enter it, Severus."
Dumbledore started walking again and Snape followed. While walking past Harry, Dumbledore said "No... I feel quite confident the castle is safe. And I'm more than willing to let the students return to their Houses. But tomorrow. For now, let them sleep."
Dumbledore looked at Harry, Harry feigns his sleep when Dumbledore thinks Harry is asleep he said: "It's astonishing what the body can endure when the mind allows itself to rest."
1st November 1993, the Great Hall, Hogwarts
Somehow Harry was able to sleep but all his dreams were about Sirius Black and the memories he had when he heard Sirius Black earlier this summer and where he learned the name Lupin before and some other name but doesn't come further than M- when he woke up.
He hears Ginny saying "Harry you are okay" and felt someone hug him. When he opened his eyes he sees clear forgotten last night to put his glasses off as he sees Ginny hugging him while Hermione the night came closer Hermione has grabbed his right arm while her hand has grabbed his right hand (the same arm she was holding).
When Ginny let go he was immediately hugged by Katie with so much power it pushed him down. He needed to pull his right arm away from Hermione which woke her up. She said up and said "good morning Ginny …. And Katie."
Ginny greeted her back and when Katie finally let Harry go after a few minutes she greeted also Hermione back. Hermione sees that Harry is also awake and said "good morning Harry."
Harry said, "hey Hermione."
Slowly everybody else was waking up, but a few. When everybody was up but a few from each house (which Ron is one from) the head of the house sent a high powered stinging charm to wake them up, but Ron needed three before he finally woke up almost springing three feet in the air.
When Dumbledore saw that everyone was awake although almost half of all the students were half-awake he said "due to the attack on the Fat Lady today's lessons are cancelled. By noon everybody will know what they need to read for the next class of what the homework is. If you needed to hand something in today you got an extension. The Professor will let you know by Lunch when he or she wants it with the earliest being tomorrow morning."
"I suggest everybody take today to study, read, try to improve your homework or if needed rest. The lesson will restart tomorrow."
Dumbledore walks away but before the houses could leave Professor McGonagall said: "all houses can leave except Gryffindor's house."
When every other house and teacher has left Professor McGonagall said "as the Fat Lady's portrait is damaged and being repaired just as her dress and not wanting to take her place without her original portrait, the Gryffindor house entrance will be protected by Sir Cadogan and the password for this week is Scurvy Cur. You can go now, I do want to add that Sir Cadogan is a knight."
Professor McGonagall knows Sir Cadogan well, too well if you ask her. She decided to not let her house know that Sir Cadogan is a bit mental if you ask her and that is not counting he looks for a fight in every student or staff he sees.
Let's end here for this chapter. It took me a bit longer because of the kind of large canon and the entrance of the Ravenclaw Common Room is a bit adjusted didn't completely like the canon entrance.
The next chapter will contain the first Quidditch match and the aftermath (which is mostly canon), an interesting talk with Professor Lupin and then a time jump, but to where do you wonder? Just read the next chapter and you will know.
It came to my attention when I thought about professors who needed to fill in for Professor Lupin that with the class schedule I do have now it would not be possible so I made some changes and try to change all that is necessary like with who in class and duration (45 minutes instead of an hour). The class schedule will probably be altered before the next chapter if you want to know exactly check the schedule as soon as the next chapter is up from this story.
I will not make big changes but I want to make sure that the students have a bit more free time and it is to make sure the classes from all the years could be in a week otherwise there wouldn't be enough periods to teach all seven years (with giving the teacher also some free periods I am still doubting about the ninth period but maybe only for upper years. the Fourth years, OWL years or after OWL year). If you want to see a new class schedule, the schedule in chapter 14 is changed to represent the new class schedule, but like I said it will probably be altered.
Please read and review.