Chapter 28: Hogsmeade Village

Besides the fun lessons with Lupin and the unenjoyable Potions and divination lessons the quidditch season was beginning again, which meant Ron, Hermione and Kiba could watch Harry practice… well Hermione mostly studied at the same time given her situation. But nonetheless they were there to support the scar bearing wizard, furthermore Kiba had gotten allot closer with Hagrid due to the fact that Kiba now worked alongside him with the magical creatures. When he, one evening, returned to the common room he saw Hermione and Room practically beaming with joy. "you two look happy," he said as he sat down on the ground leaning against the couch since Ron was taking up most of the space with his bags and homework.

"Haven't you read the news?" Ron asked "first Hogsmeade visit!" he said excitedly

"When?" asked Kiba.

"On Halloween," Hermione replied "i can't wait to visit all the shops… Hey Harry" Harry had just returned from quidditch practice and has apparently heard of the Hogsmeade trip. Harry still hasn't had his form signed and seemed disheartened already. Harry sat down next to Ron and retrieved his starchart.

"I'm sure you can go next time Harry, it won't be long until they catch Black" Hermione said comfortingly.

"maybe, just maybe, you can get McGonagall to sign your form Harry!"

"she won't," Hermione replied "have you read the form at all? Only a parent or a guardian can sign it" Hermione put her star chart away and pulled out another piece of homework. Just then Crookshanks came back over to her holding a large spider in his mouth much to Ron's disgust. Hermione however was proud and spat at Ron that he was just head of Crookshanks

"jealous? Of that beast?!" Ron retorted "I'd rather have ten times a Scabbers then having your cat once" sensing the anger in Hermione Crookshanks distanced himself and laid down next to Kiba who patted him gently.

"Where is Scabbers anyway?" Kiba asked

"What do you care? You seem to like Crookshanks more" Ron shoy angrily at Kiba

"what can i say, he's an interesting Rat, given the fact that i can't understand what he says" Kiba replied "and that we don't know what sort of powers he has" Ron looked at him for a few seconds.

"I tell you, that bloody furball has it in for Scabbers. He's always shaking scared, he barely eats. Even now he's quivering in my bag." Ron explained, and indeed one could see the pocket of his bag shake a little. Hermione didn't reply further, she scooted closer to Kiba to also pet the orange Feline. All of a sudden however, Crookshanks jumped to his paws and with a giant leap landed in Ron's bag. He scratched and hissed at the pocket that Scabbers hid in. "Scabbers!" Ron yelled as he pulled the cat away. The Rat had climbed out of the bag and was not running across the common room floor closely followed by Crookshanks and then Ron.

Scabbers ran fast, and dove underneath the bookshelf where Crookshanks couldn't reach him. Hermione rushed after them and picked up her Cat as Ron dropped to the floor and pulled Scabbers out by the tail. He dangled him in the air, shouting at Hermione. "it's your fault that Scabbers looks the way he does" he stormed up the spiral staircase and into the boys dormatory. Ron acted cold towards Hermione for the following weeks leading up to the Hogsmeade weekend, Kiba awoke that morning to see a sad looking Harry on the edge of his bed. McGonagall hadn't signed Harrys permission form as he had hoped, Ron had tried to cheer him up with the idea of the feast but Harry didn't budge.

His mood stayed the same throughout breakfast and afterwards he saw the other three of, he stopped before they reached Filch who was checking off names from a large list. "Staying Potter?" Draco asked loudly as he passed Harry "scared of running into a Dementor?" he laughed alongside his goons Crabbe and Goyle as he passed Filch.

"See you later, Harry" Kiba said as he gently smacked Harry's back

"we'll bring you lots of sweets, promise" Ron added. He walked alongside Dean and Shamus closely followed by Kiba and Hermione. Hogsmeade was absolutely buzzing once they arrived. Clearly the third years were going to run into allot of other Hogwarts students. They passed Hogsmeade station and saw the path branch of to the left and right. To the left was a sign that read 'enter at own risk' this path of course lead to the famous shrieking shack.

"it's supposed to be the most haunted house in all of Brittan" Hermione said, they looked down the path to their right and saw a few shops, most of the students had already pushed onward towards Zonko's and Honeyduke's but and Hermione entered a bookshop named Tomes and Scrolls. Hermione looked for books to get her a headstart in most of her subjects while Kiba looked for books on difficult Magic. It didn't take long for them to buy what they wanted before they headed on towards Zonko's Jokeshop where the two simply browsed before heading into Honeyduke's where they met Ron. They caught loads of different candy for Harry and also for themselves. Kiba had bought an extra large box of Every flavor beans, some jelly Slugs, sugar quills, Cauldron cakes and pumpkin pasties, fudge flies, nougat chunks, Honeyduke's chocolate, pink coconut ice, cockroach clusters and the much recommended fizzing whizzbees.

Kiba had brought a bag to carry his purchases and therefore too Harry's bag of candy into his hand to allow Ron and Hermione to carry their own. Ron also had a large bag from Zonko's already. They strolled on through a few more shops such as Scrivenshaft's quill shop and Dominic Meastro's music shop before heading into the three broomsticks. Half the day had passed quickly and most their years had made their way to the Inn to have a bite to eat, Ron was telling Kiba and Hermione about Butterbeer and urged them to order it as well. Hermione and Ron had seemingly forgotten all about their fight with their pets, as the three happily ate chicken fingers and corn cobbs as they shared stories of their days before Hogwarts.

Ron was fascinated by the subjects of muggle schools that Hermione and Kiba told him about. "you have to tell this to my dad, he'd love to hear all this. He's fascinated by muggles, y'know." Kiba and Hermione were both surprised by the Butterbeer as well as it made them feel very warm inside after they had spent the day in the cold winds. The rest of their they was spent wizarding the rest of the shops such as Gladrags Wizardware, Spintwitches Sporting Goods and Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop.

Kiba checked his watch and reminded the other two that they had to go back to the castle to bed in time for the Feast in the Great Hall. Ron and Kiba were joking about as they walked when Ron suddenly jokingly punched Kiba's arm. He swayed to the side and tried over something, something that emitted an devil growl. Kiba quickly turned in his knees and saw the rather large black dog before him. "I'm sorry, are you hurt?" Kiba asked stretching out his hand towards the dog. The dog didn't respond and carefully sniffed Kiba's hand as it examined the boy with it's eyes. Kiba patted its head gently before standing again, "Sorry again, I'll be more careful" the dog barked once in response, but Kiba only heard a bark… no voice, no sentence, no words. It was just like with Ron's Rat, Scabbers.. he couldn't understand it. He shrugged it off and the three continued on their way to the castle, Ron showing off all the products he had bought at Zonko's.

"Would you guys take my stuff with you?" Kiba asked suddenly "i have to do a quick round through the magical creatures reserve" Hermione nodded quickly and too Kiba's Bag while Ron too the bag of sweets for Harry and they parted ways. Kiba entered the reserve and saw Hagrid feeding a few creatures "Hello Hagrid, anything i can help with?"

"Kiba, had a good time in Hogsmeade?" Hagrid asked. Kiba nodded and smiled brightly "well, yer can take tha' portion ter the Thestrals" kiba grabbed the bucket of raw meat and turned "oh, an' keep an eye on this Wompuscat," the Half-Giant added "think she might be Carryin''

"Will do," Kiba replied. He went on his way and into the part of the forested are where the Thestrals were held. The Thestrals weren't at Hogwarts for lessons, no, they pulled the carriges at the beginning and end of each year. Kiba had first met them in his second year since these creatures where only visible to the eye that had witnessed death. And Kiba has seen Death, at his own hands that is. He strolled along the path ever so often checking the habitats of other creatures, making sure they were all still there, when he suddenly spotted something. Two eyes were glaring at him through the dark of the forest, and he remembered his dream. He carefully approached the eyes until the white fur of a Wolf came into his view.

"Hey," he said carefully but the Wolf flinched and turned to run "Wait! I won't hurt you!" Kiba called running after it but it was fast, much faster then him and disappeared just seconds before they reached the Thestrals. But there he supported something else that was white, well not completely. Long flowing locks of blonde Hair. A girl was standing near one of the Thestrals trying to feed it an apple, but the Thestrals didn't except it and trotted away. "you ought to try meat" Kiba said as he approached her she turned to the boy and smiled, he held out the bucket and the girl took a piece of meat and tossed it to the Thestral which caught the piece and devoured it quickly.

"Luna, Right? Luna Lovegood" Kiba asked carefully. He knew it was her, along everyone her hair and choice of clothing made her stand out. She nodded and smiled

Kiba tossed a few pieces of meat into the herd of Thestrals "what are you doing here anyways?" Kiba looked at the girl realising that she wasn't wearing any shoes or socks.

"i wanted to see the Thestrals" she said "they're fascinating creatures. So different"

"and your shoes, where'd you leave those" he asked

"All my shoes seem to have mysteriously gone missing" she replied "i suspect Nargels are behind it" she added in a whisper

"would you like some help finding them?" Kiba asked "I'd be happy to help"

"Oh, it's quite alright" she replied, seeking completely free of any care for her missing belongings "I'm sure they'll turn up eventually" Kiba was momentarily stunned by the attitude the Ravenclaw girl displayed. She had a certain kindness to her. Kiba figured that other students had hidden her shoes, and Luna hardly seemed to care at all, nothing seemed to bother her and it was admirable.

"the feast will begin soon," Kiba began again "you should head back to the castle"

"I hope there's pudding" Luna replied as she began walking off, she glanced back at Kiba once, worry written across her face. Hopefully he didn't realize it.

Kiba joined his three friends on the way to the great Hall, Ron was still telling Harry about Hogsmeade and where he had been to. Harry didn't seem down at all, he seemed truly happy for Ron, and the concept of Hogsmeade. Kiba knew that Harry desperately wanted to go, but he was still happy for his friends. The conversed throughout the fantastic feast, and watched as the house ghost entertained everyone with nearly headless Nick reenacting his own botched beheading. But no one realized the thrill they were all about to relieve at that Halloween night, the Gryffindor's had gathered in front if the portrait of the day Lady, unable to enter their common room. Kiba was standing behind Hermione who, like many others, couldn't see what was happening.

"Out of the way! What is going on? Please let me through" a prideful voice called out behind them "excuse me, I'm head boy!" it was Percy, Ron's older brother who always liked to display his superiority. He paved his way up the stairs through the students, but when he finally got a view of the portrait he stopped for a second. Thanks to the path that Percy had made Kiba and Hermione now to could see the portrait, or what was left of it. The landscape which was usually behind the fat last was slashed and pieces of the parchment littered the floor before it, but the fat lady was gone. "someone get the headmaster! Quickly!" Percy called out and before even anyone could react Dumbledore appeared alongside McGonagall, gracefully gliding pay the students to the front.

He saw the painting and turned to McGonagall as Lupin and Snape joined them too. "We need to find her" Dumbledore said, his eyes were sombre "Severus, find Mister Filch and round up the ghosts. Have then search every painting in the castle" a joyful cackle interrupted Dumbledore however, Peeves the poltergeist was bobbing above the students overjoyed at the deviation. "What is it Peeves?" Dumbledore asked "have you seen the fat lady?" Peeves' grin faded quickly, it seemed like he didn't dare taunt Dumbledore.

"Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesn't want to be seen, she's a horrible mess. Saw her running through the trees on the fourth floor. Crying something dreadful." he said happily simulating her running movement "oh Professorhead, the poor thing" he added

"Did she say who did it?" Lupin asked quickly

"Oh, yes, she did…" Peeves replied

"who, Peeves?" Dumbledore specified

"he got very angry you see, Dumblehead, she didn't let him in" Peeves said "Nasty Temper he's got, and eyes like a devil. Hihihi" Peeves laughed

"do you know his name, Peeves?" Dumbledore asked once more

"Most certainly, Your Headness, Dumbledore" Peeves replied "'twas the one everyone talks about, Sirius Black!" Peeves laughed devilishly as he dashed through the walls and out of sight

"everyone will proceed to the great Hall, immediately" Dumbledore ordered "Percy, please find Miss Clearwater and send all Ravenclaws to the great Hall. Severus, the Slytherins as well. Minerva, find Pomona and have her bring the Hufflepuffs. We must search the castle immediately" the Prefects led their houses to the great Hall where Dumbledore soon joined them. He instructed everyone to spend the night in the hall, the Prefects would guard the entrances while the head boy and girl were left in charge. Dumbledore had made the tables stack up against the wall and had made purple sleepingbags appear throughout the hall. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Kiba all grabbed a bag and went to sleep near a corner, Ron said down next to Harry as Hermione and Kiba laid down in front of them so they were laying head to head.

The hall was buzzing with talk and theories, each as unthinkable as the next. Apparition, disguises, help from inside or even just walking in. None seemed plausible. "Quiet everyone, lights out time to go to sleep!" Percy's voice excited through the hall and surprisingly the hall went quiet rather quickly.

But Harry couldn't sleep, he knew why Sirius wanted to enter the Gryffindor common room, and Kiba did too. Neither of the two could close their eyes fearing that Black would burst in at any moment. Kiba laid silently, starting at the starry ceiling whilst Ron snored next to Harry. Kiba glanced at Harry and saw that he had good eyes closed but want sleeping, Harry tossed and turned, Hermione however breathed slowly and calmly seemingly deep in slumber as she faced the red haired boy beside her, the boy that had almost killed her.

Kiba faced back towards the ceiling, his mind enjoy of thought when Dumbledore returned alongside Flitwick. Snape soon entered as well "I've searched the Dungeons, Headmaster, but no sign of Black, nor anywhere in the castle"

"I didn't expect him to linger" Dumbledore replied as he strolled past the students. Kiba closed his eyes, pretending to sleep as the two men walked closer.

"remarkable feat, don't you think? To enter Hogwarts castle one ones own, completely undetected" Snape said, "any theories as to how Black might have managed it?"

"many," Dumbledore replied "each as unlikely as the next"

"you may recall, prior to the start of term i had expressed my concerns about your appointment of Profess-" Snape said but Dumbledore cut him off

"not a single Professor inside this castle would help Sirius Black to enter it," The headmaster said calmly "I'm quite convinced the castle is safe, and I'm more then willing to send the students back to their houses in the morning"

"What about Potter, should he be warned?" McGonagall asked worryingly as she joined the two

"perhaps, but for now let him sleep" Dumbledore said. He was not standing by Harry looking down upon him "for in dreams, we enter a World that is entirely or own. Let him swim in the depressed ocean, or glide above the highest cloud" Dumbledore paused before he started making his way back to the doors of the hall "i must go down to the Dementors," he said "i said i would inform them once our search was finished" Kiba heard the doors of the hall open and close. He opened his eyes and looked at Harry who returned the gaze before Kiba looked back at Hermione who had her eyes open just like them, she stared at the ceiling, her eyes reflecting the stars above the three had heard it. Snape obviously did not trust one of the Hogwarts Professors, but who, and why? But maybe more importantly, Black was closer then anyone had expected and had one more evaded the Dementors.

For the most part, life in Hogwarts went on as normal, apart from all the talk and theorizing about Black going around. Harry spent most days in the quidditch Pitch with his team, while madam Hooch made sure there wasn't a attack on Harry during that time. Ron was mostly complaining about school work and Hermione's cat. Hermione spent nearly every waking breath working tirelessly on all her subjects while Kiba read through the books he had bought in Hogsmeade and took care of all the magical creatures. Kiba still remembered the white Wolf her had seen on Halloween, the days prior, as he once again made his way towards the Thestrals.

To his surprise, he saw Luna near them. But it was different from the last time she was sitting near a tree obviously deep in thought, Kiba decided to stay back and leave her alone. Luna was considered strange by many, and it was no secret that she was bullied by many others, but Luna had a way of seeing the good in others, even if they themselves didn't. Luna slowly stood up, patted one of the young Thestrals before something happened...

Kiba couldn't believe what he saw, Luna hunched forward and lowered her hands to the ground but before they touched it they had turned to paws. Where previously her long blonde hair had been was now white fur. Luna had completely transformed into an animal, Luna had become a White Wolf.

"She's an Animagus!" Kiba gasped.

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An: yeah, Christmas chapter is drawing near. and by then book 3 will be halfway done. I'm planning big for Goblet and I'd love to introduce some side characters then. so PM me your own OC and I'll feature them as a small side character in the story.

Review and let me know what you think! 3