Chapter 3: Another Year, Another Problem (Ryan's POV)
She followed Professor Snape to his office, racking her mind to figure out what exactly he could be taking points from her for. "You're not allowed to go to Hogsmeade." He said, not bothering to shut the door behind him.
"What?" She asked, confused. "My godfather signed the permission slip-"
"And your godfather," Snape's voice spat those words out, "sent word to Dumbledore this morning revoking your permission slip, Black. Apparently, he's worried your father will find you."
"This is so unfair." Ryan huffed.
"Get back to the feast."
She trekked out of the dungeons and back to the Great Hall, sitting down beside Daphne. "I cannot believe this." She hissed quietly as Professor McGonagall was calling the first years up front to get sorted. "Apparently, James sent a note to Dumbledore and told him I couldn't go to Hogsmeade!"
"What? Why?" Daphne looked as shocked and upset as Ryan felt.
"Because of my dad." Ryan lowered her voice. "But don't worry. I'm writing Uncle James first thing tomorrow morning."
"Good! I don't want to go to Hogsmeade alone."
"Welcome!" Professor Dumbledore's bright blue eyes twinkled happily. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast." He stopped to clear his throat before continuing. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business." Dumbledore's eyes stopped twinkling as he kept speaking. "They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises- or even Invisibility Cloaks. It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors."
Ryan glanced at Harry across the tables, his brow furrowed, and he made a face at her. She half-smiled back, turning her attention back to Dumbledore. "On a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher-" Scattered, bored applause broke out, and Ryan saw Elijah smile brightly, clapping fast. "-As to our second appointment, well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by non other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."
The entire Gryffindor table broke out into loud applause and cheering. Ryan and Draco shared a confused look. "Thank Merlin I'm not taking that class." Ryan whispered to her cousin.
"I am." He groaned. "How's that oaf going to be able to teach us anything?"
"Good luck." She patted his back sympathetically.
Ryan glanced at the staff table as the feast began and noticed the look of pure, unadulterated loathing Professor Snape usually reserved for her and Harry was directed at Professor Lupin.
The next morning, Ryan dug a quill and a piece of parchment out of her bag, immediately writing a letter to James.
Uncle James,
Why did you sign my Hogsmeade permission slip and then send a letter to Professor Dumbledore revoking your permission? I NEED to go to Hogsmeade with Daphne. I can't be the only one in my class not going, Uncle James! Please tell him it was just a joke.
"I'm going to send this as soon as I can." Ryan said as soon as Daphne joined her. "I still can't believe-" Ryan stopped to offer Professor Snape a sweet smile as he started passing out their schedules. "Thank you, Professor." He just moved down the table, and she continued. "-I want to go to Hogsmeade, Daph."
"I'm sure James will fix it." Her best friend said as she fixed her plate for breakfast.
"We don't have anything until History of Magic? Brilliant."
"You don't. I'm taking Divination. Mum said it was a fun class."
Ryan wrinkled her nose. "Weirdo."
"Why, what are you taking? Extra Transfiguration classes?" Daphne teased.
"I wish! Arithmancy and Ancient Runes."
"Nerd." Daphne shook her head. "You should have been in Ravenclaw."
"I'd probably be on the Quidditch team if I was." Ryan took a sip of her pumpkin juice. "I'm off to the owlery."
As Ryan headed to borrow one of the school owls, Elijah caught up with her. "What's your first class?" He asked.
"History of Magic. Yours?"
"Same. At least I get to start my third year with a nap."
"Eli, you shouldn't be sleeping in class."
"Why're you going to the owlery so early?" He eyed the letter in her hand, changing the subject.
"To get my Hogsmeade privilege back. Apparently Uncle James decided it was too dangerous." Ryan grumbled. "And I don't accept that."
"Of course you don't." He sighed. "You know, you're not always going to get your way."
Ryan looked at him, blinking. "Don't be ridiculous, Elijah."
"Me ridiculous?" He scoffed. "You're ridiculous."
They made it to the top of the owlery and Ryan found an owl and sent him off. "I've got to get to the library and finish my little project." She said as they walked back down towards the castle. "And then- I need to borrow one of the school brooms to practice for tryouts."
"Good luck. I'll sneak some ice cream into your dorm if you don't make it."
"Thanks." She said dryly. "I appreciate the confidence in me."
"Have fun in the library, nerd." He bumped her shoulder with his as he headed towards the Hufflepuff common room.
She turned towards the dungeons to go to her dorm. She needed her notes from both previous years before she could continue researching animagi.