The next several days passed as I got used to using the time turner to make all my classes. I would use it anywhere from two, to four times a day depending on the class, and though taking twelve classes was a challenge, so far it was worth it.
The last elective I started was the Study of Ancient Runes. It was taught by Professor Bathsheda Babbling, and like Arithmancy, she made it clear that the course would be challenging.
"This course is designed to read, translate, and eventually use Runes for magical purposes. Runes, for those of you who don't know, is the way old witches and wizards used to write, to communicate, and yes cast magic. We shall start off with learning how to read runes, so all of you open your copy of Hieroglyphs and Logograms to page one and we'll begin..."
Luckily Anthony had been able to take this class with me, along with Hermione. It was another class Hermione vastly preferred to Divination, which she made abundantly clear.
As for Hagrid, and what happened to Draco, he hadn't appeared in classes for several days after the Buckbeak incident. I did overhear Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, and many of the other Slytherin's talking about how heroic and brave Draco had been, how much pain he was in, but how he was enduring it with such grace.
He was clearly overreacting.
On Thursday morning I awoke like any other, eager to begin the day. However when me, Anthony, and Lisa made our way down to the Great Hall for Breakfast, I saw a huge crowd gathered around a table in the common room.
"He's been sighted?" We heard Terry ask, a mix of worry and curiosity.
"Yeah, one of the muggles saw him. Old women didn't know truly what he was. By the time she called..." I heard Roger Davies reply.
I felt my stomach churned as I made my way over. "What's going on?" I asked the group.
"Sirius Black's been spotted nearby." Cho said, handing me this morning's copy of the Daily Prophet.
I took the page and began to read, while both Anthony and Lisa read over my shoulder.
Sirius Black Sighted!
The Infamous Sirius Black was sighted yesterday in the muggle town of Bathgate. A muggle women saw him and called the hotline given out to muggles. The area was quickly swarmed and searched by Aurors and Ministry Personal, however no trace of Black was found.
Bathgate, which is the closest muggle town to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a fact of which has made many Ministry Personal nervous.
"Every Available Auror is on the Hunt for Black." Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement said. "He will be found and brought to Justice."
Other Ministry personal see this as a confirmation that having the Dementor's of Azkaban guarding Hogwarts as the right call.
"If Black does decide to go to Hogwarts, he's madder than we all thought." Minister of Magic Cornelius fudge said in a statement. "I want the entire Magical Community to know, Black will be found in time. For now remain calm."
The Article ended and I grit my teeth, Black was getting closer, and all I could think of was Professor Trelawney's recent prediction.
"Well what do you think?" Cho asked.
"I think the Ministry really needs to get it's act together." Lisa said sternly, sitting down.
"Yeah. It's been weeks and they haven't caught him." Anthony sighed, nodding his head in agreement with Lisa.
Cho nodded. "Trust the Ministry to bungle thing's up." Cho replied, as the group began to disperse amongst the table, leaving just us third years, and Luna. Luna for her part, had her own unique take on Sirius Black.
"I think Black is actually innocent." Luna declared in her dreamy voice as she looked up from the Quibbler.
Most eyes turned to her in shock. "You think what?" Padma asked, shock in her voice.
"Well it's pretty obvious that Black is actually just Stubby Boardman." Luna declared, again everyone was just staring at her.
"Who on earth is Stubby Boardman?" Terry eventually asked, sounding just shocked as Padma had been.
"You don't know who Stubby Boardman is?!" Luna replied, sounding shocked herself. "He was the lead singer of the The Hobgoblins, in Nineteen Eighty he was hit by a turnip in the ear and retired. Sirius Black is just his fake alias, and I'm assuming the Ministry will be clearing him any day now." Luna said in a sure voice.
For a moment everyone just looked at Luna in shock, then I slowly nodded. "Well, that's, if what you're saying is true I hope he's pardoned soon Luna." I said, half amused from Luna's statement, but also trying to sound like I was taking her opinion seriously.
"Thank you Sarah, I hope so too." Luna said, then turned to her plate. "Need some more pudding." And with that Luna got some more pudding, than stuffed her face back into the Quibbler, taking no note of anyone's bewildered expressions.
"What classes do we have today?" Lisa finally asked, clearly trying to move the group along after the shock at Luna's declaration had somewhat subsided.
"Our first Transfiguration class of the year, then History of Magic , and we round out the day with Herbology." Padma said.
"With the Slytherin's." Michael said in a tone as if he had tasted something wicked.
"You think Malfoy will be back?" Terry asked, a frown on his face.
"I hope not, that git is milking this for all it's worth. We can all see it." Anthony said with a eye roll.
The conversation over Draco and his whereabouts continued for the rest of breakfast, Eventually the bell rang, and classes began. Today I only needed to use my Time Turner twice, once to make another Muggle Studies class during Transfiguration, then again later to make a Arithmancy class during History of Magic.
So I decided to once again get Muggle studies done first, then after taking that class went back in time and took our first Transfiguration class of the year. McGonagall was teaching about Animagi, witches and wizards who can turn into an animal and back at will. She turned herself into a cat and back, revealing that she was an Animagi herself, much to all of our amazement.
"I must say." McGonagall smiled. "You lot are paying a lot closer attention than my Gryffindor's did earlier this week."
I remembered Harry telling me about how his first Transfiguration class had gone, how all the Gryffindor's were to spooked about Professor Trelawney's prediction to pay attention.
Padma seemed to know too. "I heard they were to focused on the fact that Harry Potter is supposed to die?" Padma raised a eyebrow.
McGonagall shook her head. "Yes, your twins." McGonagall looked at me and Padma. "Were quite concerned about Professor Trelawney's prediction. "McGonagall looked like she wanted to roll her eyes. "I'm sure you've all heard by now that Professor Trelawney does this every year?"
"We know Professor." Padma sighed. "Parvati and her friend Lavender came to me the other night and went on and on about it. Of course I told both they were overreacting."
"And right you are Miss Patil." Professor McGonagall nodded. "I'm glad you and your classmates aren't overreacting to such a inexact branch of magic. Now, let's get back to our lesson..."
With that Professor McGonagall got back to the lesson about Animagi. I had to admit that it was the most interesting lesson we'd had in Transfiguration class up to this point. But given my skill level, or lack thereof, at Transfiguration I knew I'd most likely never be able to attempt something like this.
After Transfiguration was another boring class History of Magic with Professor Binns. Now that I was going for the goal of all twelve O.W.L's, I forced myself to stay awake and pay attention. Binns went on and on about the most boring topics, yet I forced myself to stay awake.
After this, I found another empty corridor and went back and time to make Arithmancy. I again had this class with Hermione, who was furious...
"Professor Snape was horrible today." She ranted to me as we worked together on one of the problems that Professor Vector had given out. "Poor Neville was struggling as always, his potion was wrong and clearly poisonous . And instead of helping Neville, what does Snape do? He tells Neville his potion will be fed to Trevor, his pet toad, at the end of class. I coached Neville through it and Trevor is fine of course, but it was so, so sick." Hermione shakes her head furiously.
I bit my bottom lip. Of course I'd heard many a tale from Harry, Ron, and Hermione about how bad Snape was to them. I'd seen it myself, Snape was horrible to practically everyone in the Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff potions classes too, well, horrible to everyone but me and whomever I was paired up for that particular day.
"I'm sorry to hear all that." I replied softly, not really knowing what I could say.
"Yeah, and the class was only made worse by the fact that Malfoy was back." Hermione said darkly.
I raised an eyebrow. "Is he?"
"Yeah, he came in late with a sling and everything. He pretended to still be hurting and Snape made Ron and Harry help him. He was horrid. I overheard him say he told his dad about the Buckbeak incident and his father in turn is trying to get Hagrid sacked."
I frowned considerably. "The little git." I muttered darkly.
"I know, and then he started taunting Harry about Sirius Black. Saying he didn't know something, how Harry should want to go searching for Black, just crazy things."
I looked up from the problem we were working on. I remembered back to what Mr. Weasley had said on the train platform, and now Draco was saying Harry should go after Black?
"Why would he say that?" I asked.
"I don't know, but Harry was just as lost as me. Malfoy clearly knows something we don't." Hermione huffed.
I slowly nodded, then sighed. "So it seems."
Eventually Arithmancy ended, and I made my way to lunch confused. What did Draco Malfoy know about Sirius Black that we didn't?
I sat down at lunch and the whole time I mulled this over, and I quickly realized that I'd be seeing Draco soon. Our final class of the day would be Herbology, which we shared with the Slytherin's and in turn Draco would be there.
So as me, Anthony, Lisa, and the other third years Ravenclaw's approached the Greenhouse, we saw the Slytherins. Draco, just as Hermione described him looking like in potions, still had a sling on. His arm looked mostly healed, and it was clear he was faking it to get Hagrid in trouble...
As soon as Draco saw us, he looked at me, for a moment I thought I saw a hint of concern on his face? But that quickly disappeared as he turned back to Pansy whom was fussing over him.
"You're such a hero Draco, to go through what you went through and come back so strong." Pansy told him, her voice longing.
Draco smirked and shrugged. "What can I say, I'm just that amazing."
Lisa groaned and facepalmed. "Oh, yeah Malfoy, just so amazing." She said in a deadpan and annoyed tone.
Draco turned and growled, while Pansy looked furious.
"How dare you talk to him like that you Mudblood filth?!" Pansy screeched
Everyone went quiet, Anthony looked like he wanted to pummel Pansy. I just stared at Parkinson in shock, while most of the other Slytherin's were smirking and enjoying the show...
"Wow, so original Parkinson." Lisa finally replied, almost as if she wasn't effected, "I didn't know not being an inbred freak like you was considered a bad thing." Lisa finished, smirking.
Now it was time for the Slytherin's turn to look offended, Pansy clearly wanted to hurt Lisa. As did Crabbe, Goyle, and several of the other Slytherin's.
Though Draco for his part, wasn't saying anything, and had simply moved to the back of the Slytherin's and avoided eye contact with anyone looking at him.
Luckily before this could turn into a all out magical battle, the door to the Greenhouse sprung open and Professor Sprout called. "Enter." She said.
So we all did, the mood still quite tense. Though soon enough, as all of us were engulfed in dirt and roots and neither house really could interact with another to actually start anything...
Well, except for one Slytherin.
"Professor." Draco said, holding his supposed still hurt arm close and gritting his teeth to look as if he was in pain. "I can't move the dirt or extract the roots with only one arm...can I get some help?" Draco asked, putting on his most pathetic act.
Professor Sprout clearly wasn't buying it, but given she couldn't prove it, she sighed. "Fine." She said as she scanned us Ravenclaw's, and I could tell she was trying to punish Draco by not letting him work with any of his friends in Slytherin.
"Miss Potter." Professor Sprout suddenly said. "Would you be willing to help Mr. Malfoy...work." She requested.
I knew what Professor Sprout was trying to do here. I was the sister of Draco's worst enemy, everyone in the school knew that. She was trying to get Draco to expose himself in front of her by having him refuse to work with me. I did see several of my house mates look at me in sympathy, including Lisa who looked like she really wanted to rip Draco's arm from the sling, but I looked at Professor Sprout and nodded.
"Of course Professor." I nodded.
Professor Sprout turned to Draco, underneath her professional demeanor I could tell she really wanted Draco to expose he was faking it. "There you are Mr. Malfoy."
Except Draco didn't complain, or ask to partner with someone else, of rip his sling off and say it wasn't worth it. He simply nodded, walked over beside me, and looked content. Clearly this threw the class off, especially Sprout whom only could look at me with sympathy as I had to do mine, and most of Draco's work as well...
As class really got underway and Sprout began to walk around and Supervise, I noticed a few thing's instantly. First, Pansy was glaring daggers at me, clearly not pleased at having a girl this close to Draco and said girl not be her. Two, Anthony and Lisa were both watching me and Draco like hawks in case Draco said anything to offend or hurt me, and three was that despite how Hermione described Draco's antics this morning with Harry and Ron…Draco seemed to actually be trying, at least as much as he could while using only one hand.
"So the roots need to be two quarters inches in the dirt." Draco said, looking at his pot.
"Yes." I replied, as I simply took Draco's calm and professional demeanor at it came.
Of course I wasn't a idiot, Draco had never actually been that bad to me before. Sure, he hated Harry, Hagrid, Hermione, Ron, Lisa, Anthony, and his dad had supposedly gave Ginny that cursed Diary last year, and the whole Blood Supremacy thing...
But I knew deep down most of it was because he was raised like that. And I knew he hadn't even known about the Diary, and a deep down selfish part of me really didn't want another enemy like Smith. In my view, it was better to help Draco for the rest of class, than have a enemy the next five years.
So the lesson continued along. Everything seemed to be going pretty good outside of Pansy clearly hating another girl being close to Draco, which I did find highly amusing.
That's when Draco leaned over and whispered to only I could hear.
"So, I know you usually wouldn't do something like this. But I have to ask. Are you planning to get revenge on Black?" Draco asked, looking at me curiously.
At this I just looked at him in total confusion. "Why would I go after someone who's trying to kill my brother? I'd only give up myself as bait." I replied.
Draco eyes widened, and he shook his head. "So you and Harry really don't know?" Draco asked me in bewilderment. "Merlin, I knew you two were raised by muggles but I didn't realize..." Draco trailed off.
"What are you talking about?" I asked in total confusion, and Draco looked around. Other than Pansy glaring at me, no one seemed to be listening to us at all, and even Pansy couldn't possibly hear what was being said.
"You can't tell a soul I told you this. I don't care if you tell your brother..." Draco frowned at the mention of Harry. "...but the fact you got this information from me, stays between us." Draco said, in the most serious voice I've ever heard his use.
I paused, if Draco didn't sound so serious I would have just waved off whatever he was saying as rubbish. But the way he was looking at me curious.
"I promise, so what is it? Don't tell me Black really is Stubby Boardman?" I asked with a small smile of amusement, thinking back to what Luna had said this morning.
Draco just looked confused. "What? Who in the world is Stubby Boardman?"
"Never mind." I said after a soft chuckle, "anyways, please continue."
Draco took a deep breath, looked around to make sure no one could hear us, then continued. "Sirius Black is my cousin okay, my mother was a Black, that's how I know all this...not that they were ever close but...anyways Sirius Black, and your father, were the best of friends."
I stopped digging through the dirt, my heart was hammering, and I looked at Draco. "What?" I asked, making sure I heard him correctly.
"Yeah." Draco nodded. "They were close, very close. So close in fact that Black...was made your brothers godfather."
My eyes widened further, comprehending all of this. "B...Black is Harry's godfather?" I asked shakily.
Draco nodded. "Yeah. When it came out that Black was a huge supporter of You-Know-Who, it was supposedly a shock to everyone. Black backstabbed your parents, and when another of your parents friends...I think his name was Peter Pettigrew...tried to get revenge. That's when Black blew up the street. Pettigrew was killed too, all they found of him was a finger...and Black just stood in the middle of the street laughing like a mad man when he was arrested."
I was frozen, shock, anger, fear, and pure hatred ran through me. Sirius Black wasn't just a enemy who was trying to kill Harry, or get to me...he was a traitor.
"The worst part." Draco continued. "From what my parents told me, is that Black was the one who gave your families hiding place up to You-Know-Who. I don't know the full details but, some sort of charm had been cast, and Black was able to give the hiding spot over to You-Know-Who."
My throat went dry. "So...this...Black...he's the reason me and Harry are orphans?" I asked bluntly.
Draco nodded. "Yeah. That's why I thought...I assumed you, or more likely your brother, would want to go after him. But then I found out you two had no idea this morning in potions...of course I didn't tell your brother, I'm not in the businesses of giving information to someone I despise."
"Then why tell me?" I snapped, the negative emotions swirling.
"Let's just call it a favor for you returning my book bag the other day." Draco said simply. "Besides, I don't despise you like I do your brother, and to be blunt, I thought you deserved to know the truth."
I was silent for a moment, the thoughts and emotions of Black going through me. I had so many questions, and all I could think of was the photos I'd seen of Sirius Black, of this...monster who betrayed me and Harry.
He was Harry's godfather for Merlin's sake.
At the thought I turned back to Draco. "Who's my godfather?" I asked suddenly.
Draco shrugged. "No clue. I only know all this because my mother is his cousin and my father..." Draco again trailed off, and I had to hold back a comment about how his father must have known because he was also a servant of You-Know-Who.
Draco cleared his throat. "Anyways, I feel like we're even now." Draco said clearing his throat. "Anyways, now that you know, are you going to go after Black?"
I was silent for a moment. Part of me, a part I'd never felt before, was screaming that of course I was. He was the reason mine and Harry's parents were dead, that we lived at the Dursley's, that I heard You-Know-Who's voice so often in nightmares growing up, that I had heard it when the Dementor had come after us on the train.
But the more rational and logical side of me won. "No." I replied firmly. "I'm not a idiot Draco. Black was one of You-Know-Who's most trusted and lethal servants. All that would happen if I went after him is either one, death, or two, capture so he could lure Harry to him, so again, no."
Draco looked up, and again I could swear there was a concerned look on his face, though once again it quickly faded. "That's...well lets just say I don't think your brother would think like that."
I nodded, indeed, if Harry did know all this then he'd want to run into Black, to track him down and kill him. "I...I can't tell Harry, I can't tell anyone and risk it getting back to him." I sighed.
Draco nodded. "Yeah, I wouldn't tell your reckless, foolish, idiot, of a brother either."
I glared at Draco, but at this point class was starting to wrap up around us, and I took a deep breath. "You won't tell anyone else about this will you?" I asked, expecting Draco to taunt and tease and torment me.
But Draco slowly nodded. "I won't."
And once again I was surprised by the seriousness in his voice.
"Good. Now...I think we're almost done here..." I said, motioning to our plants.
Indeed we were. After a few more minutes I turned in our plants, Sprout giving us both full marks. Soon enough I was walking with Lisa, Anthony, and the other Ravenclaw's to dinner.
"That must have been horrible." Lisa said, her hatred for Draco mixing with sympathy for me. "Working with Malfoy for the entire class, and he kept leaning over and whispering to you."
I bit my lip and shrugged. "It was, what it was." I replied tiredly. I really didn't feel like complaining about Draco, when there Black was still out there.
"Are you okay?" Anthony asked me, both he and Lisa noticing how quiet and clearly out of it I was.
"Draco didn't do anything to you did he?" Lisa added, her eyes flashing dangerously.
"No, nothing." I replied simply. "I'm just tired." I said.
I could tell Anthony and Lisa didn't believe me, but they dropped it. Dinner was a silent affair for me as I listened to the others go on about mundane things. Mandy was talking about us wearing makeup, Morag was still complaining about how Draco had acted around Buckbeak, and so on, and so forth.
As dinner ended, when we were in the entrance hall, Harry, Ron, and Hermione came over to meet us, and I did my absolute best to look as normal as I could.
"You guys haven't had Defense yet, have you?" Ron asked excitedly.
"Not yet, our first class is tomorrow. Why?" Anthony asked raising a eyebrow.
"Professor Lupin is a very good Professor." Hermione replied. "He took all of us to the staff room and had us face a Boggart...well...almost everyone. Neither me, or Harry, got to go."
I noticed Harry looking slightly distraught at the fact, as Lisa spoke up.
"What's a Boggart?" She asked.
"A creature that usually hides in dark places, but when found will transform into your greatest fear when confronted. Mine was a spider." Ron shuddered. "And we think Hermione's would have been a homework assignment where she only got a nine out of ten." Ron said, clearly teasing which only made Hermione roll her eyes.
"Anyways it was a really good lesson." Hermione continued. "You should all have a really good time tomorrow."
Lisa and Anthony lit up, clearly excited at the thought of a good class. While I just looked at Harry, whom was clearly upset though no one else had seemed to noticed. "You wanted to face it?" I asked him
The others all turned to Harry, and he nodded. "Yeah, I wish I had been able to. It's just...Lupin stepped in right before I could. "I just...he saw me collapse on the train...maybe he thought I wasn't up to it?"
"Harry don't think like that, he didn't let Hermione go either." I pointed out, and he slowly nodded.
"I...I guess you're right." Harry said, though I could clearly see there was still doubt in his eyes. "Anyways we best get back to our common room. Lots of homework."
"Yeah." I smiled, trying to hide my own internal conflict. "See you."
With that we split up, as me, Anthony, and Lisa went back up to the Ravenclaw common room, I still wanted to confirm what Draco had told me was true and he hadn't just made it all up to mess with me, so when I saw Cho, Marietta, and some of the other fourth years lounging around one of the coffee table, a copy of the Daily Prophet on it, I walked over.
"Hey Cho." I said, trying my best to look normal, as she turned to face me.
"Hey Sarah." Cho smiled. "What can I do for you?"
"Can I borrow this copy of the Prophet again?" I asked, trying to sound causal.
Cho shrugged, picked the copy off the coffee table, and handed it to me. "You can keep it, I've already done all the crossword puzzles."
I gave her the most thankful and genuine smile I could muster, then took the copy of the Daily Prophet. "Thank you."
Without another word I strode up to the girls dorm, got into my trunk of belongings and searched until I found the Album that Hagrid had given us. I flipped through and, on the moving picture of my parents wedding and standing behind my dad looking proud...was Sirius Black.
I compared his picture in the Daily Prophet, to the one in the wedding photograph. He looked so young and handsome and not at all like the monster he became. I looked at my parents, both looked so happy. My mum in her wedding dress, my dad in a tuxedo, both were smiling brightly, and given that Sirius was clearly the best man at there wedding, it was clear they both trusted Black with there lives.
And it had cost them.
I felt tears falling, and before I totally broke down I shoved both the paper and the album back in my trunk and shut it before pulling the curtains around my bed closed, and closing my eyes, hoping a long night of sleep would dull the pain I was feeling.
I woke up early the next morning. Given that I had gone to bed well before usual due to my anger and grief, it made sense. Now that a long night of sleep had passed, I didn't feel nearly as angry and on the verge of tears as I had last night. I just felt bitter.
As quietly as I could, I got dressed as to not wake any of the other girls. It was still five in the morning, yet knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep. I rummaged though all my books and found the current one I'd checked out of the Library about Grindelwald, then made my way down to the still empty common room.
I found a chair, and plopped open the book. It was titled Gellert Grindelwald. His Dark Methods, and for once I wasn't just reading out of some weird curiosity, no. I was reading because every dark spell Grindelwald had used during his time, I imagined using the same spells against Sirius Black.
Eventually, around six am, when I knew that Penelope and some of the other older student's were going to start coming down I put the book away. I knew she and the other Prefects probably wouldn't approve, and I really didn't want to snap at anyone right now.
So I put the book away, then just went over to the window, clasped my hands together behind my back, and looked out as the sun came up over the mountains in the distance. Soon enough I heard footsteps, and sure enough Penelope was one of the first one's up.
"Sarah? You're up early." Penelope said.
"I couldn't sleep." I replied softly.
She nodded. "I noticed you go to sleep early last night, you okay?" Penelope asked me in a gentle, worried tone.
I really wanted to tell Penelope everything, to break down crying and cling to Penelope like a daughter would to a mother. But I held back, took a deep breath, and shook my head. "I'm fine, I promise."
Penelope gave me a look, just like Anthony and Lisa last night it looked like she didn't really believe me. But she sighed, and nodded. "Well, you know where to find me if you need me."
She then walked away, and soon enough the common room began to fill. Roger, and Cho, Padma, Mandy, Anthony, then Lisa, and so and so forth. Clearly everyone knew something was off with me, just storming to my dorm last night at such a early night, than being one of the first ones up made it obvious. But no one bothered or questioned me about it, which did make me feel a little better.
I just...needed some time.
So all of us made our way down to breakfast. Today was Friday, which mean we would have our first double Potions with the Hufflepuffs of the term. which I had also would have a Muggle Studies class, so I'd have to use my Time Turner again.
After both those classes we'd have lunch, then Defense Against the Dark Arts to finish off the week. Given the Gryffindor's had already had both Potions and Defense yesterday, I knew what to expect.
Still, my thought were still filled with thoughts of Sirius Black. I hated the man more than I thought I could hate. So after quickly finishing my breakfast I stood, said I was heading to the library and would meet everyone in the dungeon for potions.
I noticed everyone, especially Anthony and Lisa, could tell something was bothering me. But they let me go, as I strode to the library.
I spent the next hour before classes began doing research. I went through charm tome after charm tone upon charm tone. I needed to know how exactly Sirius Black had betrayed my parents, and soon enough I found it.
The Fidelius Charm, which was a very complex and powerful charm that hid those who had cast it. The only person who could find said people was a Secret Keeper, whom could tell others where the hidden were.
"Sirius Black must have been the Secret Keeper." I murmured bitterly under my breath.
I didn't have much more time to sulk as it was almost time for classes to start. I went to Muggle Studies first. Again the class was really easy for me given I lived in the muggle world for most of my life. After this I used my time turner to set the clock back an hour, then made my way towards the dungeons, naturally joining the other Ravenclaw's so it looked like I had come from the Library.
"Potions. I'm so excited." Michael said sarcastically, rolling his eyes as we walked through the Dungeons towards the Potions classroom.
"Did you all hear that Neville Longbottom's Boggart was him?" Terry asked.
Most of the class nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, messed up isn't it." Padma replied.
I bit my bottom lip. I had indeed heard the rumors going around the school, and when I'd pulled Harry aside quickly in the corridor earlier he'd confirmed it. And I couldn't help but go back and forth between thinking Snape should be nicer, or that Neville should be a little braver...
I mean, I was a coward and even I wasn't scared of any of the Professor's. On guard around Lupin? Yes, simply because of the past. But I was never scared.
"Hey Sarah." Michael asked, turning and looking at me, and knocking me out of my thoughts. "You excited for another year of being Snape's favorite?" He asked, his voice slightly teasing.
For a brief moment, the internal whirlwind of negative emotions I was experiencing ceased, replaced by the usual resignation in these questions and prods.
"Oh I sure am." I replied, shaking my head with a soft smile. "He's just such a friendly and jovial man, I don't get what everyone else is missing."
However my momentary good mood went away as soon as we turned the last corner and saw the Hufflepuff's gathered around the Potions Classroom door. And like usual, front and center, was Zacharias Smith. As soon as he saw me he decided to go on the usual verbal war path, despite groans and pleads of all the other Hufflepuff's
"Well, well, if it isn't little miss perfect." Smith said in a mocking tone.
I took a deep breath. I was already in a lousy mood because of what I had learned about Black, I really didn't want to have to deal with Smith right now.
"Merlin Smith, I'm going to be honest, I'm in a horrid mood with what happened in Hagrid's class so I really, really don't need your rubbish today." I said, rubbing my temples as I felt a headache coming on.
Of course Smith didn't back down. "Aw, does the stuck up princess have a headache. Poor, poor thing..."
"Zacharias." Susan Bones suddenly snapped. "Enough." She said in a tone that left no room for argument.
"But..."
"No." Hannah Abbott interjected beside Susan. "We treated her and her brother horribly last year during the Chamber of Secrets affair last year when it wasn't them. You're going to lay off her, now."
Smith grumbled. "Fine, side with the haughty eagle." He said bitterly, then walked to the back of the Hufflepuffs and started to brood.
I gave Susan and Hannah a thankful nod, then we all started to wait for Snape to open the doors to the potions class. I could notice Anthony, Lisa, and the rest of my house mates giving me concerned looks.
"What's wrong Sarah?" Lisa softly asked me, as me, her, and Anthony walked over to a more secluded part of the corridor.
"It's...complicated." I sighed.
"It's whatever Malfoy was whispering to you about yesterday, isn't it." Anthony said, his voice leaving no room for debate.
"Yeah." I admitted softly. "He told me some facts...facts that have shaken me."
"Should I beat him up the next time I see him?" Lisa asked.
"No." I replied sincerely. "What Draco told me, while horrid, was something I would have found out anyways. It's...not his fault."
Anthony and Lisa shared a concerned and confused glance. But before they could ask any more questions, the door to the potions class room swung open, and we all filed in. Professor Snape stood at the front of the room, looking as intimidating and sour as always. Of course when he saw me, he simply had a neutral expression, and tended to avoid prolonged eye contact.
As soon as everyone was sat and paired up, Snape seemed to be in a even worse mood than usual, most likely because he was Neville's Boggart, as he kept picking on Smith again and again. Much to silent amusement.
"Today we shall be brewing the Shrinking Solution. I do hope most of you have gotten better at brewing since the end of last term." Snape sneered, glaring at Smith.
Smith seemed to sink into his chair, as Snape continued.
"Now all of you shall turn to page forty two of your textbooks, and begin following the instructions to the letter."
With that the first Potions class of the year was well and truly underway. The Shrinking Solution was a difficult one to begin the year with, but after a while I started to get into a rhythm. I cut daisy roots, skinned my shrivelfig, sliced my caterpillars, and so on and so forth.
Everything was going well, until it wasn't. Smith just couldn't help himself and kept throwing blank pieces of parchment crumpled into balls at me any chance he could. Of course this wasn't often, Professor Snape always kept a close eye on the class, but Smith still found a few times when he could get shots off without alerting Snape...
And despite the efforts of Susan, Hannah, and the other Hufflepuff's, whom were clearly trying to get him to stop, he just wouldn't. And though I could have easily told Professor Snape and got Smith detention for a month, I was trying to just ignore it, I didn't want him to get to me...
But finally, the fourth ball of parchment hit my arm just as I was doing the final stir. My brewing arm wobbled, and the potion, which needed to be exact, was ruined.
And I had finally enough. The combination of the truth about Black, me still being worried about Hagrid, finally exploded as I stood and turned to Smith, fury on my face.
"You stupid, worthless, insignificant, little git!" I screamed. Everyone in class turned to me in shock, even Snape's usually sneering or stoic eyes slightly widened. And before I could stop myself I got out my wand, and pointed it at Smith's potion...
"Flipendo!" A orange light shot from my wand, and the grin on Smith's face seemed to change to shock. It hit his potion, and his unfinished Shrinking Solution got all over him...
The he screamed, and began to flail around the class like a fish out of water. His skin began to change to a purple hue, and all the other Hufflepuff's were screaming and trying to help him. Anthony, and Lisa both looked at me in shock, as was the rest of my house...
And I didn't feel the slightest hint of remorse.
"Flail Smith, flail like the pathetic worm you are." I whispered under my breath, smirking as I watched.
In the Chaos Snape took charge, he suddenly pulled out a vial of some sort of light blue potion and poured in onto Smith, whom finally stopped flailing but still seemed to be in a lot of pain.
"You two!" Snape snarled at Ernie Macmillan and Justin Finch-Fletchley. "Get him to the hospital wing." Snape said with a annoyed sneer. "The rest of you except Miss Potter, out, class is dismissed."
Everyone quickly began to file out quickly. Smith was helped up but Justin and Ernie and led out, the other Hufflepuff's looked at me with a mix of worry, fear, and anger. While my fellow Ravenclaw's just looked worried for me, yet shocked at my actions. Even Lisa and Anthony just looked concerned.
For my part, I was starting to realize I had just screwed up pretty badly. I'd hurt Smith pretty bad, yet I didn't feel the slightest sympathy for him. All I felt was another headache, and slight nerves at what Snape was going to say to me.
Finally, when everyone else had left the class, Snape closed the door with a fling of his wand, then strode over behind his desk and sat down. "Sit." Snape ordered, motioning to a chair opposite of him.
I did as he said. I was honestly expecting him to tear into me like he often did Harry. I expected today to finally be the end of his supposed favoritism towards me.
For a long moment there was silence, as Snape's dark black eyes met my bright green ones. Until finally he spoke.
"Why did you do that Miss Potter?" Snape asked, his voice monotone, yet firm.
"He kept throwing crumbled parchment balls at me." I replied truthfully, motioning to the floor where I was sitting. "I tried to ignore him, but he kept going and finally he hit my arm when I was stirring and ruined my potion and I...snapped." I admitted.
Professor Snape looked at me for a long moment, saying nothing, then walked over and looked into my potion. "Indeed...you were on the last slow stir. And it seems he ruined your work." Snape said, no emotion in his voice.
"I was tired of him." I continued. "I told him before class I was having a horrible day and to just lay off, and he wouldn't. And I'd do it again if I could." I replied firmly.
Snape gave me a look. "You feel no regret, no remorse?"
"No. We both know Madam Pomfrey will fix him up. I wanted him to be in pain for a while. He deserved it sir."
Snape looked at me, his brow furrowing. "Are you, feeling all right Miss Potter?." He asked suddenly.
I tilted my head in confusion. "I'm fine sir. I'm not sick or anything." I replied.
"That's not what I mean, what I'm asking is, when you entered my classroom today I noticed something off about you. You got agitated today much more easily than you usually would. Is something wrong?" Snape asked me.
I was silent for a long moment. Part of me wanted to tell him, to say I knew all about how Sirius Black had betrayed my mum and dad. But another part of me pushed that down...Snape was the last person I felt like would care, even if I was his supposed favorite.
"I'm fine sir." I told him again.
Snape took a long look at me, clearing not believing me. Then took a deep breath. For a moment I thought he was going to tear into me, to tell me how much of a idiotic dunderhead I had been. To say I was just as bad in his view as my brother.
Yet he never did.
"Come, I have to take you to Professor Flitwick and explain the situation."
I simply nodded, stood, and followed Snape out of the class. I stuck close to him as we left the dungeons and out into the main part of the castle. The walk was silent, but Snape gave a glare to any student who looked in his or mine direction. Finally we arrived at Professor Flitwick's office.
"Filius." Professor Snape knocked. "May I come in?"
"Certainly Severus." I heard Professor Flitwick reply cheerfully.
Professor Snape opened the door, and motioned me inside. Professor Flitwick looked up from his desk, and when he saw me and Snape I could tell he knew something had happened.
"What happened Severus?" Professor Flitwick asked Snape as the latter shut the office door behind us.
"Miss Potter had a...incident in potions today." Snape said simply. Flitwick looked at me, then back at Snape.
"What happened?" He asked worriedly.
"I decided to send Zacharias Smith to the hospital wing with a well timed Flipendo to his Shrinking Solution sir." I replied, not ashamed at all.
There was a moment of silence. Flitwick took this in then sighed. "And why did you do this Miss Potter?"
"Because he wouldn't leave me alone." I replied simply.
Snape then stepped in. "She claimed, and I can verify, that Smith was throwing crumpled together parchment at her. One hit her arm and ruined her potion. Then, well, you know." Snape said, looking at me...almost as if this entire situation both amused him, yet also worried him.
Flitwick meanwhile turned back to me. "Miss Potter. I know you and Mr. Smith have quite the history. But that doesn't give you the right to attack him like that, no matter how much he was annoying you. You could have told Professor Snape, your course of action was wrong and there will be consequences."
I finally felt a tinge of regret. Not for hurting Smith, but for the Disappointment in Professor Flitwick's eyes...
"I...understand sir." I replied softly, now avoiding eye contact.
After a long moment of silence, Snape spoke up. "It happened in my class. I'll take her detentions."
I looked up at Snape in surprise. From everything I'd ever seen of Professor Snape, even if he didn't hate me like most students, he always seemed to avoid looking at me or being alone with me. It was a odd change in course for him to take my detentions.
And Obviously Professor Flitwick thought the same. "Are you sure Severus? I mean...given...your..." Flitwick trailed off, and for a moment I was really confused.
But Snape quickly spoke. "I'm positive." He turned to me. "Miss Potter, you shall serve detention with me starting this coming Monday, then it shall go the whole week. Report to my office at six pm every night." He said sternly.
"Of...course sir." I replied.
Snape nodded, then turned back to Flitwick. "I think a weeks worth's detention is more than enough and the matter should be considered closed, as long as you agree Filius?"
I realized Snape was trying to get me off with no points being taken. Which I was quite thankful for. I could handle a weeks worth of detentions, but losing Ravenclaw points this early? It wouldn't have been good.
I held my breath, hoping Professor Flitwick agreed. Until finally he sighed, and nodded. "It happened in your class Severus. If you think that's enough, then it is."
Snape nodded. "Good. I take my leave then." And with that Snape turned and left the office.
I stood there nervously for a moment, then cleared my throat. "Can...I go now Professor?" I asked softly, still feeling horribly guilty for putting Professor Flitwick through this.
"Yes Miss Potter, you may."
And with that I nodded, and left Professor Flitwick's office as quickly as I could.
Professor Flitwick watched as Sarah Potter was gone in a flash of Black, blue, and bronze. He gave one final sigh before returning to his work. Miss Potter was one of his favorite students, he'd never deny it, having her parents in class and what had happened to them had made him even more soft on her than he usually was with most Ravenclaw's.
And given he already had the reputation as the most lenient head of house...that made his treatment of Miss Potter even more noticeable.
Not that he minded. The girl was a orphan, her brother constantly got more attention than her, and most of the time she was well behaved.
"Most of the time." Flitwick silently mused, half concerned and half amused.
Lily could get really angry if pushed hard enough, and Sarah had that same itch. Annoy her enough and she'll push back hard.
Zacharias Smith was learning that a little more every day. Or so Flitwick hoped, the boy wasn't the brightest mind he'd taught. Flitwick still didn't fully understand why he started this feud with Miss Potter in the first place.
The sound of knocking snapped the Charms Master out of his thoughts, and he looked up.
"Come in!" Flitwick called, and the door opened to reveal the form of Remus Lupin. "Aw, Remus, what can I do for you?" Flitwick asked as Lupin entered the room, shutting the door behind him.
Lupin for his part looked slightly nervous. "My next class is with the third year Ravenclaw's..." Lupin trailed off, and Flitwick already knew where this was going.
"Ah, you're nervous about teaching Miss Potter are you?" Flitwick asked.
"Yes Filius." Lupin admitted, running a hand through his greying hair. "Very."
"Didn't you just teach Harry yesterday?" Flitwick asked, and Remus nodded.
"Oh I did but, you know the difference. Harry isn't my..." Remus cut himself off, then shook his head. "I've tried to reach out to her, but I can tell she doesn't trust me."
"Have patience Remus." Flitwick replied, a sympathetic expression on his face. "The girl trusted the last two defense Professor's. And I'm sure the headmaster told you how they turned out."
Lupin nodded. "Voldemort on the back of the first one's head, and the next under the former's Imperius all year. Both plots to get at Harry and Sarah." Lupin replied, a hint of protectiveness in his voice.
"Yes. Just...have patience with her. She'll warm up to you in time."
Lupin nodded. He took a deep breath. "How does she learn? Is she well behaved?"
"Most of the time, though for you it shouldn't be any issue." Flitwick assured him. And at this Lupin's eyes widened in concern.
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say Miss Potter had just had a incident in potions class. She's got detention and I'm sure she'll be well behaved in your class. Not that she isn't usually, mind you."
"What happened?" Lupin asked eagerly. "I'll sit her down, have a talk with her."
"It's already been settled Remus." Flitwick tried to assure him.
"Filius." Lupin replied, leaning down and looking the tiny professor in the eyes. "I need to know, you know why I do."
Flitwick sighed, and started to tell Lupin what had happened. He told him of the animosity between Sarah and Zacharias Smith, and what had happened today in Potions.
And once Flitwick finished Lupin had a unreadable expression on his face. He nodded, then looked at his watch.
"I need to get the Ravenclaw's boggart ready." He said, and with that Remus Lupin strode out of Flitwick's office, with what can only Flitwick could describe as determination in his eyes.
I spent lunch in the library. Given all that was going through my head I really just needed a moment alone, and I really didn't want to have to see the weary glares of the Hufflepuff's from there table, so I simply found a empty nook and read.
Around ten minutes before Defense class, I packed all my books up and began to make my way to the Defense classroom. I eventually found Lisa, Anthony, and all the my other year mates. All of whom were looking at me in concern.
"There you are." Lisa came up, hugging me. "Where have you been? I thought you'd gotten expelled or something. When you didn't show up for lunch..."
"I wasn't hungry." I replied softly. "Don't worry, I'm not expelled."
"Well that's good." Anthony said, stepped forward. "But what happened?" He asked in a worried and concerned tone.
"Yeah, How many points did we lose?" Michael added in a worried tone.
"None." I replied simply.
At this everyone shared looks. "None?" Terry asked, clearly thinking he hadn't heard me right.
"None." I confirmed. "I did get a week's worth detention. But that's it."
Everyone shared one last glance, then finally seemed to calm down.
"Well that's good." Padma said rubbing the back of her head. "Just, are you okay? You've really been off since yesterday. We're all really worried about you."
"Yeah, we know you keep saying you're fine. But you're clearly not." Lisa added, the worry clear in her voice.
I bit my bottom lip. I really wanted to tell them all about Black, about everything Draco had told me. But I couldn't, Harry couldn't know, he'd just put himself in danger.
But at the same time I knew I couldn't keep saying I was fine.
"Malfoy." I began slowly. "Told me something. A terrible truth that has shaken me to the bone." I continued and all my house mates were listening intently. "It's not something I want to share, and for the life of me, Harry can't know because it would break him like it's broken me. And unlike me who at worst is going to take my anger out on Zacharias Smith, Harry would...well you know."
"Do something incredibly stupid." Anthony said
"Yes. So I really can't tell anyone. I really wish I could, heck, it would feel wonderful to vent to all of you. But I can't. At least not yet."
There was a long silence as the others took in what I said. It looked like everyone wanted to say something, to help me, but there wasn't really anything anyone could do.
"Just, if you ever want to talk about it, you know any of us would be willing to listen." Lisa, finally breaking the silence.
Everyone else nodded, and for the first time today I felt a little better. The amount of support I was being offered was overwhelming, and I couldn't help but smile softly.
"I know guys." I told the group. "And when I can tell you I will." I said.
I just needed the Ministry to finally do there jobs and catch Black before I could.
"Anyways." Michael finally spoke, clearly trying to change the subject. "Let's get to Defense. I've heard Professor Lupin is a really good, and I want to see for myself."
"Here, here." Terry added.
With that we all headed and arrived at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. We entered to see Professor Lupin already waiting for us. He looked at all of us with a smile, but I noticed his gaze linger on me for a moment and for some reason he looked both worried and disappointed?
Had he somehow heard what happened in Potions?
"Welcome." Lupin said. "I'm sure some of the other houses have told you, but today's lesson will be practical. Leave everything but your wands here, and follow me."
Of couse I knew what we were doing, there was a Boggart in the Staff Room that the other houses had already faced.
And now it was our turn.
Professor Lupin led us into the staff room, which at the moment happened to be empty. The room was long, and many old mismatched chairs, at the end of the room was a old wardrobe the Professor's kept there spare robes.
"Now I know some of you have heard the rumors, and yes, today I shall be teaching you all how to face down a Boggart." As if on cue, the wardrobe gave a shake, and we all gave each other a nervous look, while Professor Lupin simply smiled. "It seems to be ready for you all. Tell me, for those who don't know, can someone tell me what a Boggart is?" Professor Lupin asked the class.
Anthony instantly raised his hand.
"Yes Mr. Goldstein?"
"A Boggart is a creature of unknown proportions or looks. When faced, it will turn into whatever said witch or wizard fears most." Anthony answered.
"Very good Mr. Goldstein, five points to Ravenclaw. Now." Lupin turned to look at the wardrobe.
"As Boggarts like to hide there true forms, they will often hide in dark, enclosed spaces. I've seen them under beds, closed closets, and even one inside a grandfather clock. Right now the Boggart in here hasn't assumed a form, but once I let it out, it will assume whatever the closest person to it, fears the most."
"That also mean that we have an advantage when facing it. Can you tell why us why that is Sarah?" Professor Lupin asked me suddenly, all eyes turning to me.
"If multiple people are close to it, it won't know what to turn into." I replied.
Lupin smiled, but I could still see something else behind the kind façade he was putting on. "Yes correct, another five points to Ravenclaw."
"Now." Lupin turned back to the class as a whole. "What that means is when you're dealing with a Boggart, you should try and get company to help. Then the Boggart would get confused and try and turn into two things once. It will debate whether to turn into a venomous snake, or a dangerous criminal. And then it will try and turn into both, and that's how you end up with a man with a snake's bottom, rolling around on the floor."
We all visualized that, and there were several chuckles, as Lupin continued.
"Now what really hurts a Boggart is laughter, the charm to repel one turns to boggart into something amusing. Said Charm is called, riddikulus! And I first want you all to practice saying it without your wands now.
"Riddikulus!." The class replied, and Lupin nodded.
"Good, but that alone isn't enough. Can I have a volunteer?" Lupin scanned the class. "What about you Miss Turpin?" Professor Lupin asked turning to her.
"I guess." Lisa replied, stepping forward, and Lupin smiled.
"Now Miss Turpin. What scares you the most?"
Lisa thought for a moment, then looked at Professor Lupin with a sure look in her eyes.
"I've always been terrified of big cats, lion and tigers and the like." Lisa replied.
Lupin smiled, and nodded. "Good. Now." Lupin thought of a moment. "Think of said cats as kittens, and in diapers and rolling around as a toddler would." Lupin told her.
Lisa closed her eyes, imagining the sight, then nodded. "Done."
Lupin nodded. "Good, now get your wand out. I'm going to let the Boggart out, and it's going to take the form of a tiger or lion or whatever big cat is assumes scares you the most. When it does point your wand at it, imagine what I just told you, and say Riddikulus. Got it?"
Lisa nodded. "Yes sir." She said, readying her wand.
"Good, the rest of you also get your wands out and prepare yourself. Let's see some of that Ravenclaw creativity in your counters."
Lupin then went over and opened the wardrobe, and soon enough what looked like a large tiger came out. I saw Lisa grit her teeth, then pointed her wand at the Boggart.
"Riddikulus." Lisa incanted, and suddenly there was a large crack, then the tiger began to transform to a little kitten, rolling around, with a diaper on its head. It was adorable, and hilarious as Lisa burst into laughter.
"Well done, now Padma you're next."
And with that the class began to take turns. Padma's fear was snakes, Michael's heights, Terry's a small room with no doors, Mandy's a pitch black forest, Morag a office space, and Anthony's flying high on a broom...
Finally it was my turn, I stepped forward to fact the Boggart. I had no idea what my worst fear, there were plenty of things that did terrify me, but none stood out more than the others. So I'd decided to just confront it and come up with something funny on the spot...
But I never got the chance, right as the Boggart was about to face me Lupin strode forward.
"Over here!" Lupin said, and suddenly the Boggart turned to face him, and turned into what seemed almost like Professor Trelawny's crystal balls.
"Riddikulus." Professor Lupin said quickly, and with a flick of his wand and a loud crack, the white orb turned into a balloon, and the Boggart blew up in a cloud of smoke.
And while most everyone else cheered, I frowned. I remembered Harry saying Lupin hadn't let him go, and now he hadn't let me? Why?
"Well done Ravenclaw's, well done." Lupin smiled. "Five Points to everyone who faced the Boggart. You all did wonderfully. Now I want you all to read the chapter on Boggarts and summarize it for me, to be turned in on Tuesday. That will be all."
Everyone began to pile out of the room, everyone in a great mood. that's when Professor Lupin turned to me.
"Sarah, would you stay a moment, I need to speak with you." Lupin said, his tone gentle, but also firm. I shared a quick, confused look with Lisa and Anthony, motioned for them to go on, then turned back to Lupin.
"Sir?" I asked, approaching him.
"I heard about what happened in Potions class earlier today." Professor Lupin said frowning.
"Oh." I replied. "Yeah, that..." I grimaced.
"Yes. Professor Flitwick told me everything. He said you don't have a good relationship with a certain Hufflepuff, and to be quite frank, I've noticed you looking slightly down all day today."
I frowned. "You've been watching me?" I asked.
Lupin was quiet for a moment. "I have. And I'd like to hear from you, why did you do that to Mr. Smith?"
"Because I had told him I was having a bad day and he just wouldn't leave me alone. I would do it again a thousand times over. And to be frank sir, this issue was already addressed with Professor's Flitwick and Snape." I replied, getting suspicious about why Lupin was so interested in me.
Lupin was quiet for a moment, studying me, then his face softened. "I can tell Sarah, you're holding something in. That's why your so off today. Why you, whom I've been told by the other Professor's is the much more cautious and careful than your brother, snapped today. And I'd like to know why that is?"
I froze, I didn't know what to say. Somehow this Professor was reading me like a open book.
"I..."
Lupin got down on a knee so he was eye level with me. "I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable Sarah. I just want to help. I know your first two Defense professor's broke your trust, whether through fault of there own or not, but you can trust me. I'm not serving Voldemort..." I flinched at the name, and Lupin took note of this. "Sorry, You-Know-Who. I promise you that. Please, just tell me what's wrong so I can help you."
I was very quiet for a moment. Lupin was looking at me with such care and gentleness. It's what I figured a father would look at a daughter like.
And finally, I swallowed, trying not to just break down. "I know what Sirius Black did."
Lupin was silent for a long while, his expression softened further, and he cleared his throat.
"How he's after you and Harry?" Lupin asked very softly.
"Not that, that's obvious if you think long enough. I...I know he backstabbed them, our parents. How...he's the reason there dead." I spoke, I could feel tears starting to form and It was getting harder to express myself clearly.
Lupin stern façade dropped totally, now he just looked sad, and concerned.
"Oh...oh my. How do you know? Does Harry know?" Lupin asked me, and I could see he looked slightly emotional as well.
"No Harry doesn't." I replied quickly. "I haven't told anyone what I found out. As for how I..." I swallowed, trying to come up with some way to explain it away without saying Draco told me. "I recognized Black's picture in the Prophet. And I eventually looked in the scrapbook that Hagrid gave me and Harry and...and saw him in the background of my parents wedding portrait. And...and I put two and two together..."
Lupin gave a long sigh. "I'm sorry you figured it out like this. Yes, Sirius Black was your parents Secret Keeper. He gave them over to You-Know-Who."
I bit back tears. "I...figured. I looked up Charms and found the Fidelius. I..." it was getting hard not to break down crying.
"Hey." Professor Lupin said gently putting a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You can cry, let it all out, I wont judge or tell anyone."
And with that I just broke down crying. I let all the pain I'd been bottling up all day come pouring out. Eventually I couldn't help but start to cling to Lupin. And despite me expecting him to push me away, to say it wasn't appropriate for me to cling to him like that...he let me. He held me very loosely and gently.
"Let it out." Lupin said gently.
And I did. I cried and cried until I finally couldn't any more. It must have been a good half a hour I cried until eventually I started to collect myself.
I took several deep shuddering breaths, as I slowly pulled away. Clearing my throat.
"T...thank you sir. I...I would appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about this."
"Of course not Sarah, this stays between us." Lupin smiled. "Now promise me you aren't going to explode at any more classmates?" He asked me gently.
I took another deep breath. "I...I promise sir..."
"Even against Mr. Smith?" Lupin asked, raising a stern but also slightly amused eyebrow.
"I...I'll try."
Lupin chuckled softly. "I guess that's good enough." Lupin said, then pulled out a bar of chocolate out of his coat, and handed it to me. "You can have it all."
I took it, and nodded. "Thank you sir. You've...really helped me." I smiled.
"I'm glad to hear that. "Lupin smiled.
"You won't mention this to anyone, will you Professor? This stays between us?" I asked again nervously. I really didn't want the rest of the staff to know that I knew about Black. It would only bring more questions and I really didn't need that right now.
Lupin looked conflicted for a moment, then nodded. "As you wish Sarah. This stays between us."
"Thank you sir." I smiled softly, and Lupin nodded.
"Of course, Now I've held you long enough, go get some dinner."
I smiled back and turned to leave, but as I reached the door, I turned. "One last thing sir?"
"Yes Sarah?"
"Why didn't you let me face the Boggart?" I asked, and
"Aw, well simply put, I assumed your Boggart would take the form of You-Know-Who. I didn't want to cause a panic. That's the same reason I held Harry back yesterday."
I slowly nodded, though now that I was thinking about it. I'd never met Voldemort like Harry had, I'd never even seen him outside of being a baby...and what I was sure his voice talking to me in dream or when the Dementor had approached me.
But I couldn't help but wonder what my Boggart was? I had so many fears, what was the worse?
"I see sir." I eventually replied.
Lupin raised a eyebrow. "It's not him?"
"I don't even know what he looks like sir." I replied truthfully.
"Then what are you most scared of?" Lupin asked me in a gentle tone.
And I thought, and thought, and thought, and nothing I could think of stuck out.
"I don't know." I admitted softly. "I'm scared of so many things, picking just one…"
"Hey." Lupin smiled. "Don't worry about it. The next time I find a Boggart I'll make sure you get a crack at it. Okay?"
I smiled. "Thank you sir. Have a good evening."
"You too Sarah."
And with that I strode out of the staff room, the comfort and release Professor Lupin had helped me get making me feel so much better.
I gathered my things from the Defense classroom, then headed to dinner. When I arrived I sat down at the Ravenclaw table in the best mood I'd been in since Draco had told me about Sirius Black.
"You seem better?" Lisa asked me as I was making a plate for myself. I looked around to see everyone was looking at me in curiosity.
"I am. Professor Lupin was really able to...help me." I replied, neglecting to mention the fact I'd just spent the last half an hour balling my eyes out in the man's arms.
They all shared curious glances. "Well that's good. I was starting to think I'd have to try and cheer you up myself." Terry smiled.
"Yeah, we had all sorts of plans in the pipe in case we needed them." Michael added.
I shook my head. "I shudder to think what you two would have done to help me." I chuckled.
The Rest of Dinner passed smoothly, and soon enough we were back in the common room. I did all my homework, the different assignments and essay's a good distraction from Black. And soon enough I was again in bed, this time not balling myself to sleep, but determined.
I wasn't going to let Sirius Black ruin my life like he had ruined today. When he was caught I'd be happy, relieved, satisfied, happy.
But until then I had so many classes to enjoy and friends to enjoy, I couldn't let Black ruin that by merely being out there, he'd face justice soon enough.
In the meantime I was going to do what I always did, learn, grow, enjoy the company of my friends. Because, I knew deep down, that's what my parents would want me do be doing.