Chapter 10 of 21
The Patronus Charm
Defense Against the Dark Arts soon became a favored class with the majority of the students. Professor Lupin kept classes entertaining and insisted on class participation.
“See, every one loves Moony,” Sirius said smiling.
There were quite a few class periods when students would ask questions or voice their opinions which resulted in spending class time debating different views. Professor Lupin often played the mediator, occasionally putting in his two knuts when the discussions got out of hand.
Professor Snape, on the other hand, was more short-tempered than ever. Word had spread about Neville's Boggart and while three of the four houses found it hilarious, Snape and the Slytherins did not.
“That’s because, as already explained, Snape does not possess a sense of humor,” James said.
True to Professor Lupin's words, Professor Snape didn't have a sense of humor and took the embarrassment of Boggart-Snape in a dress out on the Gryffindor house any chance he could.
Well, everyone but Harry.
“Why, I thought he hated Harry?” Peter asked, the others shrugged.
It seemed to surprise everyone that other than some snide comments here and there, Professor Snape seemed to ignore Harry completely. Harry didn't complain but was having difficulty in explaining Snape's behavior to his housemates. He could only assume that the Potions teacher pitied him because of his home life but that would mean Professor Snape had a heart.
“And we all know that’s not the case,” Remus mumbled.
“Maybe the grumpy, slimy git exterior is just an act and deep inside he is really a nice bloke that loves everyone,” Lily said.
“Lily, did you inhale too many potions’ fumes?” James asked touching her forehead. She swatted his hand away.
Draco Malfoy had openly complained to everyone who heard about being pulled into Snape's office for something as trivial as a warning.
“What a git!” Sirius complained.
“Told you Snape wouldn’t do anything,” Remus said.
As it turned out, Professor Snape hadn't reprimanded Malfoy at all. The Potions Master had simply advised the student to refrain from making those sort of comments in his class.
Divination class was probably Harry's least favorite which was saying a lot. Professor Trelawney was going out of her way to prove that death was coming for Harry Potter. At first Harry could ignore it but now it was just irritating. He hated being singled out especially in matters involving life and death. Ron and Hermione were getting fed up with it too and were finding if difficult not to hex the woman into unconsciousness. How stupid can you be to tell a teenager they're going to die when there's a mass murderer on the loose wanting nothing more than to kill them?
“Not that I don’t agree with them about Trelawney being stupid but: I AM NOT A MASS MURDERER!”
Care of Magical Creatures was interesting but safe. Hagrid had revealed that he had wanted students to ride the Hippogriffs during the first class but Professor Dumbledore had ruled against it.
“Wise decision,” Lily nodded.
“WISE? Lily! Imagine riding a Hippogriff!” James said excitedly.
“Cool!” Sirius agreed. Remus just shook his head.
Harry was surprised to hear that Hagrid had to have each class approved by Dumbledore. No one was allowed to leave the courtyard during class unless it was with a teacher and the class couldn't be left unattended. Harry felt a little guilty since most of the restrictions had been enforced to protect him but knew it was pointless to say anything.
Harry had completed his reading on the Patronus Charm and had approached Professor Lupin who decided that they would begin at the end of October during the time the majority of the school would be at Hogsmeade. The thought of waiting that long bothered Harry but he didn't say anything. Professor Lupin was right. They had to do this discretely.
On top of classes, Quidditch began in October and of course Oliver Wood, Captain and seventh year student, was as obsessed on winning the Quidditch Cup as ever. They practiced long and hard under the supervision of Madam Hooch. Everyone wanted the Quidditch Cup that should have been theirs for the past two years but extenuating circumstances had prevented that from happening.
“What? What extenuating circumstances? Tell me people? This is important!” James said trying to grab the papers from Lily who kept avoiding James hands and trying to push him away.
“James! Stop that!”
“But this is Quidditch they are talking about. I need to know” James said desperately.
“How come now he is James and not Potter anymore?” Sirius asked. James stopped and stared at him. Then he stared back at Lily with a grin. She blushed and continued reading putting the papers in front of her face.
Returning to the Gryffindor Common Room late one night, Harry wanted nothing more than to go directly to bed. His entire body was sore and his mind was on overload but upon entering, Harry took in the scene before his eyes and knew he wouldn't be going to bed any time soon. Ron and Hermione were glaring at each other while everyone else was watching with wide eyes.
Harry let out a groan as he pulled off his Quidditch robes. "Now what are you two arguing about?" he asked.
Ron and Hermione didn't move. It almost looked like a staring contest which knowing Ron and Hermione it could very well be. "That bloody monster tried to kill Scabbers AGAIN!" Ron shouted in frustration. "I told you to keep that…that thing away!"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Crookshanks doesn't understand Scabbers is a pet!" she said. "It's in a cat's nature to chase rats!"
“Oh, so Scabbers is a rat! Finally we know,” Sirius said raising his arms and flopping down on the bed.
From the sound of it this had been going on for quite a while and would probably go on all night unless someone stopped it. "Where is Scabbers now?" asked Harry. Ron pointed to his pocket where there was a quivering lump. Harry approached his friends and put his hand out gesturing for Ron to hand the frightened animal over. Once Ron did so, Harry turned back to Hermione. "You are right, Hermione," Harry said calmly. "It is in a cat's nature to chase rats but it is in a dog's nature to chase cats. Dogs can be trained not to chase cats so why can't the same be said for cats?" He turned to face Ron. "You know Crookshanks has it in for Scabbers. So, for now, until Crookshanks has his instincts under control, Scabbers needs to stay in our dorm room. The door needs to be closed at all times."
“Bossy little thing isn’t him,” Peter remarked.
“He’s just trying to help,” Lily defended her son.
Before either of them could object, Harry headed towards the staircase. "I'll put Scabbers on your bed, Ron," he said tiredly. "Please work this out." With Scabbers in one hand and his Quidditch robe in the other, Harry went up to his dorm room. He entered the empty room, tossed his robe on his bed then walked over to Ron's and turned Scabbers around so they were face to face.
Looking at the rat, Harry was hit was a sudden feeling of familiarity but quickly shook it off. He's known Scabbers for years. "Ron really cares about you, you know," said Harry. "I just hope you appreciate it." He put the rat down on the bed and was about to back away when he noticed Scabbers' front left paw. He was missing a toe. Strange, Harry thought. I've never noticed that before.
Remus bit his lip frowning and looked at Peter in thought. He shook his head and thought that he was jumping to conclusions.
Ron and Hermione insisted that they had resolved matters but anyone could see that there was still tension between the two of them. Not really wanting to play mediator again, Harry just let them be. He didn't know why they were at each other's throats so much this year. It was almost like they fought just to fight.
As the end of the month approached, everyone was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade which was on Halloween. Even Ron and Hermione took a brake out of their fighting to talk about all of the stores they were going to visit. Not wanting anyone's pity, Harry just remained silent. The only good thing out of this was that he would be starting his extra lessons with Professor Lupin. It wasn't much but it was all he could do.
“Poor Harry, he should sneak out to Hogsmead anyway.”
“BLACK! Do not give my son ideas,” Lily scolded him.
When Halloween morning arrived, Harry ate breakfast with Ron and Hermione then bid them farewell with the orders to bring back store catalogs if they were available. Both Ron and Hermione looked at Harry strangely but Harry didn't elaborate. He wasn't about to tell them that this was his only way to purchase Christmas presents.
Sitting alone at the Gryffindor table, Harry could only wonder what it would be like to visit Hogsmeade. From what he had heard Zonko's Joke Shop and Honeydukes were unbelievable. Closing his eyes, Harry tried not to dwell on it. Professor Dumbledore had made his decision and there was no way around it. Plus, after all the teachers had done for him Harry wasn't about to disobey them by sneaking out of the castle and into the hands of the Dementors.
With hours to burn before his lesson with Lupin, Harry figured it would be best to tackle any remaining homework he had. He retreated to the Gryffindor Common Room, grabbed his homework then picked a corner in the Common Room and started on his dreaded Potions essay. He ignored the ruckus made by the first and second year students. None of them noticed him which was his intention. From Potions he moved on to Transfiguration and then on to Herbology.
Desperately needing a break, Harry left the Common Room and mindlessly roamed the hallways. Before he knew it Harry found himself standing in front of the Defense classroom. Hoping that Professor Lupin wouldn't mind, Harry entered and quietly approached the teacher's chambers. He bit his lower lip nervously as he moved to knock on the door. Would Professor Lupin consider him a pest? Was he being a pest?
“Of course not Harry! You can come see me any time you want.”
Too afraid to find out, Harry turned to leave when the door slowly opened. He jumped back, startled, then tensed when he was Professor Lupin come out. Professor Lupin was evidently just as startled but hid it well. "Harry," he said with a smile. "This is a surprise. Why don't you come in? I trust the castle is a little boring today."
"Just a little," Harry admitted. "Er—if you're busy I can just come back later."
"Nonsense," Lupin said and motioned for Harry to follow. "So, tell me what's on your mind?"
“Well I was wondering how to turn the fifth floor-“
“BLACK!” Lily scolded him.
Entering the room, Harry shrugged as he looked around. He couldn't help but notice the steaming cauldron which was a strange item to have in a Defense office. Looking at Professor Lupin, Harry finally noticed how ill he looked.
“Oh, you’re sick again Remus. I hope it’s nothing serious,” Lily said looking at him.
“I am sure I’ll be okay,” he smiled hoping she’d drop the subject.
“You do get sick an awful lot. It’s not genetic is it?”
“What, why?”
“Well, you’re always going home to see your sick mother, and usually you look pale and sick around that time too,” she said suspiciously.
“That’s stress. Wouldn’t you be stressed if your mother was sick,” James snapped at her and grabbing the pages from her hand he continued reading.
Worry and fear overrode any other thoughts Harry previously had. "Professor, is something wrong?" Harry asked nervously.
Professor Lupin noticed the cauldron and let out a sigh. "I haven't been feeling well lately, Harry," he said as he moved over to his desk, "but it's nothing you need to worry about. I promise."
Harry wasn't convinced. "Maybe you should see Madam Pomfrey just to be sure," he said quickly. "Better safe than sorry."
“He’s worried about you. How cute,” Lily cooed.
Lupin raised an eyebrow at Harry's persistence. It was rare for Harry to ever second guess him. "What is it, Harry?" he asked patiently. "What's really bothering you?"
Looking away, Harry shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "It's just…I don't want anything to happen to you," he said softly. "Maybe we should cancel the lesson today so you can rest. I don't mind, really."
Professor Lupin sat down behind his desk, never taking his eyes off of the nervous teenager. "Harry, I assure you I'm not going anywhere," he said confidently. "I gave you my word this summer that I would be here whenever you needed me and I plan on living up to that promise. I also plan on annoying and embarrassing you every chance I get for years to come. It's certainly what your father would have wanted."
“Yes I would. Thank you Moony!”
Harry hid a smile. He had hated when the Dursleys had embarrassed him but this was different. Professor Lupin didn't think Harry was a freak and announce it to the world. To Professor Lupin, Harry was just Harry which was something Harry had always wanted.
"I appreciate your concern, Harry," Professor Lupin said with a smile. "I really do but this is really nothing to worry about. I'll be fine." Noticing that Harry was still hesitant, he changed the topic. "So, why don't we start your lesson? Now, as I'm sure you've read, a Patronus acts as a guardian, if you will, that acts as a shield. It is a positive force to counter the negative given off by the Dementors. It is a projection of all of the positive emotions Dementors feed on but since it isn't human Dementors can't hurt it."
“And it’s unique- mmmphm-“ Remus was once again stopped by Sirius hand in his mouth.
Harry nodded. "It's unique to the person who conjures it," he recited, "and only works by the conjuror focusing on a happy memory."
Professor Lupin smiled. "Very good, Harry," he said as he pulled his wand out and motioned for Harry to do the same. "Remember, you need to focus on your happy memory while saying the incantation Expecto patronum. Close your eyes, Harry, and find that happy memory."
“Think about flying, the joy, the freedom, the rush that fills your body from the moment you take off,” James said dreamily.
“Honestly James, I am sure Harry can find a better memory then flying,” Lily said crossed.
“There’s nothing better then flying,” James said appalled.
Harry did as he was told and closed his eyes. Thinking hard, he tried to think of a memory, any memory that was happy. He ignored anything connected to the Dursleys immediately and ran through his years at Hogwarts. He didn't have to think long. He knew what to use. He remembered the joy he felt, the freedom, the rush that filled his body from the moment he took off.
“Like father like son,” Peter stated.
Lupin noticed the peaceful look on Harry's face and smiled. "That's it, Harry," he said softly. "Now hold on to that memory, raise your wand and recite the incantation."
Raising his wand, Harry pictured that first flying lesson in his mind. "Expecto patronum," he said firmly. He was so immersed in the memory to notice anything around him. "Expecto patronum," Harry repeated. He remembered Malfoy taunting and the look on Malfoy's face when he had actually caught the Rememberall. "Expecto patronum!"
Out of nowhere Harry felt something slam into him and send him flying backwards into the wall. He heard Lupin shout his name as he fell to the floor in a daze. Forcing his eyes open, Harry saw noticed a strange silver mist engulfing the room like a dense fog. He blinked a few times and looked to his right to see Professor Lupin on his knees with a worried expression on his face.
“What happened? Is he hurt? Why did that happen?” James and Lily said together. The others at first stared strangely at them. Remus was the first to recover.
“Let’s keep reading and we’ll know.”
Lupin reached up and touched Harry's forehead then moved the boy forward so he could check his back. Lifting Harry's shirt, the young teacher let out a wince when he saw bruises already forming. "Are you in a lot of pain, Harry?" he asked quickly.
“Of course he is! He just got slammed into a wall! Let’s slam you into a wall and see how you feel!” Lily snapped irritably.
“Calm down Lily, he’s just trying to find out what happened,” James soothed her.
“I know, but I hate when that happens. Like when you slam your foot on the corner of the bed and start jumping up and down in pain and some idiot keeps asking if you’re in pain while you’re actually trying to stop the pain and instead have to stop to answer,” she huffed.
It took Harry a moment to process the words coming out of Professor Lupin's mouth. His mind was a little clouded. Once he figured out what was being said, Harry slowly shook his head. He really didn't feel much of anything. His entire body felt numb for some reason. "W—what happened?" he asked in confusion.
Professor Lupin conjured several cushions and positioned them appropriately. "Lay down on your stomach, Harry," he instructed and assisted Harry in doing so on the cushions to make the boy more comfortable. "Somehow, you overcharged the spell. You sent too much power through your wand. Lie still. I need to get something for your back."
“How did he do that?” Peter asked looking at Remus, everyone turned to Remus too.
“Why do you always think I have the answers?” Remus asked irritated.
“Because you’re Professor Moony!” Sirius exclaimed and the others nodded. Remus just glared at them.
As quickly as possible, Lupin hurried to the fireplace and threw a fistful of glittering powder from a jar on the fireplace, and threw it into the flames. "Dumbledore!" Lupin said urgently. "You're needed!" As a large shape appeared in the fire, Professor Lupin hurried to his desk, opened the bottom left-hand drawer and pulled out a jar of cream. He turned back to the fire to see Dumbledore stepping out and brushing the ash off of his robes.
Professor Dumbledore straightened up, glanced around then looked at Lupin with twinkle in his eyes. "The results of a failed prank?" he asked pleasantly.
“Dumbledore always expects the best,” Sirius said pleasantly, “Very positive person.”
“Yeah, but that’s always a good way to get very disappointed,” Remus retorted.
“I think that’s better than going around expecting the worse. It’s kind of sad,” Lily said.
“Yeah, besides, that’s what Snivellus does, and you don’t want to be like Snivellus,” James shivered.
"Nothing like that," Professor Lupin said quickly then hurried over to Harry's side. "We had a little accident. I need you to perform a quick health scan while I heal his bruises."
Harry appeared to be half asleep, his wand still clutched tightly in his hand. While Lupin lifted the back of Harry's shirt, Professor Dumbledore knelt down, reaching for the wand but the moment his fingers touched the wood Dumbledore quickly pulled them away and looked up at Professor Lupin. "What happened here, Remus?" he asked curiously.
Professor Lupin glanced up at Professor Dumbledore then continued rubbing the salve on Harry's back. "We started the Patronus Charm today," he said. "Something happened, obviously. I instructed him on finding a happy memory but when he started the incantation, something went wrong. It was like he was in a place deep in his mind. I told him to stop but he didn't seem to hear me."
"His power is growing," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "We should have expected this with the training we put him through." The Headmaster waved his wand over Harry then let out a sigh. "Other than the bruises on his back he's just exhausted. This may only be the beginning, Remus. I agree with Harry learning to defend himself against the Dementors but I wish to be present for the next lesson. I will also need to inform the staff."
“No, why? You’re treating my godson like he’s a menace or something! Stop that!”
“Sirius, Dumbledore has to think of the security of all the students, not just Harry,” Remus pointed out and Sirius anger deflated.
Lupin was stunned. "Don't you think that is a bit premature?" he asked cautiously as he pulled the back of Harry's shirt back down. The bruises were already beginning to fade. "For all we know this could have been a one time occurrence."
“I like old Moony’s logic better,” Sirius mumbled.
“I am not old!” Remus cried outraged.
"Possibly," said Professor Dumbledore as he stood. "He is your charge, Remus, so I shall leave the decision up to you. No one said you would have to handle this alone. If Harry's magic is starting to mature, the staff will need to help him control it, especially in Charms and Transfiguration. I need to consider the safety of all my students, not just Harry. He could be a danger if he can't control himself."
Remus looked at Sirius with a superior look which Sirius ignored whistling.
Remus bowed his head and nodded. "I know," he said softly. "I'm just worried how Harry's going to take this. He so desperately wants to be normal and this is just one more thing that will separate him from everyone else."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Who said everyone needs to know about it?" he asked pleasantly then left the same way he came.
“Yes!” everyone shouted.
“Gotta love Dumbledore!” James exclaimed beaming.
It had been a few hours before Harry came around. Professor Lupin had explained what had happened…to an extent. They had talked about overcharging spells and the consequences which made Harry a little frightened to try the charm again. Yes, he wanted to defend himself against Dementors but what good was it if he ended up passing out anyways?
Harry had confessed that he had been so immersed in the memory that he had not been aware of what was actually happening. This seemed to put Professor Lupin at ease as he insisted that with time and practice Harry could find a happy medium. Harry couldn't deny his relief in the revelation. There was still hope.
Once Lupin had been satisfied with Harry's recovery, he bid farewell but not before scheduling their next lesson for two weeks since next weekend was the Quidditch match against Slytherin and Professor Dumbledore would be there to help. This surprised Harry but he chose not to say anything. He wasn't even aware that Dumbledore knew of these lessons.
As he left, Harry couldn't help but notice how ill Professor Lupin appeared to be. It was even worse than just a few hours ago. He didn't want to offend the man so Harry simply bit his tongue and left for the Gryffindor Tower.
“I wouldn’t get offended because you’re worried Harry. But you don’t have to worry.”
“How do you know? Maybe you have some terminal illness,” Lily said with a raised eyebrow.
“Lily! Moony does not have a terminal illness!” James snapped and kept reading.
He was nearly there when he ran into to worried teenagers, literally. Ron and Hermione nearly fell backwards while Harry did fall backwards and land on the floor hard.
“That’s not nice,” Lily huffed while the boys laughed at the scene.
"Harry!" Hermione cried as she helped him up. "Are you all right? We've been looking all over for you. Where've you been? Ginny told us she hasn't seen you all day."
Harry looked at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. "Er—hi," he said a bit taken aback by Hermione's perkiness. "I'm fine and I was with Professor Lupin. When did you two get back?"
Ron shrugged. "Not long ago," he said then took a step towards Harry. "Listen, we were sort of wondering what's going on with you and Professor Lupin."
“Excuse me?” James asked indignant, “Is he implying that Harry and Moony…?”
“Of course not James, take your mind off the gutter,” Lily said annoyed.
"Excuse me?" Harry asked not liking where this was going one bit.
Hermione seemed to pick up on Harry's tone. "It's just that you two seem really close, Harry," she said. "The way he acts with you…it's almost parental…not like that's a bad thing but it's just odd for a new teacher to act that way about a student he just met."
“See, I told you. Honestly!” Lily huffed.
"Oh," Harry said then looked around nervously. Not seeing anyone around, he motioned for Ron and Hermione to come a little closer. "You see, Professor Lupin knew me when I was a baby."
Hermione's eyes widened. "So he knew your parents?" she asked in a hushed voice.
Harry nodded. "They were very close since their days at school here," he said with a smile. "He's really helped me with this whole Sirius Black mess and he's even told me about my parents. I actually know what they were like now. They're actual people with real strengths and weaknesses. I can't explain what it feels like—"
"—we understand," Hermione said returning a smile. "I'm so happy for you, Harry, but why didn't you tell us?"
"Yeah, here we are thinking you've been ignoring us when you've just been finding out about your mum and dad," Ron added looking relieved. "So, what were they like?"
Harry's smile widened. "I guess my mum was like you, Hermione,
James stopped reading and looked at Lily, “You know, he is quite right.”
and my dad was like the twins," he said. "I guess he was a famous prankster or something. So far Professor Lupin hasn't gone into much detail about the pranks pulled."
Both Ron and Hermione stared at Harry in shock. "No way!" Hermione said. "They were complete opposites! How in the world did they get together?"
“God only knows,” Lily stated. James smiled at her.
"Your dad was like them?" Ron asked then grinned. "Brilliant!"
Relieved that Ron and Hermione were satisfied, Harry decided to change the topic of conversation. "So, what was Hogsmeade like?" he asked curiously. He then spent what little time remained before dinner listening to Ron and Hermione explain their trip to the wizarding village. They reassured Harry that they had brought back catalogs for him but Harry didn't miss the look of pity they both gave him.
Dinner that night was like the previous Halloweens at Hogwarts, incredible decorations and delicious food. It seemed that everyone was enjoying themselves. Ron and Hermione were deep in a debate on which was the better store: Zonko's or Honeydukes and everyone else seemed to be in their own conversations.
Glancing up at the head table, Harry was surprised to see both Professor Lupin and Professor Dumbledore watching him. He immediately felt self conscious and returned his attention to his plate. Why were they watching? Did it have something to do with his lesson? Did he do something wrong and not know it?
“Harry doubts himself a lot,” Remus pondered.
“Yeah, just like someone I know,” Sirius said pointing at Remus. Remus glared back but the pointing did not stop.
The thought of people watching him extinguished his appetite. The feast was suddenly the last place Harry wanted to be. Giving the excuse of a headache, Harry told Ron and Hermione he'd see them later in the Common Room. They appeared to be skeptical about the excuse but let him go.
Strolling through the empty halls to the Gryffindor Tower, Harry couldn't help but wonder why the two professors had been watching him. Had something happened with the search for Sirius Black? Had he done something without knowing it? Did someone find out about this summer before the kidnapping?
The thought of that happening sent chills down Harry's back. He had worked hard on putting that mess behind him. He didn't need it being brought back now. Uncle Vernon's in jail, Harry reminded himself. He can't hurt me anymore. Professor Lupin and Professor Dumbledore wouldn't that happen.
Reaching the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry looked up at her to say the password when he noticed something strange about her. She looked afraid, fearful even. Harry was about to ask what was wrong when he noticed her eyes dart from him to something behind him. His entire body tensed as he slowly reached into his robes for his wand. He nearly had it when someone grabbed the back of his neck and pushed him against the wall. It wasn't a hard but the action still wasn't a welcomed one.
“Hey! Let him go whoever you are!” Sirius shouted.
"I'm not here to hurt you, Harry," a scratchy, male voice said softly. "I need to get into the Tower. He's here, at Hogwarts. I can't let him hurt you. You have to let me in."
“Who’s in the tower?” Peter asked. The others shrugged.
Harry wasn't listening. He tried to break free but was unsuccessful. Even though he couldn't see the man's face Harry knew who it was: Sirius Black.
“Guess that’s you Padfoot,” James said icily.
“Sorry,” Sirius mumbled looking down then his head snapped back up and he said, “but I just said. I don’t want to hurt him. See, I am not there to hurt him.” James read back the line and brightened up at that.
Panic quickly set in. He was supposed to be safe here! The Dementors were here to keep him safe! How did Black get passed them? "Let me go!" he shouted. "Lady! Get help! Hurry!"
He heard the Fat Lady leave her portrait a he continued to struggle against Black's hold. Why did he have to leave the feast early? Why didn't he just stay with everyone else?
A soft voice broke into his thoughts. "Harry, calm down," he said. "I promise I won't hurt you. You have to believe me. He's here, at Hogwarts." His voice suddenly turned urgent. "Never let your guard down and never go anywhere without your wand. Be careful, Harry."
“See! See! They’re wrong. I am innocent. I told you I wouldn’t hurt our Pronglet!”
Before Harry could do or say anything something hit him on the back of the head. Everything went black.
“What do you call that?” James snapped at Sirius.
“Dunno,” Sirius mumbled miserably.
“Maybe he didn’t want anyone thinking Harry helped him in,” Remus tried to rationalize and bring back the peace between James and Sirius. James kept glaring.
Professor Dumbledore was about to send everyone to bed when the house ghosts quickly entered the Great Hall and rushed to the head table. All conversations ceased at this strange sight. The four house ghosts were rarely seen together like this. Whatever they had to say, everyone knew it was important.
"Headmaster Dumbledore!" Nearly Headless Nick said urgently. "Sirius Black is in the castle! The Fat Lady informed us that he has Harry Potter!"
“Well, they could have been a little more discreet,” Lily said rolling her eyes.
The entire staff table quickly rose to their feet. "Students, please remain here," Dumbledore said calmly but firmly. "You are to obey the Head Boy and Girl until we return." Without another word, the staff followed the ghosts out of the hall, locking the doors behind them to ensure the students remained in the Great Hall.
The entire staff hurried after the ghosts, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Lupin leading the way. They followed the floating entities up the staircases and into the hallway leading to the Gryffindor Tower. The moment the Fat Lady's portrait came into view, everyone stopped in their tracks at the sight that they saw.
The Fat Lady was back in her portrait and on her knees in tears with her face buried in her hands. Lying face down on the floor in front of her was Harry Potter. Faint bruises covered the back of his neck in the shape of a hand. He wasn't moving.
“He’s dead! You killed him!” Lily cried.
“No, no, he’s just unconscious,” Sirius said desperately, “I wouldn’t hurt him.”
Professor Lupin was the first to move and hurried to the teenager, his charge, the son of his friend. He quickly but carefully rolled the boy over felt for a pulse with his shaking hands. He instantly let out a sigh of relief and pulled Harry to his chest, determined never to let go the boy again. "He's alive," he said to his co-workers.
Professor Dumbledore turned to the rest of the staff and the house ghosts. "Search the castle," he said firmly then turned to McGonagall. "Minerva, return to the Great Hall and ensure that no one is panicking. You may tell Harry's friends that he has been found." He then turned to Madam Pomfrey. "Harry will be moved to my guest quarters until we are certain it is safe for him. Gather your supplies and meet us there."
Not needing to hear any more, the staff and ghosts left. Letting out a sigh, Dumbledore turned to the young teacher who was holding the injured boy tightly, his face buried in the boy's messy hair. The Headmaster crouched down and put a gentle hand on Lupin's shoulder. "Remus, we need to have Madam Pomfrey check Harry for injuries," he said softly. "I know you care for Harry deeply but he needs you to be strong now."
“Yes, please Moony. Don’t have a nervous break down now!” James pleaded.
“He’s scared. He cares about Harry,” Lily tried to calm James.
Professor Lupin nodded and repositioned Harry in his arms before standing up, still holding the boy tightly. His eyes met Dumbledore's with a look that clearly said 'try to take him from me and die'. Professor Dumbledore let out another sigh then walked with Lupin to his chambers to find Madam Pomfrey already waiting for them.
They walked up the stairs in silence. When they entered Dumbledore watched Remus and Poppy take Harry to the guest quarters. It was clear that Professor Remus J. Lupin was hopelessly attached to his charge. Professor Dumbledore couldn't ignore the worry rising in him. If anything happened to Harry Potter, Remus would be devastated.
“Of course I would. Do you think that I would just go off singing, all happy and all if something happened to my cub?”
“Your cub?” Lily asked with a raised eyebrow.
“No, I mean. Your son. A puppy Marauder. Our Pronglet,” Remus awkwardly tried to correct himself.
“Relax, I am glad you care so deeply about Harry,” Lily said smiling.
He would need to do something to make certain that never happened.
“Good!” they all exclaimed.