Fred looks to George before he sighs, "I heard Dad tell Mum that she didn't want you going to school with us because he was scared Black would go there first."

I furrowed my eyebrows, Why would Black look for me?

George nodded, "They said they would talk about it more after we went to bed," George trailed off as his hand slowly begin to reach for Percy's badge.

I roll my eyes before handing them the stupid pin and turning out of the room.

The passage down to the bar, where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would be, was dimly lit by only a few floating candles. I could barely see my hands that were in front of my face so it came to me as no shock when I accidentally ran into Harry.

"Umph," I stumble, my breathing heavy, as Harry turns to me in shock, his wand at the ready. I roll my eyes, lowering his weapon. "Relax, Merlin. It's just me," I whisper.

Lightly pushing him back against the wall, so we wouldn't get caught, I try to calm my breathing. Looking out the small hole, I could see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sitting at the same table we had just left a minute ago arguing about something.

". . . makes no sense not to tell them," Mr. Weasley was saying heatedly. "They have got a right to know. I've tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating Harry like a child. And you know that Mara has got her claws into him—"

Harry turns to look at me with a quizzical expression but I only shrug. My mom and I aren't close enough for me to know what she is doing.

I have, however, been noticing that she has been meeting with Fudge more and more, over this summer. I will have to find out more. If I am lucky that information may help me learn more about what is going on with Black.

"Arthur, the truth would terrify them!" said Mrs. Weasley shrilly. "Do you really want to send Harry and Ella back to school with that hanging over him? Goodness knows what Ella would try to do if she found out!"

I frown. Did they really think of me to be that reckless? My mom is one thing but even Mrs. Weasley seemed concerned that I would hurt myself doing something stupid.

"I don't want to make the kids miserable, I want to put them on their guard!" retorted Mr. Weasley. "You know what Harry, Ella, and Ron are like, wandering off by themselves — they've even ended up in the Forbidden Forest! But Harry mustn't do that this year! When I think what could have happened to him that night he ran away from home! If the Knight Bus hadn't picked him up, I'm prepared to bet he would have been dead before the Ministry found him."

"But he's not dead, he's fine, and so is Ella. So what's the point —"

"Molly, they say Sirius Black's mad, and maybe he is, but he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible. It's been a month, and no one's seen hide nor hair of him, and I don't care what Fudge keeps telling the Daily Prophet, we're no nearer catching Black than inventing self-spelling wands. The only thing we know for sure is what Black's after —"

"But Harry and Ella will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts."

"We thought Azkaban was perfectly safe. If Black can break out of Azkaban, he can break into Hogwarts."

"But no one's really sure that Black's after the kids —"

My hairs stand on end at those words. Sirius Black maybe after Harry and me.

I freeze hearing a thump of wood and lean over Harry to see Mr. Weasley hitting the table with his fist.

"Molly, how many times do I have to tell you? They didn't report it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night Black escaped. The guards told Fudge that Black's been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the same words: 'They are at Hogwarts...They are at Hogwarts.' Black is deranged, Molly, and he wants Ella and Harry dead. If you ask me, he thinks murdering Harry will bring You-Know-Who back to power, and I have no idea what he wants of Ella. Black lost everything the night Harry stopped You-Know-Who, and nobody is foreign to the rumors going around about Ella. Black has had twelve years alone in Azkaban to brood on that. . . ."

There was silence. Harry and I leaned closer desperate to learn more.

"Well, Arthur, you must do what you think is right. But you're forgetting Albus Dumbledore. I don't think anything could hurt Ella or Harry at Hogwarts while Dumbledore's headmaster. I suppose he knows about all this?"

"Of course he knows. We had to ask him if he minds the Azkaban guards stationing themselves around the entrances to the school grounds. He wasn't happy about it, but he agreed."

I feel my heart drop at the thought of the Azkaban guards coming to school with us. Those were a miserable lot.

"Not happy? Why shouldn't he be happy, if they're there to catch Black?"

"Dumbledore isn't fond of the Azkaban guards," said Mr. Weasley heavily. "Nor am I, if it comes to that . . . but when you're dealing with a wizard like Black, you sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid."

"If they save —"

"— then I will never say another word against them," said Mr. Weasley wearily. "It's late, Molly, we'd better go up. . . ."

I tug Harry, realizing they would be going through this passage soon. Harry turned to me as we both shuffled back to our rooms trying to leave as quickly as possible without making too much noise.

I rushed into Hermione and I's room, shutting the door behind me with a small thud, before letting out a sigh.

↤|🌊|↦

"The sooner we get on the train, the better," Ron repeated for what felt like the tenth time.

Hermione and I groan as we sip our juice, ignoring Ron's incessant yammering for us to help pack the cab. He has awoken us nearly at the crack of dawn and was forcing us to be the first ones ready.

Ron snatched the last bite of my blueberry scone that I was about to eat and threw it away as he pulled me out of my seat and towards the door, "At least I can get away from Percy at Hogwarts. Now he's accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of Penelope Clearwater. You know," Ron grimaced, "his girlfriend. She's hidden her face under the frame because her nose has gone all blotchy. . . ."

"I've got something to tell you," Harry began, causing my eyes to snap open. Ron and Hermione were our best friends and I told them everything, but I wasn't sure if this was the best time or [place to tell them.

To confirm my worries, Fred and George interrupted us to congratulate Ron on infuriating Percy again.

After that, everything became chaotic as Ginny ran down, the last of the clan to get ready. Everyone was shuffling to make sure they had not forgotten anything.

To make it worse, Hedwig and Hermes, Percy's screech owl, were screeching over some nonsense that happened between them last night.

I was also beginning to agree with Ron about Hermione's pet not being feline. I have never seen such a reaction from being caged. Crookshanks has truly lost it. She is screeching, spitting, and running around the small cage, like the Tasmanian Devil.

"It's all right, Crookshanks," Hermione cooed at the wild thing. "I'll let you out on the train."

"You won't," snapped Ron. "What about poor Scabbers, eh?"

He pointed at his chest, where a large lump indicated that Scabbers was curled up in his pocket.

Bluebelle had taken residence in my purse as she stretched out her small limbs. I smiled at the adorable sight. Over the break, I had adorned Bluebelle with a blue ribbon around her neck, which I thought was the cutest accessory.

Mr. Weasley entered the bar, wiping a small sheen of sweat off his forehead, "They are here. The ministry cars."

I bite my lip as I look at Harry. He had told me earlier this morning that the Ministry had sent cars as a "gift" for my mom's alliance. We both knew it was an excuse to watch over Harry and me, especially since my mom would have told me about this gift if she knew about it.

"They're here," he said. "Ella, Harry, come on."

Mr. Weasley marched us across the short stretch of pavement toward the first of two retro dark green cars. When the door opened. I was immediately greeted by the driver who was wearing an emerald velvet suit. I gave him a small smile, as I moved to sit at the end.

"In you get, Harry," said Mr. Weasley, glancing up and down the crowded street. I watch Harry sit next to me before we are joined by Hermione and Ron.

We quickly reached King's Cross with twenty minutes to spare, it felt so strange to be early.

The Ministry drivers were fast to find us trolleys and load our luggage onto them before entering their cars and zipping out of sight.

Mr. Weasley was basically hovering Harry and I the entire time we were in the train station. Once we made it to the entrance, I thought I would be able to get some space away from him, but I was wrong.

"Right then," Mr. Weasley said, warily looking behind his back just in case we would face a sneak attack. "Let's do this in pairs, as there are so many of us. Since we have an odd number of people, I'll go through first with Harry and Ella."

Harry and I couldn't help the few chuckles that came out as we walked up to the entrance with Mr. Weasley's hands on each of our shoulders. He was a sweet man and the closest thing to a dad I have ever had but, he was killing me with all of these safety precaustions.

Mr. Weasley lightly pushed us forward, casually reading the ad that was placed on one of the trains. Harry and I mimicked him as we slowly melted onto the platform of nine and three-quarters. I looked up and saw the Hogwarts Express, a scarlet steam engine, puffing smoke over a platform packed with witches and wizards seeing their children onto the train.

One of the coolest places in the world.

Percy and Ginny suddenly appeared behind us, panting as they moved to where we stood. They apparently took it at a run.

"Ah, there's Penelope!" Percy said, brushing his unruly red hair back and trying to suavely approach the curly-haired Ravenclaw. I turned to look at Ginny and Harry as I sucked in my face to mimic his idiotic stance. We all burst into laughter as we watched him fix his badge as he spoke to her.

"What a charmer," I joked.

Harry and Ron led the way to the end of the train, once everyone had arrived. We loaded our luggage into one of the carriages and returned to say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. I was the last one out, after making sure Bluebelle was comfortable in her seat

Mrs. Weasley gave all of us a kiss, as she bid us all farewell. "I've made you all sandwiches. There you go, Hermione. . . Here you are, Ron . . . no, they're not corned beef. . . . Fred? Where's Fred? Here you are, dear. . . ."

I noticed Mr. Weasley pulling Harry away as Mrs. Weasley was handing out the sandwiches. I tried to listen to what they were saying but it was nearly impossible in such a crowded room and Mrs. Weasley had taken my attention anyway as she handed me a sandwich.

I smiled at her before I was pulled away by Hermione onto the train. We quickly stuck our heads out the window and waved goodbye as the train pulled away.

Once we could no longer see the Weasleys, we pulled our heads back into the train.

"I need to talk to you in private," Harry said.

"Go away, Ginny," Ron looked at the only other person in the train other than us.

"Oh, that's nice," Ginny huffed before she stalked off, sending each of us a glare. I wince as I watch her go.

It wasn't like we didn't enjoy Ginny's company but, this was really private and Harry wasn't that close to Ginny.

We all began looking for an empty compartment we could go into listen to Harry without having to worry about someone else trying to listen, but all were full except for the one at the very end of the train, and even that one had an occupant, a man sitting fast asleep next to the window.

I was shocked to see an adult on the Hogwarts Express. It was for students and I had never heard of an adult allowed on board, except for the witch who pushed the food cart.

The young stranger was wearing an extremely shabby set of wizard's robes and he looked very ill, with greys streaking his hair.

"Who d'you reckon he is?" Ron hissed as we all sat down, trying to avoid the stranger.

"Professor R. J. Lupin," whispered Hermione at once.

"How d'you know that? I swear she knows everything," Ron muttered at Harry.

"It's on his case," I replied, pointing at the luggage rack over the stranger's head.

"I wonder what he teaches?" I say, my hand reaching out to softly brush the engraving. The stranger did not look like a professor.

"That's obvious," whispered Hermione. "There's only one vacancy, isn't there? Defense Against the Dark Arts." I nod sitting back next to Hermione.

"Well, I hope he's up to it," said Ron doubtfully. "He looks like one good hex would finish him off, doesn't he? Anyway . . ." He turned to Harry. "What were you going to tell us?"

Harry repeated everything we heard when Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were arguing and told us about the warning Mr. Weasley had just given him, which was apparently for him to not go out looking for Black and watch out for me, probably to make sure I did not do the same.

Once Harry was done Hermione and Ron looked shocked, to say the least. Harry and I had to wait for a good, five minutes before they were able to speak again.

Hermione was the first to move her hands away from her mouth, "Sirius Black escaped coming after you two? Oh, . . . you'll have to be really, really careful. Don't go looking for trouble —"

Hermione looked at me and Harry with so much fear in her eyes I felt guilty for worrying her, "We won't"

"And I don't go looking for trouble," said Harry. "Trouble usually finds me and Ella is just with me when it does"

"How thick would Harry and Ella have to be, to go looking for a nutter who wants to kill them?" said Ron shakily.

Ronn and Hermione seemed more scared than we were which made matters even worse as Harry and I tried to reassure them that Black would not come to look for us at Hogwarts.

"No one knows how he got out of Azkaban," said Ron uncomfortably. "No one's ever done it before. And he was a top-security prisoner too."

"But they'll catch him, won't they?" said Hermione earnestly. "I mean, they've got all the Muggles looking out for him too. . . ."

"What's that noise?" Ron jumped, looking around like a madman.

I tried to listen but all I could hear was Ron's teeth chattering. Hermione must have heard the same thing because her hand quickly shot out to hold his jaw in place. Causing both of them to blush before they looked away.

I began to hear a faint whistling noise coming from somewhere on the train. At first, I thought it was outside but it slowly began to move around before it felt like it was surrounding us.

I felt my heartbeat begin to race as the noise became louder and louder until finally Ron stood up and opened harry's trunk pulling out a Sneakoscope, "It's coming from your trunk, Harry."

I watched as it glowed brightly in Ron's hand as it spun.

"Is that a Sneakoscope?" said Hermione interestedly, standing up for a better look.

"Yeah . . . mind you, it's a very cheap one," Ron said. "It went haywire just as I was tying it to Errol's leg to send it to Harry."

"Were you doing anything untrustworthy at the time?" said Hermione shrewdly.

"No! Well . . . I wasn't supposed to be using Errol. You know he's not really up to long journeys . . . but how else was I supposed to get Harry's present to him?"

"Stick it back in the trunk," I looked at Ron, "or it'll wake Professor Lupin up."

Ron nodded as he stuffed the Sneakoscope into a pair of Uncle Vernon's old socks, which deadened the sound, then closed the lid of the trunk on it.

"We could get it checked in Hogsmeade," Ron offered. "They sell that sort of thing in Dervish and Banges, magical instruments and stuff. Fred and George told me."

"Do you know much about Hogsmeade?" asked Hermione. "I've read it's the only entirely non-Muggle settlement in Britain —"

"Yeah, I think it is," Ron nodded, obviously not interested in the small fact.

"but that's not why I want to go. I just want to get inside Honeydukes!"

"What's that?" Hermione asked, interested to learn more about the town.

"It's this sweetshop," said Ron, a dreamy look coming over his face, "where they've got everything. . . . Pepper Imps — they make you smoke at the mouth — and great fat Chocoballs full of strawberry mousse and clotted cream, and really excellent sugar quills, which you can suck in class and just look like you're thinking what to write next —"

"But Hogsmeade's a very interesting place, isn't it?" Hermione pressed on. "In Sites of Historical Sorcery it says the inn was the headquarters for the 1612 goblin rebellion, and the Shrieking Shack's supposed to be the most severely haunted building in Britain —"

"— and massive sherbet balls that make you levitate a few inches off the ground while you're sucking them," Ron continued, obviously ignoring Hermione at this point.

Hermione decided to give up on Ron as she turned to Harry and me, "Won't it be nice to get out of school for a bit and explore Hogsmeade?"

" 'Spect it will," Harry frowned. "You'll have to tell me when you've found out."

"What d'you mean?" said Ron.

"I can't go. The Dursleys didn't sign my permission form, and Fudge wouldn't either."

Ron looked more horrified now than he did when we told him about Black.

"You're not allowed to come? But — no way — McGonagall or someone will give you permission —"

I scoff, McGonagall was one of the strictest teachers I have ever met. There is no way she would sign Harry's paper.

"— or we can ask Fred and George, they know every secret passage out of the castle —"

"Ron!" Hermione said sharply, hitting him on the head. "I don't think Harry should be sneaking out of school with Black on the loose —"

"Yeah, I expect that's what McGonagall will say when I ask for permission," said Harry bitterly.

"But if we're with him," Ron argued, "Black wouldn't dare —"

"Oh, Ron, don't talk rubbish," snapped Hermione. "Black's already murdered a whole bunch of people in the middle of a crowded street. Do you really think he's going to worry about attacking Harry just because we're there?"

I nd my head with Hermione, "She is right, Ron. Harry is safest at Hogwarts."

"And Ella will keep him company," Hermione continued nochalantly, "So he won't be completly alone."

My head whips around as I look at my friend, "What?"

Hermione looks at me in shock, "You can't possibly think you are going to Hogsmeade."

I laugh, nodding my head, "And why not? I got my form signed."

"But you are in just as much danger as Harry," Hermione shook her head.

I scoff, "That is tough because I still have a parental signature, and not even Dumbledore can fight that."

Hermione scowled at me. Deciding to ignore both Harry and me, she turned around to the luggage and unlocked the straps of Crookshanks's basket. Harry and I watched in amusement as Ron began shouting in fear, "Don't let that thing out!"

Crookshanks had already lept out of the cage and settles on Ron's knees, causing him to jump from his seat as he pushed the poor cat off of him, "Get out of here!"

"Ron, don't!" said Hermione huffed.

Ron was about to say something back, but we all froze as Professor Lupin stirred. We all watched as the man grumbled before turning to face the door.

Nobody said a word after that, as Hermione allowed Crookshanks to lie on her lap, and Harry and Ron began to play rock, paper, scissors. Letting out a sigh of relief, I turned to look out the window, watching the scenery pass us by. The scenery had changed from farmland to mountainscapes.

I felt something soft move on my legs before I saw Bluebelle snuggled on between Harry and me. I smiled as I watched her big blue eyes close before she fell asleep. That was all the little cat seemed to do when she wasn't jumping off the walls trying to find someone to play with.

At one o'clock, the nice witch with the candy cart arrived at the compartment door.

"D'you think we should wake him up?" I awkwardly asked, eyeing Professor Lupin's sickly state. "He looks like he could do with some food."

Hermione approached Professor Lupin guardedly, "Er — Professor?" Hermione said. "Excuse me — Professor?"

He didn't react.

"Don't worry, dear," said the kind witch as she handed Harry a large

stack of Cauldron Cakes he must have just purchased. "If he's hungry when he wakes, I'll be upfront with the driver."

"I suppose he is asleep?" said Ron quietly as he began eating one of the cakes Harry has purchased. "I mean — he hasn't died, has he?"

"No, no, he's breathing," whispered Hermione, taking the Cauldron Cake Harry passed her.

I shrug as I gratefully take a cauldron cake from Harry.

Unfortunately, just after I finished my cauldron cake and had prepared to take a nap, Draco and his band of goonies had to interrupt us. I scowl, looking at the rude pale boy and his bodyguards.

"Well, look who it is," Malfoy drawled, pulling open the compartment door.

"Potty and the Weasel."

I look at Hermione with mock stupidity, "And I suppose you and I are chopped liver?"

Hermione laughed along with Harry and Ron, upsetting Malfoy, "I heard your father finally got his hands on some gold this summer, Weasley," Malfoy said, bringing the attention back to him. "Did your mother die of shock?"

Ron stood up so quickly he knocked Crookshanks's basket to the floor. Professor Lupin gave a snort.

"Who's that?" Malfoy asked, stumbling back into Crabbe and Goyle.

My eyes narrow in on the fear on Malfoy's face as I smirk, "New teacher."

Harry stood up, catching on, "What were you saying, Malfoy?"

"C'mon," Malfoy muttered to Crabbe and Goyle, not dumb enough to pick a fight right in front of a teacher.

Ron grumbled, massaging his knuckles, "I'm not going to take any crap from Malfoy this year," Ron began the same speech we heard last year. "I mean it. If he makes one more crack about my family, I'm going to get hold of his head and —"

"Ron," hissed Hermione, nodding at Professor Lupin, "be careful . . ."

As the rain began to thicken, I felt my eyes droop as I leaned against Harry and fell alseep.

"Ron, that was my foot!"

"D'you think we've broken down?"

"Dunno . . ."

Groaning, I woke up to hear Hermione and Ron, screaming at each other. I yawned as I opened my eyes to look around.

"What is going on?" I asked, noticing the lights were all out.

"Dunno. The lights just flickered off a second ago," Harry answered.

"

There's something moving out there," Ron said. "I think people are coming aboard. . . ."

The compartment door suddenly flew open as I heard a thump.

"Sorry — d'you know what's going on? — Ouch — sorry —"

"Hullo, Neville," said Harry, as the lump began to move off the floor and sit down.

There was a loud hissing and a yelp of pain, causing me to groan as I assumed Neville sat on Crookshanks. I quickly picked Bluebelle up from my lap and held her to my chest.

"I'm going to go and ask the driver what's going on," Hermione said before I felt a hand touch my face, "Ella. Is that you?"

Moving her hand from my forehead, I nod, "Yes."

"Come with me," Hermione commanded before she opened the door; we all heard a small yelp.

"Who's that?"

"Who's that?"

"Ginny?"

"Hermione?"

"What are you doing?"

"I was looking for Ron —"

"Come in and sit down —"

"Not here!" said Harry hurriedly. "I'm here!"

"Ouch!" said Neville before I felt Ginny squeeze between Harry and me.

"Quiet!" said a hoarse voice suddenly.

Harry, Ginny, and I jumped out of our seats as we fell onto Ron, Hermione, and Neville. Professor Lupin had awoken, and we were all too scared to introduce ourselves.

There was a soft, crackling noise, and a cool light filled the compartment as I leaned into who I assume was Ron, due to the girly winces. We all watched in awe as Professor Lupin held a burning flame in the palm of his hand, revealing his wan complexion.

"Stay where you are," he said in the same hoarse voice, slowly getting to his feet.

I shivered, feeling the room become deathly cold. Bluebelle shrank into my form for warmth as we watched a cloaked figure from the compartment door that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its old black hood.

I felt my stomach squeeze as I took a huge gulp, watching as a skeletal hand protruded from the cloak, glistening in a grayish hue, like something waterlogged.

A wave of sadness hit me as if every bright emotion left the room, leaving us in nothing but dark emptiness.

We all froze as we watched it's hand fall back into the folds of its cloak before a long, slow, rattling breath was heard.

What none of us expected was for the dark figure to focus on Harry as it seemed to suck the life from him. I watched in awe as Harry appeared to grow weaker and weaker with every breath the creature took.

"None of us is hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks. Go," I heard Professor Lupin shout, but nothing happened. And Harry was only getting worse, as he began twitching.

It wasn't until Professor Lupin pulled out his wand and cast a spell did the creature disappear. We all watched in awe as a silvery wisp appeared out of his wand, taking the form of a wolf. It immediately caused the black shrouded figure to shrink back into the corridor.

Eventually, the creature left altogether, just as Harry passed out on the floor with a thump. I watched in awe as he began stroking out on the floor.

Hermione and I were the first to fall to the floor with Ginny and Ron behind us as we looked at Harry. Gently slapping his face, I tried to wake him up, "Harry! Harry! Are you all right?"

"W — what?"

Harry slowly opened his eyes a few minutes afterward. By that time, the train and begun to move once again, and the lights had turned back on.

Using his elbows to push himself up, he looked at us silently. He looked paler than usual and felt a bit clammy when I put my hand on his forehead.

Ron helped him back in his seat as we all waited for him to say something.

"Are you okay?" Ron decided to speak up.

"Yeah," said Harry, as his eyes darted to the door. "What happened? Where's that — that thing? Who screamed?"

"No one screamed," said Ron, looking at Hermione and me with a nervous expression.

"But I heard screaming —"

A loud snap made all of us jump from our seats once again as we turned to the source of the noise. Professor Lupin had broken off a large piece of chocolate. We watched as he handed it to Harry. "Eat it. It'll help."

Harry took the chocolate but didn't eat it, warily glancing at our strange new teacher, "What was that thing?"

"A dementor," said Lupin, who was now handing out chocolate to everyone else in the compartment. "One of the dementors of Azkaban."

We all stared at him in awe, not expecting the man to give us chocolate like five-year-olds.

"Eat," he repeated, looking at me in particular. "It'll help. I need to speak to the driver, excuse me . . ."

He strolled past us and disappeared into the corridor.

"Are you sure you're okay, Harry?" Hermione said anxiously, nibbling on her piece of chocolate.

"I don't get it. . . . What happened?" Harry muttered, wiping his brow.

"Well — that thing — the dementor — stood there and looked around (I mean, I think it did, I couldn't see its face) — and you — you —"

"I thought you were having a fit or something," Ron spoke up. "You went sort of rigid and fell out of your seat and started twitching —"

I nodded me head, "Professor Lupin walked toward the dementor, and pulled out his wand," I told him, "and he said, 'None of us is hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks. Go.' But the dementor didn't move, so Lupin muttered something, and a silvery thing shot out of his wand at it, and it turned around and sort of glided away. . . ."

"It was horrible," said Neville, in a higher voice than usual. "Did you feel how cold it got when it came in?"

"I felt weird," nodded Ron, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably. "Like I'd never be cheerful again. . . ."

Ginny, who was sitting in a small corner of the compartment, let out a small sob. I left the boys to pull her into a hug, as Bluebelle huddled herself between us, licking the small tears running down Ginny's face.

"But didn't any of you — fall off your seats?" I heard Harry ask.

"No," Ron answered, before pointing to Ginny, "Ginny was shaking like mad, though. . . ."

Professor Lupin had come back in the compartment a few minutes afterward, and Ginny had calmed down enough to return back to her friends. She had taken Bluebelle with her, however.

Professor Lupin grinned, "I haven't poisoned that chocolate, you know. . ."

I look down at the chocolate in my palm before noticing Harry had not eaten his chocolate also. I grin at the teacher before eating the small piece he had given me. Relishing in the feeling of warmth running through my body.

"We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes," said Professor Lupin. "Are you all right, Harry?"

How did he know Harry's name?

"Fine," Harry said, leaning his head against the window.

We were silent the rest of the journey, deciding to let Harry rest. We also didn't know what to say after what had just happened.

Finally, the strain had arrived at Hogsmeade station, and everyone clambered to get off the wretched train. It was freezing outside, but nobody cared as they all fought to get on the tiny platform.

"Firs' years this way!" called a familiar voice. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I all turned to see the huge figure of Hagrid on the other end of the platform, beckoning the terrified first-year students to the boats.

"All righ', you four?" Hagrid yelled over the heads of the crowd. We all waved at him, knowing there was no way we would be able to move through the crowd to speak to him. We would just have to meet up with Hagrid once school began.

Ron, Hermione, and I threw worried glances at Harry the entire time, still worried he may pass out. He seemed a bit better but was still sickly-looking.

As the carriage made its way to the massive iron gates that were accentuated with stone columns topped with winged boars, I noticed the hooded dementors, standing guard on either side.

The nauseating chill ran through my body as I tried to avoid eye contact with the haunting creatures. When I looked up again, glad to see that we had made it to the entrance of Hogwarts.

Just as I got off the carriage, I was faced with the pleasant sight of Malfoy.

"You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottom telling the truth? You actually fainted?"

Malfoy elbowed past Hermione to block Harry's way up the stone steps to the castle, his eyes glinting maliciously. I scoff, checking to make sure Hermione was okay before making my way up to Malfoy only to be pulled back by someone's hand.

"Let go of me, Ron," I grumble, trying to make it up the stairs to tell off Malfoy. My jaw drops as I notice Ron's red hair right next to Harry.

"Hello, love," I hear the infuriating voice of Newt Scamander behind me, with his regular gang of jerks. Spinning on my heels, I yank my arm free facing the golden adonis in front of me, age always treats him well.

"Newt," I fake a resentful grin, knowing I was secretly happy to see him.

Newt smirks, eyeing my outfit, "Ambrosio, breaking dress code again this year?" Newt smirked, sucking on his lower lip, "Edgy," he said in a lustful way that should make me want to vomit, but instead just caused my legs to wobble.

"Shove off, Newt," I roll my eyes, moving to walk away when he calls out.

"Don't act like you aren't happy to see me, Ambrosio."

I scoff, turning around to face him, folding my arms across my chest as I stomp over to him, "Actually, it is the opposite, Scamander. I am happy to say that after this little chance encounter, I don't have to see your face for the rest of the year."

Newt leaned forward, hovering right in front of my face as I felt his minty breath fan across me, "Are you sure about that, Ella."

Before I let my guard fall, I turn away from him, making sure my hair hits him in the face as I growl, "Certain."

I quickly walk up the stairs, and through the large oak doors, before I find my friends sitting at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Just as I was about to sit down next to Hermione, who had saved me a seat with her book, I heard a voice call for me.

Professor McGonagall was waiting at the entrance with a stern expression as she eyed me, hiding behind Percy, "Ambrosio! Potter! Granger! I want to see you three. Now!"

We all jumped up as we walked over to Professor McGonagall, knowing she was not one to mess with, especially on the first day. I had grown accustomed to being called in by McGonagall, but for once in my life, I didn't do anything wrong.

"There's no need to look so worried," McGonagall said, glancing at us as we all looked down at the floor in fear of what we may have done, "I just want a word in my office," she told them. "Move along there, Weasley."

Ron looked a bit hurt as he went back to the Great Hall, while I wondered what she could want with the three of us but not Ron. We followed McGonagall down the crowded hall as we made our way to her small office. The room was very tiny but had a large fire and intricately designed desk in the middle.

Professor McGonagall motioned for us to sit down before she sat behind her desk, folding her hands together, "Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train, Potter."

Just as she said that there was a light knock on the door before Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, walked in. Harry's face went red as she began to examine Harry looking for any cuts or bruises.

"I'm fine," Harry rushed, "I don't need anything —"

"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Madam Pomfrey, noticing who he was. "I suppose you've been doing something dangerous again?

I try to stifle my laugh as Harry looks a bit offended by the accusation.

"It was a dementor, Poppy," remarked Professor McGonagall.

They both shared dark looks before Madam Pomfrey clicked her tongue, "Setting dementors around a school," she grunted, placing a hand on Harry's forehead. "He won't be the last one who collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate —"

"I'm not delicate!" said Harry crossly.

"Of course you're not," said Madam Pomfrey, not paying attention to Harry as she took his pulse.

"What does he need?" asked Professor McGonagall. "BBedrest Should he perhaps spend tonight in the hospital wing?"

Harry began to grumble about how he was tough as Hermione, and I giggled. Just as Harry began to mention his new workout plan he had been using this summer, Madam Pomphrey handed him a bar of chocolate, causing him to greedily accept. Having forgotten all about his manliness, Harry ate his chocolate silently.

"Very well. Kindly wait outside while I have a quick word with Miss Granger and Ambrosio about their course schedule, then we can go down to the feast together."

Harry left the room, and I looked at McGonagall suspiciously.

"Now, Ella, the only thing I want to inform you is that Weasley made your schedule and knowing Weasley...I thought you may want to review your classes before joining them," McGonagall told me with a small smile before she read off from a list, "You will have the required courses of Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and Herbology with electives in Care of Magical Creatures and Divination."

McGonagall finished taking off her glasses before looking at me, "Would you like to change your electives to muggle studies, arithmancy, or history of ancient runes?"

I shake my head, shocked that Ron had actually picked the courses I wanted, other than chorus, "Can I take chorus instead of divination?"

McGonagall sighed, "Unfortunately, that class is full."

I nod my head as McGonagall turns to Hermione, "You, on the other hand, have a heavy course load. Are you sure you want to take on this load?"

Hermione nods, just as McGonagall turns to me, "Then I believe it is time for Miss Ambrosio to walk back to the Great Hall with Mr. Potter. Hmm?"

Looking between the two girls in the room, I nod before getting up from my seat and walking out the door.

I notice Harry leaning on the wall and nod my head to the grand marble staircase leading us down to the Great Hall, "Time for us to go back. Hermione has something to talk about with McGonagall that we apparently can't hear."

"Strange," Harry uttered, looking at me. I nodded as we walked into the Great Hall.

"Oh," I frowned, noticing the first years were no longer on stage, "we've missed the Sorting! Again!"

Harry laughed as we went to sit next to Ron, who seemed like he was ready to choke Neville.

"What was all that about?" he muttered to Harry. As I waved Hermione over, noticing her at the entrance.

Once Hermione sat down, the room grew silent as we all turned to the podium. Dumbledore walked up to the front holding out his arms, "Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast. . . ."

Dumbledore shook his head, clearing his throat, "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

I thought back to the dark creatures haunting the hallway.

"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued, "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises — or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added bluntly, secretly targeting the four of us. "It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I, therefore, warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors," he said.

Percy proudly stood up, puffing out his chest to show his head boy badge. Ron and Ginny both looked down in embarrassment.

"On a happier note," Dumbledore smiled, causing his long white beard to rise from the ground, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year.

"First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," there was some scattered, rather unenthusiastic applause from the school, with exception to the twins who were hooting and hollering.

"Look at Snape!" Ron hissed.

We all looked over at Snape to see him shooting Professor Lupin, a murderous glare.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the crowd grew silent once again. "Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I were stunned by the new information but, nothing would compare to what Dumbledore said after, "Let us give thanks, however, to a fellow student of yours who volunteered to fill the role as assistant to your new Care of Magical Creatures teacher. Newt Scamandertar."

I could hardly contain my shock as I rigidly turned my body around to see Newt smirking at me from his seat on the Slytherin table. His legs kicked up on the table as he blew me a kiss.

I was livid. Newt had finally weaseled his way into my life, forcing me to see him every day. He knew how much it would annoy me. How could i possibly hate him for that long?

Eventually, I would fall for his charm, and he would crush me.

This is officially a declaration of war. The hardest challenge I may ever face in my teenage career.

"We should've known!" Ron roared. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"

I couldn't bother to pay attention to him, however, as I could only glare at Newt, who relished in his newfound punishment for me.

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," said Dumbledore, finally breaking me free from my glaring session with Newt. "Let the feast begin!"

Numbly watching the food appear on my plate, we all ate in silence, wishing to finish quickly so we could contact Harry. Once the final pumpkin tart had melted from the golden platters, Dumbledore gave the word that it was time for them all to go to bed, and we all jumped from our seats, to speak to Hagrid.

"Congratulations, Hagrid!" Hermione squealed as we reached the teachers' table.

I smiled, walking around the table to give him a hug, "I am so happy for you."

"All down ter you three," said Hagrid, wiping his shining face on his napkin as he looked up at them. "Can' believe it . . . great man, Dumbledore . . . came straight down to me hut after Professor Kettleburn said he'd had enough. . . . It's what I always wanted. . . ."

I nod my head, unable to contain my happiness for the man, "I just want to know why you had to pick Newt Scamander to be your aid."

Hagrid turned to look at me in shock, "Newton is the best ther' is. Boy took aftr' his old man."

I scoff, thinking about the playboy of Slytherin, "Newt?"

Hagrid nodded at me, his eyes shining with faith.

"Ella," I heard the slow drawl of Snape, "As much as I do enjoy your screeching voice in my ear. I know that you are aware that students are not allowed behind the faculty table."

Rolling my eyes at the grump man, I turn to hug Snape, "Glad to see you too."

Snape quickly flicked me off of him, looking down at his robes in disgust, "Now I will have to burn the nasty thing."

Deciding that we better go to bed, we all left the hall after saying a final farewell to Hagrid. We joined the rest of the Gryffindors crowding near the marble staircase. A large portrait of a fat lady in a pink dress asked them, "Password?"

"Coming through, coming through!" Percy called from behind the crowd.

"The new password's 'Fortuna Major'!"

"Oh no," said Neville Longbottom sadly, knowing he would forget it.

Patting the poor boy on the back, we all passed him by as we tiredly walked through the portrait hole into the common room. We all went to the dorm rooms, too tired to do anything more.