THE RAVENCLAW PRINCESS

chapter 3 - professor r.j. lupin

Making their way from the carriages to the castle, Lyra continued dismissing her friends' urges to see Madame Pomfrey.

"Ly, you fainted."

"Yes, I'm aware."

"So you should see Pomfrey."

"Yeah, Ly-"

"For the millionth time, you guys if I can survive getting hit with a bludger then I can survive a small fainting spell." She smiled against their worried faces, "Honest, I'm fine."

"Miss Tonks, a word?"

Turning, Lyra faced Professor McGonagall standing with Harry and Hermione as students passed them to enter the Great Hall.

"Of course, professor."

Turning back to them she said, "I'll meet you all in the Great Hall."

"Miss Tonks, Professor Lupin sent an owl earlier of yours and Mr. Potter's adverse reaction to the Dementor and to stay precautious I want you both checked on by Madam Pomfrey."

Without another word the older professor turned on her heel walking towards the Hospital Wing. Lyra furrowed her brow as the three students quickly followed McGonagall.

"Harry, what happened to you?" Lyra questioned in a lower voice as they kept up the pace behind McGonagall.

"I fainted after the dementor came near me," he frowned. "But I'm fine now. Don't see the need for visiting Pomfrey."

Comforted at not being the only one who fainted, she smiled at Harry. "Completely agree. I fainted too after the dementor came near me. Honestly felt like I was having a heart attack after hearing that horrid screaming." Hermione looked between Harry and Lyra concerned as she continued walking. Lyra noticed her worry and quickly said, "but I'm perfectly alright now."

"You heard screaming too?" Harry asked.

"Well, here we are." McGonagall said, cutting off their discussion. "Madam Pomfrey will take care of you two. Miss Granger if you'll follow me." Noticing the confusion on Lyra and Harry's faces, Professor McGonagall said, "No need to worry, Miss Granger will be back to meet you all in the Great Hall soon."

As they sat on two beds facing each other waiting for Pomfrey, Lyra hesitated before asking, "Harry, do you- do you know who was screaming?"

Harry looked down at his feet, "I think it was my mum."
Lyra looked down too. She hated that Harry had gone through so much at such a young age. It certainly wasn't fair to him. And for him to have to hear his mother? She took a breath to steady herself. It just wasn't fair. Discussing something so serious and saddening didn't suit Lyra and she hated seeing the dismal look on Harry's face.

"Harry," she started with a glint in her eyes, "what do you think at Gryffindor's chances for the Quidditch cup this year?"

Harry looked up quickly with sudden confidence, "We're winning it, Ly. I'll be complaining the whole year because of the crazy schedule Wood no doubt has planned but we're winning."

Lyra grinned, "No way, Harry. Ravenclaw is taking it this year."

Pomfrey returned just then and having found no issues in their health and sent the two off to the Great Hall.

Lyra and Harry spent the walk back discussing their team's chances at winning the Quidditch Cup. When they arrived at the entrance to the Great Hall, the frog choir was in the middle of a song. Harry and Lyra split up to sit at their House tables.

Reaching the Ravenclaw table, Lyra took her seat next to Mieko who gave her a questioning look.

'Later' she mouthed.

Lyra, Mieko and the rest of their table cheered loudly at each new Ravenclaw student. She focused all her attention on the sorting ceremony, though it became a bit boring if you didn't know any of the first years or of course you were one. Finally, the sorting had come to a close and Dumbledore approached the podium to give his speech.

"Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I would like to say a few words before we all become befuddled by our excellent feast. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, professor."

Behind Dumbledore, Lyra smiled as she saw the kind, chocolate man from the train standing and smiling at the sea of students clapping before him.

"Ly," Mieko intrigued. "Do you think Professor Snape knows the new professor?"

Keeping her eyes on the professors' table, she pressed, "why do you ask?"

"All the other professors are clapping like normal but Snape seems a bit put off. Maybe they know each other. They seem about the same age."

"Perhaps..." Lyra mused.

Lyra focused her attention from Professor Lupin to Professor Snape staring more intently at the dark haired man. She was unable to pick up on anything other than what Mieko had pointed out. Lyra had spent the past four years relying on Mieko's gift to understand the people around her better. It was a blessing to all of them when Mieko picked up on people who were being fake versus those who were genuine with their intentions.

"Our Care of Magical Professors teacher for many years has decided to retire to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce, his place will be taken by none other than our very own Rubeus Hagrid."

Lyra and Mieko had smiles plastered on their faces as they clapped for Hagrid, but no one was as excited or vocal as the Gryffindor table. Lyra turned to see Seamus whistling as Harry, Ron, and Hermione were cheering loudly along with George and Fred.

"Finally, on a more describing note, at the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will until further notice, play host to the dementors of Azkaban until such a time Sirius Black is captured. The dementors will be stationed at every entrance of the ground and whilst I have been ensured their presence will not disrupt our day to day activities, a word of caution. Dementors are vicious creatures. They will not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one who gets in their way. Therefore, I must warn each and every one of you, give them no reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of a dementor to be forgiving. But you know, happiness can be found in even the darkest of times, but only when you remember to turn on the light. Alright, pip pip enjoy the feast everyone!"