The American Enigma

PoA: Malfoy is Almost A Dementor

Y/N POV

We arrived at King's Cross after the Ministry cars arrived. They weren't happy to be ferrying me as well, but I couldn't care less. Due to Sirius Black escaping Azkaban, and possibly hunting Harry, they had no other option.

They're still scared that I'll become a Dark Wizard, but if they failed to protect Harry, it would be the end of Fudge's political career. So, due to our friendship, he gets to protect my life.

I'm glad, cause he's quite the piece of work. From everything I've heard, he was hoping for my death. He'd frame it as a sad accident, move on, and would probably throw a celebration about it.

Hermione was pretty close to figuring out what's been plaguing me, but I've kept it bottled up. I know that she wants to help, but she can't. Nobody, save for Harry, knows what it's like to be locked up against your will.

None of them could fathom the thought of watching a friend die in front of their eyes, nor the pain of the Cruciatus curse. Something I hope none of them have to go through.

"Y/N," Hermione drew my attention, here eyes were soft, full of compassion that nearly made me break down. "I know something bad happened to you, and that you don't feel comfortable sharing with me," the guilt struck me hard. "But please, talk to someone. Anyone. Please. I beg you."

"For you, Mione, I'll talk to either the Defence teacher or Awstin." She gave me a bright smile. One that, for at least thirty-six long hours, I never thought I'd see again. She would be extremely busy, and Crookshanks would be a handful if Ron is to believed.

Boarding the train, we quickly reached out usual compartment, only to find it occupied by an adult in shabby robes and light brown hair flecked with gray, though he is quite young. He looked ill and exhausted, and Ron couldn't help the derisiveness seep into his voice.

"He looks like one good hex would finish him off.”

"Wonder who he is?" Harry muttered.

"R.J. Lupin." Hermione replied.

"How is it that you know everything?" Ron was flabbergasted at her knowledge, making her point towards the luggage rack.

"It's on his suitcase."

"Awstin says that he's one of the absolute best. They met in Knockturn Alley during the early years of Voldemort's reign."

"Really? Wonder what he's the best at." I gave a small chuckle at the statement.

"Dueling."

"Is he asleep?" After Harry got the confirmation, he explained that Sirius Black was apparently after him. I didn't speak up, knowing that it wouldn't look good for me.

"Let me get this straight. Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban- to come after you?"

"Yeah."

"But they'll catch Black, won't they? I mean- everyone's looking for him."

"Sure. Except no one's ever broken out of Azkaban before, and he's a murderous raving lunatic."

"Thanks Ron." Ron just shrugged, acknowledging it was cold, but truthful. We made some small talk, with Harry hearing about the adventures of Mione and Ron during their international vacations.

"What did you do, Y/N?" My body stiffened, surprising them.

"J-j-just caught up w-with an old friend." They didn't buy it, but thankfully didn't push. Not until we felt the train slow down to a complete stop. Ron was happy, thinking that we were already at Hogwarts. Only for Hermione to rain on his parade.