SABAISM | H. POTTER

ELEVEN. | THE LEGACY IS PASSED ON

"Any plans to inform Hermione and Ron about Snuffles the Grim?" Gemini asked, walking beside Harry as they headed to their first class since the Quidditch incident. Harry let out a laugh, "All the lectures I endured about our time off, and that's your opening remark about our new-found freedom?" But when he saw Gemini's unimpressed expression, his laughter faded, and he confessed, "No, I don't plan on telling them. I love our friends, really. But I know Ron would panic, and Hermione would roll her eyes at such an unclear mystery. Besides, I think you might be right; it's probably just a common stray. That's a lot more plausible."

Gemini snorted, raising an eyebrow. "Then why tell me?"

Harry gave her a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because you handle crazy surprisingly well, Miss Lupin-Black."

"Take that back!" she exclaimed, shoving him playfully.

"Oi! You know it's true," he chuckled, straightening his disheveled uniform. As they reached their destination, he assumed a more serious tone. "If Snape is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts again, I'm skipping class."

A freckled hand suddenly clapped down on Gemini's shoulder. "Tell me about it, mate," Ron Weasley agreed. "Hermione, check who's in there!" he urged.

The bushy-haired Gryffindor sniffed, obviously annoyed. "Sure, Ronald, just throw me to the wolves," she retorted. This declaration sent Gemini into a fit of laughter, breaking through the nervous tension among her classmates, while Harry grinned, suppressing his own giggles—much to Hermione's chagrin.

"Ah," Gemini wheezed, wiping a tear from her eye, "That was quick-witted, Hermione. You all shouldn't stress too much; I'm certain Dad has resumed his lessons. But, if it eases your worry, I happily accept the role of being tossed to the wolves." With a wink shared with Harry, she approached the door to the lecture hall, peeking inside. To her relief, she found her father, albeit looking a bit worse for wear, hunched over a desk.

"All is well," she announced, pushing the door open wider. Professor Lupin greeted the class with a warm smile, though it didn't mask the dark circles under his amber eyes or the way his robes hung slightly loose around his frame. The moment he entered, chaos erupted, students bemoaning Snape's harshness while he had been unwell.

"It's not fair!" Dean Thomas protested loudly. "He was only filling in, Professor! Why should he assign us homework—two rolls of parchment about werewolves?" The smile faded from Professor Lupin's face as concern etched his features.

"Did you inform Professor Snape that you hadn't covered werewolves yet?" he inquired gently.

"Yes, but he wouldn't listen and just claimed we were behind!" Ron replied, his cheeks turning crimson at the memory of the encounter. Professor Lupin's frown softened as he assured the class, "Don't worry. I'll speak to Professor Snape. You won't have to do the essay." A wave of relief washed over the students, but Hermione groaned in disappointment. "Oh no... I've already finished it!"

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"May I please attend the upcoming, private lessons taught by my father?" Gemini asked eagerly. Just two weeks prior, Harry had been invited to stay after class for special training in defending against Dementors with Professor Lupin. Since hearing about it, Gemini had insisted on tagging along.

"I can't understand why you want to," Harry replied, ruffling his untamed hair. "Haven't you already mastered those defense spells?"

"Of course, but that doesn't mean I can't be there for moral support," she scoffed. Harry squinted, contemplating her words.

"Are you sure that's the real reason? Or is it just to tease me for failing at a charm you mastered as a child?" he countered playfully.

Gemini smacked the back of his head lightly. "Oi!" he yelped, rubbing the spot. "Shut up, nitwit. I'll never understand why boys are so sensitive. I promise my intentions are purely genuine. Besides, if I wanted to make fun of you, I have plenty of other material."