misteeirene on FanFiction.Net
Circling the room as he carefully watched his students wand movements, Sirius stopped behind his godson's table. Sighing, he lightly grabbed the back of his robe and gave it a shake. "Only fifteen minutes left," he whispered when the boy's head snapped up from where it had been sleeping on the table.
"Sorry," Harry mumbled, leaning back in his chair and rubbing at his gritty eyes while stretching his back. Looking around the room, he ducked his head in embarrassment when he saw that everyone was looking at him. He hadn't meant to fall asleep in class, he was just so damn tired. Already he could feel his eyes drooping despite him struggling to stay awake.
Sirius and Remus exchanged glances, this was the second time this week Harry had fallen asleep in their class, and according to the rest of his professors they had talked to, he too had fallen asleep in their classes.
They had been beyond thrilled when their pup had decided to allow them to teach him DADA his last year so Severus could devote his weekends to apprenticing Draco, but they couldn't help but fear that there was something wrong with him. It wasn't like Harry to fall asleep in the middle of class.
"No homework tonight," Sirius barked. "Just practice, practice, practice. I would like to see everyone at least be able to produce a wisp by next class. The Patronus Charm is one of the most difficult spells you will learn in this class this year, and while not everyone will be able to produce a full, corporeal Patronus, as seventh years you should at least be able to produce a wisp of smoke. Remember, you need to have a very strong and happy memory in order to produce a Patronus. Think of the happiest time in your life. Alright, class dismissed."
Harry smiled encouragingly at Neville when he heard him muttering something under his breath as he stuffed his DADA book into his bag. His shy friend had come a long way with his magic, but thanks to his low self-esteem and his stifling grandmother, he still struggled a lot with even simple spells. He knew that Neville could do it, it was just convincing him that he could was the hard part. "I can help, Nev, if you like," Harry offered. He had been able to produce a full, corporeal Patronus ever since he was thirteen years old.
"Yeah, Harry, I'd like that," Neville said, his face lighting up. Since the Golden Trio broke up, him and Harry had gotten pretty close. He knew that Ron didn't like it and was jealous, but Harry was a great friend and he wasn't going to lose him because of Ron.
Grinning, Harry clapped Neville on the back. "I'm done classes for the day, but I'm remaining at school for a bit, Remus and Sirius are trying to teach me how to become an animagus. How about I look for you after and I'll give you some pointers?"
"How is your animagus training coming along?" Neville asked curiously.
"Horrible," Harry pouted. "It's been three months and still nothing. I was hoping by now for at least something, even just a small hint of what animal I'll shift into, but nope!"
"Sorry, Harry, wish I could help you. There's a reason why most witches and wizards never become animagi. It's just too damn hard."
"He'll get it," Sirius said proudly, approaching the pair. Things were still a bit strained with Harry, but ever since he came to them asking for help with becoming an animagus, things were finally looking up. He was afraid that their relationship would never be what it use to be, but he would take whatever he could get. He dearly loved his godson and he would do whatever it took to be a part of his life again.
