Hufflepuff boy - Cedric Diggory x male oc x Viktor Krum

20

"We're in the Shrieking Shack, aren't we?" Hermione said, looking at Cayden and Harry.

"Yes." Cayden said, looking down at Del who is waiting by the staircase. He moves to the staircase without thinking, already knowing that Sirius won't be a danger to him and Harry. He has already mentioned this to Harry, but he doesn't trust him. His words, he mean. Not his whole trust.

"Nox." Cayden said, watching his wand-light die. Slowly, they step to the door. Exchange a look. They nod, wand ready, and Harry kicks the door aside.

Cayden sees Ron sitting upon a sagging bed, clutching his bloody foot.

"Ron! You're okay--"

"The dog-- where's the--" Harry words was cut off by Ron.

"It's a trap, Harry. He's the dog. He's an Animagus..." Ron said.

Harry looks down, following the paw prints on the floor to a pair of flighty human feet. Harry looks up slowly at the man standing in the shadows. Filthy, matted hair hands to his shoulders. His skin pale, like a corpse.

Sirius studies Cayden and Harry's face keenly.

Harry draws his wand, pointing it at Sirius.

"If you want to kill Harry, you'll-- you'll... have to kill us, too!" Hermione said, standing next to Harry while Cayden makes his way towards where Kiwi is licking her paw, unconcerned. Both of them, apparently.

"No. Only one will die tonight." Sirius said.

"Then it'll be you!" Harry exclaimed.

"Harry! No!" Hermione stopped him, making Harry turn towards her, shaking her head.

Harry hesitates, the wand in his hand shaking as he looks at Sirius.

"Going to kill me, Harry?" Sirius asked.

Harry stays quiet, not knowing what to do again.

The door suddenly crashes open, and Professor Lupin busted through.

"Professor Lupin!" Harry, Hermione and Ron said.

Professor Lupin ignores them, eyeing Sirius intensely. "Looking a bit ragged, aren't we, Sirius? Finally the skin reflects the madness."

"You'd know all about madness within, wouldn't you, Remus?" Sirius said.

The two regard each other, the moment taut with tension, then Professor Lupin steps forward and embraces Sirius like a brother.

"No! I trusted you! I covered up for you. And all this time you've been his friend!" Hermione exclaimed, pointing. "He's a werewolf! That's what he's been missing classes!"

Harry and Ron stare, dumbfounded, at Professor Lupin. Sirius howls then, bitterly amused. Professor Lupin eyes him, then turns back.

"How long have you known?" Professor Lupin asked, looking at the Granger.

"Since Professor Snape set the essay." Hermione answered.

"You're the brightest witch of your age I've ever met, Hermione." Professor Lupin said.

"Yes, you glow like the sun. And you howl at the moon. Enough talk! He dies. Now. If you won't do it with me, Remus, I'll do it alone." Sirius said.

"Wait, Sirius--"

"I did my waiting! Twelve years of it! In Azkaban! Trust me, you wouldn't have lasted a week!" Sirius exclaimed.

Professor Lupin eyes Sirius, then nods. "All right then. As you wish..."