To change the future

Charlie the Alcoholic Suit of Armor and Hogsmeade

Madam Pomfrey had insisted on keeping Harry for the rest of the weekend, and while

Harry didn't argue, Jason knew his brother was deeply troubled.

Jason's senses, heightened by his Animagus transformation, picked up on the subtle shifts in Harry's mood. The way his eyes lingered on the broken broomstick, the tightness in his jaw, and the way he absently traced the cracks in the wood—all signs of a deeper pain that no amount of visitors or well-wishes could heal.

Hagrid's flowers, though well-intentioned, sat awkwardly on the bedside table, their earwiggy petals looking out of place in the sterile hospital wing. Ginny Weasley's get-well card, which sang shrilly unless kept shut, was tucked under a bowl of fruit, its cheerful tune a stark contrast to Harry's somber mood.

The Gryffindor team had visited again on Sunday morning, Wood's hollow voice as he told

Harry he didn't blame him. Ron, Jason and Hermione had been constants at Harry's side, leaving only at night.

Jason knew there was more to Harry's distress than the loss of his broomstick. Harry had told Jason about the Grim at the match but had tried to seem unbothered by it, but Jason's new senses picked up on the lie easily —the fear that lingered in Harry's eyes, the way he flinched at shadows. The Grim had appeared twice now, each time followed by a near-fatal accident.

He could hear the slight hitch in Harry's breath when he thought no one was listening, the way his heartbeat quickened whenever the topic of dementors came up.

Toni learns forwards, her eyes locking on Jason. "Is that normal for Animagi? The heightened senses, I mean. It's almost like he's got a built-in lie detector."

Before Jason could respond, McGonagall spoke up. "Yes, it is quite normal. It takes a while to get used to it and even longer to control it. The transformation is not just physical; it affects your senses and instincts as well."

Sirius spoke up next "She's right. When I first became an animagi, it was overwhelming. The senses, the instincts—they were all so much sharper. It took me years to fully control it."

Bruce looked deep in thought "It makes sense. If the transformation is complete, it would include the sensory enhancements of the animal form. But it's fascinating to see it in action, especially with such subtle emotional cues."

When Monday finally came, Jason was relieved to see Harry return to the noise and bustle of the main school. It was a distraction, at least, even if it meant enduring Draco Malfoy's taunts. Jason's enhanced senses picked up on Malfoy's glee, the way he reveled in Gryffindor's defeat.

"Git." Astoria spat

Tuesday evening Jason sat in the Ravenclaw-Slytherin class, his eyes fixed on the glass box that Professor Lupin had brought along. Inside was a hinkypunk, a little one-legged creature that looked as though it were made of wisps of smoke. It seemed frail and harmless, but Jason knew better than to underestimate magical creatures.

"Lures travelers into bogs," Professor Lupin explained as the students took notes. "You notice the lantern dangling from his hand? Hops ahead—people follow the light—then—" The hinkypunk made a horrible squelching noise against the glass, causing a few students to jump.

When the bell rang, everyone gathered up their things and headed for the door. Jason was about to leave with his friends before Lupin stopped him "Wait a moment, Jasom," Lupin said. Jason doubled back and watched as Professor Lupin covered the hinkypunk's box with a cloth. "I heard about the match," Lupin said, turning back to his desk and starting to pile books into his briefcase. "And I'm sorry about Harry's broomstick. Is there any chance of fixing it?"