A Taste of Magic

Chapter 31: 31st Course - Shades

"I have a question."

"By all means," Dumbledore said, not turning from the window.

"Do you normally stand like that, looking pensively and wisely out the window, when you are alone too? Or do you only do it in the presence of others for the mystique?" Pomfrey asked cheekily.

Dumbledore chuckled. "When I am alone, I am usually sitting." He turned and smiled at the grinning Matron, enjoying the look of faint shock on Remus' face and Snape's carefully cultivated blandness. "And before you ask, I stand when company is present because I find myself making undignified noises when standing these days."

"You need more exercise to stay limber," Pomfrey said pertly.

"You might be right. I feel much like lumber these days," Dumbledore said and sank into his chair.

"I will write you a program then," Pomfrey said as she and the other two men sat too.

"I look forward to it," Dumbledore said genially. "How are we on preparations?"

"The Infirmary is well stocked on anti-anxiety potions, calming draughts, peace potions, and all sorts of related things," Pomfrey reported, no longer looking mischievous.

"We have ample stores of all the materials needed for said potions," Snape said.

"I've reviewed all the wards and protections with Bathsheda," Remus said. "We're as ready as we can be, given the circumstances."

"I continue to protest," Pomfrey said.

"As do I," Dumbledore sighed. "And it continues to fall on deaf ears."

"What is wrong with him," Pomfrey grumbled. "Bloody Dementors around a bloody school?! I know some of the students think school is a prison, but that doesn't mean it actually is."

"Not to mention he broke out of prison past these same guards," Snape said scathingly. "What are they going to do here when they have already failed once before?"

"I have said as much," Dumbledore sighed again. "Cornelius is rather adamant unfortunately. Apparently, the Dementors have some face to save and he was unamused when I pointed out they do not even have faces to save."

"Even better!" Pomfrey threw her hands into the air. "Dementors with wounded pride! That's certainly a problem just waiting to happen."

"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed dryly. "Cornelius was not alone in his cry for the Dementors. Concerned parents also apparently lent their support, as did some of the governors." He gave Snape a knowing look.

"Lucius did make his support for the measure known," Snape said after a moment. "Something about ensuring Draco's protection, as well as the other students of course."

"Why does everyone assume Sirius is coming here?" Pomfrey asked. She crossed her arms. "It does not make any sense. Then again, if you ever told me he would turn out this way, I would say that didn't make sense either."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Apparently, some of the human guards at Azkaban recall him muttering about Hogwarts the days leading up to the escape."

Pomfrey, Snape, and Remus looked at each other for a moment.

"That can mean anything," Pomfrey said with some uncertainty.