The Twin Who Loved (Harry Potter Fanfic)

Chapter 24 - Prisoner of Azkaban

        All the third-year students were gathered in the courtyard, each handing Professor McGonagall their permission forms as she explained,

"Now remember, these visits to Hogsmeade village are a privilege. Should your behaviour reflect poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again."

Harry and I went to speak with McGonagall about our unsigned forms, but she shook her head, "No permission form signed, no visiting the village. That's the rule, Potters."

"Those with permission, follow me," Mr Filch announced before giving me and my brother a dirty look. "Those without, stay put."

Harry then tried to explain to the professor,

"But professor, we thought if you signed it, then we could..."

"I can't. Only a parent or a guardian can sign. Since I am neither, it would be inappropriate." Professor McGonagall gave the two of us a sympathetic look as we frowned, "I'm sorry, Potters. That's my final word."

Hermione, Eric and Ron frowned, having waited and hoped that we could join them. The looks on their faces seemed as though they were ready to stay with us, so we didn't have to miss out alone, but Harry shook his head,

"Forget about it, guys. See you later."

"Have fun," I tried to smile, watching as the three of them hesitantly turned to follow Mr Filch and the other students.

As Harry and I were headed to the Great Hall while we waited, we ran into Professor Lupin.

"Oh, Professor Lupin," I greeted, and the man smiled,

"Good morning, Potters. I thought all the third years got to go to Hogsmeade today?"

My brother glumly replied,

"We didn't get our forms signed by our uncle."

"Oh, that's disappointing. Would you both like to join me for a walk?"

Harry and I shared a look before smiling,

"Sure!"

The three of us walked with small talk between us until we stopped on the Covered Bridge. As we started crossing, Harry and I shared a thought, remembering what happened in both of our Defense Against the Dark Arts classes.

"Professor, can we ask you something?" Harry spoke as we came to a stop.

"You want to know why I stopped you both from facing that boggart, yes?" Professor Lupin rhetorically questioned. "I would've thought it'd be obvious. I assumed it would take the shape of Lord Voldemort."

"I did think of Voldemort at first."

I added,

"Me too. But then..."

Sharing a look with my twin, we both recalled how we remembered our first encounter with the dreaded cloaked creatures.

"But then we remembered that night on the train... and the dementor," Harry said for the both of us.

Lupin nodded,

"I'm very impressed. That suggests what you two fear the most is fear itself. This is very wise."

"Before we fainted... we heard something."

"A woman..." I specified, "Screaming."

"Dementors force us to relive our very worst memories. Our pain becomes their power," the professor explained.