adored by him | *under editing*

third year × 33

Just as he stepped onto the train, Ron began patting himself down worriedly, frantically muttering, "Where's Scabbers?"

"Ron!" Mrs Weasley's voice echoed as Ron took the squealing rat from her hands, smiling apologetically. "Don't lose him!"

There didn't seem to be an empty compartment in sight as the four made their way down the aisle which was teemed with eager students catching up on one another's summers. Speaking of, "I didn't mean to blow her up! I just...lost control."

Ron chuckled, eyes glittering. "Brilliant!"

"Honestly, it's not funny, Ronald." Hermione scoffed. "Harry's lucky he wasn't expelled."

"You have to admit though, 'Mione, she completely deserved it." Nadia defended.

Hermione just huffed, pushing through a group of students and signalling to a semi-empty compartment. "C,mon, it's the best we're going to get."

When they slipped inside, they were able to get a closer, but cautious, look at the solitary and shabby man occupying the compartment, slumped against the window, looking rather ill.

"Who d'you reckon he is?" Ron asked, keeping his voice quiet.

Hermione huffed, "Professor R.J Lupin."

The redhead's eyes bulged, "You know everything." He looked to Harry and Nadia, "How is it she knows everything?" Harry shrugged but a small smile played on Nadia's face as she took notice of the name engraved into the trunk above the Professor's head.

"I mean, it does say it right there," She pointed to the trunk and Ron's ears turned pink.

"Oh."

However, Harry turned serious as he eyed the Professor. "D'you think he's really asleep?"

"Seems to be. Why?"

He rose and closed the door, the trio exchanging confused glances. "Because I've got loads to tell you."

Storm clouds blanketed the darkening sky, sending harsh sheets of rain onto the scarlet steam engine as it made its way North. They stared at Harry, faces stricken with worry whilst Ron repeated shakily, "Let me get this straight. Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban to come after you?"

"Yes."

"But they'll catch Black, won't they?" Nadia asked, squeezing his hand which held hers tightly. "Mum's all over it and she's never failed a mission before, well--" She stopped herself, the thought of last year haunting her. Harry kissed her temple and she gave a weak smile in return, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Sure! Of course, no one's ever broken out of Azkaban before and he is a murderous, raving lunatic..."

Hermione slapped the redhead and Harry nodded sarcastically, "Thanks, Ron."

Just then, the compartment rattled and the lanterns flickered as the train lurched, coming to a swift stop. Glancing at her watch, a frown crept onto Hermione's face. "Why're we stopping? We can't be there yet."

Harry stood and poked his head out of the door, noticing many others doing the same until the train jerked and he was hurtled back into his seat. The lanterns blinked and died, one by one, forcing the compartment into darkness. "What's going on?" Ron squealed, a thin wisp of air escaping his lips.

"Dunno. Maybe we've broken down?" Harry tried to suggest whilst Nadia wrapped her arms around herself as the train was plunged into a bitter cold state.

"Ouch, Ron! That was my foot." Hermione hissed but Ron ignored her, turning to face the window.

He placed his shaky hand against the misty glass and gulped. "There's something moving out there. I think--I think they're coming on board." Ice fractals began coating the window pane as the Professor's water quickly froze and the car swayed violently. "Bloody hell! What's happening?"