adored by him | *under editing*

third year × 37

"What's the hold up?" Nadia asked, eyeing the large huddle of students curiously.

"I think something's happened at the Gryffindor common room," Sam answered, trying to get a better look.

"Enough, Ravenclaws, back to your common room." Percy snapped. As he turned back towards the commotion, Ashton pulled a face at the back of his head before completely disobeying the boy and pulling Sam and Nadia closer.

Dumbledore and Filch soon pushed their way through and, as the crowd split slightly, Nadia caught sight of the empty frame. The Fat Lady's portrait had been slashed viciously. Great strands of the canvas hung loosely and she was missing. Dumbledore ran a hand over the empty painting. "Mr Flich, round up all the ghosts. Tell them to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady."

"We won't be needin' any ghosts, Professor," Mr Flich said, turning and pointing to a far painting, seeming scarily amused.

Dumbledore jetted for it, immediately followed by the horde of curious students. "Dear Lady, who did this to you?" He cooed.

The Fat Lady appeared from behind a hippo, shaking tremendously. "Eyes like the devil, he's got. And a soul as dark as his name. It's him, Headmaster, the one they all talk about. He's here, in the castle. Sirius Black!" She let out a horrified scream and ducked back behind the hippo.

Gasps and fearful murmurs filled the stairways as Dumbledore's eyes turned dark, his voice booming, "Mr Flich, secure the castle. The rest of you to the Great Hall."

***

A beautiful net of glimmering stars hung over the ocean of terrified students cuddled into their sleeping bags.

Nadia laid next to Harry, watching the elegant display above as he played with her fingers. "I'm scared," She whispered, rolling on her side to face him.

"Me too," He sighed, brushing her hair from hair face.

She chuckled quietly, "I'd be worried if you weren't." She moved closer to him, resting her head by his shoulder. "It's going to be okay though, yeah?"

"Of course." The boy replied, though he wasn't sure who he was reassuring more. "Get some sleep, love."

Nadia nodded gently, her eyes fluttering closed. Harry smiled and laced their hands together just as Professor Snape came striding into the room. "I've done the dungeons, Headmaster. No sign of Black. Nor anywhere else in the castle."

Dumbledore nodded glumly, "I didn't expect him to linger."

"Remarkable feat, don't you think? To enter Hogwarts' Castle on one's own, completely undetected." The Headmaster kept his eyes on the students, refusing to acknowledge Snape's not-so-subtle hints. "You may recall, prior to the start of term, I did express my concerns when you appointed Professor--"

"I do not believe a single Professor inside this castle would have helped Sirius Black to enter it, Severus." He stepped to where Harry laid. "No, I feel quite confident that the castle is safe and I am more than willing to let the students return to their Houses. But tomorrow."

"What about Potter? Shouldn't he be warned?"

"Perhaps, but, for now, let him rest." Dumbledore dismissed, gazing over the boy, "For in dreams, we enter a world that's entirely our own. Let him swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud."

***

Snape slammed the classroom door against the wall, shutting all the blinds as he sauntered into the room, pulling a screen down over the chalkboard. "Turn to page 394."