SABAISM | H. POTTER

THREE. | THEIR RETURN

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! YOU WAKE UP THIS INSTANT!" Gemini vociferated to the boy's comatose figure, her voice slicing through the tense air like a knife. The atmosphere within the dimly lit compartment was thick with anxiety, a palpable tension that only deepened as Harry remained uncomfortably sprawled on the worn carpet, utterly unresponsive. Despite the cloaked figure having been ejected just a few minutes prior, the stillness of the room bore down on them, amplifying Gemini's rising panic.

"Dad," the girl rasped, her brow furrowed in a mixture of fear and desperation as she crouched over her best friend's limp form. "Can I just smack him? Surely that'd jumpstart a reaction of any kind," she added, the urgency of her suggestion punctuated by a flash of frustration.

Remus Lupin, weary yet steadfast, regarded his daughter with a solemn expression that was both protective and exasperated. "I've already forbidden you from striking him in such a state," he replied, his voice low and steady, yet imbued with gentle authority. "I understand that you are worried, but Harry is going to be alright. Let's allow him to wake up naturally."

As though summoned by their conversation, Harry's eyelids fluttered open, revealing the bewildered emerald of his irises that seemed almost aglow in the low light. With a desperate gasp, he took in the sight of Gemini's troubled yet familiar face hovering just above him, and relief washed over him like a balm, dispelling the remnants of his confusion. "Harry," she exclaimed, her cheerfulness attempting to pierce through the gravity of the moment, "Are you quite alright?"

Yet, Harry was still caught in a daze, struggling to gather coherent thoughts. The dizzying beauty of his best friend momentarily bewitched him; how could she remain so ethereal when everything felt so chaotic? After several heartbeats, he nodded slowly, as if trying to convince himself that he was indeed alive and in the same world as her.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Ron interjected, breaking the tension as he hurriedly retrieved Harry's bifocals that had cascaded from his face during the brief but alarming episode. "Here you go, Mate." The ginger's slightly trembling hands offered the glasses as Harry accepted them with a sigh of relief, the clarity of vision bringing him back to reality.

SNAP! The sudden sound drew all their attention to the adult figure in the room, fragmented confections scattered across his scarred palm like a confetti of sweet chaos. "Here," Remus Lupin offered Harry, extending a ragged chunk of chocolate toward him, "It's chocolate, Gemini's favorite actually. Eat. It'll help."

Harry took the confection warily, almost treating it like a potion with questionable effects, but deciding he could trust it coming from Gemini's father. "What was that... that thing?" he asked, concern lacing his tone as he tightened his grip on Gemini's hand, seeking comfort from his anchor.

"A Dementor," the adult explained, his tone both solemn and grave. "One of the guards of Azkaban. It's gone now, though."

Despite the informative breakdown, Harry's expression turned to one of confusion mixed with tension. "Why would such a creature board our train?" His voice was laced with apprehension, haunted by the memories of the fear it had inspired.

Hermione subsequently chimed in, her brow knitted in worry. "It was searching the train, Harry. For Sirius Black." The mention of the name sent an unseen shiver reverberating through the compartment. Remus visibly stiffened, the name of his former companion stirring emotions he had tried to keep at bay. Being surrounded by Muggles had for a time allowed him to escape the shadows of his past, but now the veil was being lifted.

Clearing his throat, Remus offered gently, "I need to have a word with the conductor. Excuse me." As he took his leave, Harry turned back to his trio of friends, their concerned expressions weighing heavily upon him.