Harry Potter and the Daemon Sidhe

Chapter 14

The rest of the holidays were spent in continuing their training in Dreamtime and, during the day, in studies of various types. Ron and Hermione quickly joined Harry in his potions lessons and found Severus to be a far better teacher when he wasn't trying to intimidate them all. It took a few lessons before Harry finally managed to grasp some of the more important basics but once that had been achieved he found that it became far easier to brew the potions correctly. Severus had gotten approval for his addition to the curriculum and his choice of assistant. Harry had asked a couple of times how that meeting had gone but Severus had refused to say anything more on the subject. Harry could only wonder how the Headmaster and other teachers had reacted to the idea of Severus' assistant being Sirius. They were probably laying bets as to how long it took for one of them to kill the other.

Sirius had joined them in their lessons after his new position had been approved, claiming he needed to brush up on a few things. From what Harry could see, his godfather didn't really need that much reminding. He seemed to be using the lessons as an opportunity to spend more time with Harry and as an opportunity to compare notes with Severus. The two of them obviously needed to be able to work fairly smoothly once the school year started. They had decided between the two of them that Sirius would take the First through Third Years and help out with the extra class Severus had decided to call Applied Potions. Severus would retain the teaching duties for the Fourth through Seventh Years as he felt those were the ones that needed the strictest supervision. It was plainly obvious during the lessons that Sirius was an excellent potions maker though he seemed to lack the sheer dedication that Severus had; he was skilled rather than gifted. It was also plainly obvious that although the two men had declared something of a truce, they were not as yet friends. The occasional arguments had been loud and vociferous on both sides.

Harry also continued to work with Severus on his magic and with the combination of those lessons as well as the ones by the Daemon Sidhe in Dreamtime, he had managed to gain enough control over his new power to have the block removed. He'd been a bit nervous the first day after it was removed; worried that he might inadvertently hurt someone. When he had seen how twitchy Harry was, Severus had dragged him down to the room they were using for their magic lessons and insisted on a workout where he had allowed Harry to prove to himself that he had the necessary control.

Finally September the first rolled around, heralded by the arrival that morning of Mrs Weasley, who had insisted on being there to cook breakfast and make sure everyone had everything. She had not been overly happy to leave them all on their own even if Sirius, Remus and Severus were staying with them but had been convinced, somehow, by the Headmaster. Her arrival also heralded the usual leaving chaos, something that was watched with growing amusement by Remus and Severus. Sirius ran around getting in everyone's way and making things worse, all the while professing innocently that he was just trying to help. This was brought to a halt by Mrs Weasley who corralled the Marauder and ordered him to sit down in the kitchen and stay out of the way.

After what seemed like an eternity, everyone was packed, fed and ready to go. Severus bade them all a farewell, saying that he was flooing back to Hogwarts while Sirius and Remus revealed they were travelling up to Hogwarts on the train. Harry and the others were delighted by this. Finally Mrs Weasley ushered them all out of the house where they found three cars waiting to take them to the station, organised by Mr Weasley. There was another bout of organised chaos as trunks were placed in car boots and people inside the cars then they were finally off.

Harry jiggled one leg nervously as the cars moved smoothly through the traffic until Sirius clapped a hand on his knee to still it.

"What are you so nervous about?" he asked with a smile.

"Um, everything," Harry replied.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "That's not very specific. Look Harry, worrying about things isn't going to help. Just calm down and we'll deal with the problems as they come up."

"That was good advice, Padfoot," Remus said with amusement in his eyes. "Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"Listen, Professor Moony, I am quite capable of giving my godson good advice, thank you very much," Sirius said with mock-indignation and a smile.

"That's our godson, Professor Padfoot, and I concede the point," Remus replied with a wicked grin.

Harry brightened at the comment. Remus and Sirius had disappeared to the Ministry the day after Sirius had received the official confirmation of his pardon. They had been gone all day and by the time they returned Harry had been more than a little nervous, fearing that someone hadn't heard the news and had taken a potshot at Sirius. Even the fact that the news had been plastered across the Daily Prophet that morning had not eased his fears. His relief when the two men had returned had been palpable and had quickly changed to incandescent joy when Sirius had informed him that they had spent the day sorting out his guardianship status. The end result had been both Sirius and Remus being named Harry's joint godfathers and guardians. He would not have to return to the Dursleys ever again as they had also sorted out Sirius' financial situation. Grimmauld Place would now be his home when he wasn't at school until Voldemort was gone.

Harry allowed Sirius and Remus' good-natured banter and Ron and Hermione's laughter to soothe him. Sirius was right; worrying over everything wasn't very productive. He leaned into Sirius and gave a contented sigh.

"You're not going to sleep the whole way this time, are you?" he asked Remus rather cheekily.

"What's this?" Sirius asked curiously before Remus could reply.

Harry laughed and told Sirius about their first meeting with Remus and about how useful he had been even though he was asleep.

"You were asleep?" Sirius laughed.

"Have a heart, Padfoot," Remus said. "You do realise the full moon rose the night before? I was exhausted."

Sirius immediately apologised, looking rather upset.

"He woke up when it mattered," Harry said with a reassuring smile.

Ron and Hermione shivered. "That's very true," Hermione said fervently. "A Dementor tried to enter the compartment. Harry reacted very badly to it and Remus stood up and saw it off."

Harry looked down at his feet, still obscurely ashamed by his reaction even though he understood the cause of it, while Sirius grinned at his friend.

"Good on you, Moony."

Remus chuckled. "I was actually surprised I managed a Patronus. I'd just caught sight of Harry and was a bit shocked. It was the first time I'd seen him since he was a baby. I didn't know he looked so much like James. I almost looked around for you and Peter before I remembered that I was thirty-three and supposed to be the one dealing with the situation."

Sirius' response was cut off by their arrival at King's Cross and they all hustled down to Platform 9¾. When they got onto the platform, they headed straight for the train with Sirius garnering a number of curious looks. He had spent some of his time and money since his pardon getting himself back together. He had gotten his hair cut and bought new clothes and the regular meals and lack of worry had allowed him to fill out a bit. He now looked a great deal more like the man in the picture of James and Lily's wedding than an escaped convict. Azkaban had left its mark on him though in his still slightly gaunt face and the haunted look that occasionally appeared in his grey eyes. He was wearing a black stylish robe open over muggle jeans and a t-shirt with a pair of boots on his feet and he seemed to be enjoying the glances he was getting.

They all managed to squeeze into one compartment and settled in for the trip to Hogwarts. Hermione and Ron left for their prefect's meeting, returning as quickly as possible with news.

"Malfoy's been given the boot," Ron reported the moment he and Hermione walked back into the carriage.

"What?" Harry said.

"He's been sacked as Prefect," Hermione explained. "Because of what happened with the Inquisitorial Squad last year. Blaise Zabini is the new Slytherin Sixth Year Prefect."

"Is that good or bad?" Ginny asked from her seat next to Harry.

"Good, I think," Hermione replied. "He doesn't seem to be your typical Slytherin. He's pretty quiet and polite."

Harry nodded. "He's never really been part of Malfoy's crowd, has he?"

"I don't think so," Hermione said. "At least, not openly."

"That's interesting," Harry said thoughtfully.

Severus? he reached to the Potions Master.

Yes? came the slightly exasperated reply. Can you not go one day without irritating me?

Harry grinned. We've just found out that Draco's been given the boot from being a Prefect and Blaise Zabini has been given the job. Am I allowed to ask why?

There was a moment of silence. There were some legitimate complaints from some Ravenclaws regarding his behaviour while part of Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad. They could not be ignored and we had to bend a few rules in order to keep him at Hogwarts.

Harry hesitated. Bending rules for your Slytherins? he asked, half-joking, half-serious.

No, keeping him away from Lucius' influence as much as possible, Severus said sharply. It may be possible to keep Draco from following his father down that most unproductive pathway.

I hope you're right, sir, Harry said dubiously. Actually what I really wanted to ask was whose side Zabini is on?

That is an excellent question, Mr Potter, Severus said crisply. I do not know nor am I likely to be able to find out easily. I am suspected of being a Death Eater by most and all but confirmed as one by my serpents. If he is opposed to the Dark Lord, I am the last person he would confide in.

Hmph, I guess any approaches will have to come from one of us then, Harry mused.

I recommend you do that, Severus replied. No matter what else he might be, Mr Zabini is a Slytherin. He will need to be approached by someone of authority that he will be able to trust. You will likely be the only candidate for that.

Oh, okay, Harry said. Thank you.

Your welcome, came Severus' reply then Harry severed the contact between them and reported the Potion Master's words to the others.

The conversation then turned to general matters until they were interrupted by the inevitable arrival of Draco Malfoy along with Crabbe and Goyle. The blond boy slid the door to the compartment open and was about to make a comment when he noticed Remus and Sirius sitting along with the students. His eyes narrowed and a sneer settled on his face. Harry rolled his eyes and decided to pre-empt the upcoming confrontation.

"Hello, Draco," he said with false pleasantry. "Allow me to introduce you to Professor Lupin who is returning as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and Professor Black who will be assisting Professor Snape this year. Was there something you wanted?"

Draco's eyes narrowed. "What is Hogwarts coming to?" he sneered before he turned and marched down the corridor. Ron, who was nearest the door, leaned over and pushed it shut.

"That was fun," he said dryly. "We've never gotten rid of him so quickly before."

"Bet he's confused too," Hermione added with a smile. "That was very well done, Harry."

"Why, thank you," Harry said with a small ironic bow before taking his seat again.

"That really is a regular occurrence, isn't it?" Remus said mildly. "I wasn't entirely sure I believed you."

"I don't know what he hopes to achieve by it," Harry said with a grimace. "I don't think the little ferret's ever intimidated me."

"Not even in First Year?" Sirius asked.

Harry shook his head. "I met him in Diagon Alley when Hagrid and I were getting my school supplies. We were both being fitted for our uniforms by Madam Malkin at the time. I didn't think much of him at all; he reminded me too much of Dudley. Then he made another approach on the train." He snorted. "You know, if he was trying to make friends with me, he really went the wrong way about it. He insulted the first friend I'd ever made. How precisely was that meant to make me like him?"

Harry threw up his hands in disgust as Ron coloured slightly.

"Slytherin thinking, I guess," Sirius said with a shrug. "Don't ask me to explain it, I was a Gryffindor."

"Really?" Remus said with a dry smile. "I didn't know that."

Sirius laughed sheepishly. "Well, ask Snape if you really want to know, Harry. He might have more in the way of insights into how the Slytherin mind works."

Harry nodded and Hermione gave him an intent look. She smiled slightly and asked Ginny a question about her upcoming OWL studies and shortly the discussion had turned to the upcoming school year. Harry leaned back into his seat, content to just listen. He gave a small start when a hand slid into his and looked over to find Ginny watching him curiously.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked softly so as to not draw attention to the two of them.

"Nothing much," Harry said with a shrug. He tightened his fingers a little more around Ginny's. "I guess I'm just a little worried about how Dumbledore is going to handle the Daemon Sidhe being around." He gave a small huff. "For that matter, I'm a little worried about how I'm going to handle the Daemon Sidhe being around."

"I think it'll slow our training down," Ginny said. "We won't be able to get the full eight hours in that we have been." She paused. "For that matter, I wonder why Draco didn't notice the changes in all of us."

Harry raised his eyebrows and looked around at his friends; really looked at them. He then began to ask himself the same question. The constant training in Dreamtime had affected all of them. They had all grown to a greater or lesser extent and they had all added a bit of muscle from their weapons training, even the girls though not to the extent that the boys had. They also all carried themselves differently, again probably due to the physical training they had been doing. Harry, Neville and Ron had all allowed their hair to grow and Devante had helped them when they hit the shaggy stage by using a charm that magically lengthened hair. The charm wasn't permanent; it would fade away when your hair reached the length it had been spelled. Until then it could be affected by someone using Finite Incantatem. The three boys had their hair tied back with clasps that Sirius and Remus had bought for them. All three were gold; Harry's in the form of a lion with ruby eyes, Ron's was a boar with sapphire eyes and Neville had a bear with amber eyes.

Harry shook his head. "You're right," he said. "He should have noticed. We look really different. Particularly Ron, Neville and myself."

"Do you think he just chose not to comment on it?" Ginny asked.

"Doesn't seem like his style," Harry said, frowning. "Surely he'd have used it as a reason to pick at us."

Harry looked up as he felt someone nudge his foot and found Sirius watching them curiously.

"You two looked like you were having a powerful deep conversation there," he said with a small smile. "Anything I can help with?"

Harry thought about it for a moment then made a decision. "Oy!" he said loudly getting everyone's attention immediately. "Ginny just brought something up that I think we need to talk about."

They all looked at the red-haired girl curiously and she blushed.

"Didn't it seem odd to any of you that Draco didn't seem to notice the way we've all changed?" she said with a nervous swallow.

Everyone else in the compartment blinked at that and then nodded in puzzled agreement.

"You're right, he didn't," Ron said slowly. "That's...very odd. He never gives up on an opportunity to have a go at us."

Sirius and Remus looked around at the students. The changes in the two men were far more subtle. Sirius had lost a great deal, but not all, of the gauntness Azkaban had given him and had also gained a similar grace to the students. Remus had changed a bit more. He had lost some of the weariness that seemed to characterise him. This was partly due to the more healthy lifestyle the Daemon Sidhe had imposed upon him and partly due to improvements in the Wolfsbane. Severus had scoured Kolos' library and found improvements to a large number of potions.

Severus? they all heard Remus call.

What is it now? came the slightly exasperated reply. I am in the middle of a very delicate process.

This won't take long, Remus said firmly. This is going to everyone, by the way.

Yes, I am aware of that, Severus replied snippily. Get on with it.

We just had Draco in here, Remus said with an air of subdued amusement. He didn't seem to notice the changes in us all, particularly the changes in Harry and the other students.

Dead silence came from the other end of the bond for a long moment. He did not notice? Severus asked incredulously. How is that possible?

You tell me, Sirius said sourly though with a hint of hesitation. He was still having a little trouble getting used to the bond. Harry rather thought it was an issue of trust more than anything else.

Harry, are you able to reach the Daemon Sidhe? Severus asked suddenly.

Erm, no, Harry replied. I've tried but there seems to be some kind of wall between us when we're awake.

Inconvenient, Severus said thoughtfully. It shall have to wait until this evening then. I would be interested to know if this inability to see what is directly in front of them extends to any other students.

I...think it does, Hermione said, thinking hard. Nobody made any comments to Ron or I during the Prefects meeting.

And nobody said anything when we were on our way there or when we were on our way back, Ron added.

Interesting, Severus said then he swore, his voice filled with pain.

Severus! Harry said with alarm.

I am...alright, came Severus' pained reply. My...inattention resulted in the potion...exploding.

You're not hurt? Harry asked anxiously.

Scalded, Severus said in a more normal tone. Nothing too serious. My reflexes are excellent; I avoided the worst of it.

You are planning on going and seeing Madam Pomfrey, aren't you? Hermione said sternly, much to the amusement of the students. It was good to see Hermione fussing over someone other than them.

I am perfectly capable of treating a simple case of scalding, Severus replied irritably.

I'm sure you are, Hermione replied unperturbed. But I still think you should see Madam Pomfrey.

If I agree will you stop pestering me? Severus said impatiently.

Of course, Hermione replied with a hint of amusement.

Very well, I shall go and submit myself to the quackish nostrums of Poppy Pomfrey, Severus said scathingly.

See that you do, Hermione said calmly.

The presence of the Potions Master disappeared from their minds and they looked at each other silently for a moment then burst out laughing.

"I'm going to remember this day with fondness," Neville said dryly causing the laughter to intensify. Now that he'd gained a little confidence Neville was proving to have a good, if rather self-deprecating, sense of humour

"I'm sure Severus realises that too," Remus said grinning.

"Here's a thought," Sirius said with a grin. "Doesn't Snape make most of Poppy's...er, quackish nostrums?"

There were more snorts of amusement and the conversation drifted off into other topics. No one felt inclined to go back to the topic of why the changes in them apparently couldn't be seen since they had no answers. They would simply have to wait until they could question the Daemon Sidhe.

The rest of the train trip went quickly with occasional interruptions by members of the DA poking their heads in to say hello and find out if the DA would be continuing this year. Harry greeted his fellow students amiably enough but was a little noncommittal when asked about the DA. Sooner than they expected they were hurrying to change into their uniforms and then climbing off the train. As they walked over to the carriages, Neville suddenly gasped and his eyes widened.

"Th...that's what the thestrals look like!" he said.

Harry gave him a sharp glance then looked over at Sirius who had paled slightly. Harry swallowed as Remus stepped up beside his friends and started talking quietly into his ear. This was certainly confirmation that Sirius had indeed 'died' when he had fallen through the Veil. Of the students, only Neville had been in the Veil Chamber at that moment and he knew that none of the Death Eaters had been killed.

They climbed into a couple of the carriages in uncomfortable silence. Sirius still looked pale and withdrawn as Remus hustled him into a carriage and Harry hurried to join them. Ginny also climbed into the carriage and silently shook her head at the others when they looked to follow. Ron gave his sister an intent look then nodded and ushered the others towards a second carriage.

Harry and Ginny sat down opposite the two Marauders. Sirius' face had regained some of its colour though he still looked grim and Remus now had a tight hold on one arm.

"I died. I was dead," Sirius said flatly.

"You're not now," Remus replied firmly. "You're very much alive."

Sirius swallowed hard and took a deep breath, more colour returning to his face. "Yeah," he breathed.

The carriage gave a sudden lurch as they got underway and all four caught at the seats and wall to steady themselves. This seemed to bring Sirius back from his shock and he shook his head in a doglike fashion.

"Sorry 'bout that," he said in a far calmer fashion. "I just...didn't expect that."

Harry sighed and leaned back in his seat, smiling at Ginny when she laced her fingers through his. "Neither did I," he said in a heartfelt manner.

They used the rest of the trip up to the castle to regain their equilibrium and by the time they climbed out of the carriage and walked into the Entrance Hall they were almost back to normal. Remus and Sirius left them at that point, heading over to where Professor McGonagall was waiting for them and the three teachers disappeared through a doorway. Ron and the others rushed over to Harry and Ginny with worried looks on their faces.

"Is Sirius okay?" Hermione asked anxiously.

Harry nodded. "I think so."

They walked into the Great Hall and took their seats at the Gryffindor table, Luna leaving them to sit at the Ravenclaw table. Harry looked up at the Head table and saw Severus, Remus and Sirius sitting together at one end of the table while Mad-Eye Moody sat at the other end. Sirius and Remus gave him small smiles and nods while Severus glared at him.

Harry sighed. Are you alright, sir? he asked Severus.

Severus raised an eyebrow. I am fine, he said firmly. Tell me, is mother-henning an integral part of being a Gryffindor?

Harry snorted with amusement, garnering curious glances from his friends. He waved them away as he answered. We just like to fuss over our friends when they get hurt, sir, he said as blandly as he could manage before continuing a little sadly. I guess we're still doing the hating each other thing in public then?

We must, came the inevitable reply. I must still play the role of loyal Death Eater.

Harry grimaced. I guess you're right, sir. Will you be doing the same thing with Sirius and Remus?

Yes, Severus replied. Lupin and I have agreed to continue on in the same manner as the last time he was here. As far as everyone else is concerned, Black was hired by the Headmaster over my strenuous protests. He paused and continued with an odd hint of hesitation in his voice. We will be rather unpleasant to each other. You...may not like that but it must be done. If it is any consolation, I find that I do not dislike him anymore, I merely find him irritating.

Harry swallowed a laugh. I think everyone finds Sirius irritating on occasion, sir. I'll be okay. I mean, I can always check with the two of you when you start in on each other to reassure myself, can't I? The last was said with a certain amount of hesitation.

Severus was silent for a moment. I daresay we could not stop you, he said with weary resignation and Harry smiled briefly.

He was forced to drop the conversation when Professor McGonagall walked into the Hall with a double line of very nervous-looking First Years trailing behind her. She lined them up at the front of the Hall and walked off to retrieve the Sorting Hat and stool. She set them both down and stepped back, obviously waiting for the Hat's annual song. The rip in the brim of the Hat opened and the eyes of the new First Years widened as the Hat began.

Within these walls my task has been

To send you in four ways

To give you a home and family

That will last throughout your days

But last year I also gave

A warning to you all

One that has not been heeded

You have not answered my call

But now I find this fight

Has been taken from our control

A king sits here among us

And he will take his toll

A king, a loyal court,

Darkness and Light in one

The avatars walk beside them

The war has now begun

Though I sort you now

A choice you must also make

To walk in Light and Darkness

Or the path of evil you will take

Bold Gryffindors think hard

Have courage and be strong

Godric's choice you will be

But will your choice be wrong?

Loyal Hufflepuffs are steadfast

True to House and all

But outwards you must look

Else loyalty can gall

Sharp Ravenclaws beware

Though intelligent you be

Learn you must to seek all truth

Else evil you will not see

Crafty, cunning Slytherin

Sly serpents that you are

Look to Salazar, noble ones

And do not reach too far

And thus I must part you

But do not stray too wide

War is brewing and your king will call

He will need you by his side.

The Hat fell silent and a low murmuring ran through the Hall. Harry exchanged grim glances with his friends.

Well, that was certainly unexpected, he said dryly to his court.

Not to mention very interesting, Remus replied.

And a very clear warning, Hermione said as Professor McGonagall started the Sorting.

The Slytherin one was a bit strange, Ron said. Look to Salazar and don't reach too far. What does that mean?

'Do not reach too far' is clear, Severus replied grimly. It is a reminder that reaching too far leaves you open to attack from close in. My Slytherins will understand it; whether they will heed it is another matter. The other...I don't know. Look to Salazar. It is puzzling.

Harry suddenly blinked. Could it be literal?

What do you mean? came the question from the others.

Look to Salazar, Harry repeated. Could it have something to do with the Chamber? There's a gigantic statue of Salazar Slytherin down there.

An intriguing suggestion, Severus said thoughtfully as he applauded a newly Sorted Slytherin. I believe you and I need to take a little trip down to the Chamber of Secrets, Mr Potter.

We, Ron said firmly. We will take the trip down to the Chamber of Secrets.

Don't be absurd, Severus replied sharply. It would be impossible to hide the movements of that many people. Harry with his cloak and myself will be sufficient and will not raise suspicions.

He has a point, Harry said. I don't think we want to tip people off to the fact that I'm the king the Sorting Hat is talking about just yet. If we start venturing into strange places as a group, at least some people are going to put two and two together and with our luck, they'll be the wrong people.

I guess, Ron said reluctantly. I just never got a chance to see in there.

I don't know why you want to, Ginny said with a shudder. I'd be quite happy to never see that place again.

Ron looked rather abashed as Harry took her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. She smiled a little tremulously at him.

Severus and I will go down there as soon as possible, Harry said firmly. The rest of you will stay out unless we discover something drastic.

The others nodded and Severus, Remus and Sirius sent feelings of assent. They all turned back to the Sorting to find the last of the First Years running off to the Hufflepuff table. As soon as the young girl had sat down, the Headmaster stood.

"Welcome everyone to another year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. "I have only one thing to say right now: enjoy!"

As soon as the Headmaster said that last word, platters and bowls of food appeared on the tables and everyone abandoned conversation and speculation in favour of eating. Once the final bowl of dessert had disappeared off the tables, Dumbledore once again stood.

"Now that we have all been fed and watered, I have a few start of term notices to give," he said with a smile. "Firstly, I must inform you all that Forbidden Forest is mostly definitely forbidden. The denizens within will not be welcoming of intruders."

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances and the bushy-haired girl shuddered.

"Second, our caretaker, Mr Filch, has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be used in the corridor between classes," the Headmaster continued. "He has also asked me to inform you that the list of forbidden items can be found on the door of his office. I understand that the entire inventory of Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes is on the list."

A ripple of soft laughter went through the room and Ron and Ginny looked proud on behalf of their brothers.

Dumbledore eyed the students with a twinkle in his eye before continuing. "I would also like you to welcome a few new teachers. Professor Remus Lupin is returning this year to once again teach Defence Against the Dark Arts."

The Headmaster was forced to pause here as the Gryffindor table burst out into loud cheers and whistles. They were joined in their enthusiasm by the Hufflepuffs while the Ravenclaws looked pleased and also applauded loudly. Only the Slytherins looked mutinous and Severus glared at the man sitting next to him as Remus rose to give a small, slightly embarrassed bow. When he sat down Harry and his friends saw Sirius whisper something in Remus' ear that made the werewolf blush and laugh somewhat self-consciously.

Dumbledore smiled benignly at everyone as he continued. "I would also like you to welcome Professor Alastor Moody who will be teaching the new subject of Practical Defense"

Mad-Eye Moody stood and eyed everyone slightly suspiciously as the students applauded. Harry and his friends exchanged amused looks as they realised that the Headmaster pointedly hadn't welcomed back Moody.

"Finally," Dumbledore said when the applause for Moody finished. "I would like you to welcome Professor Sirius Black who will aiding Professors Snape and Moody this year."

Harry and his friends stood and cheered, their housemates joining in with their approval as the other Houses applauded politely. Harry noticed Severus giving Sirius what could only be described as a death glare which, after he'd stood and acknowledged the applause, Sirius returned.

You two are enjoying this, aren't you? Harry said to the two men with amusement.

Indeed, came Severus reply, closely followed by Sirius, You'd better believe it.

Harry snorted with laughter and sat down as the Headmaster raised his hands for silence.

"Now, I think it is time for all of us to seek our beds," Dumbledore said in finishing.

Ron and Hermione waved to the others and headed off to carry out their duties as prefects. Harry, Neville and Ginny gave Sirius and Remus a wave and headed up to Gryffindor Tower.