Once in a Blue Moon

CHAPTER 5

3 November - Hogwarts - Evening

Draco Malfoy was writing a letter to his father. In it, he put everything that he had seen and heard about the new Professor since the beginning of term. He especially made a point of what he had seen during the Halloween feast.

His last sentence, he knew, would bring his father hotfoot to the school. "Sirius Black is here," he wrote, "and Dumbledore is definitely hiding him. Something is happening here."

He folded it and took it to the owlery.

5 November - The Malfoy Mansion - morning

Lucius Malfoy read his son's letter carefully - ignoring Narcissa's questions as to Draco's welfare. So, he thought. Dumbledore has bought de Lisle back - and she's not over her little infatuation. The Dark Lord would be pleased - Draco was right about that. She was a tool that was crying out to be used.

He looked over at his wife. "I am going away for a few days," he said, and left the room, leaving the letter on the table.

Narcissa picked it up and read it - her face going pale as she did so.

She had lost her son. And gained back her sister.

5 November - Hogwarts - mid afternoon

"Headmaster, I demand to know why you are harbouring a murderer here," drawled Lucius Malfoy - determined to get Dumbledore to admit it.

"Lucius, I am not harbouring any murderers here," said Dumbledore.

Malfoy snarled "You've got that bloody werewolf back," he said. "Over my objections. And to add to your little band of misfits you have a most unsuitable woman on your staff."

Dumbledore looked at Malfoy speculatively. "You can't change the past, Lucius. She beat you in a fair duel - despite your attempts to make it otherwise. Pilar de Lisle is a good teacher - and an excellent person to have here to protect our students."

Malfoy swept out, and headed down the corridor - almost colliding with Ron, Harry and Hermione with Sirius - in his dog form. His face went dark. "So - Black is here," he said.

The three students looked apprehensive - and Sirius tensed his muscles ready to jump. Just then, a voice was heard behind Malfoy.

"Thank you so much for taking my dog for a walk, " said Pilar, coming up with Lupin. "I'm feeling a bit stiff today, and you've given him a really good run for me."

She looked at Malfoy fully "Malfoy," she said, inclining her head.

"Pilar de Lisle," he purred, taking her hand "How enchanting." She snatched her hand back and snarled "Don't ever touch me," to him.

Malfoy ignored her. "Your dog," he said smoothly, "such a fine specimen. What was it you called him?"

"I didn't," she said pointedly. "But since you asked, his name is," she racked her brains and saw Harry mouthing something at her. Surely it couldn't be! "Cuddles," she finished frantically. Next to her, Lupin started to cough loudly and turned away - his shoulders shaking.

"Cuddles" looked affronted.

"Cuddles," said Malfoy. "Surely a strange name for such a large animal. Don't you worry about him attacking these students?"

Pilar thought fast. "He was such a cute puppy," she trilled, "and I had absolute no idea he would grow so much!" She walked over and knelt beside Sirius, putting her arms around his neck and hugging him. "He's an old softy really. Not a vicious bone in his body!"

She stared defiantly up at Lucius Malfoy - daring him to call her bluff. He pushed past her and walked off down the drive and out of the school.

Beside her Lupin managed to catch his breath. "Cuddles?" he said incredulously.

Pilar stood up and looked at them. "Well - isn't that what Harry was trying to tell me? "

Sirius shrugged back into his human form - outrage on his face. "Snuffles, you idiot!" he said indignantly, "He was telling you Snuffles!"

Harry, Ron and Hermione were giggling helplessly. "P..P..Poor old "Cuddles"" gasped Ron.

Sirius spun around and Lupin started to laugh again. "He's an old softy really," he finally got out.

Pilar also started to laugh. Then she stopped. "Damn," she said, "This means that I have to get a dog."

Sirius looked sly. "No problems," he said - "I don't mind sleeping on the end of your bed."

Pilar looked at him. "No thanks," she said, "For some reason having a large hairy male at the end of my bed doesn't fill me with joy."

She walked off and said, "Have a nice day, Cuddles," as she left.