Chapter 1
The Great Hall was alive with chatter, students’ faces glimmering by the light of thousands of candles, which were floating over the tables in mid-air. “Did you hear about Potter fainting on the train?’’ a loud voice called across the table, “Weasley apparently fainted as well!” Draco added unnecessarily. Potter’s trio were absent from the Sorting Ceremony, however showed up for the feast and rumours started to speculate about why; many coming to the conclusion it was related to Sirius Blacks escape from Azkaban. You rolled your eyes every time someone mentions your name, saying things along the lines of you personally helped him escape since you’re related.
All these theories were preposterous as you’ve never even met the man before, let alone conspired to help him escape. The 3 girls sitting closest to you kept glancing your way every few minutes and you knew they had some brain and would refrain from bombarding you with questions tonight in the dorms.
“Welcome!” Said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmering on his beard, “Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it's best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast…” Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued. “As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business.” He paused, and you had the feeling he was not very happy with the Dementors guarding the school. “They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds,” Dumbledore continued, “and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not fooled by tricks or disguises – or even invisibility cloaks,” He added blandly. That was odd and was very likely aimed towards someone in particular. “It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you.” A few fearful looks were sent throughout the hall, many students shivering at the thought.
“On a happier note,” he continued, “I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. Firstly, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.” There were some scattered, rather unenthusiastic, applause. He was dressed in rather shabby robes, compared to the other teachers in their best robes. Whilst he was young, he had a rather aged face and a few greys showing through, and you couldn’t help but think what this man had experienced to look like that. Your focus drifted towards Snape. It was common knowledge he wanted the Defence Against the Dark Arts job, and you weren’t surprised to see not only anger but loathing on the man’s face. You could somewhat understand how it felt to want something so desperately but not have the chance to obtain said object. You glanced away from the Professor’s table and landed on the Gryffindor table instead.
“As to our second new appointment,” Dumbledore continued, “Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties.”
A tumultuous applause came from the hall, the Gryffindor table in particular, and Hagrid was red in the face from the attention.
“Well I think that’s everything of importance,” Said Dumbledore, “Let the feast begin!”
The golden plates and goblets before us filled suddenly with food and drink. You took to scooping an array of roast beef, mashed potato and gravy on your plate, mindful of the ravenous students jostling each other for food.
Daphne Greengrass, one of your dorm mates, suddenly turned to you, “You didn’t really help Sirius Black escape, did you Gemma?” You failed to stop yourself from rolling your eyes, “Yes Daphne, I snuck into the most guarded prison in history and smuggled out a man I’ve never met.” A few students around you flinched at your nonchalant attitude towards the subject. “I’m just asking, honestly though, if you were going to sneak someone out of Azkaban, would it not be one of your parents?” Daphne huffed. You tensed at the question thrown at you. Your dark, wild, unruly curly hair suddenly felt like a cage splayed around you. The striking resemblance to her didn’t sit well with most, if not all, people. You should’ve expected this question would come up at the earliest convenience, and whilst majority of Slytherin’s eyes were on you. “I’ll make sure to sneak them out next, alright? Will that make everyone be able to sleep tonight?” You mocked.
Chatter picked up around you, however none of it included you, thankfully. It seems your conversation that teetered into an interrogation was a successful social repellent. Thank Merlin.
At long last, when the last morsels of pumpkin tart had melted from the golden platters, Dumbledore gave the word that it was time for them all to go to bed. You were one of the first to depart from the table, more than eager to escape from nosy and indifferent Slytherins.
Turning the corner, you heard a steady thud of footsteps behind you and silently cursed that your concluded night would have to be postponed.
“A word, Miss Lestrange?” Professor Snape questioned coolly.
You followed him without a word, stopping outside the dungeons.
“Whilst I am aware you had no part in Sirius Black’s escape,” He bites out the name, “it has come to my attention that not many students are following that thought, yes?”
You nodded, not up for adding that not only are they not following, but they also feel the need to interrogate you at every opportunity.
“Should this continue further into the school year, please feel free to let me know, and I will personally see to stopping this gossip.” Snape finished calmly.
“Thank you, Professor, however I am prepared for this bout of gossip to drag on for a while. If that’s everything, am I free to turn in for the night?” You spoke curtly.
“Of course, Miss Lestrange, I will see you in class. Goodnight.” He replied, a flicker of understanding flashing in his eyes.
You bid farewell to your Head of House and continue your journey. Due to being stopped, many students have exited the Great Hall and begun whispering as you walked past many of them. You felt like magicking a banner over your head that said, ‘He’s locked in my trunk!’ Might as well lean into a bit.
When you entered the great hall for breakfast the next day, the first thing you saw was Draco, who seemed to be entertaining a large group at Slytherin table with a very funny story. The Golden Trio, who were further ahead than you, walked past as Draco did a ridiculous impression of a swooning fit followed by a roar of laughter. You crossed over towards him and bent down to whisper in his ear, “You weren’t so confident last night when the Dementors were down our end of the train, Draco.”
He seemed to have straightened up at the mention, whilst the girl next to him scowled at your interruption, “Draco,” Crooned Pansy Parkinson, “You were saying Potter was scared of the Dementors?” He grumbled in response and sought out the scones.
Standing straight and retreating to your usual seat for breakfast, you were aware of the eyes constantly on you. Nothing new in that department, however the Daily Prophet planted on the table in front of you brought pause to your thoughts.
SIRIUS BLACK SIGHTED BY MUGGLE
Sirius Black was sighted on the shores of southeast Scotland, and by a muggle no less! By the time the Ministry were alerted, Black had already disappeared. What does this mean for the Wizarding Community? Black is creeping further and further towards Hogwarts and Albus Dumbledore is doing nothing to stop it. Will the famous Boy Who Lived survive this deranged mass murderer? Is there a Dark Wizard or Witch in Hogwarts acting as an accomplice? Read more on Page 3. Article by Rita Skeeter.
Once again, you failed to suppress the urge to roll your eyes. What utter bullshit.
“I heard that she’s been owling him.” A girl further down the table spoke loudly. You turned to her to catch her smirk.
“Are we still on about that subject?” You challenged her, raising an eyebrow.
The girl smiled sweetly, “The fact that you’re in contact with a known murderer? Not surprising based on your family. Half the Blacks went mad, didn’t they? What’s the saying? Every time a Black is born Merlin flips a sickle?”
The cruel taunt struck a nerve in you.
“Are you inclined to ask Draco that question? Considering his mother is previously a Black? Or have you forgotten that since she isn’t the one in Azkaban, was the one to raise me.” You seethed.
Breakfast long forgotten; you rose from the table but not before making eye contact with brown eyes at the Gryffindor table. Fred Weasley stared at you silently, however a small smile appeared on the edge of his mouth and a gleam struck his eyes. Huffing, you marched out of the Great Hall. You didn’t have time for any prankster twins.
It seemed you were going to be storming out of the Great Hall after every meal, not a great way to extinguish the nasty rumours going on about you. You pondered on the likelihood of just blowing up the damn castle. Yeah, not a great idea.
“Bloody hell woman, slow down!” A deep and mischievous voice called out.
“Yes Weasley?” You turned on the spot, meeting his eyes.
Fred.
“Can’t even guess may name? Afraid you’ll get it wrong?” He teased half-heartedly.
“Well, you’re annoying me right now, so I’ll take a gander and guess the annoying one, Fred.” You teased back.
“Oi! Annoyingly handsome you mean!” He squalled indignantly.
Yep. Definitely Fred. Whilst you loved he was one of the only students that treated you no different, it occurred to you that he had no reason to sought you out. Apart from the occasional joined classes, your paths rarely ever crossed. The most you spoke to each other was a brief incident on the train in First Year. You two had bumped into each other in the corridor and the exuberant 11-year-old he was, introduced himself and his closely following twin. After mumbling your name, the expected rejection tied to the name never came. Lucius’ words ringing in your head to never interact, let alone befriend a Weasley was your reasoning for pushing past them and closing yourself into the first empty carriage there was.
You often pondered what would’ve become if you had just stuck around them, seeing as no one entered your carriage that train ride. And the following ones ever since.
“Well,” he continued, “I was wondering if later in the year you’d like to – “
“Are you planning on attending classes sometime today, Weasley,” Professor Snape interrupted, seemingly appearing out of thin air, “Or only stop mine from attending theirs?”
“We’re about to head there, no need to get your cloak in a twist, Professor.” Fred replied cheekily.
“See to getting to your classes. On time.” Snape bit back snidely
Fred stepped back and turned back in the direction of the Great Hall, most likely to his friends. Before he turned the corner, he glanced back towards you. When he saw both you and Snape looking in his directions, he pulled an innocent face and retreated.
Once he was out of ear shot, Professor Snape tuned back to you and raised an eyebrow.
“Care to explain what that interaction was about, Miss Lestrange?” He asked sharply.
“Well, Professor, I was about to find out before you so sweetly interrupted.” You replied coolly. As much as you adored your Godfather, all he was going to do with the information was inform Lucius and Narcissa. Something you didn’t need their input on.
“See to carefully going about your day, Gemma.” Snape spoke with bitter frustration.
“No rendezvous with gingers, got it!” Winking, you turn and start lightly skipping back to the dormitories.