Chapter 4
Remus and Harry stepped onto the bustling platform at King's Cross Station, swept up in the electric energy that permeated the air as students prepared for their return to Hogwarts. A crispness hung in the atmosphere, a harbinger of autumn's impending embrace, while a gentle chill whispered promises of changing seasons to come. Sunlight poured through the soaring glass windows, casting an intricate tapestry of light and shadow upon the sea of eager faces that filled the platform, each one brimming with anticipation for the journey ahead.
As they made their way through the crowds, Remus observed Harry's excitement with a mixture of fondness and apprehension. The boy's face lit up with every familiar face he spotted among the sea of students and families, his steps quickening as they approached Platform 9¾. Remus couldn't help but smile at Harry's eagerness, remembering his own youthful enthusiasm during his days at Hogwarts.
Despite the familiarity of the surroundings, this year was different for Remus. No longer just an observer or a guardian, he was now a teacher—an integral part of Hogwarts' faculty. The weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders as he walked beside Harry, helping him wheel his trunk towards the scarlet steam engine waiting to transport them to Hogwarts.
As they neared the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10, Remus exchanged nods and greetings with a few familiar faces—peers from his own school days who now shared the responsibility of looking after the next generation of witches and wizards. He felt a sense of pride mingled with a touch of nerves, knowing that he was a part of this group of magical parents.
When they reached Platform 9¾, the sights and sounds of the bustling crowd enveloped them. Families hugged their children goodbye, friends exchanged excited chatter, and owls hooted from their cages. Remus paused for a moment, taking in the scene—the laughter, the anticipation, the nervous energy that permeated the air.
Helping Harry hoist his trunk onto the train, Remus felt a swell of emotions rise within him. He watched as Harry eagerly greeted Ron, Hermione, and the rest of their friends, their laughter and animated gestures filling the air. It was a poignant reminder of the friendships forged at Hogwarts, bonds that transcended time and distance.
As Harry disappeared into the carriage, Remus made his way towards the teachers' compartment, his strides purposeful yet tinged with a hint of nostalgia. Inside, he found only empty seats. Of course he did, all other teachers apparated straight into hogsmeade but leaving Harry on a train when they were going the same way seemed weird. Besides, Remus felt, almost unconsciously, that he would be needed on this journey.
Moving with a loud screech, the Hogwarts express jolted forward. The train gathered speed, its rhythmic clattering echoing through the compartments. Remus watched the passing scenery—a blur of countryside and quaint villages—as they journeyed towards Hogwarts, the castle looming ever closer with each passing minute.
Even with the promise of Hogwarts’ safety and the comforting rhythm of the train tracks beneath, Remus found his thoughts consumed by the dark cloud of Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban. Memories of their shared past—the laughter, the adventures, and the ultimate betrayal that had shattered their brotherhood—weighed heavily on Remus, stoking fears that Sirius might seek vengeance on Harry for Voldemort's downfall. This unsettling possibility gnawed at Remus, intertwining with the responsibilities of his new role as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. Gazing through the compartment window at the landscape rushing by, his expression was troubled, a visible testament to the internal battle between concern for his students, particularly Harry, and a fierce determination to protect them from the sinister threat of Sirius Black.
Without warning, the train emitted a sharp screech, causing Remus to brace himself against the compartment wall. The sudden halt was accompanied by a blackout that enveloped the carriage in a suffocating darkness. It wasn't just the absence of light; an eerie emptiness filled the air, chilling Remus to the core. He felt a wave of dread unlike any he had experienced in years. The oppressive presence of the Dementors swept through him, their icy breath stirring memories of past horrors and betrayals. His heart clenched in agony as the chill of despair crept into his very soul, resurrecting the pain of lost friends, shattered innocence, and a lifetime haunted by the stigma of lycanthropy. The emptiness within him mirrored the void that the Dementors sought to exploit, amplifying his anguish to unbearable levels. Remus fought against the suffocating weight of despair, clinging desperately to the flickering light of hope that remained—a light he must protect, not just for himself, but for Harry and all those who relied on him.
Drawing his wand with a determined grip, Remus hurried down the narrow corridor towards the source of the disturbance. His senses sharpened with adrenaline as he navigated through the increasingly dense mist, echoing whispers of fear and confusion guiding his path.
Upon reaching the compartment where Harry and his friends were seated, Remus found them pale and trembling, the Dementors looming ever closer. Ignoring his own dread, he positioned himself protectively in front of Harry, his mind racing to summon the memory that would conjure the strongest Patronus.
"Expecto Patronum!" Remus's voice rang out with authority, his wand slashing through the air. A radiant silver wolf burst forth, charging at the encroaching Dementors with fierce determination. Its luminous form pushed back the darkness, filling the compartment with warmth and courage as it drove the Dementors to retreat.
As the air cleared and the threat dissipated, Remus turned to Harry, concern etched into his features. He offered the boy a piece of chocolate, knowing it would help to counter the lingering effects of the Dementors' presence. "Here, Harry," Remus said gently, handing him the chocolate. "It'll help."
Harry took the chocolate gratefully, managing a weak smile. "Thanks, Moony," he murmured, his voice still shaky.
Remus nodded, his own relief palpable yet tempered by the gravity of the situation. He remained by Harry's side, reassuring the other students and ensuring their well-being in the aftermath of the harrowing encounter.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Remus asked quietly, his concern evident as he looked into the boy's eyes.
Harry nodded, though his gaze betrayed lingering unease. "I think so," he replied softly.
"Did anyone else hear that scream?" Harry asked, his voice tinged with concern as he glanced around the dimly lit compartment.
Hermione shook her head, her brow furrowed in puzzlement. "I didn't hear a scream, Harry. Are you sure?"
Still catching his breath after dispelling the Dementors, Remus interjected quietly, "It wasn't a scream, Harry. It was the Dementors. They affect people differently."
Harry nodded slowly, his gaze shifting from Hermione to Remus to Ron, the face of a boy whose innocence was taken too soon filling Remus with pain.
Remus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, offering silent support and understanding. "You did well," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Facing Dementors is never easy, but you handled it bravely."
Harry managed a small nod, grateful for Remus's steadying presence. "I'm glad you were here," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.
Remus smiled warmly, his heart swelling with affection for his godson.
As the train resumed its journey towards Hogwarts, Remus remained close to Harry, their shared journey into the new school year now imbued with a deeper sense of vigilance and determination to protect what mattered most.