Twisted Fascination

I made it up to the Great Hall for my breakfast and newspaper, sitting down in my usual spot. My mail arrived then, and I checked my stocks over while eating my food. Once done, I folded up my papers and headed off to my first class of the day.

Nothing of note happened until Saturday, a day where my fellow Slytherins headed off to Hogsmeade.

I knew I couldn't slip away to find Black that particular day, so I stayed in the library, working on my essays for most of the day. Once I had everything to my liking, I headed back down toward the dungeons. On my way there, I was nearly trampled by Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.

The three boys basically sprinted down the stairs toward Snape's office, talking about my brother's floating, disembodied head.

I was understandably confused as my brother's head hadn't been floating or disembodied the last time I saw him. I stared after the three muddied boys for a moment before deciding that I didn't want to know. I headed down to the Slytherin common room, dropped my work off next to my bed, and went to have lunch. While I was peacefully eating, the now clean Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle came over to sit by me.

"Your brother threw mud at us," Malfoy complained.

"Of course he did," I grumbled in annoyance, "His childishness shall never cease to disappoint me."

"Why didn't you tell me that he has an Invisibility Cloak?" Malfoy asked, causing me to snap my head around.

"Excuse me?" I asked, not sure if my hearing was off or Malfoy just uttered something incredibly stupid.

"He has an Invisibility Cloak," Malfoy reiterated, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"He better not have an Invisibility Cloak," I hissed angrily, "That fool doesn't have the maturity to use such a priceless artifact properly. Besides, it would cost a fortune to have, something even our shared bank account couldn't dream of paying off."

"What if it's an heirloom?" Malfoy wondered aloud.

"If it's an heirloom, it should have been given to me," I pointed out, "Not that I'd truly do much with it, but still…"

"You wouldn't use the Invisibility Cloak often if you had it?" Malfoy asked while giving me a look of horror.

"Why would I?" I asked with a raised brow. "It's not like I'm going out after curfew or sneaking into the Restricted Section of the library." I paused before musing, "Though now that I think about it, that would be quite interesting…"

Malfoy rolled his eyes at me. "Of course that's what you'd do…" He straightened up and asked, "Aren't you even slightly interested in sneaking out to Hogsmeade?"

"Not particularly," I denied, "From what I understand, it's just some wizarding village."

Malfoy stared incredulously for a long moment before shaking his head. "I can never understand you…"

"I doubt anyone ever will," I said with a chuckle.

Malfoy sighed at me, and the conversation was dropped.

I spent the rest of that day pondering my own words as I sat in front of the fireplace in the Slytherin common room. Though I initially said it as a joke, I did wonder if anyone would ever truly understand me. I didn't want to admit it, but I had a hard time relating to others, especially considering I liked being at the top of the class and put that over making friends. I briefly wondered if I should take it easy the next few weeks or so, but I quickly scowled and told myself that I was being extremely childish. I begrudgingly ate dinner before heading to bed early.

Sleep didn't come easy, nor did it last very long.

I awoke with a jolt, and I then scowled as I stared into the darkness of the room. I felt nothing but annoyance at that moment, just wanting a good night of sleep for once in my life. I understand, though, that boy everything in life was given even if it was desired. I sighed softly before getting up and bringing myself to the empty common room. I sat there by the fire, just looking around in a lazy manner.

Time seemed to pass by at a crawl.

Eventually, I returned to my shared dorm room and checked the time. I then decided to take a shower and get prepared for the day, not at all interested in trying to gain back lost time.

After around half an hour, the curfew was lifted.

I headed out to the library to do some more homework. I focused well-enough before heading down to breakfast to nibble on some toast. I collected my paper soon after finishing, checked my stocks, and went back to the library to work away the Sunday on homework.

Nothing very interesting happened that day, and time seemed to pass by quickly.

I had made no progress with that damned Light charm, and I was beginning to think that even trying was foolish. I was still at the top of all my classes, but I had noticed that my mind had been drifting away to how segregated I was from the others. A childish part of me really wished to gain better acquaintances, but I always stomped that down with the reminder that I didn't need anyone to better myself.

Easter break soon came, and the third-year all received a good amount of homework. It was enough to nearly make Crabbe and Goyle cry, which was honestly a bit humorous.

What got everyone electrified was the upcoming Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor. It got to the point where scuffles broke out in the corridors. One particular incident ended with a fourth-year Gryffindor and a sixth-year Slytherin in the hospital wing with leeks sprouting out of their ears.

The Slytherins were trying their damnedest to make Harry fold under the pressure, but my brother was far too stubborn to even think about quitting.

The day of the match came, and everyone seemed to head out early to the Quidditch pitch.

Naturally, I stayed behind to do homework. Well, that was the plan until I ended up seeing a certain dog from the windows of the library. I quickly left the library behind, haphazardly packing away my work and books as I did so. I then ended up rushing down to the grounds and found that damned criminal trying to watch the match from a good distance away from the Quidditch pitch. "Hey, mutt!"

Sirius snapped his head around, giving me the most offended look I've ever seen out of a dog.

"You're so obvious it's not even funny," I criticized, "Follow me to someplace better."

Sirius huffed before nevertheless following me to a spot that had a better vantage point while also being hidden in the shade of the giant stands.

I sat down next to the animagus, causing him to look at me suspiciously. "I think I can take a day off, if only to make sure you don't cause more trouble."

Sirius gave what was the dog equivalent of a smirk before he turned his focus back to the match. A few times, he got himself riled up at how the Slytherins (mainly Draco) were cheating. He managed to calm himself down every time I made a displeased noise at his behavior, so at least he could behave decently. Once the match ended with Gryffindor victorious, the dog happily got up and began trotting toward the Whomping Willow.

I allowed him to go on his way and grabbed my bag. I then went back up to the library and continued on with my work. I didn't get far into said work before Zabini came into the library and sat down next to me.

"What's the dog's name?" He asked.

"I've taken to naming him Mutt," I admitted freely.

Zabini looked at me with a great amount of offense. "You named that dog 'Mutt'?"

"He acts like one," I grumbled before looking at Zabini carefully. "Who else saw me with that mange-ridden pest?"

"You may have been sitting in the shadows, but Parkinson has a sixth-sense concerning dogs," Zabini said.

I cursed softly before looking at the boy with narrowed eyes. "Does Snape know?"

"He has ears," Zabini pointed out, "And Crabbe and Goyle aren't exactly subtle."

"Those little vermin," I said bitterly.

Zabini looked at me with wide eyes before hesitantly asking, "Are you going to-"

"No," I denied, knowing damn-well I couldn't get away with teaching those two their place.

Zabini gave a small grunt of acknowledgement before standing.

"I better head down before Snape gets the idea to come find me himself," I grumbled as I began to neatly pack away my school supplies.

"It may be too late for that," Zabini muttered.

Sirius, you complete and utter motherfucker, I thought with a great deal of anger.

Zabini began to slink off, only to pause as Snape said, "Ah, Mr. Zabini. I'm glad that you're here, too. Come down to the common room with Mr. Potter and I."

I immediately furrowed my brow as I finished packing my bag. I then followed my Head of House down to the common room, where the rest of the Slytherins house was waiting with clear trepidation.

As soon as the wall closed, Snape looked at me carefully. "Potter, I will say this once and only once: Stop seeing that blasted dog, or I will get you expelled."

I blinked once before saying, "Sir, one of my favorite pastimes this year has been cursing that mutt."

"Noted," he said dryly before looking at the other Slytherins. "If he goes anywhere near that dog, I want one of you to get me immediately."

I barely held back an offended expression, and I heard the Dark Lord chuckling in my head at my clear indignation.

Snape narrowed his eyes at me before turning and leaving the common room.

I waited patiently for him to leave before pulling out my wand. I turned and looked at Goyle and Crabbe with the clear intent to seriously injure them. "You two have loose lips."

Crabbe paled rapidly as I glared at them from across the common room. "W-we didn't…"

"You didn't what?" I asked before smiling with blood-red eyes. "You didn't talk about that bastard and I watching the match together in the near vicinity of Snape?"

"It was an accident!" Goyle exclaimed, looking ready to piss himself out of fear.

"An accident?" I repeated questioningly before scoffing. "Your conceptions were accidents."

The two neanderthals didn't understand the insult, but they grew upset after a few people burst into snickers.

"Some half-blood like you has no right to try and make fun of us," Crabbe snapped angrily.

"You two make it so easy," I cooed at the fools, "After all, a walnut has more intelligence than the two of you combined."

The two got red in the face before they both pulled out their wands.

I felt delight fill me as I watched the rest of the Slytherins step back, making ample room for the three of us to duel.

Goyle threw the first spell, a simple petrification jinx.

I easily threw up a shield, and the spell dissipated. I allowed Crabbe to throw the next spell at me, the slug curse that Weasley had attempted to perform last year. I deflected that spell with ease, and the fire made several popping noises as a few slugs appeared and were immediately killed with the heat. I began to approach the two, redirecting all sorts of jinxes, hexes, and curses. I felt delight as I watched worry and fear fill their eyes. I finally deflected one final spell (the Tickling Jinx) before stopping before them. I pointed my wand at them and said with utter joy, "Abracadabra."

Goyle screamed loudly as Crabb ended up fainting.

I burst into laughter at their reactions. "You two are more foolish than I thought!"

"You killed Crabbe!" Goyle accused.

"He's not dead, you braindead creten," I said with a roll of my eyes. "I simply said the words of a muggle magician."

"Muggle magicians say that?" Astoria Greengrass asked, looking quite faint.

"Indeed," I confirmed before looking at Goyle carefully. "You received mercy today, but I will not look the other way again should you upset me."

Goyle grit his teeth as he stared at me, but he said nothing in reply that would warrant my wrath.

"Be grateful," I said before pocketing my wand and flicking my wrist at him dismissively.

As I turned, Goyle thought he would have the last laugh. He pointed his wand at me and sent a Stinging Jinx toward me.

Just before the spell could hit me, Higgs stepped between us and blocked it. He glared down at Goyle and said I am even tone that barely bit back anger, "Slytherins don't throw spells at other Slytherins' backs. Leave now before you disgrace us any further."

Goyle flinched away from the fifth-year before scrambling off to the shared dorm room of the third-year boys, abandoning Crabbe in the process.

Higgs nudged Crabbe until the boy groaned. "Go lay down in your bed, you idiot."

Crabbe grumbled something unintelligible in reply as he remained laying where he had dropped.

"It wasn't a question!" Flint barked, "He said move!"

Crabbe quickly got up and lumbered toward the dorm room where Goyle was surely seething in rage.

Before I could tell off the two upperclassmen, Zabini looked at me with nothing short of exasperation and asked, "Are you mad?"

"I am perfectly sane," I said curtly.

He gave a sarcastic hum. "And that's why you've been seeing that again."

"Mutt doesn't actually have mange," I tried explaining.

"Mutt?" Malfoy asked as he gave me a look that showed just how disgusted he was with my naming abilities.

"Well, what do you want me to call him - Canis?" I asked sarcastically.

"That's not what I'm talking about, and you know it," Zabini said as he straightened up.

I blinked once before frowning. "Really? In front of everyone?"

"You're the one who said we shouldn't divide ourselves anymore," Zabini said bas he took a step into my personal space. "You're segregating yourself away from us by running off every chance you get. You could get yourself killed."

I didn't like having my words used against me, but I also knew he had a point. I held back a sigh before straightening up. "Very well. I'll mention it to someone before running off after Sirius Black again, be that in his human form or animagus one."

"Hold on," Farley demanded as she held her hand up. "You're telling me that Sirius Black is an animagus?"

"Yes," I confirmed.

"Does Snape know?" Wellington immediately followed up.

"I have reason to believe so," I answered, "We haven't discussed it, however, because Sirius Black is a bit of a sore topic in the Wizarding World right now."

"Potter, I'm afraid that you're not sane by any stretch of the imagination," Flint finally said.

"I'm saner than Black," I waved off dismissively.

"He's got an excuse," Farley argued, "He was in Azkaban for twelve years."

"I'm saner than the man who carefully orchestrated his way out of Azkaban and all the way to Hogwarts without being caught," I once again argued.

"He has the Black Family Madness," Malfoy offered up.

I tucked that term away for later before saying, "You know what? This is a losing battle, but I'll still have you know that Black is not completely mental after those years with the dementors. I feel that I have more sanity and reasoning than him, though his reasoning may also have been dampered in Azkaban. My point is that I am more than capable of making decisions on how to approach the man who, as far as I know, never actually committed mass murder."

The rest of the common room was giving me looks that showed just how little they believed me.

"I'm doing my homework," I finally grumbled as I slank off to the coldest corner of the common room.

"Typical Potter," Davis sighed heavily.

I rolled my eyes at her before continuing on where I had left off. I worked until dinnertime, actually ate my food, and then returned to the common room to continue with my Arithmancy essay. Once lights out was called, I went to bed, only to not be able to sleep a wink. I just stared at the top of the four-poster bed until I felt it reasonable to take a shower. I then left early for the library, though not so early as to break curfew. I worked diligently for the rest of the day and ended up satisfied with all the work I had gotten done. When I slept that night, I didn't have a nightmare or any other disturbance, allowing me to wake up rested and ready to conquer the other third-years when it came to classes.

The next day was calm, like everything had gone back to normal.

As June approached, the weather cleared up. The days became cloudless and sultry, and most students spent those days lamenting the fact that finals were approaching.

I didn't particularly care about the weather, instead focusing on my classwork and essays as usual.

Once exam week began, an unnatural hush fell across the castle.

For Charms, one had to use a simple spell called the Cheering Charm. It was supposed to be used in moderation, and it could cheer up the individual it was used on. When Nott used it on me, I felt surprisingly uplifted, so I returned the favor and watched as Nott actually cracked a genuine grin.

After that was Transfigurations, where we had to turn a teapot into a tortoise. Most Slytherins left the classroom looking quite confident in their results, but not all.

After dinner, students returned to their common rooms to study for the next round of exams.

I worked hard on studying for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, not wanting to make even a slight error in the upcoming exams against Granger.

The next day, everyone's tensions seemed higher than the prior day.

I pretended not to notice just how tense everyone was, but I'd have been daft to not recognize the underlying fear everyone held. I was curious about it, but I never bothered asking as I focused on my next set of exams: Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and then Astronomy.

Supposedly, Lupin had set up a practical exam, and one of the tests for the third years, at least according to some Ravenclaw, were boggarts.

I felt dread at the thought of seeing Lockhart again, but I quickly scolded myself upon remembering that Nott had to see his dead mother. My fears were nothing compared to that.

We Slytherins hustled down to the greenhouses, where we listed off attributes of various plants and showed how to properly take care of said plants. After lunch, we went to the front gates of Hogwarts, where an obstacle course had been set up for the third years. We went by last names, and after half the class had finished, it was my turn.

First, I had to wade across a deep pool containing grindylows. Then, I had to cross a series of potholes full of Red Caps. Next, I had to squish my way through a patch of marsh while ignoring misleading directions from a hinkypunk. Finally, I had to climb into a surprisingly roomy old trunk and battle a boggart.

The first three tests were easy, and the fourth should have been the same. Instead, the boggart had transformed itself into Black, and he was shackled and obviously in fear.

I felt my throat tighten as I realized I had gotten close to the man. I quickly defeated the boggart, transforming Black into his animagus form while wearing clothes meant for a muggle's spoiled chihuahua.

Lupin shifted awkwardly as I quickly left for the other Slytherins, marking something down on his papers that was likely no-good for me.

It was soon Nott's turn, and he did well until he came to the trunk. Before he could enter, Lupin attempted to stop him, but Nott looked determined. He entered the trunk and came out around three minutes later after having properly performed the spell he needed to on the boggart.

I felt a bit of relief as Nott held himself strongly. I quickly forced that relief down, however, and prepared for Astronomy's exam.

The next morning, History of Magic bored most students to the point of tears, but none of us broke down. After lunch, it was time for the Potions exam.

In Potions, we Slytherins made Confusing Concoctions, and Snape approved of them all.

Once that was done, many students seemed relaxed and happy that exams were finally over.

I went to the library, slaving over my work to make sure my answers had all been correct for the week. I was just l glancing out of the window when I saw a particular black dog bounding across the grounds towards my absolutely idiotic brother and his two friends. I bit back a loud curse before just abandoning my belongings in the library. I was quick to head down to the front door and managed to slip out despite it being sunset. I rushed for the Whomping Willow and easily petrified the stupid tree. I headed down the tunnel and all but broke the door down on the other side.

Sirius was there, looking pointedly at Ronald Wealsey like I wasn't even there.

My foolish brother and his little friends looked shocked to see me, only to look even more dumbfounded once I opened my mouth.

"You stupid mutt!" I hissed at Sirius, "I should break that Firebolt you bought Harry over my knee!"

"Not now, Colton," Sirius waved off dismissively, "I finally have Pettigrew, and I'm not losing this opportunity."

I rolled my eyes before narrowing them at the three Gryffindors. "Drop the rat and come with me. We can still get out of trouble if we leave now."

Granger, thinking she was smart and had all the answers, said, "But Black wants-"

"He doesn't want to kill my brother, you daft fool," I snapped before she could continue, "He wants Scabbers."

"My rat?" Wealsey asked stupidly.

"It's an animagus," I explained quickly, "Just drop it, and-"

The door to the shack opened once again, only this time it was Lupin that stepped in.

I immediately felt myself pale, especially considering I knew what night it was. I turned to the three students of Gryffindor and said, "We're going, now."

"But-"

I flicked my wand at Harry, knocking him out easily with a simple Stupefy. I then pointed my wand at Granger and said, "Easy way, or hard way."

"Easy," she squeaked as she looked at me with genuine fear.

"Good, Ronald, let go of the rat," I demanded sternly.

The boy hesitated before said rat bit him. He released the animagus, and I rushed over to my brother as Lupin threw several spells at the disguised man before finally hitting him.

"Granger, you're in charge of Wealsey," I said apathetically as I hauled my brother to his feet and began to drag him toward the entrance.

And of course, Snape came bursting in. He looked positively pissed as his eyes met mine. "What did I tell you about seeing that mutt?"

"Expel me after we're out of here," I hissed back as Black paused.

"Did you just call me a mutt?" The mutt in questioned asked, looking offended.

"Focus, Sirius!" Lupin groaned as he kept his wand pointed at the head of Pettigrew.

"Who is that?" Wealsey asked as he kept his eyes glued to the animagus.

"I'll explain most of the story once we get back to Hogwarts," I lied as I continued dragging my brother toward the door to the shack.

Snape stepped aside and flicked his wand at Wealsey, who immediately groaned in pain. He levitated the boy into the air and motioned for Granger to follow.

He quickly herded us children toward the exit, and Pettigrew was ignored by everyone as he shouted for mercy.

"Are we going to be safe?" Granger whimpered pathetically as we quickly approached Hogwarts. "Isn't Professor Lupin a-"

"Oh, just save the gossip until we're back in the school," I snapped irritably at the girl.

"But-"

"Move, Miss Granger," Snape demanded harshly.

The girl bit her lower lip before nodding quietly.

We made it from the other side of the tunnel, and Snape looked over his shoulder carefully. He then looked at me and said, "Mr. Potter-"

"I know," I said as I set Harry down. I pointed my wand at him and woke him up, eliciting a groan. "Harry, let's move."

My brother blinked stupidly as he looked around. "Where-"

"Get up." I demanded as my eyes flashed red.

Harry staggered to his feet, and he was quite confused as he looked around. "What-"

"Harry, grave Wealsey's left arm. I'll get his right one," I instructed.

"What?" Wealsey asked, looking horrified. "What about-"

Snape set the boy down before turning and hurrying back toward the Whomping Willow.

"Where-"

"Shut up!" I barked at the Gryffindors. "We need to get to the castle, and I mean now."

Harry looked at me in confusion. "But, Colton-"

"I will curse you if you don't start moving," I said as I looked at my brother with narrowed eyes.

The boy shut his mouth, finally grabbed Weasley under his arm, and began to move.

"Granger, I don't trust you," I said bluntly, "You in front."

The girl looked highly offended, but she did as I ordered.

We four made horrible time to the castle, only making it halfway there before a loud howl echoed out through the air.

I released a string of curses, and I saw by the way Hermione paled that she knew about the imposing trouble.

"Colton!" Harry exclaimed after hearing me curse.

"Quiet," I demanded softly before looking at Granger pleading. "You - get Dumbledore."

Granger looked at me like she was going to object before another howl rang out. She quickly turned heel and began to run like her life depended on it.

"Harry, we need to move faster," I said honestly.

"But Ron-"

"Wealsey can get eaten by a werewolf for all I care," I snapped, "If he doesn't want to man up, that's what will happen to him."

"What?" Both Gryffindors asked in surprise.

I looked at them with eyes as red as blood, and they both shut their mouths.

They picked up the pace, and we made it to the front doors of Hogwarts.

Granger, McGonagall, and Dumbledore were running down the marble staircase as we did so, and they looked relieved to see us in relatively good health.

"Snape's with Lupin," I said right away, "We left them at the Whomping Willow."

"McGonagall, keep an eye on them," Dumbledore directed before taking off like a bat out of hell.

McGonagall immediately turned to look at us four. "Let's get Mr. Wealsey to the hospital wing."

Finally, a reasonable adult, I thought with great relief.

McGonagall levitated Wealsey, and we made good time to get to the hospital wing. She dropped us off before rushing off, hopefully to give Snape some more backup.

As soon as McGonagall left, Pomfrey bustled about, looking after Weasley's wounded leg.

I held back a heavy sigh before looking at Harry and Granger. "I'm sure you have questions-"

"Explain everything," Harry demanded.

I sat down on a bed and motioned for him to sit down across from me.

He and Granger hesitated before sitting down.

"First, how did Sirius Black even get a hold of you three?" I demanded to know.

"We - we were visiting Hagrid," Harry admitted begrudgingly.

"So Black saw an opportunity and took it." I sighed as I brushed back my bangs. "Harry, Sirius Black isn't the one who betrayed our parents. Wealsey's rat is an unregistered animagus, just like Black is, and his name is actually Peter Pettigrew."

"That's impossible," Harry argued.

"So is escaping from Azkaban," I said dryly. I then straightened up and said, "Granger saw the transformation."

Harry looked at the girl, and she nodded once before confirming, "Scabbers - he transformed into a man."

Harry snapped his head around toward me. "How did you know?"

"Black told me," I said honestly.

"You just trusted him?" Granger asked in disbelief.

"After a hex or two, yes," I confirmed.

The girl stared at me incredulously.

Harry, meanwhile, seemed to accept that as truth. "What else did he tell you?"

"He didn't kill those twelve muggles," I said lazily, "Pettigrew had killed them in his grand escape."

"Why wasn't he found innocent then?" Granger asked with a deeply furrowed brow.

"He never got a trial," I explained, "The Ministry didn't think it was necessary considering how Black was behaving at the time of arrest."

She looked quite upset with the news. "That's just wrong."

I barely held back a sigh at just how childish she was. "There are plenty of things that seem wrong in life. As long as Sirius isn't brought anywhere near the dementors, I'll be satisfied."

"Colton, is Sirius your godfather, too?" Harry asked.

"No," I answered honestly, "My godfather is the other best friend of our father."

"Who is that?" Harry asked, and I nearly groaned at just how far in the dark he was.

"Lupin is my godfather," I spelled out for him. "He, Black, Pettigrew, and our father were the best of friends during their days here at Hogwarts."

"He never said anything," Harry muttered, looking quite upset.

"Lupin is struggling with his past," I said gently, "Also, don't bother trying to get answers out of him. The one time I tried, he ended up crying."

Harry looked unsatisfied, but that was his own problem to deal with.

"Now, what other questions do you have?" I asked as I folded my hands together.

Harry looked contemplative for a long moment before asking, "How did Snape know about this?"

"I suspect that Lupin told him," I grumbled with slight annoyance.

"Lupin is a werewolf, isn't he?" Granger asked softly, causing Harry to look at her in surprise.

"That's correct," I confirmed as I eyed the girl carefully, "Will you say something about that and get Lupin traced down by the Ministry for being unregistered?"

"Werewolves have to be registered?" Harry inquired.

"The Ministry tracks werewolves down and makes sure they aren't doing anything illegal, like doing magic and the like," I said.

"Why can't werewolves do magic?" Harry inquired.

"If werewolves learned magic, they could supposedly harm people on nights of the full moon with that magic. It's a bunch of bullshit, but the majority of witches and wizards have accepted that after the mess Fenrir Greyback caused with his pack of werewolves." I waved it off as unimportant.

"Who is Fenrir Greyback?" Harry inquired.

"Merlin, Harry, you really don't read, do you?" I asked as I rubbed my temples in annoyance. "Even the Daily Prophet could do you some good."

Harry flushed a bit in embarrassment.

"Fenrir Greyback is a notorious bastard that has killed many magical people's and turned plenty of others into werewolves," I spelled out. 

"Why hasn't he been arrested?" Harry asked.

"People are afraid to go against him. He is a serial killer that doesn't need a wand to do harm," I pointed out.

Harry frowned deeply.

Granger, meanwhile, decided to get back on track. "I won't tell anyone about Professor Lupin."

"Good," I approved, "I won't tell anyone about Harry's Invisibility Cloak."

Both Gryffindors tensed right up.

"Y-you know?" Harry asked hesitantly.

"You left it on the floor in the shack," I said honestly.

"That was the Shrieking Shack?" Harry reiterated in surprise.

"They're roughly the same distance, at least from what I know," I replied.

"Harry doesn't use it much-"

"Except to sneak out to Hogsmeade during a national panic over a serial killer," I interrupted dryly.

"That wasn't even a serial killer," my brother debated.

I gave him the most unamused look I could. "Harry, unless Pettigrew is captured tonight, Black is still going to be on the hook for killing those twelve muggles and that rat those twelve years ago."

"But - he's innocent!" Harry objected loudly.

"Lower your voice," I demanded sternly, causing my brother to quickly shrink down. "Now, you may know the truth, just as Granger and I, but the Ministry doesn't. They aren't going to believe a bunch of thirteen-year-olds without any solid proof."

Granger nibbled her lip before perking up, "But Veritaserum could-"

"You two just don't understand, do you?" I asked. somberly, causing both of them to pause. "There'll never be a trial for Black because the Ministry doesn't want there to be a trial for him. As far as Fudge is concerned, Black is guilty as guilty can be. He won't bother to order a trial for the man unless there is irrefutable evidence that says Black is innocent."

Harry looked devastated by the news, and Granger looked heartbroken for my brother.

"Now, what else do you want to know?" I inquired.

Harry just stared at his hands for a moment before asking, "Is there no way to fix this?"

"If Black manages to escape tonight, I'm sure he could go into hiding. He's managed to make it this far," I said gently.

"What if he doesn't?" Harry asked worriedly.

"Then he dies," I answered.

Tears filled the boy's eyes, and Madam Pomfrey chose that moment to come over.

"Do any of you three have any injuries?" The woman asked.

"Harry may have a concussion, and Granger looks a bit beat up," I answered.

"And yourself?" She asked as she looked at me sternly.

"Nothing. You can check," I said honestly.

She ran a quick diagnostic spell before begrudgingly allowing me to leave, as there was nothing wrong with me.

I left the hospital wing behind, returned to the library to collect my belongings, and then headed down to the Slytherin common room.

Surprisingly enough, several Slytherins were in the room, seemingly waiting for me.

Nott gave a loud sigh of what seemed to be relief. "Oh, thank Salazar. I thought Snape was going to rip us all new assholes because you were late again."

"I may be getting expelled," I said honestly as I went over to the fire and sat on the rug before it.

Zabini groaned loudly. "You went to see Sirius Black again?"

"I went to hex him, yes," I confirmed.

"Why?" Davis asked, sounding exasperated.

"Why not?" I mused.

"Do you want to get expelled?" Greengrass asked.

"Not particularly," I denied.

"You didn't think Snape would catch you, did you?" Malfoy asked as he gave me a disappointed look.

"I wasn't really thinking," I admitted as I stared pointedly at the flames.

"That's a load of shit," Nott accused, "You're always thinking. You even think in your sleep."

I would have been offended had that not been entirely too close to comfort. "I thought I could make it, but I forgot that the Minister was coming to watch that hippogriff get beheaded. Snape was probably watching for my idiotic brother, but he caught me instead." I scowled deeply upon realizing that I'd definitely be getting expelled if the Minister found out about my little stunt.

"Well, if you do get expelled, I'll write," Davis offered.

I rolled my eyes. "No, you won't. I don't want any pity letters."

"There's no way he'll actually expel you," Malfoy said, "He's not that petty."

I raised an eyebrow as I looked over my shoulder. "He made me collect the essence of leeches for a week straight as a first year."

Malfoy cringed. "I forgot about that."

"I figured," I said dryly before turning back to look at the fire.

There was silence for a long moment.

Finally, I sighed before standing up. "Well, I should pack my things, just in case."

The other Slytherins looked rather solemn as I strode past.

I made it to my shared room and began to organize my trunk. I then got into bed, closed the curtains, and closed my eyes. I stared at the top of my four-poster bed for a long time, even after the others went to bed. I eventually got out of bed in the middle of the night, changed into my casual black robes, and went to the common room. I sat in the corner, waiting for the curfew to lift. Once it did, I was quick to leave and head to the hospital wing.

There, standing at the bottom of the marble staircase, was Dumbledore. He seemed to have been waiting for me, and he motioned for me to follow him.

I wordlessly did as ordered.

We walked in silence for a few minutes.

Finally, Dumbledore said, "You must have many questions."

"Is Professor Snape alright?" I asked first and foremost.

The man nodded. "As alright as he can be."

"Let me rephrase," I requested. "Has Professor Snape been left with a permanent injury?"

The old man gave a heavy sigh. "He has."

I immediately stopped in my tracks, and the man stopped a step after me. I sighed heavily before pulling out my wand. I held it out to Dumbledore, who looked at me stoically. "Just snap it now and get it over with."

The man remained impassive as he looked down at my wand. "Is that what you truly wish for?"

"It's what I deserve," I said, "Had I not left Snape behind, he may have come out of that encounter without any injuries."

Dumbledore ran his hand down his beard before taking my wand. "Follow me, Mr. Potter."

I did as he asked, following him up to his office. I felt tears prick my eyes, and I internally scolded myself for being so childish. I needed to accept responsibility for my actions, especially considering I got someone hurt that didn't deserve it.

In his office, Dumbledore sat down at his desk. He motioned for me to sit down, and I did so. He set my wand on the desk between us, and he folded his hands together as he looked at me. "Before I go on, do you have any other questions?"

"Has Professor Lupin been discovered by the Ministry?" I asked hesitantly.

"No, he has not," Dumbledore answered.

I felt a bit of relief there, but it didn't last long. "What about Sirius Black?"

Dumbledore inspected me closely for a moment before asking, "How much do you know about the Sirius Black situation?"

"I know he's innocent of the crimes that put him in Azkaban. I know he's a good man deep down. I know…" I hesitated for a moment before sighing deeply. "I know he should be taking care of Harry. He's a much better parent figure than the Dursleys. If I could, I would have him take in Harry. He can protect Harry much better than I ever could."

"I see…" He said softly before sitting back in his chair. "Sirius managed to escape last night. However, there's no telling just how far he made it."

I felt my heart drop. "He was injured, too?"

"He was," Dumbledore confirmed.

I lowered my head, and a few tears came falling from my eyes. I quickly brought my hands up to my face and rubbed furiously at my eyes. It took a few moments, but I managed to fight my emotions into submission. I then looked up at Dumbledore, who was still watching me with a stoic expression. I sat back before mumbling, "I don't want to know anything else."

He nodded as if expecting that outcome.

"Do you want me to leave now?" I asked softly.

"Have you packed already?" Dumbledore asked.

"I have," I admitted.

"You don't want to stay here, even as a groundskeeper?" He asked.

"I don't deserve to," I said honestly.

"If you could, would you?" Dumbledore questioned.

"I think… it'd be too painful," I answered, "If I were expelled and stayed around, I wouldn't be able to move on with my life. I'd be too stuck in my past mistakes. Besides, I doubt that I'd be welcomed back considering what I've done."

He hummed softly before straightening up.

I clenched my hands together tightly, resolving myself to go through my segregation from the wizarding world without any fuss.

That's when the door to the room abruptly opened.

It was Sirius Black.