The first class of Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Remus Lupin started in a mischevious way,when Peeves was stuffing a gum in a keyhole and Remus totally roasted the Poltergeist with a chuckle and a new useful spell,that made the gum jump right into its right nostril,which earned laughs from everyone (except certain snakes).As we entered the office,Snape was present there as well,reading the newspaper and 'warned' Lupin that he has Neville in his class,a potential anti-magic horror.Poor Neville.But Lupin is a nice person who apparently loves working with children and tries to teach them something,so he made Neville his assistant.What for?Well.We will be learning first-hand witness,about Boggarts,shapeshifters that recreate you worst fear.So...this class will help us fight and win against our worst fright.

I wonder what fear is,but at the same time,I dont quite wish to share it with everyone.It's quite an embarrassing experience and people will know my weakness.Okay no,I know what I will do!I'll stay just behind Harry.This way,I will see his weakness and I'll get encouraged to fight as well.Hope it's something silly and laughable...I don't want people to laugh at me...no..no..Okay wait.Relax.If I stress myself this way,my fear will change.I have no time for nonsense.Okay.Neville's Boggart changed into Snape,much to his hatred,who stormed out angrily.With the simple spell 'Ridikkulus' ,Snape's whole attire changed into Neville's grandmother's outfit...which looked quite excentric,but oh well.Everyone started laughing at the hilarious sight in front of us,and Lupin clapped,continuing the line.

Parvati's Biggart changed into a snake,then into a clown...ermh...HOW IS THAT LESS FRIGHTENING?I,myself,am absolutely HORRORSTRUCK by clowns!Urgh...Ron's obviously,a spider, then roller skates magically appeared on his legs,making it not stand still.Theeen,was Harry.We were all still euphoric,from the fits of laughter and the energetic music,but the Boggart....Oh Great Salazar,the Boggart shifted into a...Dementor.The terrifying atmosphere took over as the creature approached Harry dangerously,then Lupin jumped in front of him,and then it shifted into a...yellowish sphere covered by smoke..?Wait that is...a moon covered by clouds...a full moon...But why would Remus be afraid of a full moon?As much as I remember from the Muggle horror movies,werewolves transformed into their wolf forms when it's a full moon out.But uh...oh,wait a second...

I did study the DADA book this summer,with Draco and I do remember a specific lesson about...werewolves...!No way!Is 'Loony Loopy Lupin' a Lycan?I mean,Lupin has Latin origins to wolf and so on,but...or maybe he was attacked?Moon...Moony...maybe that's it!It all makes sense!Or maybe his animagus is a wolf.Hmmm!I shall find out soon enough!Yet,that scar on his face~
...Oh well,at least the class has been dismissed and I didn't have to be embarrassed in front of the class!Yay!

~~~

Draco obviously made fun of Harry all the time,and I ignored his comments thoroughly,but hmm..yes...after lunch I'm going to talk to Lupin about this.He will be alone in his office...and I will talk freely to him...Oh,even better!The photo album McGonagall gifted me at the end of 1st year!Oh,yes.I will 'bribe' him with it.

--
*knock knock*

Me:Ahem,Professor Lupin?May I come in?*enters*
Lupin:Ah,miss Black,hello.What is it?
Me:You see,I was wondering...if Uncle Moony remember me?

The look on his face was priceless.Shocked to no avail by my question phrasing.

Lupin:Excuse me?
Me:Oh,I am sorry.Am I mistaken?Are you not one of the great Marauders?The great prankster Moony,friend with Prongs,Wormtail and...Padfoot?
Lupin:How do you know about all this?
Me:If not for the Marauders' Map,then maybe for this particular gift from our great Teansfiguration professor?

I showed him the album full of moving pictures that a Tumblrette would call 'GIFs' in the Muggle Word,and he flipped thriugh each page,examining every picture to the very detail and a look of nostalgy and happiness was on his face.

Me:isn't it great?Having such happy memories and reminescing good old days,through pictures?
Lupin:Somehow...
Me:This album...makes me feel both alive and quite dead.The energy and happiness radiating from each picture is enchanting.But at the same time...it reminds me that I do not have such friends.Perhaps it's my personality,or my dreaded house.But who knows.Maybe one day...
Lupin:Raven,everyone finds someone to accept them,despite their flaws.If someone like me managed to,then so will you.
Me:The world may never know.Also...while contemplating such world phylosophy,may I ask a favour of you?
Lupin:What would that be?
Me:May I try to see what my Boggart would be?I was just behind Harry and I did not quite have the chance to brave my fear nor find out what my weakness is,and try to fight against it.
Lupin:Very well.The Boggart is in this warderobe.Are you sure you want to try?
Me:Positive.

I moved in front of the warderobe,and Lupin opened it carefully,and out of it,no black mist came out,nor a skinny boney arms.On the contrary.Out of the warderobe,a pshycopathic looking Sirius Black,full Convict attire,glaring daggers at me with his clouded stormy grey eyes.His long dark shaggy hair,similar with mine,was a great mess,not combed in years.He was slowly approaching me,a wand in his right hand,trembling dangerously.

Boggart:My daughter..Oh,Sweet child o' mine,how did you manage to escape the wrath of the Dark Lord,I do not know.But this time,I have you.Your mother died.She died like a fool,trying to save a helpless puny infant.But this time,I have you...!!Hahaha...I'm going to end you...once and for all...the Lord's greatest enemy shall fall,and HE will raise once again!

He started laughing like a mad man,lifted his sleeve,revealing the Dark Mark on his arm,and the pointed his wand at me,and just before he could shout the spell,I muttered the Ridikkulus spell,and Sirius transformed in a more neat version of him,with a toy broomstick in his hand,and lots of bows in his hair,a pink suit.He looked quite childish,and I forced myself to laugh,so it will return to its place.

Me:I see...
Lupin:Raven,please be careful,and do not search for this maniac.He is the reason why you-
Me:No.I am not scared of him.I am scared that my prediction is wrong,which never happened before...I never admitted to anyone that Sirius Black is my father,despite their suspicions.I always tell them it's just a coincidence.If they find out,I will get in real trouble soon.But...Moony...throwing everything you've said aside...do you really wish that...this man...Padfoot...your best friend...would betray his best friend to Voldemort himself,and kill Pettigrew and left just a...finger..out of him?
Lupin:How do you know all of this?!
Me:I have my sources.Narcissa Malfoy,who was also a Black in her school years.McGonagall,a teacher during that time.I'm a Slytherin,Remus.And pardon me for being so rude,but if you truly believe...If you really are convinced 100% that My father is guilty of such atrocities...then...you are even more,.. guiltier than him.You betray your long lost friendship...
Lupin:I do not!You cannot go against the facts!Don't act all mature and all-knowing,because you were not there.
Me:Neither were you.But tell me,Sherlock,have you ever considered that your best friend was...perhaps...framed?
Lupin:Framed?You watched too many muggle movies.
Me:I ask you of this.Keep the album,and explain to me,what spell was the one you used against the dementor.It wasn't anything I've seen before.Something so pure,with such glowy white misty light..-
Lupin:The Patronus Charm is a highly advanced spell that won't be learnt until a lot later.
Me:I care less for how difficult it is.I care. Only to defend myself.
Lupin:You are quite the impulsive person...Much like your mother...
Me:A Slytherin like me,thank you very much.

He ruffled my hair and chuckled,telling me that he'll teach me some day soon,and that I shouldn't stress too much with anything at the moment.Not even Sirius Black.The Patronus Charm...who would know...
Oh,that's right!Snape!
Okay,run-run-run-there!
His office
*knock knock*
I go inside and see him reading an actual book now.
Lord of the Rings.

Me:I love your style in books.
Snape:Glad my taste in literature appeals to your preference.Tell me,Black,what did you come to pester me about?

Me:Tell me about the Patronus Charm?

He looked me dead in the eyes,processing.

Snape:Being one of those affected more by those vile creatures,and also being a perfectly capable and competent student,I suppose I can allow myself to spend some time teaching you about this particular spell.
Me:Thank you!Finally someone who understands.
Snape:First of all,to be able to produce such a powerful and difficult charm,you have to have in mind your most happiest memories.The ones that make your eyes sparkle with joy and glee
Me:Don't hate me,but it's quite out of character for you to be speaking about happiness,and same for me as well.
Snape:Dementors.Toy with your worst fears.Play you and screw psychologically.

Me:You're right...is it possible not to have such a powerful memory?

He looked at me,got his wand out,and conjured a full Patronus that took the shape of a Doe.The mist around,the light radiating from the Doe made my heart sparkle with a weird warmth I've never felt before,and my eyes sparkled in amazement,looking at the Patronus like a child.I never knew that it could take the shape of an Animal as well...

Me:Th-that was...gorgeous...
Snape:If I can do it,then so can you. Practice loads and you shall succeed.
Me:The animal...does it have a special meaning?Personality traits?Or is it just random?
Snape:Sometimes it shifts like an animal resembling the personality of your loved one.Sometimes it shifts like your own personality traits.Depends on what is most important to you.
Me:Mhm...Okay...is it the same with the Animagus?
Snape:Animagus?Why did you-
Me:Just curious.Professor McGonagall's Animagus is a cat.
Snape:Yes,it does resemble your Animagus.But the process of becoming an Animagus is extremely difficult and lots of documents to the Ministry are required.
Me:*smirks*Extremely difficult yet not inpossible.

He hid his smirk by clearing his throat,and we carried on with the lesson.It took a lot of time and tries.But it was worth it.I managed to get,after the first lesson,enough mist to repel a Dementor for a short while.It's certainly a huge progress,that is true.But it will take a while until I manage to conjure a full-bodied Patronus.Oh well,I have time.Not like I'll be attacked inside the castle.

What a time to be alive,right?

Well,the next classes weren't particularly interesting,just at DADA of course,since we learnt about Red Caps, nasty little goblin-like creatures that lurked wherever there had been bloodshed: in the dungeons of castles and the potholes of deserted battlefields, waiting to bludgeon those who had gotten lost.Then Kappas, creepy. water-dwellers that looked like scaly monkeys, with webbed hands itching to strangle unwitting waders in their ponds.
COMC became rather dull since the...ahem...incident with Buckbeak and Draco...
And well...
Now,first weekend at Hogsmead.
Thing is,my permission slip was signed by Narcissa,since the orphanage director didn't want to sign mine,so I hope it will work.
He said we should hand the permission slips before Halloween,so rather go now.

me:Professor...
Snape:What is it now,Black?
me:If Draco's mother signed the Hogsmead slip,is it okay?Nobody at the orphanage wanted to have anything with me or my school problems so erh...yeah..
Snape:You know very well that Mrs.Malfoy is not your guardion,tutor or parent,so no,despite the unfortunate luck you have,no,I cannot accept it.And no,I cannot sign it either.
me:Dammit.
Snape:If I were you,I wouldn't worry so much.I know you will find a way to sneak out rather easily.

I was quite flabbergast when I heard his last comment,but hey.He knows me better.I didn't expect anything else from him.
Oh,yes,how could I be so silly.I'm a metamorphmagus and barely 5 people know about it.I could very easily morph into some random person and that's it!Or go sneaky sneaky like Harry.Or use the Marauders Map.
Why not all of them?

I asked Harry to borrow me the Invisibility Cloak for a while and he agreed.I used a tunnel that lead to Honeydukes and used the Invisibility cloak to get sneaky sneaky.Everything was perfect and I managed to join up with Draco.Let's just say that I lied to him when I said that by signing the slip I could come...ehehe.

Draco:Glad you could join.
me:So am I.So...you know these places better.Could you recommend some places so visit?
Draco:Well...there's Honeydukes,if you want to stack up on sweets.There is...Tomes and Scrolls,a famous bookshop.Zonko's,a jokes shop. Gladrags Wizardwear,obviously a clothes shop.Dominic Maestro's,a music shop.And well...there is also Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop I guess...
me:Let's see...Why don't we go to the Tea shop first.I love tea.Then,maybe for books.Need to start reading again.I finished my Muggle books already.Then we'll see.
Draco:Milady~

I took his arm and we started chatting while on our way to the Tea Shop.Might I say,this Draco is quite charming.
The atmosphere inside was really warm and welcoming,filled with a sweet tint,and all around us were...well...couples.
Ahem,nevermind that.
You and Draco are barely just friends,so enjoy a nice hang out with your friend.
We both enjoyed calming our nerves and relaxing with cups of sweet scented Cherry Vanilla tea,and 2 little cinnamon biscuits,while discussing theories and our general thoughts about the world.It's always nice to share your views with someone else with some working neurons...
Oh well.At the bookshop I found an interesting horror series that I bought on spot,I managed to fill my bag with sweets and pranking items,we enjoyed great music and I even bought an Ocarina!
We went to admire some really nice clothes and a particular black witchy dress caught my attention.I know what I'll buy once I get the money from Gringotts!

On the carriage back to the Castle,we were joined by Crabbe,Goyle and Parkinson who ruined the mood.

Pansy:Liked the magic of Hogmeade,Black?Bet you never saw anything quite like it.Living like a filthy muggle,abandoned,knowing nothing of wizardry?
me:Actually,yes.I did enjoy visiting,thank you very much for asking.Draco was a real sweetheart too,to show me around and join me in visiting each place.
Pansy:WHAT?
me:Jealous?
Pansy:Why would I be?!
me:Dunno.Just asking.

She was fuming while I turned back to Draco to chat.I was trying to hide my smirk,but oh well.
#rekt.
Hogsmeade is great,but you have to be with friends and have money to spend.Lots of them.
We head a great Halloween feast,and then went to sleep,sharing my day with the girls and everything we bought.Until,we were 'awoken' by professor Snape who got all Slytherins in the Great Hall.Here there were all the students from the other Houses,and we had to sleep in sleeping bags.
Only to find out later,while feigning sleep,that Sirius Black tried to break into the Gryffindor CR.
Very smart,dad....

OKAY SO BREAKING NEWS THE NEXT DAY

Nobody knows how dad got in the castle.
Snape suspects Lupin.
Dumbledore has NO clue,for the first time,what is going on.
We won't be playing against Gryffindor,thank Salazar,because Draco is 'injured'.
We'll be playing against Ravenclaw.
Hufflepuff has a new Seeker and Captain,Cedric Diggory.
Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff will be played in horrendous conditions.
I made great progress with the Patronus.
AND
THIS DADA CLASS IS TAUGHT BY,NONE OTHER THAN
*drum roll*
SNAPE.
And what are we studying?
Werewolves.
Oh,the irony.
He told us to turn to page 394 after lots of arguing with Gryffindor students and taking 15 points off for disobedience.

Snape:Which of you can tell me how we distinguish between the werewolf and the true wolf?

Everyone sat in motionless silence;I suppose I could raise my hand but...

Snape:Anyone?Are you telling me that Professor Lupin hasn't even taught you the basic distinction between --
Pansy:Well,Professor Lupin got as far as teaching Hinkypunks.
Snape:Well, well, well, I never thought I'd meet a third-year class who wouldn't even recognize a werewolf when they saw one. I shall make a point of informing Professor Dumbledore how very behind you all are...
me:U-umm...professor...
Snape:Speak.
me:Werewolves and Wolves differ in several ways.For instance,Werewolves are humans that can transform into a wolf-like being, whereas wolves are simple, four legged creatures that can't transform into any other figure.Also,Werewolves are super strong, whereas wolves only have ordinary strengths, speed and senses like domesticated dogs normally have.Werewolves also only transform in their wolf form only while it's a full moon.Most of the times, wolves will not attack humans, particularly lone wolves. There are some exceptions,of course. Werewolves, on the other hand, are driven to attack other creatures.Arabid wolf might be indistinguishable from a werewolf in this instance.An obvious difference would be their size too.
Snape:Very well.At least someone bothers to study once in a while.10 points to Slytherin.

Great...thanks,Snape.But please,bring Lupin back
Oh well.
Hufflepuffs apparently won the match because of a Dementor attacking Harry,and he fainted-free fall-his broom was wrecked by the Willow.
Also,as I went to Hogsmeade again with Draco,apparently Harry sneaked in as well,and found out that Sirius was a great friend of his parents and their Secret Keeper as well.
Oh great,Harry's finding out more and more things,this is absolutely and extremely amazing!
NOT.
The last thing I do is him wanting revenge on my dad.Or finding out his my dad.
or what if...
What if he already found out but just didn't tell me?!
Oh,Merlin's beard,this is sooo so bad...
And Hagrid,although free of all charges,has to try to talk to the Ministry people to save Buckbeaks' life too...
This will be difficult,but if all 5 of us try,maybe we can save the sweet hippogriff...
Damn you,Lucius Malfoy...

~~~~
PARAM PAM PAM
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY!
And although I'm alone again,let's see if I got any presents~
Oh my,the tree and decorations are so enchanting to look at!Especially with gifts underneath!
Am I becoming more conceited and vain?I don't know.Perhaps?
From Jessie and Emma I got the Kuroshitsuji Manga,from Hermione the series of Game of Thrones (oh,Herms,I love you so much for this),from Harry,Ron and the twins got me some sweets and some pranking stuff,Ginny some handmade bracelets that I absolutely adore,and even Mrs.Weasley got me a green knitted sweater with a grey R on it!How lovely!I shall thank her personally in a letter~
Draco and his mum sent me a Merry Christmas letter and a silver set of jewelry,with green emeralds and snakes.So Slytherinish,I love it~

AND OH MERLIN'S BEARD,I GOT A FIREBOLT?
B-BUT?HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?FROM WHOM?
WH-whoa?!
Who'd waste so much money on ME?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At lunchtime I went down to the Great Hall, to find that the House tables had been moved against the walls again, and that a single table, set for twelve, stood in the middle of the room. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were there, along with Filch, the caretaker, who had taken off his usual brown coat and was wearing a very old and rather moldy-looking tailcoat. There were only two other students,extremely nervous-looking first years.

Dumbledore:Merry Christmas!As there are so few of us, it seemed foolish to use the House tables...Sit down, sit down!
me:Merry Christmas,everyone!

Just as I sat down between Snape and McGonagall,Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down side by side at the end of the table.

"Crackers!" said Dumbledore enthusiastically, offering the end of a large silver noisemaker to Snape, who took it reluctantly and tugged. With a bang like a gunshot, the cracker flew apart to reveal a large, pointed witches hat topped with a stuffed vulture.

As we started eating, doors of the Great Hall opened again. It was Professor Trelawney, gliding toward them as though on wheels. She had put on a green sequined dress in honor of the occasion, making her look more than ever like a glittering, oversized dragonfly.

Dumbledore:Sibyll, this is a pleasant surprise!
Sibyll:I have been crystal gazing, Headmaster and to my astonishment, I saw myself abandoning my solitary luncheon and coming to join you. Who am I to refuse the promptings of fate? I at once hastened from my tower, and I do beg you to forgive my lateness...
Dumbledore:Certainly, certainly.Let me draw you up a chair --

And he did indeed draw a chair in midair with his wand, which revolved for a few seconds before falling with a thud between Professors Snape and Flitwick. Professor Trelawney, however, did not sit down; her enormous eyes had been roving around the table, and she suddenly uttered a kind of soft scream.

Sibyll:I dare not, Headmaster! If I join the table, we shall be thirteen! Nothing could be more unlucky! Never forget that when thirteen dine together, the first to rise will be the first to die!
McGonagall:We'll risk it, Sibyll.Do sit down, the turkey's getting stone cold.

Professor Trelawney hesitated, then lowered herself into the empty chair, eyes shut and mouth clenched tight, as though expecting a thunderbolt to hit the table. Professor McGonagall poked a large spoon into the nearest tureen.

Sibyll:But where is dear Professor Lupin?
Dumbledore:I'm afraid the poor fellow is ill again.Most unfortunate that it should happen on Christmas Day.
McGonagall:But surely you already knew that, Sibyll?

Professor Trelawney gave Professor McGonagall a very cold look.

Sibyll:Certainly I knew, Minerva.But one does not parade the fact that one is All-Knowing. I frequently act as though I am not possessed of the Inner Eye, so as not to make others nervous.
McGonagall: That explains a great deal.

Trelawney's voice suddenly became a good deal less misty.

Sibyll:If you must know, Minerva, I have seen that poor Professor Lupin will not be with us for very long. He seems aware, himself, that his time is short. He positively fled when I offered to crystal gaze for him --
McGonagall:Imagine that~
Dumbledore:I doubt that Professor Lupin is in any immediate danger. Severus, you've made the potion for him again?
Snape:Yes, Headmaster.
Dumbledore:Good.Then he should be up and about in no time...Derek, have you had any of the chipolatas? They're excellent.

The first-year boy went furiously red on being addressed directly by Dumbledore, and took the platter of sausages with trembling hands.

Professor Trelawney behaved almost normally until the very end of Christmas dinner, two hours later. Full to bursting with Christmas dinner and still wearing their cracker hats, Harry and Ron got up first from the table and she shrieked loudly.

Sibyll:My dears! Which of you left his seat first? Which?
Ron:Dunno?
McGonagall: I doubt it will make much difference unless a mad axe-man is waiting outside the doors to slaughter the first into the Entrance Hall.

Even Ron laughed. Professor Trelawney looked highly affronted.Just then,they left,leaving Hermione behind to deal with some matters withMcGonagall.

~~~~~~~~
After the uneventful Christmas break,lots of interestin stuff happened,to compensate.
Slytherin won against Ravenclaw (obviously)
Harry also got a Firebolt but was confiscated byMcGonagall to see if it was jinxed and/or sent by a certain SIRIUS BLACK (which would totally explain the gift).But,how did he get the money?How did he get into Gringotts?
Well,I shall ask him if I get the chance.Hopefully.
Scabbers was 'eaten' by Crookshanks and now Ron hates Hermione (poor girl)

Gryffindor won against Ravenclaw.
Party Hard in their CR.
UNTIL
I found out the next day because of the terrible chaos at their table.
That NONE OTHER THAN Y FATHER
Managed to break into his ex-House.
Thanks to the passwords for the whole week written by Neville on a note and lost somewhere.
And /threatened/ Ron with a knife.
But that doesn't make much sense.Something is clearly amiss.
I have to find out the truth about the purpose of this escapade

And guess what am I going to do this weekend?
Day and night I am going to go on a search for my father.
Hmmm that's quite the objective,might I say.Fits as a book title as well.

~In search for the lost father~
New York Bestseller!