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HP Chapter 44: The Start of Third Year
🕑 Added 2025-08-18 15:47:09 +0000 UTCDear Miss Reeve,
Please be advised that the new school year begins on September 1st. The Hogwarts Express will depart from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at eleven o’clock from King’s Cross Station.
On certain weekends, third-year students are permitted to visit Hogsmeade. Please have the attached permission slip signed by your parent or guardian. A booklist for the new school year is also enclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress
Anne pulled the booklist and permission slip from the envelope. She gave the list a quick glance and paused when she saw the title The Monster Book of Monsters, sighing softly, “Looks like it’s going to be a tough year.”
That evening, Anne handed the permission slip to Diana, who happily signed her name in the guardian’s section, her signature so large it filled the entire line. After signing, Diana shared stories about her own experiences in Hogsmeade back in the day.
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The Last Tuesday of August, Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
Diana placed a gentle kiss on Anne’s forehead, ruffled her hair, and stood up. “See you at Christmas, sweet Anne!”
With her guitar slung over her shoulder and Aaron carrying her suitcase, the two waved goodbye and headed toward the gate.
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Thursday Afternoon, Diagon Alley, London
At Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, Aaron took the bag containing Anne’s new robes and followed her out the door. As he pushed it open, he asked, “Anne, we’re heading to Flourish and Blotts next, right?”
“Yeah, I need to get my elective books for the term.” Anne followed him out.
“Oh hey, Anne, isn’t that your friend? Harry Potter?”
Across the street, a crowd had gathered in front of the Quidditch supplies shop. Just outside the crowd stood a black-haired boy straining to peer through the display window.
“Hey! Harry Potter!” Aaron called out, walking over and patting his shoulder.
Harry turned around, surprised for a moment before smiling brightly. “Anne? You’re back from Paris? Hello, Mr. Hall.”
“I came back a couple of days ago,” Anne replied. “Did you finish your school shopping already?” She glanced at the crowd. “What’s going on over there?”
“I haven’t bought my books yet. I was just curious why there were so many people,” Harry said.
Aaron, being taller, looked over the crowd and said excitedly, “It’s a new model broomstick, looks amazing. It’s called the Fire, something. Goes from zero to 150 miles per hour in ten seconds. Braking charm’s apparently top-notch. Price on request.”
“The Irish International Team just ordered seven of them!” the shopkeeper called out. “This is the broom of choice for the World Cup!”
“Wow~” Harry gasped. The crowd thinned just enough for him to spot the Fire-something on display in the window.
“I heard you became a Seeker for Gryffindor your first year! That’s awesome. I used to be a Chaser back in my day, I still miss playing at Hogwarts sometimes…” Aaron and Harry quickly hit it off, bonding over Quidditch.
The three of them walked and chatted their way to Flourish and Blotts. The shop window, which usually displayed massive spellbooks with gold-embossed covers, now featured a large iron cage filled with copies of The Monster Book of Monsters. The books were locked inside, violently jostling and biting at one another, with torn pages flying everywhere.
Aaron’s eyes lit up. “Whoa, is this the textbook your Care of Magical Creatures professor assigned this year?”
Anne instinctively stepped back. Of course, Hagrid’s chosen textbook would be something vicious. Aaron chuckled and patted her head. “Haha, don’t be scared, Anne. No idea who your new professor is, but the book’s definitely… interesting. They’re not dangerous, ”
He entered the shop and asked the manager for two copies. The man’s face instantly went pale. Harry quickly said, “I already have one!”
The manager visibly relaxed. He pulled on a pair of thick gloves, grabbed a battered club-like stick, and approached the cage. One of the books lunged and clamped onto the stick like a gaping mouth. He quickly cracked the cage open just enough to yank one out.
The book kept chomping at the stick, and the manager wrestled it still and tied it up with a rope. “Never again. I’m never Reeveing these things again! Total nightmare! We once had 200 copies of The Invisible Book of Invisibility, thought that was bad enough, but this… this is chaos. They’re expensive, and we never, ugh. Anyway, do you need any other books?”
He handed the bound copy to Anne. Aaron took it for her.
Harry pulled out his list and read, “I still need Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky, Intermediate Transfiguration, and Standard Book of Spells: Grade 3.”
“I need those too,” Anne added, and asked for the Arithmancy and Ancient Runes books as well.
While the manager went to fetch them, Anne eyed the bound monster book still squirming in Aaron’s hand. “Uncle Aaron, are you sure this thing’s not dangerous?” Harry looked curious too.
Aaron saw Anne’s doubtful face and laughed. “Of course. I’ve never lied to you, have I? Look, just stroke the spine and it’ll calm down.”
He handed her the now-quiet book. Anne stroked it and the book loosened, letting her open it. “It actually works.”
Harry gave Aaron an admiring look, he’d had a hard time taming his copy when Hagrid first sent it.
The manager brought over the rest of their books. After paying, they stepped outside.
At the door, Aaron asked, “Potter, are you heading back to your aunt’s place later? Anyone picking you up?”
Harry flushed and mumbled, “No, I’m staying at the Leaky Cauldron right now…”
“Oh, that’s fine then,” Aaron replied casually and didn’t press further.
Anne gave Aaron a curious look, he was acting strange. Then it clicked. Probably because Sirius Black had escaped Azkaban a couple of weeks ago. The Ministry was on edge about Harry.
Harry seemed relieved that Aaron didn’t dig any deeper, he had broken wizarding law, after all. Trying to change the subject, he asked Anne, “So, have you finished all your shopping?”
“Yep, all done. I’m heading straight home.”
“Alright. See you on the Hogwarts Express then!”
“Actually, I won’t be taking the train this year,” Anne said cheerfully. “Uncle Aaron’s bringing me directly to Hogwarts via Floo Powder. Dumbledore wrote the Ministry to approve it since there’s something going on in the Forbidden Forest that needs attention. Uncle’s handling it, and I’m tagging along.”
Harry looked both disappointed and a little jealous. “Wow, really? That’s awesome. I’ve never traveled to school that way. I bet Hermione’s going to be upset she won’t see you on the train. And Fred and George too, Ron said they’ve been talking all summer about asking you stuff.”
Anne snickered to herself. Dodging a few hours of non-stop questions didn’t sound so bad.
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September 1st, Hogwarts, Headmaster’s Office
Whoosh!
Anne spun into existence inside the fireplace of Dumbledore’s office. Moments later, Aaron appeared behind her, carrying her suitcase.
Dumbledore rose from behind his desk and came to greet them. “Aaron, it’s been a long time. Miss Reeve, how was your summer?”
“It was wonderful, thank you, Headmaster,” Anne replied brightly.
Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled as he glanced at the badge on her robes. “Oh? It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen that crest. It seems the Roland family has produced another fine witch.”
Anne just smiled. Aaron took over the conversation. “Oh no, you flatter her. She’s not nearly as exceptional as you say.” Despite the modest words, his proud grin betrayed him.
“Anne, go ahead to your dorm. The Headmaster and I have some business to discuss. Someone will bring your suitcase to your room shortly.”
“Alright, Uncle Aaron. Thank you, Headmaster.”
Anne stepped out and headed down the spiral staircase. It was her first time in the headmaster’s office, and her first time arriving at school earlier than everyone else. She stopped by a window to take in the view. The office sat high in the castle, and from this angle she could see the lake stretching wide below. The sky had already darkened, the sun setting behind her, casting the lake in deep blue stillness.
After a moment of enjoying the scenery, she made her way downstairs. With no one around, she decided to explore a few parts of the castle she hadn’t seen before.
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Start-of-Term Feast,
Slytherin Table
Draco Malfoy was imitating Harry fainting on the train, reenacting the scene with dramatic flair while Goyle played a dementor beside him.
Fanny ignored them and whispered to Anne, “It was terrifying, Anne. You don’t know how awful Azkaban is. My dad told me Sirius Black is the first person in its history to escape. He killed a wizard and twelve Muggles right on the street. Do you think he’ll come to Hogwarts?”
“Maybe,” Anne replied. “But the Ministry stationed dementors around the entrances. It won’t be easy for him to get in.”
“My dad says dementors aren’t exactly trustworthy either,” Fanny whispered, “They used to work for You-Know-Who.”
“Your dad told you that?” Anne asked.
Fanny looked shifty. “I, uh… overheard it. And I also heard Dumbledore’s really unhappy about the Ministry putting dementors near the school. But why would he be against it? I mean, they’re scary, sure, but if Sirius Black really does come to Hogwarts, they could stop him, right?”
Anne thought to herself: So the Ministry hasn’t told the public Sirius is after Harry. And Dumbledore probably still doesn’t know he’s an Animagus either... She said vaguely, “What are dementors supposed to do anyway?”
“They guard Azkaban!”
“And now?”
“They’re guarding all the school exits…”
Anne cut her off, “Fanny, shh! Dumbledore’s about to speak!”
Fanny fell silent.
“Welcome!” Professor Dumbledore’s voice rang out as candlelight made his beard shimmer. “Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! I have a few words before we begin, one of which is quite serious, and I’d rather say it before you’re too full to pay attention…”
He cleared his throat. “As you now know, dementors searched the Hogwarts Express. This year, we will be hosting several dementors from Azkaban, sent here on Ministry business.”
“They are stationed at every entrance to the school,” Dumbledore continued, “and while they remain here, I must be clear: no one is to leave the grounds without permission. Dementors cannot be fooled, not by trickery, disguise, or even Invisibility Cloaks.”
“They do not understand kindness or excuses. I warn each of you: do not give them a reason to harm you. I trust the prefects and our new Head Boy and Girl will ensure no one comes into conflict with them.”
He paused, scanning the silent hall with solemn eyes.
“On a happier note,” he added, “we welcome two new teachers this year.
“First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly agreed to fill the Defense Against the Dark Arts vacancy.” Sparse, lukewarm applause followed. Professor Lupin sat among the more polished staff, looking rather shabby.
“Our second appointment,” Dumbledore went on after the clapping died down, “is for Care of Magical Creatures. Professor Kettleburn retired at the end of last year to spend more time with his remaining limbs. I’m pleased to announce that none other than Rubeus Hagrid will be taking over. In addition to being our Keeper of Keys and Grounds, he is now your new teacher.”
The Gryffindor table erupted in applause. Harry leaned forward and saw Hagrid blushing furiously, staring at his giant hands, a smile hidden in his bushy beard.
“Well, I think that covers everything important,” said Dumbledore. “Let the feast begin!”
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“Hey, Anne, didn’t you arrive with your uncle? Isn’t he coming to the feast?” Fanny asked.
Anne casually grabbed a slice of toast. “He’s probably already in the Forbidden Forest. If he finds the creature he’s after, he has to return to the Ministry right away.”
“What creature?”
“How would I know…”
