Harry awoke with a loud buzz in his ears. He glanced around. Ginny was curled into his arms, crying softly. As his mind cleared, he sent calming and reassuring feelings to Ginny. Her sobs stopped suddenly as she looked up.
"Harry," she breathed. "You're awake." This drew everyone else's attention.
"Here, eat this, you'll feel better," Remus said handing him a chunk of Honeyduke's Best Chocolate. "Go on." Harry bit into the chunk and as he chewed a warn feeling spread from his mouth, all the way to his toes.
"Thanks, Uncle Moony," Harry said. "What was that thing?"
"A dementor. Foul creatures," he answered with a shake in his voice. "I don't know why they were here or why they were away from Azkaban." He looked Harry over quickly. "I need to check on the driver and other students. Keep eating that chocolate," he ordered as he left.
"Who screamed?" Harry asked.
"No one screamed, Harry," Hermione said.
"It was the dementors affect," Luna said. "They make you relive your worst memories." She swallowed a little hard. Hermione jumped over and hugged her.
"You saw your mum, didn't you?" Hermione asked. Luna only nodded.
"You saw the Chamber and Tom," Harry said quietly to Ginny. She nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "Shh, I'm here. I'm alright," Harry said hugging her closer.
"I think you may have heard your mum, when..." Ginny trailed off. Harry thought for a second, it had sounded like his mother. He nodded as tears sprang to his eyes as well. "It's okay, love. I understand. I'm here for you."
An hour later the train arrived in Hogsmeade. The rain continued to pour down. They waved at Remus as he apparated closer to the gates of Hogwarts. Hagrid waved at them as they moved to the carriages quickly. No matter how quickly they moved, they were still soaked when they piled into one of the carriages.
Filch was waiting in the entrance hall as usual, but he had a mop in hand and his scowl was much deeper. They walked into the Great Hall, a breeze of warm air drying them as they entered. Harry noticed Aurors standing around the Great Hall. He wondered why they were there, and if the dementors had anything to do with it.
They sat down at the Gryffindor table, greeting other friends they had not seen on the train. They heard whispers about some kind of gold orb and a silver wolf driving the dementors away, but didn't think much of it. As the Sorting began, Ron's stomach rumbled loudly enough to be heard by the Ravenclaw table next to them. It drew snickers and quiet laughter. Soon the food was in front of them, Ron acting like he hadn't had food in days. When the Feast was done, Dumbledore stood looking a little grim.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As usual, Mr. Filch has the banned items list in his office. The forest is off limits to all students. Now, you may have noticed our guests around the Great Hall. They are here for your protection. I regret to inform you that there has been a breakout of three prisoners at Azkaban." There were gasps and murmurs all around the Great Hall.
"For those of you who did not see the paper this morning those three prisoners were Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, and Theodore Nott, Sr." Harry looked up sharply at Dumbledore. Remus looked at Harry with concern. "On a more positive note, we have two new professors this year. Care of Magical Creatures will be taught by our own Rubeus Hagrid." There was loud applause to this. "And returning to Hogwarts after many years since he graduated to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Remus Lupin." There was polite applause as Remus waved to the student body. "Now, that you have been fed and watered, and the news has been given, it is time for bed."
