"Recovered well, discharged tomorrow, the team will not rest, orderly resumption of work."
Although the rumor that Lord Voldemort had cursed the Defense Against the Dark Arts position was mostly baseless, it remained true that no Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had ever completed a full school year.
News of Remus Lupin being a werewolf spread like wildfire. Despite the pure-blood families' distractions, Lupin's condition was undeniable. Professor McGonagall, wary of backlash, dared not allow him to continue teaching once his secret was exposed. Naturally, Severus Snape took over Defense Against the Dark Arts for the final month.
"Harry, it's a shame about Professor Lupin, but there's no need to be sad," Ron said, satisfied with the fried chicken he was devouring, grabbing another leg. "With your mother influencing Snape, you now have two classes where you're favored. Isn't that a good thing?"
Harry twitched his lips. Ron wasn't wrong—his progress in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions had been significant, and these subjects were crucial for an Auror's career—but…
"Ron, I never expected S.B. to actually be Sirius Black… How did he—"
Ron glanced at him.
"Didn't your mother tell you what happened back then? Sirius was framed!"
Harry sighed. "Of course I know he was framed, but he's currently held at the Ministry awaiting trial. I've heard he has no evidence to prove he wasn't the one who blew up that street. He'll still be found guilty, not to mention he escaped from Azkaban… Ron, my mother said Sirius is my godfather—no wonder he's so good to me."
Sirius, the white dog, had provided comprehensive protection for Harry this year. Draco Malfoy's taunts had noticeably decreased—ever since S.B. had bitten his backside.
Ron nodded. "It's a troublesome matter. My father said that if Dumbledore still had influence over the Ministry, he might help Sirius clear his name. But now the Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot is Earl Dantes, and he has no connection to Sirius."
Harry pursed his lips. "Perhaps we could ask Dantes about the Earl's intentions? He and S.B. seem to get along well."
Ron spat out a bone. "Pfft! Harry, Dantes is participating in the Quidditch World Cup. Does he have time for Sirius's matters? Besides, fundamentally, it was Sirius who deceived Dantes!"
Harry was at a loss. He looked at Hermione, who had been silent all this time.
"Hermione, what do you think about Sirius's situation? How can we help him?"
Hermione seemed dazed, as if elsewhere. After a pause, she realized Harry was addressing her.
"Help? Help whom?"
"Sirius Black."
"Why help him?"
"He's my godfather!"
Hermione snapped back to reality. After hearing Harry recount the story again, she waved her hand helplessly.
"If Sirius was a staunch anti-Voldemort wizard in his early years, he must have had a deep connection with Dumbledore. Even though Dumbledore is secluded and cannot influence the Ministry, you can still rely on his wisdom, Harry."
Harry nodded. That was a good idea.
"Then, Hermione, are you coming with us later?"
"No," she said, impatient. "Final exams are coming soon! I'm taking eleven classes and don't have time for irrelevant matters."
With that, Hermione left the Great Hall.
Ron made a face at her retreating back. "She's gone mad over test rankings!"
Fred, nearby, leaned over. "Hahaha, Ron, I have some interesting news. Interested?"
"Not interested!"
"It's about Miss Granger. Might cheer you up."
"…Tell me. What do I need to exchange for it?"
Fred and George exchanged glances.
"Our little Ronnie is thinking with his brain now! That's great!"
George said, "If you work for our joke shop this summer, we'll tell you the news!"
Before Ron could refuse, Fred added, "You'll get paid, more than Mum gives you!"
Ron immediately shut his mouth, full of anticipation. With the twins' shop being so profitable—even during the financial storm—the offer was irresistible.
"Tell me, what's the news?"
Fred and George burst into laughter. "Professor Flitwick says this year's final exam ranking will include Dantes's scores from the beginning of the year!"
"You mean…?"
Ron's eyes lit up with schadenfreude.
"Yes, Hermione won't get first place no matter what, because Dantes got 'O's in all twelve classes!"
Ron's laughter was cut short as he covered his mouth. "I'm not happy at all. Hermione's my friend. She'll be devastated if she doesn't get first place. This is truly tragic!"
Harry watched his friend clown around helplessly. If only he could pull down the corners of Ron's mouth, maybe he'd believe him.
…
Sirius's trial wouldn't happen quickly. The Ministry's top priority was nationalizing British wizarding industries—a massive undertaking affecting industrial planning and tens of thousands of workers.
The Hogwarts term, however, had ended.
As the twins said, Dantes was still first in the year. According to Professor McGonagall, Dantes's exam content had been identical to the final exams. This frustrated Ron, who pounded his chest in vain. If only he had asked Dantes for the questions! He hadn't even considered whether his relationship with Dantes was genuinely close.
On the Hogwarts Express, Hermione was dispirited. She had used the Time-Turner to enroll in all her courses this semester. Though she dropped Divination, eleven classes were still overwhelming. Mentally and physically exhausted, she had pushed herself to the limit to seize the opportunity of Dantes completing third-year courses early to secure first place.
But she failed.
Harry and Ron talked mostly about the Quidditch World Cup. England's team had overcome all obstacles, winning six consecutive group-stage matches to reach the finals. With Dantes in their ranks, they were confident England would be champions.
As for Sirius Black, the topic arose only briefly. Dumbledore had provided some of his memories to Harry, who could give them to the Ministry. These memories could indirectly prove Sirius's innocence. Not enough to clear him fully, but Dumbledore's reassurance eased Harry:
"Harry, don't worry. Dantes won't let anything happen to Sirius. Given his relationship with the Earl, the Earl will surely show leniency."
Since Dumbledore said so, Harry had little cause for worry.
The train pulled into the station. Hermione said goodbye and walked toward the exit. Stepping out of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, she rubbed her face to appear energetic—she didn't want her parents to see her frustration.
Second place in the year was still respectable. Alas, three years had passed, and she had forgotten the feeling of being first.
A pair of sisters rushed past her, pulling suitcases. Hermione glanced twice—they were the Greengrass sisters from Slytherin. In previous semesters, they were always met by butlers at the station. This year… had their family run out of money?
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