The Dementors on the horizon had nothing to do with them, and in fact, even if he knew he was being targeted by Dementors, Harry probably wouldn't care.
Would you care about a couple of locusts trying to bite you?
"I think these carriages..." Hermione said with a frown, "seem to be moving automatically? Otherwise, why can't we see the horses pulling them?"
"Because they're pulled by Thestrals, it's normal that you can't see them, Hermione," Harry told Hermione.
"Thestrals?" Hermione frowned, "I remember reading about them somewhere, they can only be seen by those who have witnessed death?"
"Here, look." Quick on his feet, Ron had already found a guide about Thestrals and read out to Hermione, pointing at it: "Thestrals are a breed of Pegasus, they look like reptiles, bony thin, with dragon-like faces and large bat-like wings."
"They are very rare and classified as dangerous creatures by the British Ministry of Magic. Thestrals have a creepy reputation. For centuries, they have been regarded as omens of misfortune because of their frightening appearance, and only those who have witnessed death can possibly see them."
"So you can see them?" Hermione asked Harry.
"I've witnessed death, Hermione," Harry said nonchalantly. In fact, he had seen so much death—almost to the point of being numb.
However, Hermione misunderstood, thinking Harry was talking about witnessing his mother die as a child.
"Sorry, Harry," she apologized cautiously.
"It's nothing, Hermione." Harry smiled warmly at her.
The carriage fell into silence, and Hermione felt that she had said something wrong.
"I really wonder what Professor Lupin's class will be like." Ron suddenly said, feeling the need to break the silence, "I hope he is more competent than Lady Rozier."
"As it stands, Professor Lupin should be competent," Harry replied.
The carriage rolled forward, and ahead was a pair of grand and magnificent wrought iron gates, flanked by many stone pillars topped with winged boars.
It was visible that two tall Dementors with turbans stood guard by the gates, seemingly watching over the entrance to Hogwarts.
Upon seeing the carriages approaching, these two Dementors seemed to lean forward but then retreated rapidly as if they remembered some prohibition.
"I think they're scared," Ron commented sharply, "Look, they're backing off—just like on the train, I thought they'd stick by now."
"Would they even know fear?" Hermione curiously asked, "I've heard Dementors are fear itself, would fear itself feel fear?"
"Fear comes from the unknown, Hermione." Harry casually stretched out his hand and handed her a piece of chocolate from the side, "You both have some chocolate, it's quite cold."
The carriage sped up on the long sloping driveway and drove all the way to the castle, where Hermione leaned out the window, watching the many turrets and towers gradually draw closer.
Finally, the carriage wobbled to a stop, and the three of them got off.
"They're really beautiful, aren't they?"
An ethereal voice came from the side, and Harry turned his head to see the pale blonde girl with slightly swollen eyes.
It was Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw.
"Are you talking about the Thestrals?" Harry asked Luna uncertainly, feeling that the Thestrals seemed quite removed from beauty.
"Yes, the Thestrals are really beautiful," Luna said, almost singing.
"Is something the matter?" a gentle voice asked.
It was Professor Lupin, who had just gotten off a carriage behind them.
"We were looking at the Thestrals, Professor," Harry said politely.
Lupin looked at Harry warmly, still marveling at how much this child reminded him of Lily.
Polite and gentle—quite unlike his father James.
Yes, rowdy, that was Lupin's description of James.
"Let's go, I think we should get into the castle," Professor Lupin said, glancing at the sky, "it looks like it might rain again soon, it wouldn't be nice to get drenched."
Together, they walked into the castle, and as they passed the entrance, Harry could hear Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey chatting, who seemed to be complaining.
"Allowing Dementors to station around the school, I really don't know what Fudge and Dumbledore are thinking, aren't they using their brains at all? Heavens, I've told Dumbledore before, haven't I, that eating candy doesn't help thinking... Those horrible things, the impact they have on people who can't withstand it—"
"Maybe you should cut off his Tooth Health Potion, Poppy," Professor McGonagall said sternly, "let him experience the sensation of rotting teeth and being unable to eat!"
"You should talk to Severus about that, he's the one sneaking Dumbledore the Tooth Health Potion." Madam Pomfrey muttered softly.
Harry and his friends walked into the corridor and continued down the hall to the dining hall.
The dining hall was a sea of pointed black hats, every long table packed with students, the faces illuminated by thousands of candles floating in midair above the tables.
Soon, Professor McGonagall entered holding the pointed top of the Sorting Hat.
They knew this was the Sorting ceremony for the new school year.
"You're finally here," the Weasley Twins said cheerfully, "I thought you were caught by Dementors—like our Little Ronnie."