"Savior? Please. That's all it takes?" Ron sneered, his voice carrying over the din. "I didn't even pass out!"
"Someone was bragging about slaying the Basilisk in the Chamber," another Gryffindor chimed in, "but a single Dementor knocks him cold!"
"If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have scraped the bottom of the House Cup for two years straight!"
"Dementors swarmed half the train, but how many others fainted? Hardly any!"
Ron's outburst drew a cluster of students, their faces twisted in contempt as they eyed Harry's limp form.
Lupin sighed quietly, saying nothing.
I rose to stretch my legs and resume resting, but spotted Argus nearby. Curiosity pulled me closer.
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Grindelwald," Lupin said earnestly. "Not just for that stunning Patronus Charm, but for you and your Slytherin housemates aiding students from every house."
His words validated not only Argus but all of Slytherin. The prefects beamed inwardly, though they masked it with cool indifference, lips twitching upward.
"It's the least we could do, Professor Lupin," Argus replied smoothly. "Slytherin or otherwise, we're all part of Hogwarts."
The response only heightened Lupin's respect. He'd harbored doubts before—Argus's Grindelwald lineage suggested a lean toward the Dark Arts, no matter his reputation. But witnessing that flawless Patronus and Argus's unselfish aid to everyone? It eased his mind completely.
Then Lupin's eyes sharpened, tension creeping back.
"Professor Lupin?"
How had Argus known his name? Had he spotted him in Knockturn Alley? His werewolf secret gnawed at him; exposure would ruin everything.
"Have we... met before?" Lupin asked, gaze piercing.
"Professor, your suitcase!" Alexia Selwyn hurried up, gesturing to the battered case abandoned outside the carriage. She covered for Argus seamlessly.
During their patrol of the train, Argus had noted Lupin's disheveled look—faded robes, scarred luggage. Details anyone observant might catch.
Lupin blinked, chuckling awkwardly. "I apologize; I thought you'd recognized me from somewhere."
"No harm done," Argus said with a faint smile. "Let's settle the students first."
He turned to Lupin. "Professor, any way to reach Hogwarts? We should inform Headmaster Dumbledore and prepare Madam Pomfrey—some students seem badly shaken by the Dementors."
Lupin glanced at Harry, shaking his head. "I'm afraid Apparition's beyond me right now. If the Headmaster's phoenix were here, it might manage. We'll have to wait for Hogwarts to hear the news."
Argus nodded; he'd expected as much. In the original tale, the train attack hadn't delayed the feast or Sorting. No chance his words alone would summon reinforcements.
Still... he eyed the furious students behind him. This Dementor fiasco was an opportunity. Time to leverage it.
...
By the time the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade, the downpour had eased to a drizzle.
No Hagrid awaited this year. Older students mounted thestrals; first-years followed Filch's lantern to the castle.
Unlike prior years, after the Sorting Hat's song and the new students' placements, Professor Flitwick directed the Hogwarts chorus in an unfamiliar melody, their voices soaring through the hall.
As the singers filed away, Dumbledore approached the podium.
"Welcome back—new and returning—to another year at Hogwarts."
"Before we tuck into the feast, a few words."
"First, a warm welcome to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor: Remus John Lupin!"
Lupin had accepted the post without hesitation.
"Good luck, Professor!" Dumbledore beamed, nodding toward him.
Lupin rose, offering a modest bow. Applause thundered—though Argus noticed him seated beside Snape. The Potions Master's face was thunderous, nearly black as pitch. When clapping, Snape barely lifted a hand, his glare icy.
"Our longstanding Care of Magical Creatures professor has retired to enjoy his twilight years," Dumbledore continued once the cheers faded. "But we're thrilled to announce his replacement: Rubeus Hagrid!"
The hall erupted again. Hagrid waved bashfully from the staff table, then—urged by Flitwick—lumbered to his feet. His massive frame toppled the bench, spilling goblets in a clatter that sparked laughter.
"Before dinner, one more vital announcement," Dumbledore said gravely. "At the Ministry's behest, Dementors from Azkaban will guard Hogwarts until Sirius Black is captured."
"They'll patrol every entrance. The Ministry assures us this won't disrupt classes."
"But heed this warning: Dementors are vile creatures of the Dark Arts. They don't discern guilt from innocence—they drain joy from all in their path."
"Stay clear. They cannot be reasoned with."
Panic rippled through the hall. Mere hours after the train ordeal—and despite Argus's efforts—the Dementors' chill lingered. The thought of them haunting the grounds daily? Unbearable. A few first-years whimpered softly.
"Silence!" Dumbledore commanded, his voice cutting through. "Dementors are not invincible. Today on the Express, Mr. Argus Grindelwald and Slytherin House shielded countless students from harm."
"Their bravery proves unity yields strength beyond measure."
"Mr. Grindelwald, for your leadership: Slytherin, twenty points!"
Cheers exploded from the Slytherin table, a wave of green and silver triumph.
The applause spread hall-wide—even Gryffindor clapped with genuine thanks for Argus's protection.
"And to Slytherin, for your collective valor: fifty more points!"
The Slytherins went wild, fists pumping; it was their biggest haul ever at the feast's start.
"In the other houses, many stood firm against the Dementors, safeguarding their peers. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff: ten points each!"
Joy swept the hall—shouts, cheers, even a rare smile from Professor McGonagall.
"Now," Dumbledore announced, "let the feast begin!"
---
Enjoying the story? You can read 3-5 chapters ahead right now on Patreon!
New chapters drop there much earlier than Web Novel.
Join P@treon & Read Ahead → https://[email protected]/c/Ren_Saga
Thank you for your support! ❤️