With a loud CRACK, three figures apparated outside the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
One was Harry Potter, a third-year student at Hogwarts, wearing his school uniform, his lips pressed tightly together to hold the nauseating feeling within.
Another was Darcie Malfoy, the infamous prodigy herself.
She was dressed in her Slytherin uniform, her face reflecting no sign of discomfort because of the Apparition.
Then, in the middle of the students, and leading the team of three, was Madam Villanelle — the reincarnation of the Witch of Endor, Professor of Care of Magical Creatures, and High Counsellor of Student Welfare and Security at Hogwarts.
The moment the three felt the earth beneath their feet, involuntarily, they looked over their shoulders toward the sky.
It was early morning on the third day of the New Year.
The chill in the air felt colder than it should have been.
Despite the three of them wearing thick robes, they could feel the coldness on the knuckles of their clenched fingers.
Those fists tightened even more when they found the immense object still covering half the sky, tiny motes of light blinking here and there on its curved, cratered surface.
Unnatural was something they could make their peace with.
Lupin's death was unnatural.
But, somehow, within two days, they had to bury it deep within their hearts to focus on the grander picture, as Professor Dumbledore had put it.
That was the best way to honor Lupin's sacrifice.
However, this object, which loomed over them like a fake moon, was not merely unnatural.
It was the epitome of a cursed fate—their cursed fate—a fate that refused to give them one moment of relief.
"Get comfortable with these things…" Lord Black Phoenix had told them before they had left for Ilvermorny only seconds ago. "Because, if you let these unexpected situations get the better of you, then you will hand over the exact thing our enemies are looking for—a way to unnerve us; a way to force us to make a mistake… again."
So, taking a deep breath, the three tore their eyes off the… Death Star, and looked forward.
Theodora Whitethorn, Headmistress of Ilvermorny School, stood in front of the Entrance Hall alone.
That was already a bad sign, making their upcoming endeavor even more difficult.
As Madam Villanelle stepped forward to greet the Headmistress, Harry tried his best not to think about Lupin—a goal that was becoming much harsher for him to accomplish compared to the emotionless fellow schoolmate next to him.
So, Harry tried to think about something happy instead.
Silence.
His entire head went blank.
What was there to be happy about?
Harry had no clue where to even begin looking for a happy memory.
If a Dementor showed up right now in front of him, he had all the reasons to believe that he wouldn't be able to replicate the momentous act of casting a full Patronus to save Sirius's life.
Still, ironically, thinking of his hopeless situation and Dementors did the trick, bringing Sirius to his mind.
His godfather, absolved of all his crimes, had returned to his place in London — Number 12, Grimmauld Place — refusing Dumbledore's offer to take up the Defense Against the Dark Arts job in Lupin's place.
Harry had not been surprised by Sirius's decision, even though he would have loved to have him as a teacher at Hogwarts near to him.
Sirius had only recently left Azkaban in a half-mad state.
He had spent half a year chasing a ghost, even miraculously finding it near the end—in the face of the long-thought-dead Peter Pettigrew.
That horrible person had died, but even before Sirius could revel in his revenge, Voldemort… had killed Lupin.
The joy of revenge had failed to outweigh the sorrow of loss for Sirius.
Even Harry, who was glad that the man who had betrayed his parents had died, couldn't find himself smiling at that thought without thinking of Lupin's body lying cold at the graveyard that day.
Dumbledore must have sensed that Sirius needed some time away from everything, too. Perhaps that's why he didn't insist on keeping the man at Hogwarts?
Anyway, Black, Ron, and Draco had gone with Sirius to turn Grimmauld Place from ruins into a proper, livable home.
And despite knowing that it was Dumbledore's request for him to be here, Harry couldn't help but think that he would gladly do anything just to be with Sirius and the boys at this moment.
"Thinking of being with Sirius?"
Harry jolted.
He looked to his left and found Darcie looking back at him… looking down at him.
Jesus! Harry cursed within. Why's she so much taller than me?!
"Can you not use Legilimency on me?" he said, frowning. "We don't have any Occlumency lessons planned until next semester."
These were two of the most crucial subjects that many students were looking forward to.
It was especially so after discovering what dark wizards could do to them using Legilimency, learning their most secret thoughts.
Harry would hate that to happen to him.
He would hate it even more if Darcie Malfoy of all people used the spell on him.
Or… worse… what if Dumbledore chose her to be the Facilitator of the Legilimency and Occlumency lessons?!
Harry's face paled.
Darcie frowned. "I cannot even attempt using Legilimency without a wand," she told him. "With your face carrying all your emotions, I don't even need to."
"You… can't?" Harry asked, shocked. "But Black said…"
And he suddenly realized that Black's claim that Darcie used Legilimency to learn Gryffindor's Quidditch strategies through Wood was a lie.
Damn you, Black! Harry cursed, his face gaining a reddish tinge.
As Darcie kept frowning at him, obviously demanding an explanation, to his relief, Madam Villanelle returned with the Headmistress by her side.
And instantly, Harry realized what Darcie had meant by carrying his emotions on his face, because those wrinkles at the corners of Madam Villanelle's eyes, and her twisted lips, couldn't have meant anything but…
… anger!