Chapter 164 - Show of Misunderstandings 2

"...are you siding with Sirius Black Arth?" Said Harry with a blank look.

"Far from it, I just want you to learn the truth before this escalates and prevent you from doing something you regret."

"What is it then?"

"Well you see-"

Before either of them could say another word, something ginger streaked past them; Crookshanks leapt onto Black's c.h.e.s.t and settled himself there, right over Black's heart.

Black blinked and looked down at the cat.

"Get off," he murmured, trying to push Crookshanks off him.

But Crookshanks sank his claws into Black's robes and wouldn't shift. He turned his ugly, squashed face to them and looked up with those great yellow eyes.

To his right, Hermione gave a dry sob.

"... see, even the cat want you to listen first. Did I ever mention how smart your cat was Hermione?"

"Arthur, now is not the time..."

"Oh sorry, where was I? Oh yeah, you see here Harry-"

There was a sudden sound that interrupted Arth's speech for the second time.

Muffled footsteps were echoing up through the floor — someone was moving downstairs.

"WE'RE UP HERE!" Hermione screamed suddenly. "WE'RE UP HERE — SIRIUS BLACK — QUICK!"

Black made a startled movement that almost dislodged Crookshanks. Arth sighed once more. Why did everything interruption while he was talking?"

The door of the room burst open in a shower of red sparks and everyone wheeled around as Professor Lupin came hurtling into the room, his face bloodless, his wand raised and ready.

His eyes flickered over Ron, lying on the floor, over Hermione, cowering next to the door, to Harry, standing there with his wand covering Black, Arth who looked as though he had just eaten popcorn, and then to Black himself, crumpled and bleeding at Harry's feet.

"Expelliarmus!" Lupin shouted.

Harry's wand flew once more out of his hand; so did the three Hermione was holding. Lupin caught them all deftly, then moved into the room, staring at Black, who still had Crookshanks lying protectively across his c.h.e.s.t.

"Can I explain now-"

"Where is he, Sirius?"

Foiled again.

Black's face was quite expressionless. For a few seconds, he didn't move at all. Then, very slowly, he raised his empty hand and pointed straight at Ron.

Arth couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. It seemed that Professor Lupin had also figured it out.

"But then..." Lupin muttered, staring at Black so intently it seemed he was trying to read his mind, "... why hasn't he shown himself before now? Unless" — Lupin's eyes suddenly widened, as though he was seeing something beyond Black, something none of the rest could see, "— unless he was the one... unless you switched... without telling me?"

Very slowly, his sunken gaze never leaving Lupin's face, Black nodded.

"Professor," Harry interrupted loudly, "what's going on — ?"

Lupin was lowering his wand, gazing fixedly at Black. The Professor walked to Black's side, seized his hand, pulled him to his feet so that Crookshanks fell to the floor, and embraced Black like a brother.

Arth felt as though he wanted to cry due to happiness. At least there was someone else who thought Sirius was innocent.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Hermione screamed.

And of course there were also those who still thought Sirius was evil.

Lupin let go of Black and turned to her. She had raised herself off the floor and was pointing at Lupin, wild-eyed.

"You — you —"

"Hermione —"

" — you and him!"

"Hermione, calm down —"

"I didn't tell anyone!" Hermione shrieked. "I've been covering up for you —"

Arth didn't like where this was going.

"Hermione, listen to me, please!" Lupin shouted. "I can explain —"

"I trusted you," Harry shouted at Lupin, his voice wavering out of control, "and all the time you've been his friend!"

Of course Harry has to add in some more flame.

"You're wrong," said Lupin. "I haven't been Sirius's friend, but I am now — Let me explain..."

"NO!" Hermione screamed. "Harry, don't trust him, he's been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too — he's a werewolf !"

Ahhh... the show had now become a less fun show.

There was a ringing silence. Everyone's eyes were now on Lupin, who looked remarkably calm, though rather pale.

"Not at all up to your usual standard, Hermione," he said. "Only one out of three, I'm afraid. I have not been helping Sirius get into the castle and I certainly don't want Harry dead..." An odd shiver passed over his face. "But I won't deny that I am a werewolf."

Ron made a valiant effort to get up again but fell back with a whimper of pain. Lupin made toward him, looking concerned, but Ron gasped, "Get away from me, werewolf !"

Lupin stopped dead.

Then, with an obvious effort, he turned to Hermione and said, "How long have you known?"

"Ages," Hermione whispered. "Ever since both Arthur and I did Professor Snape's essay..."

Arth did a small little wave at Professor Lupin.

"He'll be delighted," said Lupin coolly. "He assigned that essay hoping someone would realize what my symptoms meant... Did you two check the lunar chart and realize that I was always ill at the full moon? Or did you two realize that the boggart changed into the moon when it saw me?"

"Both," Hermione said quietly.

Arthur felt that now was not the time to mention the wolf hairs he found in the defense against the dark arts class.

Lupin forced a laugh.

"You're the cleverest witch of your age I've ever met, Hermione."

"I'm not," Hermione whispered. "If I'd been a bit cleverer, I'd have told everyone what you are!"

"But they already know," said Lupin. "At least, the staff do."

"Dumbledore hired you when he knew you were a werewolf?" Ron gasped. "Is he mad?"

"Some of the staff thought so," said Lupin. "He had to work very hard to convince certain teachers that I'm trustworthy —"

"AND HE WAS WRONG!" Harry yelled. "YOU'VE BEEN HELPING HIM ALL THE TIME!"

"For f.u.c.k sake," said Arth while rolling his eyes. "Can we please let the man talk? All this yelling and pointing fingers wont do anything at all to help our current situation."

The whole room went quiet as everyone fixed their eyes on Arth, for the second time.