Even after the candles in the Great Hall had gone out and everyone had fallen asleep, I still couldn't sleep.
The doors of the Great Hall creaked open. Since I couldn't access the newcomer's mind, I knew without a doubt that it was my father, Severus Snape. He told Professor Dumbledore that they had searched the entire castle from top to bottom but had found nothing.
Then my father reminded Dumbledore of the conversation they had before the school year began. I understood what he meant now, because I had been present during that conversation.
My father had said that Lupin was helping Sirius Black because they had been part of a group of friends at Hogwarts, along with James Potter and Peter Pettigrew.
But Dumbledore, just as he did now, had silenced my father.
Over the next few days, everyone—including the ghosts and the portraits—came up with theories about Sirius Black.
To replace the Fat Lady at the Gryffindor entrance, a temporary portrait named Sir Cadogan was assigned to guard the common room.
He constantly changed the password and challenged everyone to duels.
As if that weren't enough, Harry had almost been prevented from attending Quidditch practice! Fortunately, Madam Hooch was assigned to keep an eye on him, which allowed him to continue training.
And that wasn't the end of it. Professor Lupin wasn't feeling well because of the full moon, so my father temporarily took over the Defence Against the Dark Arts class.
The lesson was a complete disaster. Harry arrived late. My father humiliated Hermione, and that idiot Weasley got detention for defending her. After class, Harry, Hermione, and I left the classroom and walked a little farther down the corridor.
"Lily," Harry asked, "why does your father have such a problem with Lupin?"
Even though I knew the answer, I didn't tell him anything. What? It wasn't like I owed him an explanation.
Five minutes later, Weasley showed up and insulted my father. I immediately snapped back.
"If you hadn't provoked him, none of this would have happened, Ronald! Do you really think he's going to change just because you talked back to him!?"
---
I didn't go to the Quidditch match because of the heavy rain. I think it was Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor, but in my opinion, the match wasn't worth sitting through in that weather.
Instead, I went back to my dormitory and took a nap.
When I opened my eyes, I was greeted by Hermione's worried face. She quickly told me everything that had happened, and I was horrified.
Harry had nearly been killed because of the Dementors!
His broom had been destroyed as well. He must have been devastated.
I jumped out of bed and hurried to the hospital wing. Harry looked absolutely miserable. What had happened to his broom had clearly upset him deeply.
I tried talking to him to cheer him up, but his mood didn't improve.