Rise Of House Cason

The Dementor was sent flying as the Thunderbird slammed into it. It rapidly retreated down the corridor and fled from the train. Art stepped out into the corridor and saw a few other Dementors. He guided his patronus and sent them fleeing.

"Disgusting dark creatures." Art spat, closing the door and sitting back down.

"What were those?" Fred asked, still pale.

"A Dementor. Guards of Azkaban, probably looking for Sirius Black." Art said, giving the three of them some chocolate. "It will help."

"It's true then… they do such out all your happy thoughts." Cedric said quietly, staring at the chocolate in his hands.

"Yes. They feed off positive emotions, making you feel despair." Art explained. He then looked at the three of them and continued, "You three need more training. You couldn't react when the Dementor affected your state of mind."

They hung their heads, feeling depressed. They had performed terribly compared to Art and felt ashamed.

"Nothing to get down on. Just keep practicing." Art said mindlessly, still thinking about the Dementor. It was his first time experiencing the effects of them and he could hear his mother telling him to stay alive in his head. He closed his eyes and pushed away those thoughts, calming his mind.

They soon arrived at Hogwarts and exited the train. Art saw a man with patched robes talking to Harry who was pale.

"Alright Harry?" Art asked, coming up to him.

Harry nodded his head and looked at older man.

Art stuck out his hand and put a friendly smile on his face. "Artland Cason, p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you."

"Remus Lupin." Lupin said taking Art's hand. "I have heard about you. I knew your uncle quite well."

"I should probably call you Professor Lupin."

Lupin nodded his head before asking, "Was that your patronus that chased away the Dementors?"

"Yes, sir."

"A magical creature as your patronus… it seems that the rumors about you aren't exaggerated." Lupin said, a small smile appeared on his pale face.

"Thank you professor. I looked forward to your class this year."

Lupin nodded before taking off towards the castle. Art, the twins and Cedric climbed into a carriage and made their way to the castle.

"The new professor seems like he knows what he is doing, doesn't he?" George asked.

Art nodded his head. "He should be an excellent teacher."

The quickly made their way into the Great Hall where Art saw Lupin sitting at the teachers table. What shocked him was that Hagrid was also up there.

"Welcome!" Dumbledore said. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and one of them is very serious, I think it is best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast."

Dumbledore paused and cleared his throat. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express or attempted search." Dumbledore shot Art a look. "Our school is presently playing host to some Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance of the grounds, and while they are here with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises- or even Invisibility Cloaks."

Art shot a look at Harry who looked down quickly, avoiding Harry's face.

"It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understanding pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them a reason to harm you. I look to the Prefects and our new Head Boy and Girl to make sure that no student run afoul with Dementors."

Art saw Percy puff his c.h.e.s.t out and rolled his eyes at him.

'Idiot.'

"On a happier note," he continued, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year."

A murmur rang through the tables as everyone looked at Lupin and his shabby robes.

"Firstly, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

A scattered applause was heard throughout the students. Some students sneered at his robes, mostly Slytherins.

"As to our second new appointment, well I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other that Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and clapped loudly at the announcement. Hagrid's face had a large smile as he waved at the students.

Soon the feast began and the students ate with vigor. Art dug in and listened to stories from others. Apparently Harry blew his aunt up and was kicked out of the house.

The Common Room was rowdy as usual as everyone was meeting new people and old friends. Art and the twins sat in the corner in big comfy chairs.

"So where do you think Sirius Black is?" Fred asked, taking a sip of butterbeer he nicked from the kitchens.

"No idea… but it doesn't make sense though." Art said slowly, "Why escape now? And was he really a Death Eater? There was no trial and no credible evidence."

"Things were messy and chaotic back then Art. The Dark Lord had just fell and people were trying to figure out if it was true or not. Death Eaters were looking for him and torturing others for information. Crouch sent many Death Eaters away without a trial." George said, obviously he heard this from his dad.

The next day while Art was eating breakfast he received a letter from McGonagall telling him to meet her in his office after breakfast.

Finishing his muffin, Art headed towards her office and knocked. He slowly opened the door and saw McGonagall, Dumbledore and Fudge standing there.

"Minister, Professor McGonagall, Headmaster."

"Mr. Cason." Fudge nodded his head towards him which Art returned.

"The Minister is here because of what happened on the train. Apparently the Dementors are very unhappy about what happened." Dumbledore said, the corner of his mouth twitched, threatening to turn into a smile.

"They crossed the line." Art said calmly.

"They were doing their jobs Mr. Cason and your Patronus severely injured one of them." Fudge said, playing with his green bowler hat.

"Next time I will make sure to erase it completely."

"Artland, the Minister came here to appease the Dementors. Please be respectful." Dumbledore said.

"Yes Headmaster. I apologize Minster, I will try my best to avoid the Dementors in the future." Art quickly said.

Fudge gave him a long look before putting his bowler hat back on and leaving. Professor McGonagall shook her head and gave Art a withering look before she said, "Mr. Cason this is your OWLs year and we were wondering what exams you are planning to take."

"Healing, Wards, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, History and Astronomy." Artland said listing them off on his fingers.

"So eleven subjuects… I will have to send a letter to the Department of Magical Education." McGonagall muttered.

Dumbledore smiled at Art, "Truly a gifted student. As you know Art, Hagrid is teaching Care of Magical Creatures and I he asked if you would assist him in teaching."

"Of course. Can I have a schedule of when his classes are?" Art asked.

"I will deliver it with your schedule. I have a few tricky schedules to figure out still."