The Ministry of Magic personnel had come to ensure Harry's safety, granting John the unusual privilege of having the Ministry clear the way for him. Upon reaching the station, Mr. Weasley remained vigilant, accompanying Harry into Station Nine and Three-Quarters. John and Percy, the latter serving as the student council president, entered together, engaging in conversation.
"This year seems to be shaping up as another eventful one," Percy remarked in a tone befitting his official role, lowering his voice, "And it seems trouble always finds Harry."
Feeling compelled to agree with Percy, John nodded, casting a glance at the Ministry officials scattered around the station. "We must remain alert, even on the train," he advised calmly.
Acknowledging the shared sentiment, Percy and John boarded the train, heading in separate directions due to their respective duties. As prefects and presidents, they had special compartments and were expected to patrol regularly.
As John made his way to his carriage, the Weasley twins, Fred and George, caught up with him from behind. "What pearls of wisdom did Lord Percy share with you?" George asked with a dramatic flair.
Fred, tapping his temple, shook his head and joked, "Perhaps he's inviting John to join their illustrious company."
Despite the apparent tension among the brothers, John, seeing the twins ready to depart, offered, "If you need anything, feel free to ask."
Unperturbed by his comment, the twins lifted John with practiced ease and escorted him into a carriage, where they found Gryffindor's Lee Jordan, who was known for keeping a venomous spider as a pet.
"We can't tease the Slytherins here," Lee protested as the twins ushered John inside.
"Quiet, Lee Jordan," the twins chided before turning their attention to John, sandwiching him between them. John was puzzled; after their meeting the previous day, he had approved the twins' future plans as Johnny the Silver Hand. Why were they seeking his help now?
Their eyes gleaming with mischief, George said with a grin, "John, your idea for owl mail is brilliant."
Fred added, smirking, "If you could share the specifics with us, you'd be the cleverest Slytherin around."
Realizing they were still intrigued by the owl express plan, John arched an eyebrow. "And what's in it for me?" He wasn't one to give away ideas without something in return.
The twins, usually not serious, offered a rare moment of sincerity. "We could offer you a share of the profits, funding, or even help with pranks," they proposed.
After a moment's thought, considering the twins' mediocre grades but impressive talent in alchemy inherited from Mr. Weasley, John saw potential. "Alright, funding will do, but I'm interested in starting a society you might want to join," he proposed, seeing beyond mere financial gain to the value of their partnership.
"It's a deal," the twins agreed in unison.
Feeling left out, Lee Jordan quickly interjected, "I want in on any club you're forming."
"As long as you don't mind Slytherins," John replied with a shrug, indifferent to the house divisions.
At the mention of Slytherins, Lee, a staunch Gryffindor, hesitated, his enthusiasm waning.
As the train began its journey, Percy passed by outside the compartment. The twins resumed their playful griping about their brother, prompting John to suggest Fred move across to make more room. Despite the cramped seating, the four engaged in lively conversation, setting the stage for an eventful year ahead. As the twins discussed their aspirations of opening a joke shop, and Lee Jordan expressed his ambition to become a Quidditch commentator post-graduation, John couldn't help but comment on Lee's biased commentary style, joking that few would appreciate his approach. Initially, John and Lee Jordan weren't well-acquainted, but Lee's great sense of humor quickly bridged the gap between them. As they engaged in conversation, the train gradually came to a halt. John, puzzled, peered outside, realizing they hadn't reached Hogwarts yet. Curious students began to step out of their compartments to investigate the cause. It was then that John noticed the windows fogging up with a white mist, a sign of the sudden drop in temperature. "Why has it suddenly become so cold?" George asked, rubbing his arms for warmth. At that moment, Fred noticed Malfoy and his younger brother striding past their compartment with an air of arrogance.
The train's lights flickered and went out, followed by a chorus of terrified screams from outside. As the carriage door slid open, an ominous presence seemed to enter. "George, let's switch places," John suggested, sensing something amiss outside the window. The temperature continued to plummet. In a state of panic, Malfoy barged into their compartment, followed closely by Goyle and Crabbe, making the space uncomfortably crowded. John, feeling the pressure of someone's body against him, stepped out of the compartment with a scowl.
As he walked along the corridor, John observed the dementors systematically opening each compartment door. These creatures, clad in tattered cloaks and appearing as though drenched, with scabbed palms and a decaying aura, were unmistakably Azkaban's wardens. The sight of the dementors feasting on the happiness of young wizards caused John's brows to furrow in disgust. Noticing John, several dementors began to approach him, draining the joy from his surroundings.
"There's no one here you're looking for," John stated coldly, yet the dementors continued their advance. In a moment of urgency, Malfoy urged, "John, get inside!" But John stood his ground. As a dementor loomed before him, he decisively cast, "Expecto Patronum." A silver mist erupted from his wand, repelling the dementor as if it were facing its natural enemy. John's efforts intensified, and from the silver light, an albatross materialized. The majestic bird soared past each carriage, its touch sending the dementors into disarray with their incomprehensible shrieks, ultimately driving them from the train.
In a rear compartment, another Patronus Charm was activated, dispersing the dementors with a burst of silver mist. Lupin, witnessing the scene, was taken aback by the presence of another wizard on the train capable of conjuring such a powerful Patronus. The dementors were chased away, leaving the young wizards to emerge from their compartments, shaken but unharmed, marveling at the albatross as it circled back to John.
"You did it, John! You're a hero!" Lee Jordan exclaimed, leading a round of cheers. John, however, was concerned about the implications of the dementors' intrusion. "These dementors were far too bold to enter the train. If Dumbledore allows these creatures into the school, it's not just Sirius who will be in danger, but the students as well," he mused.
"Percy, what just happened? Was that a Patronus?" Percy inquired, arriving with the prefects just in time to witness the aftermath. John explained the situation gravely, "Dementors. They feed on happiness. I need you to check if anyone has been harmed." Understanding the gravity of the situation, Percy and the prefects commenced a thorough check of the compartments, finding that only Harry had fainted.
"Pfft, stupid and cowardly Potter," Malfoy sneered mercilessly. John cast him a glance, remembering Malfoy's earlier desperation to find refuge in their compartment. It was a moment of irony that wasn't lost on him. With a flick of his wand, John cast the Esperation spell, knocking on the carriage door, signaling the end of the ordeal and the continuation of their journey to Hogwarts. John noticed that the dementors hadn't departed but instead congregated ominously above the train, casting a palpable shadow of fear. Suddenly, a Patronus, radiant and phoenix-like, burst forth, scattering the dementors into the ether. It was Dumbledore who had conjured the spell, and shortly after, the train jolted back to life, resuming its journey.
In the aftermath, the Malfoy trio found themselves unceremoniously ejected from their carriage by the twins, an act that drew a mix of reactions from the passengers. Concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone on board, John decided to take a proactive step. He joined the prefects, offering his assistance in patrolling the train. His presence was not only welcomed but also brought a comforting sense of security to the team, a testament to his growing reputation and abilities.
As the train finally pulled into Hogsmeade Station, John's eyes immediately sought out Hagrid, who stood with a grave expression on his face. It was clear that Hagrid was also aware of the dementor's presence, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by one of caution and vigilance. Sensing a shared concern, John approached him with a greeting, acknowledging the unspoken tension that lingered in the air. Their exchange was brief but meaningful, a moment of mutual understanding between two individuals bound by their dedication to the safety of Hogwarts and its inhabitants.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge