For the first time, John witnessed Professor Snape lose his composure. In the past, Snape's deductions of house points were seen as mere eccentricities. However, now, Snape was visibly seething, his eyes flickering with a hint of murderous intent. Realizing his lapse, Snape quickly regained his composure, though memories of his youth haunted him. The Gryffindor quartet, particularly James Potter and Sirius Black, had been a constant source of torment from his first day at Hogwarts, leaving scars that never fully healed.
John observed the myriad of emotions playing across Snape's face—anger, sadness, and a fleeting desire for vengeance—before they settled into a cold detachment. "Where did you encounter him?" Snape inquired, his voice steady despite his earlier turmoil.
"Forbidden Forest," John replied, adding that he had no intention of alerting the Aurors to Sirius Black's presence.
Snape's eyes narrowed. "You do realize the danger that man poses?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. He mistakenly thought John fancied himself a hero for attempting to capture Black single-handedly.
John chuckled, shaking his head. "Isn't there a professor here?" he retorted, locking eyes with Snape. "Don't you find it suspicious that Sirius Black managed to enter Ron Weasley's bedchamber? He could only have done so with inside help, which puts Harry Potter in danger."
Snape, ever astute, considered John's words. "And you believe the victims of his alleged crimes were innocent?" he sneered, his disdain for Black palpable.
"He escaped Azkaban with a singular purpose," John pressed on, "but don't you think it's odd? Sirius Black isn't one to make such blatant errors."
Despite his initial reluctance, Snape found himself intrigued. "And you assume I'll assist you?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
"It's in the school's best interest, and I'm certain you wouldn't refuse to help Harry," John replied confidently.
The mention of Harry wiped the smile from Snape's face, and he promptly dismissed John. Yet, John wasn't fooled by Snape's outward coldness; he knew the depth of Snape's affection for Lily Potter and, by extension, her son. Snape's actions, driven by love and sacrifice, deeply moved John.
Though Snape didn't explicitly agree to help, John was certain of his support. Snape's personal vendetta against his old rival would ensure his cooperation. With Snape's assistance, John was confident in their eventual confrontation with Sirius Black.
Meanwhile, John's health had begun to decline. His meals consisted solely of water and bread, a stark contrast to his previous appetite. To the uninformed, it appeared as though he was undergoing some form of penance. This drastic change left John visibly emaciated, sparking concern among those who noticed. The ceremony had just concluded when a large flock of owls swooped into the auditorium, breaking the silence. One owl, in particular, made its way to Neville, landing gracefully in front of him. Neville had undergone a remarkable transformation. Gone was the timid boy with a round face; in his place stood a young man with a chiseled jawline and noticeably muscular arms. Without his wand, Neville might have seemed like a mere child, but his physical presence now suggested otherwise. However, the moment he received a red envelope from the owl, his demeanor reverted to that of the old Neville. Despite his swift exit from the auditorium, the roaring contents of the letter echoed through the space, a testament to Mrs. Longbottom's formidable temper, rivaling even that of Molly Weasley.
Observing Malfoy's delight at Neville's discomfort, John, with a thoughtful expression, decided to add weight-running events to Malfoy's schedule. Malfoy's face twisted in pain at the announcement. He could have refused, but he chose not to. The exercises John prescribed were challenging, yet Malfoy found himself begrudgingly enjoying the newfound strength they brought him.
The bulletin board announced an upcoming trip to Hogsmeade, sparking excitement among the students. John encountered Filch, who looked utterly defeated, weighed down by sandbags. Filch shared a tale of his recent defeat at the hands of a student, describing only a fleeting glimpse of black hair and a school uniform before his adversary vanished. John struggled to find a gentle way to explain that sometimes, self-improvement comes from within, not just from external enhancements.
Filch, frustrated by his inability to catch the student who had eluded him, decided to focus on his duties, leaving John to head towards the Forbidden Forest. There, he encountered Professor Snape, who, with his billowing robes and imposing presence, resembled a formidable creature of the night. Snape expressed his hope to resolve their task before darkness fell, and John, sensing the gravity in Snape's tone, simply nodded. Together, they ventured into the forest without further conversation.
Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were summoned to Hagrid's cabin. Hagrid, in his usual well-meaning but clumsy manner, attempted to mediate the ongoing conflict among the trio, particularly focusing on the tension between Ron and Hermione over Crookshanks. Despite Hagrid's empathy for Hermione's situation, he underestimated Ron's stubbornness, who demanded that Crookshanks be sent away as a condition for reconciliation.
Back in the Forbidden Forest, John and Snape's journey was marked by silence, a reflection of their unfamiliarity and mutual caution. However, John could sense Snape's probing gaze. Discovering a pool of blood, John realized that Sirius Black had been there. Snape, examining the scene, questioned John about the injury, hinting at the possibility of John having wounded Sirius, a known Death Eater and escapee from Azkaban. Snape, aware of Sirius's capabilities and his history with James Potter, was filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension about John's potential.
As their eyes met, a moment of mutual shock passed between them. John calmly explained that he had restrained himself, avoiding any unforgivable curses or harmful spells. Snape, momentarily caught in his own turbulent thoughts, nodded in acknowledgment, the tension between them easing slightly as they continued their investigation in the forest. John had vanished as if he had never existed. Rising to his feet, John continued his pursuit, following a trail of blood that abruptly ended at a tree hollow. "He's escaped," John concluded, picking up a piece of jerky chicken breast that had fallen into the hollow. It seemed the fugitive had managed to sustain himself on a meager meal of dog food during his overnight flight. However, John was confident the man hadn't escaped the confines of the Forbidden Forest, which would simplify the search.
In the days that followed, John and Snape worked together, their efforts seamlessly coordinated as they combed through the dense underbrush of the Forbidden Forest. They stumbled upon several makeshift shelters and signs of recent habitation, but their quarry had always fled just ahead of their arrival. It was becoming increasingly clear why the Aurors had struggled to capture this elusive individual; his ability to evade detection was uncanny.
The forest, with its ancient trees and shadowy recesses, seemed to conspire with the fugitive, offering countless hiding spots and escape routes. Yet, John and Snape persisted, driven by a determination that matched the cunning of their target. The Forbidden Forest was vast, but it was finite, and they believed it was only a matter of time before their persistence paid off.
As they delved deeper into the forest, the signs of the fugitive's passage became fresher, indicating they were closing in. The game of cat and mouse continued, with the stakes growing ever higher. John and Snape knew that capturing this individual was crucial, not just for the sake of justice, but to unravel the mystery that had led them into the heart of the Forbidden Forest in the first place.
_________
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