Dark Hogwarts

No matter how terrible our living conditions were, no matter how dangerous the classes were, the freshmen adapted to such a daily routine at a rapid pace. Even too fast, for me.

Where I still walked with hindsight, I still kept myself in considerable tension, although I did not show it outwardly, other children just got used to it. More and more, they considered what was happening to be the norm, and more and more they took ruthlessness for granted.

Despite all my significant advantages of adult consciousness, my poor memory of previous years and knowledge of alternative events, I did not have one very important quality that the rest of the freshmen possessed - a child's plastic psyche.

Yes, in order to survive, I also had to adjust to the surrounding reality. But it was difficult. It's very difficult. Distraction from everyday tasks, increased responsibility for the rest of the children and dreams of owning magic - that's all that saved me during those first weeks of studying at Hogwarts.

When the stage of initial acquaintance with the teachers was passed, it became a little easier. Now they did not strive to annoy the students so much, did not arrange bloody shows and checks, did not surprise with their attitude and teaching methods.

It was worth learning and starting to observe some so-called postulates, as the lessons entered the mainstream of a dangerous, but peculiar and monotonous routine.

First, discipline. Transfiguration stood out here, where any unnecessary movement of yours could cause problems, ranging from points taken off, and ending with a blow from McGonagall's whip.

The second place of honor was occupied by the history of magic. On it, each student had to independently control their own behavior. Otherwise, after lessons, you could get a beating from the others for putting them in danger. The third place was shared by almost all other subjects, where it was also not recommended to behave too noisily.

Admittedly, Bince's classes were like roulette. After all, it was not always when we entered the classroom that we met the blue glow of the teacher. Sometimes, from the previous course, the professor was already in a state of transition to aggression. At such moments, we could only diligently observe the ideal of discipline, and pray to fortune that the explosion would take place after we left.

Beans once got red-hot when he was still sitting at his desk. And in this case, the shock wave did not spread in a circle, but was directed directly towards the students, creating a serious gap in the ranks of Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Everyone survived, but a dozen students went back to the hospital wing.

Another time, we decided to cheat, and, right before the professor's heat, leave the room to wait out the pogrom in safety. And McGonagall immediately found out about it, that she took five points off the entire course and released her enchanted whip, which raged and struck blow after blow for twenty whole minutes. So avoiding the history of magic turned out to be fraught.

I found out the second important postulate through careful observation of the teachers. It was about how to behave in certain lessons.

Flitwick loved to laugh at his pranks, and was dangerously offended when his work was perceived negatively by students.

It gave Snape a thrill to see fear in the eyes of the students, and all sorts of troubles eventually happened to the overly brave and fearless, whether it was a spoiled potion or some kind of curse that appeared "accidentally".

The breastwork was the opposite of the potions professor. He appreciated the courage and determination in passing the obstacle course, and also praised for his endurance during the grueling cross-country near the castle every second Saturday.

McGonagall welcomed any snitching, and even transparently hinted at the need for me to tell her about all the misdeeds of freshmen. Of course, I tried to refuse as gently as possible, but my relationship with the dean was damaged because of this.

Sprout, on the contrary, was delighted for the unity and even sacrifice for the benefit of others, which she showed in her first lesson. In addition, she liked the caring attitude towards plants, and she naturally despised all kinds of squeamishness, which is why some students have already experienced the wrath of the professor of herbology.

Quirrell, in turn, did not tolerate at least some positive statements about Muggles. With all our appearance, we had to show how contemptuous we are of magic-deprived simpletons. Otherwise, the professor belittled the students, began to treat them much worse than others and intimidated them with consequences for such humanization. This was especially true for Muggle-borns, to whom the professor had certain prejudices, since they grew up in a Muggle, and therefore "spoiled" world.

And so, the small details of the character traits of the teachers were slowly recognized and taken into account by me in the lessons.

Miss Charity, for example, liked to be liked by the students and for some reason was angry at the too withdrawn and inactive children. After that incident, I no longer felt attracted to the young teacher. Either she removed her enchantment, or I, from the realization of their existence, developed immunity.

Madame Trick, as it turned out, actually appreciated the ability to fly, thanks to which even Harry, because of whom those catch-up with bludger were arranged, found a little approval from the teacher for his talent.

It was because of these observations that I managed to earn the most points, but I never went to the hospital wing. I adapted as best I could, in short.

At some point, I even began to like life at Hogwarts, and this feeling increased with each new spell I learned. Magic is really cool.

Points, as it turned out, were quite generously given out by teachers for grades in lessons and when performing various independent work and practices. Three points were usually given for "Excellent", two for "Above expected", and even "Satisfactory" was rated at one point. However, for negative ratings of "Weak", "Disgusting" and "Troll" points were withdrawn, but already in double the number of relatively positive ones. This was a great incentive to approach the lessons and the topics studied with all care and diligence.

We had to postpone the so-called "upgrade" of the boys' bedroom by a general meeting to a later date. And while the other faculties couldn't stand it and spent their accumulated points mainly on food, the first year of Gryffindor rented one of the empty classrooms until the end of the year.

We urgently needed a room for studying, doing homework and practicing spells, which is why we had to go to such expenses. The living room was constantly occupied, there was no furniture in the bedrooms, and with it basic amenities, well, in the Great Hall, even if it was possible to write notes or read books, but it was forbidden to conjure there.

The original plan was for all twelve people to chip in their points and rent a classroom together. But the girls flatly refused - they, you see, needed their own bathroom and bedroom decoration, so our male part had to take all the expenses on themselves. However, nothing new.

The guys were very worried at the time, but I took on a significant part of the amount necessary for the rent, thereby preserving peace between the two sexes in my department, in order to avoid constant quarrels and squabbles.

We tried not to waste our points on something else. The school weeks were kept as well as they could on meager food, and on Sundays they threw themselves a massive mini-feast, because it was very difficult to live at Hogwarts without any pleasures at all.

Thanks to a trump card up our sleeve named Hermione Granger, we didn't even have to gain access to the library for additional literature. The girl herself was eager to go there, and with the help of her amazing memory, she memorized the information in all the books recommended for lessons, after which she recounted it to us without any problems, at least compressing it all to a brief content.

So one week after another followed, and gradually our first month at Hogwarts passed. No one from the other students still communicated with us, so the freshmen formed their own area isolated from the rest of the students, where everyone knew each other and helped, but close friendship was found only within the faculties.

And everything seemed to be quite bearable, and sometimes, I'm not afraid of that word, good. Knowledge was gained, injuries were avoided, and my authority on the course was slowly growing. But, as it often happens, one event changed everything. One single lesson in the dark arts, damn it.

***

It was a regular school day in early October. Most of the lessons were left behind, and all the Gryffindors were already impatient to head to room three hundred and fifteen, which is the legal patrimony for our first year.

There you could take a break, chat freely, conjure, and most importantly - there was no need to be afraid of everything. Renting an ordinary room with chairs, desks and a blackboard has already paid off many times. That's where we spent the most time after class. That's where we wanted to go - to our oasis of friendship and security. Even if you draw rainbows on the walls of the office, honestly, we liked to distance ourselves from all the troubles of the castle at least for a few hours.

However, the freshmen had one more lesson to learn.

Being in high spirits, we crowded into the dark arts room. After a rather dirty double herbology and crazy charms, spending the next hour in the company of friendly Remus Lupin studying all sorts of evil spirits began to be perceived by us almost as a holiday.

— Hello, Professor Lupin, — the freshmen entering the class were vying with each other. The professor, for his kind character and sensitivity towards students, deservedly gained the status of a universal favorite.

—Come in, sit down," Lupin said abruptly, keeping a frown on his face

"What's the matter with him?" Seamus whispered to me when we sat down at the same desk, "it was like he had been on a spell with us, and that nasty candy flew into his mouth.

— I don't know, maybe something happened? Either I got up on the wrong foot, or I found Boggart in the closet. I think there are plenty of reasons to spoil the mood at school, even for teachers.

Seamus was amused by my theories, even though I was serious enough.

Meanwhile, the lesson began.

— Let's learn a new lesson topic. Infernals and zombies - their similarities, differences, ways of fighting, and... Can you shut up there, at the last desks!? Lupin shouted sharply, slamming his hand down hard on his teacher's desk.

No one expected this. All of Lupin's lessons were calm and informative. He had never raised his voice at the students before. Yes, some first-year students sometimes allowed themselves to quietly exchange phrases during lessons, but this never crossed the line where the communication of students interfered with the lesson itself. The professor usually turned a blind eye to this, and even now this line has certainly not been violated.

—I'm sorry,— Lavender squeaked, cringing at the professor's angry gaze.

— What do you have there? Why are there extra items on the tables!? — Lupin walked irritably to the end of the class, — sweets? Brown, are you starving?

Those mood-changing candies that flew around the hall during the charm lesson and tried to please the students in the stomach could be caught. Professor Flitwick allowed all the scoundrels he caught to keep for himself, and the children boasted and measured their catch after school. I had four of them in my bag myself.

- no... This is from the previous lesson... I'm sorry, I'll clean it up.

— They didn't need to be taken out initially! Remove them immediately! And, since you are so hungry, then do it using them for their intended purpose. Well, we'll all look at it together.

— No need, Professor, I'll clean it up now.. Lavender wailed.

— I said to eat all the sweets! There was anger in his eyes. We have never seen a teacher of the dark arts so angry and furious.

Lavender frantically began to unwrap a wrapper of one of the candies.

"Completely," Lupin smiled maniacally, "it's not worth wasting everyone's time on unnecessary actions. Eat like this.

The girl swallowed one candy along with the wrapper, another, and a third...

— That's better. And don't let me hear another sound from your place.

The professor turned around, heading back to his desk.

—Them-them, phi-hee," sounds were sent from the back of the desk, which made the professor turn back. Lavender was crying, covering her mouth with her hands, but even so, quite audible giggles continuously escaped from her.

—You little devil! You're laughing! Lupin returned to the last desk, where the poor girl was sitting. He took her by the scruff of the neck, "get out of here!" Rubbish! — with one hand, he easily dragged her towards the exit, opened the door and forcefully threw her into the corridor, — minus ten points! — He shouted one last time.

Before the door closed, there were sounds of banging and crunching from the hallway, followed by Lavender's voices:

— Ay! A-ha-ha, it hurts-oh, a-ha-ha-H...

—So," I began to whisper to Seamus while Lupin was at the opposite end of the room, "the professor is clearly crazy, so we're acting like we're in McGonagall's class, okay? We don't distract each other, we'll talk about everything later, at recess.

The neighbor at the desk only nodded worriedly at this.

— Golden! Lupin shouted from behind.

— Yes, Professor? — I timidly looked around, and my heart began to beat faster.

"Do you think I'm crazy?" He began to waddle slowly towards me.

How did he hear me!? It's unreal - I was talking very quietly, and he was too far away! Damn, is this a werewolf feature? But the professor had never demonstrated anything like this before! Maybe his hearing is affected by the approaching full moon? But I do not know when it will happen - the Internet was not brought to Hogwarts, and we did not have astronomy, where such information could be found. She was a core subject here and was chosen at will in the third year.

— Should I repeat my question? — the professor asked ingratiatingly, while I stood with wide-open, frightened eyes and my mouth closed.

What kind of hole did I just manage to fall into? How could I even imagine that there was such a risk? Ten minutes ago, it would never have occurred to me that Lupin could raise his voice to a scream, and throw a freshman out of the classroom by the scruff of the neck, like some naughty kitten.

"No, Professor," I replied hesitantly. I had to get out of this situation somehow, preferably in one piece, and certainly alive... Speaking of the professor, I didn't mean you, but... another teacher.

— And which of the teachers did you decide to make such a radical diagnosis? Come on, share it with me, and I, in turn, will tell that poor guy that, in your opinion, has gone crazy. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be true?

While Lupin, unexpectedly for everyone, began to compete in the level of sarcasm with Snape, I came up with an idea how to continue to bend my line.

"It was about Professor Flitwick, sir. He was the one who gave us his candy, which made Lavender Brown start laughing uncontrollably. I said he was crazy, making good sense of it. I was amazed at how much the Enchantment teacher changed his mindset to invent such an amazing idea! Sweets that will instantly change your mood! — I even waved my hands, showing faith in my own words and my "impressions" of this, — and I advised a friend to be quiet, since you were angry because of the effect of these candies.

I don't know how my brain came up with all this in such a short time. At some point, it even became a little dangerous: what other freshman would be able to come up with such a story on the go? But I have to admit, improvisation is our everything.

— How cleverly, Mr. Golden, you did everything, — Lupin grinned, but his eyes remained angry and angry, — the best student of the first year, always answers correctly in lessons, demonstrates good knowledge and skills. No wonder you managed to get away with it here too.

I didn't like his attitude. The professor sounded like he was going to blow all my successes to the wind. Maybe you don't need to? Please?

Lupin calmly walked to his teaching place, and it even seemed to me that my pleas had been heard. How the professor turned to me again:

— Since you are such a talented person, tell me about the topic of today's lesson. Who are the infernals?

And I've read this chapter! I read it two weeks ago when I was studying textbooks in advance. A useful activity that most students neglect. The fact that it has come in handy for me now only proves this immutable fact.

— Infernals are the bodies of people animated by necromancy that do not have their own consciousness and are completely subordinated to their master.

— Go on, tell me everything you know about them, — the professor admonished me, while continuing to keep a creepy smile on his face.

— They do not feel pain and fatigue, and also do not have the instinct of self-preservation. The created infernal can exist for a very long time under the condition of a favorable environment, fulfilling the orders laid down in it to the end. They are not affected by many spells, which makes them quite difficult to kill. They do not tolerate sunlight well, and are also vulnerable to fire...

"That's enough," Lupin interrupted my monologue, grimacing at the same time, "but what about zombies, how do they differ from infernals, and in what ways are they similar to them?

— Zombies are conditionally living creatures that become dying people who have been exposed to necromancy. Unlike infernals, zombies retain the remnants of their mind, although they suffer irreversible changes in personality, and also do not obey anyone except their instincts that dominate everything else. Their vital processes of the body continue to work, and they feed on raw meat, hunting any creatures nearby. In addition, zombies can mutate, changing their own body over time, becoming much stronger and faster than an ordinary person. The similarity with infernals in zombies is manifested in the fear of sunlight and the same vulnerability to fire.

"Clap, clap, clap."

"Bravo, Mr. Golden," said the applauding professor, "an excellent answer, as always. Five points, you deserve it.

Lupin put his hands on the table and leaned his head down, hiding his own face from the students under his hanging hair.

— And you know what, — he abruptly raised his gaze directly at me, and there was some unhealthy gleam in the teacher's eyes, - I studied with similar students, — the professor slowly approached my desk, — they were all so correct, — step. My body is covered with goosebumps, and my brain is processing the situation in a fever, still not understanding where I was able to make a mistake — educational students, the pride of their own faculties... — he came closer and closer, and the children in the front desks cowered and pulled away from the professor, subconsciously feeling the impending danger, — they considered themselves better than the rest - smarter, more talented. Higher," Lupin stood right in front of me, getting more excited with every word.

Run away! Must not. Beg for mercy! It won't work. What did I do wrong!? I answered correctly, that's all!

— And do you know where they are now, all these smart guys? Oh, Golden!? — the professor asked me.

— G-where, sir, — how I tremble in front of him. A natural madman, against whom I am powerless and helpless.

"IN THE GRAVES! Lupin shouted, and drops of his saliva fell on my face, "they've been feeding worms for quite a long time... And there was so much pathos, so much hypocrisy, superiority in the eyes... You're a dummy, Golden. All your actions only harm others, your whole existence poisons the lives of others, without bringing any benefit after that...

Lupin was clenching his jaws until they creaked, and at the moment he looked more like a beast than a man.

— Sir, I am...

— I HATE IT! — the professor growled, and attacked me with his fists, throwing the desk aside as if it were a piece of fluff.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Seamus bounce back. The next moment, I was looking straight into the professor's open mouth, from which a second row of teeth could be seen.

Is this really a sign of turning into a wolf?

My last thought never got a follow-up, as events raced. Lupin threw me to the floor with a powerful right hook. My shoulder shot out with pain, and the sensitivity of my arm disappeared.

In a panic, I began to crawl away from the oncoming professor, but he kicked me right in the ribs. The terrible pain engulfed me, and I couldn't think of anything else.

— Professor, n-don't.

— Stop it, please!

My mind was still able to catch the words of the students, but Professor Lupin did not even think to listen to their requests. I got kicked in the thigh again, then in the back, and another in the back. The pain turned to numbness.

— Somebody stop him!

Lupin bent down and took me by the breasts, shaking me like a rag doll:

— DON'T-LOOK-AT-ME!!!

He punched me in the jaw, and I heard it crack inside. There was a taste of iron in my mouth. Another blow landed on my forehead, but by that time I was not thinking clearly enough, and after it I became completely in a kind of semi-conscious state.

My brain was recording more and more blows, although I no longer understood exactly where they were coming from. There was only one desire in my head- to survive, but nothing depended on me here.

***

Softly. Heat. Comfortably. OK-oh...

I continued to bask in these beautiful, bright feelings. I didn't want to think about anything else: the dangers of Hogwarts, the lessons, or Professor Lupin...

Stop. Lupin? And what did the teacher of the dark arts do not please me? Oh, yes, he beat me up then, for sure... And when was that?

I abruptly got out of bed, and the starched blanket crunched pleasantly from my actions.

Lupin beat me up! So much so that I should have died on the floor of his office! But I'm alive... An idiot's dream has come true. And who was it that pulled me by the tongue to whisper something to Seamus? Stupid head.

Sleepy bliss finally released me from her embrace. I looked at my hands: they were whole. I took my feet out from under the blanket: I'm fine too. I was wearing hospital pajamas, and my school clothes were neatly folded on a chair. I checked the whole body, felt the healthy ribs, and made sure that all the teeth were present.

I'm healthy! I was cured! Of what was found, there was only a barely noticeable black circle on his stomach, very similar to some kind of tattoo. Since he did not pose any visible threat, I did not speculate on the reasons for his appearance.

I wonder how much time has passed since the events in the classroom?

The hospital room was spacious, very bright, and damn cozy. Empty beds were made nearby, and the sun shone brightly through the small window panes.

On the next table there was a tray with all sorts of different food.

I'm hungry! I'm very hungry.

Since the food was right next to my bed, and the other guests of this hospital room were absent, it was concluded that all these delicacies were intended for me.

Quickly, with a smacking sound from the variety of flavors, I absorbed the calories needed by the growing body. As soon as the food ran out, the tray with the dirty containers disappeared as if by magic. Although, why how?

I decided to stretch out of habit, even though it wasn't necessary. It's scary to imagine, but this is the first time I've slept in a real bed! It is inconceivable to the mind how quickly you can get rid of such amenities, and how joyful it is to return to them after a while. Despite all those horrors with Lupin, my mood jumped to unprecedented heights.

After changing my pajamas for a school uniform, I decided to go outside the room to explore. Still, I knew that the hospital wing includes many such wards, and it was not forbidden to leave them.

Wandering through the deserted corridor, I very soon met Madam Pomfrey, who was heading straight towards me.

— Mr. Golden! We're awake, wonderful. Oh, and you've added a lot of work to me," she waved her finger, keeping a friendly smile on her face, "putting you together, so to speak, piece by piece. Well, how are you feeling? Any complaints?

—No, Madam Pomfrey," I shook my head, smiling back at the same time, "thank you very much, I feel just fine. Tell me, who brought me to the hospital wing? Professor Lupin? — I cast a fishing rod, hoping for information from the healer.

— Lupin? Well, of course, he sends students here on "these" days," she highlighted the word with an expression on her face, "but only as the root cause of their various injuries. Your classmates brought you, they were very worried about you and even persuaded me to arrange a breakfast for you on the occasion of your recovery. How do you like the food? Did you like it?

— Yes, it's very, very tasty, — so that's who I should thank for the food. It's good to have friends after all.

— Wonderful. In that case, I'm discharging you. You've already missed the lessons, so you'll finally have a rest in your living room. Still, you have been lying for two days, the body needs to get back to normal after this.

— How much, how much!? I rolled my eyes. Have I been unconscious for two days? Considering magical medicine? What kind of chop did the professor turn me into?

— Well, what did you think. That's it, I have other patients waiting for me, so if there are no more questions, then...

— One more question, Madam Pomfrey, — I remembered about the mysterious tattoo on my stomach, — do you happen to know what it is? I lifted up my robe with the rest of my clothes, revealing a black circle.

"Of course I know, because I was the one who put this sign," the healer replied dispassionately.

— A... What does it mean?

— That you were on the verge of death, and I saved you. That's when there will be five such circles, then we will talk in more detail about this. Now, it's time for you to go, Mr. Golden. Have a nice day, and don't get sick.

I watched suspiciously as the healer entered one of the wards. When there are five circles, will I owe her something? Do I owe you something? Another secret.

But now at least you don't have to worry about why she's so kind in such an evil place. Because I bet all my accumulated points that this "surprise" of hers with five marks will at times override any positive qualities of Madam Pomfrey.