The Rise of Harry Potter

The deer-like patronus ran and jumped right into Sirius' dog, knocking it over and playing on the ground. The doe slowly lowered itself to the ground, watching the two animals playing with affection.

Potter could already perform the Patronus.

Adrian's jaw clenched in agitation, of course Skylar had been receiving lessons already.

The class went on to describe the properties of the spell, and how it needed to be fueled by the happiest memory one had. The happier the memory, the stronger the patronus.

They weren't allowed to actually perform the spell yet, instead they all watched and learned more.

Adrian didn't know what his patronus could possibly be, not to mention what could be his happiest memory.

He couldn't stand to be in the room any longer. It was stifling.

The other students began clearing out, everyone talking about what animals they hoped they would form or their best memories to use. Adrian was almost out before he heard a stiff and cocky voice call his name.

"Mr. Selwyn!"

Adrian twitched but turned silently.

James Potter had a smirk, arms crossed over his chest cockily. "Did you like the presentation?"

Adrian's jaw twitched. Of course, James Potter would have remembered him.

He did leave a rather memorable impression his first year, not to mention James Potter had a rather infamous stigma for singling out children of death-eaters.

Skylar floundered, shaking his head and looking ready to interupt and stop his father in his tracks. Adrian felt his hands twitch and his nerves rise up. Did James Potter know something? Had he slipped up somehow?

"James, none of that," Lupin scolded, stepping forward with a small frown, "Mr. Selwyn is my student, not a child to patronize."

Sirius' jaw dropped, "But Remus-"

"None of that!" Remus rolled his eyes, "Go find the Weasley twins, or take Skylar out to Hogsmeade."

James laughed awkwardly but clapped Lupin on his shoulder before heading out. Skylar paused, looking at Adrian with an unrecognizable expression before he turned and walked out. Hermione and Ron were waiting by the door, looking stiff and uncomfortable with each other but somehow still friends. They must have had some fight.

Soon it was just Professor Lupin and Adrian alone in the room.

"I noticed when you came in, Mr. Selwyn." Professor Lupin divulged calmly, settling on a nearby chair to lower the height difference, "You were the only third year to come to my lesson today."

"Besides Skylar and his friends." Adrian coldly pointed out, "I should have guessed that he was getting lessons."

Lupin nodded, pursing his lip thoughtfully, "That's true, but then again he did have a bad reaction to the Dementors. He needed it for protection more than just to master advanced spellwork. You don't seem the type to learn such difficult spellwork for the thrill of it."

Adrian shrugged and avoided eye contact on the offhand chance that Lupin was a Legilimens.

"So what is it?" Professor Lupin asked kindly, crossing his ankles together, "Is it for information? Quite a business you've started." He winked and once again smiled encouragingly.

Adrian blinked, taken aback by the conversation. It was weird to think of this as a teacher and not a gentle uncle or some sort.

Adrian felt a shiver of deja-vu.

"Thank you, has its uses." Adrian cautiously agreed

"Yes, yes, financial I assume." Professor Lupin added, starting to chew on his lower lip, "It worries me, not as a teacher but as a person, that a student as young as you has to go through such means for finances."

"It's useful-"

"Yes yes, I know, you can purchase all sorts of treats with a few sickles of change." Professor Lupin smiled reaching into his pocket to find a few cauldron cakes, offering one nicely, "Merlin knows I snuck over to Honeydukes when I was your age, James, Sirius and I were quite the rule breakers. I'd be a hypocrite to scold you. Would you like a pastry?"

What was going on? Did the man not realize that Adrian had long since moved on from bartering sweets?

Professor Lupin opened one of the cakes, biting into it carefully and addressing Adrian once again, "Do you have sweets often? At your home?"

Adrian paused, "Sometimes. My father isn't…I have them on occasion."

"Oh, yes." Professor Lupin smiled, "That would be the man your boggart turned into, It concerns me why your father is your greatest fear, Mr. Selwyn."

"That's what this is about?" Adrian blinked, nibbling on the cake with dainty bites, "My father just has high expectations."

"Right, right," Professor Lupin soothed, pausing before his expression became incredibly concerned, "I couldn't help but notice your upper left arm."

Adrian's hand flashed to his arm where he knew the thin white scar was located. Bellatrix had always said it was an accident.

"Would you mind if I took a look?"

Adrian knew he couldn't refuse or it would look worse. He shrugged off his outer robe, sliding up the partial sleeves to show the white line against the outer edge of his upper arm. Professor Lupin took his arm very carefully, calloused fingers touched his skin.

"This is a mark from a cutting curse, Adrian." Professor Lupin exhaled shortly, "...Do you have anymore marks, or scars from your father?"

"What?" Adrian's jaw dropped in shock, "What... no, no. He didn't..."

"Mr. Selwyn, I know normally you'd go to your head of house, however I felt the need to intrude. If you would like, I'd gladly speak to Professor Snape about this, or I could not. Nothing you tell me will be told to others, unless you intend to take legal action." Professor Lupin sighed, "I only want to help you."

Adrian stared, swallowing before looking at his feet.

He was in a rough situation.

....

Want to read ahead by more than 60 chapters. Then join my pa*treon now.

Link: pa*treon.com/Amelie796 (Remove the *)

Free members will get 2 chapters for free.