Sirius's son

Aftermaths of first task

The start of December brought wind and sleet to Hogwarts. Drafty though the castle always was in winter, Rigel was glad of its fires and thick walls every time he passed the Durmstrang ship on the lake, which was pitching in the high winds, its black sails billowing against the dark skies. Though this time, Ron and Eliza continued being the comedic duo they once were and the second task was ages away.

Though Rita Skeeter had tried to drop by, Rigel had immediately gone to Dumbledore (Since she was banned from Hogwarts) who in turn threatened to sue the daily prophet, and ten minutes into class, Skeeter was gone.

"That was brilliant!" Eliza said.

"Well, the cow deserves it." Rigel shook his head. "We don't want anything bad happening to Hagrid. But I hope Hagrid would reject that interview."

After Arithmancy, -where thankfully Professor Vector didn't give them any homework- He met Harry, Ron, and Eliza where to their surprise Hermione wasn't there

"Wonder where she's got to?" Ron said as he, Eliza, Rigel, and Harry went back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Balderdash." And when they entered, they saw Hermione

"Harry!" she panted, skidding to a halt beside him (the Fat Lady stared down at her, eyebrows raised). "Harry, you've got to come —you've got to come, the most amazing thing's happened —please —"

She seized Harry's arm and started to try to drag him back along the corridor.

"What's the matter?" Harry said.

"I'll show you when we get there — oh come on, quick —"

Rigel looked at Eliza who shrugged. "Let's follow her."

Oh don't mind me!" the Fat Lady called irritably after them."Don't apologize for bothering me! I'll just hang here, wide open, until you get back, shall I?"

"Yeah, thanks!" Ron shouted over his shoulder.

"Hermione, where are we going?" Harry asked, after she had led them down through six floors, and started down the marble staircase into the entrance hall.

They found themselves in a broad stone corridor, brightly lit with torches, and decorated with cheerful paintings that were mainly of food.

"Oh, are we going to the kitchen?" Rigel asked excitedly. "I am a bit peckish-

"You knew where- you knew they were in here, and you didn't tell me?" Hermione scowled.

"I thought everyone knew!" Rigel defended. "I found it in my first year. Back when everyone was avoiding me." Everyone flinched at that particular memory. It had been their first Hogwarts dinner and Rigel had been practically forced to the end of the table. In the end, he had left the great hall with tears. "The twins told me. Said If I ever needed a bit of privacy."

"Hermione!" said Ron, cottoning on. "You're trying to rope us into that spew stuff again!" 

"No, no, I'm not!" she said hastily. "And it's not spew, Ron —"

 "Changed the name, have you?" said Ron, frowning at her."What are we now, then, the House-Elf Liberation Front? ('That does sound cooler' Eliza pointed out) I'm not barging into that kitchen and trying to make them stop work, I'm not doing it —" 

"I'm not asking you to!" Hermione said impatiently. "I came down here just now, to talk to them all, and I found — oh come on, Harry, I want to show you!" 

Rigel rolled his eyes. He tickled the pear which began to squirm, chuckling, and suddenly turned into a large green door handle. Hermione seized it, pulled the door open, and pushed Harry hard in the back, forcing him inside.