The next day, long-awaited sunshine bathed Hogwarts. After days of clouds and rain, the skies had finally cleared by noon. Jerry and Hermione had arranged to take a walk by the Black Lake in the fine weather and visit Hagrid while they were there.
Hagrid had been having a hard time lately. Ever since Malfoy was injured by Buckbeak the Hippogriff, his Care of Magical Creatures classes had turned dull, and he seemed to have lost his old confidence and enthusiasm.
Now, class after class, they learned to care for Flobberworms, carefully stuffing chopped lettuce leaves down their tiny throats. It was a rather monotonous task.
After lunch, Jerry sat on a bench on the grass outside the Castle, eyes half-closed as he enjoyed the warm sunshine. He was waiting for Hermione when a familiar voice broke the quiet. "Jerry!"
Jerry turned to see Professor Lupin making his way through the low bushes toward him. His smile was warm and friendly, but his face looked pale, as though he were hiding some exhaustion.
"Professor Lupin, did you need me for something?" Jerry asked politely.
Professor Lupin shook his head. "Nothing in particular. I saw you sitting here alone and thought I'd come over for a chat." He smiled. "I did make a mistake in our first Defence Against the Dark Arts class. But I'm glad you and the other Slytherin student both came through it unharmed."
"Don't worry, Professor. We're both fine," Jerry said with a smile. "To be honest, it was frightening at the time, but even now I don't know what I was afraid of. It certainly wasn't that black mist!" His tone was easy and candid.
"But why are you alone today? Where have your friends gone?" Professor Lupin asked.
"Harry's training at the Quidditch Pitch, Ron