"YOU KNOW EGYPTIANS USED TO WORSHIP CATS." Hermione Granger's voice filled the room, stirring a sense of intrigue that lingered in the air. Olive couldn't help but grin at Hermione's words, a spark of interest igniting in her eyes as she and the Weasley twins stepped into the bustling main room of the Leaky Cauldron.

"Yeah, along with the dung beetle," Ron added, his gaze fixated on Crookshanks, Hermione's distinctive feline companion.

"Hey, that's a bit harsh, don't you think? Don't offend Cosmo with such comparisons!" Olive retorted, her words laced with an easygoing chuckle that caught the attention of the trio.

"Olive!" A bright smile spread across Hermione's face as both Crookshanks and Cosmo leapt out of their respective owners' arms, scampering towards each other in a playful dash.

"Hermione!" Olive echoed, her own grin mirroring Hermione's as she navigated her way around the table to embrace her friend in a warm hug. "It's so great to see you. How have you been keeping?"

"I've been doing well! How about you?" Hermione enquired, her curiosity piqued as the two girls finally released each other from their friendly embrace.

"Things have been amazing!" Olive replied, her soft smile radiating genuine contentment. "I have to tell you, I read that book you got me for my birthday. It was simply fascinating!"

"I'm so glad you enjoyed-" Hermione's words were abruptly cut off by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Both girls turned to find the source of the interruption.

"Oh, right! My apologies, guys." Olive's cheeks flushed a light pink as she noticed Harry and Ron looking at her. Swiftly moving to the other side of the table, she greeted them both. "Hello, Ronald." Despite rolling his eyes at her formal address, Ron couldn't help but smile as he wrapped his arm around Olive.

"And hello to you too, Harry." Olive quickly pulled away from Ron, instead wrapping her arms around The Chosen One with a warm greeting.

"Nice to see you again, Olive." Harry nodded in acknowledgment before his attention was diverted by Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley, who had just entered the room.

"You didn't actually read that book, did you?" Fred's voice was a quiet whisper as Olive took a seat between him and George.

With a shake of her head, Olive answered, "Oh, absolutely not. It was a book about potions, and potions have never been my forte." The twins shared a quiet laugh at her candid admission. "But it's the thought that counts," Olive added with a cheery grin.

"Did you hear about Sirius Black's escape?" George suddenly asked, his question sending a jolt of surprise through Olive. "Dad thinks he's going to go after Harry." Olive's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"But why would he go after Harry?" Olive asked, only to be met with looks of shock from both twins. "What?"

"Sirius Black is a death eater, Olive," Fred explained, his tone serious. "He's responsible for the murder of twelve muggles and betrayed Harry's parents to You-Know-Who." Olive felt a frown etch itself onto her face. "How did you not know about this?"

"I suppose my dad tries to shield me from all the bad stuff," Olive muttered, her gaze drifting toward the poster of her father on the wall. Her father had always spoken so highly of Sirius, regaling him with tales of their adventures and how they fell in love. The man Remus described was starkly different from the man the public perceived him to be. So, which version was the truth?

"Olive!" George's voice snapped Olive out of her thoughts. "Are you alright?"

Olive quickly nodded, forcing a smile onto her face. "Yeah. Yeah! I'm okay, just lost in thought I guess." George nodded slowly, although he didn't seem entirely convinced. Olive was known to zone out, but only when she was daydreaming about Neville during class.

"Mum's asking us to gather our things. We'll be leaving soon." Olive nodded in understanding, following the twins to their room despite the flurry of questions that continued to whirl around in her mind.

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"My father is on the train, so I've decided to sit with him this time." The twins nodded before stepping into the compartment where Angelina sat. "Hi, Lina!" Olive waved enthusiastically. "I promise to give you a proper, more heartfelt greeting when we get to Hogwarts."

"It's alright, Olive." Angelina chuckled heartily as she watched the girl scurry off, trying to find her father as quickly as possible, her small stature moving swiftly through the crowded train.

"Darling!" Remus grinned widely as his daughter stepped into the compartment, but his grin dropped as he viewed Olive's face, her expression serious.

"You have some explaining to do, father." Olive shook her head as she sat next to her father. "Would you care to explain to me how you forgot to mention that Daddy murdered twelve muggles?" Olive questioned pointedly as she shut the compartment door, while Remus pulled out his wand, muttering an Imperturbable charm under his breath.

"Olive, darling." Remus sighed heavily as his daughter sat across from him. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to think badly of him. He is your father, and you should know him as the strong, ambitious, hardheaded prick he is." Olive chuckled softly, a hint of sadness in her laughter. "Not as the person who coldly murdered twelve innocent muggles." Remus shook his head, a look of regret in his eyes.

"Do you even love Daddy anymore?" Olive questioned quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Remus sighed sadly, "As much as I deeply despise him for what he did, I do. I still love that strong, ambitious, hardheaded prick."

"Even after everything he's done?" Olive pressed.

"If Neville did something really bad, something unthinkable, would you still love him?" Remus questioned, his eyes locking with Olive's.

Olive thought for a minute before nodding, "He could always change. There's always a chance for redemption."

"Exactly." Remus smiled softly. "Just like you believe Neville could change, I believe your father could change if he really wanted to. But I need you to be extremely careful when you're at school, even if we think he can change, we don't know if he will."

"I will." Olive nodded. "Plus I'm never alone, safety in numbers, right? I've got a whole army of friends behind me."

Remus smiled, "Safety in numbers indeed." Olive let out a yawn making Remus grin. "Time for a nap?"

Olive nodded, "Yes, nap time."

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"Come on. Everywhere else is full." Hermione's assertive voice echoed in the usually quiet room, making Olive whine in irritation. She had just begun to fall into a peaceful slumber, tucked away in her fathers side.

"Who do you reckon that is? And why is Olive sleeping on him?" Ron, ever the curious one, questioned with an air of bewilderment, making Hermione hush him with a stern look.

"I was about to drift into dreamland before you guys rudely woke me up." Olive groaned, a hint of annoyance seeping into her voice. Harry, ever the gentleman, promptly sat next to her, sending her an apologetic smile. "This is my father, Remus Lupin. Or as you guys will know him, Professor Lupin. He's the new Defense Against Dark Arts professor." Olive's smile softened as she looked at her father, love evident in her eyes.

"Is he sleeping, Olive?" The question snapped her back to reality.

She nodded in response, even though she could clearly tell he wasn't asleep by his uneven, ragged breaths. "Why?"

"I have to tell you guys something." Olive's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She knew Harry considered her a friend, but she didn't know she was considered to be part of his trusted inner circle.

"Are you sure you want me here?" Olive questioned, a hint of insecurity lacing her words. "I can leave if you want?" As she went to stand, Harry's hand shot out, grabbing her arm and softly pulling her back down.

"It's alright, Olive." Harry reassured her, his voice filled with sincerity as he nodded.

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"Let me get this straight, Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban to come after you?" Olive felt a pang of regret for not insisting harder on leaving the compartment when she'd had the chance. If she'd known her father was going to be discussed, she would have done everything in her power to avoid the situation. Now, however, she was trapped, forced to listen to her friends casually chatting about her father. The expression on her face was one of deep concern.

Harry responded with a simple nod, "Yeah."

"But surely the authorities will recapture Black, won't they?" Hermione's voice was full of uncertainty as she fixed her gaze on Harry. Olive couldn't help but think to herself, Sure, if he didn't have the ability to transform into an animal. "I mean, everyone's looking for him."

"Sure." Ron agreed with a nod of his head. "Except the fact that no one has ever managed to escape from Azkaban before, and...he's a murderous, raving lunatic." Olive's eyebrows furrowed at this, but she decided to stay silent.

"Thanks, Ron." Harry's voice dripped with sarcasm just as the train juddered to an abrupt halt.

"Why are we stopping?" Olive couldn't keep the confusion out of her voice as she looked around the compartment before standing and opening the door. "Does anyone have any idea why we've halted?" Olive directed her question at the equally puzzled passengers in the corridor, but only received shrugs in response. Suddenly, the train jerked violently, causing Olive to stumble backward.

"Olive! Are you okay?" Ron extended a hand to help her up.

Olive nodded, brushing herself off, "I'm fine. No one seems to know why the train is stopped. Maybe we've broken down?" Just as the words left her mouth, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the compartment into darkness. Olive felt a wave of fear wash over her as she reached out blindly, finding Harry's hand and clutching it tightly. "Is now an inappropriate time to mention that I have a crippling fear of the dark?" Olive's voice was shaky. "As in, deathly afraid." Harry squeezed Olive's hand in an attempt to comfort her.

"There's something moving outside." Ron's voice was barely a whisper as he stared out of the window. "I think someone's coming aboard."

"Great, just what I needed." Olive's voice was filled with dread. "I'm living out my worst nightmare." Olive's breathing became ragged as she gripped Harry's hand tighter, causing him to wince. "Hermione." Olive turned towards Hermione.

"I'm here." Hermione responded immediately, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Olive's knee. "It's alright, Olive. Just try to normalize your breathing." Hermione's calm voice seemed to soothe Olive somewhat.

"No, not the cold." Olive's voice cracked as she felt a chill seep into the compartment. She leaned into Harry, desperate for warmth. Tears welled up in her eyes as the train jolted once more. All of her worst fears were being realized in this one moment - the darkness, heights, and the freezing cold. She would rather endure any other form of torment, but the prospect of freezing to death was unbearable.

Olive's breath hitched as a dark figure came into view. A Dementor. "Oh god." She barely managed to whisper as she tightened her grip on Harry's hand to the point where he would likely have bruises. She watched in terrified silence as the compartment door slid open to reveal the Dementor in the doorway. Olive watched in abject horror as the Dementor turned towards Harry, preparing to suck the life out of him.

"Dad." Olive shook Remus. Apparently he had actually fallen asleep during their conversation. "Dad. Dad!" Remus's eyes snapped open before he stood, holding his wand out. Olive watched as the Dementor swiftly retreated, leaving Harry to collapse against her, unconscious.

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Olive sighed in profound relief as the previously dimmed lights flickered back to life, piercing the darkness that had enveloped the train, restoring visibility and marking the return of normalcy. Simultaneously, the train, which had been eerily still, started to rumble beneath her feet, indicating movement. "I'm going to find Neville," Olive declared with determination, her voice echoing in the narrow compartment before she swiftly exited, her hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor.

"Neville?" Olive's voice echoed tentatively as she navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the train, her voice echoing off the cold metal walls.

Her heart pounded in her chest but relief washed over her like a wave when a compartment door finally opened. Neville, the shaggy-haired boy she had been desperately searching for, peeked out. "Neville!" Olive softly exclaimed, her voice choked with relief as she flung herself at him, finding solace as she buried her head in the comforting fabric of his chest.

"It's alright, Olive. It's over now," Neville assured her, wrapping his arm protectively around her petite frame. All the while, Dean, a silent observer till now, discreetly closed the compartment door, providing them with a semblance of privacy. "It's alright." Neville's voice was a soothing whisper, a balm to her frazzled nerves. He motioned for Seamus to move aside, creating space for them to sit down. "Everyone's alright. You're alright."

Olive nodded in response, her heart still pounding in her chest as she pulled away from him. "I was living my worst nightmare," Olive confessed in a hushed whisper. She found comfort as she leaned into Neville, who reciprocated by wrapping his arm around her shoulders, allowing her to nestle into the safety of his side. "Hi guys," Olive muttered, her greeting barely audible. Seamus and Dean, understanding the ordeal she was going through, responded with soft smiles. They comprehended that Olive was having a difficult time and thus, they didn't mind the bland greeting.

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"You really ought to consider joining the choir with Trevor, Nev," Olive suggested, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to contain her giggles. Neville could only roll his eyes at her suggestion as they, along with everyone else in the room, attentively listened to the harmonious singing of the choir.

"Imagine that!" Seamus interjected, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in amusement. His chuckle was barely audible over the choir's melody. "Trevor would probably croak out the wrong tune by mistake." At this, Olive couldn't help but hold a hand to her mouth, her entire body shaking as she tried to stifle her laughter. When the choir finally ended their beautifully harmonized piece, they gracefully made their way back to their respective tables, leaving the rest of the room in appreciative silence.

"Welcome!" Dumbledore stepped forward. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Now I'd like to say a few words before we all become too befuddled by out excellent feast. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor RJ Lupin who's kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Goodluck, Professor."

"Yeah!" Olive cheered with an enthusiasm that was infectious. Her voice, clear and filled with joy, echoed in the air. "That's my dad!" she yelled out proudly. Her declaration was followed by a moment of silence before it was broken by the hearty laughter of her piers. The sound of their laughter was music to her ears as they joined in her happiness. Remus searched the crowd, his eyes scanning over the sea of faces until they finally landed on his daughter. A warm smile spread across his face, the sight of Olive cheering for him amongst her friends filled his heart with pride and joy.

"That's your father?" Fred asked, his eyes wide as he stared at the unfamiliar figure now occupying the professor's chair. Olive couldn't help but respond with a nod and a broad grin that took up most of her face.

"He's aware that your social circle is predominantly comprised of boys, yes?" George questioned further, a hint of apprehension in his voice. His eyes flicked back to Olive, who was still grinning from ear to ear.

Olive responded with a soft giggle that echoed through the room, "Yes, he is well aware that I spend the majority of my time in the company of boys. You don't need to concern yourself with the thought of an overprotective father speech."

Fred and George let out a sigh of relief almost in unison. "Oh, thank Godric," they murmured, their relief palpable.

"Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his remaining limbs." Olive shook her head with a soft laugh, knowing that the Headmaster wasn't kidding. "Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid."

Olive cheered for the man as she leaned into George who was sat next to her. "Finally, on a more disquieting note at the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will, until further notice, play host to the dementors of Azkaban until suck time as Sirius Black is captured. The dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the grounds. Now whislt I've been assured that their pressence will not disrupt our day-to-day activites, a word of caution. Dementors are vicious creatures. "

Olive's eyes widen as Dumbledore's eyes travelled to her, "They'll not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one who gets in their way. Therefore, I must warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of a dementor to be forgiving." Dumbledore held up his fingers. "But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times." A candle blew out. "If one only remembers to turn on the light." The candle's flame was back.

"Well, it's quite reassuring to know we have our own personal beacon of light amongst us, isn't it?" Dean remarked with a warm smile directed at Olive, prompting the girl to beam back at him. This exchange occurred just as the feast magically materialized right in front of them, a spectacle that never failed to amaze.

"Hey, that's mine!" The sudden outburst from Fred snapped Olive out of her daze, diverting her attention towards him.

"No way, I snagged it first!" Seamus retorted, his voice equally forceful. And there he was, practically sprawled out across the table, locked in a comical tussle with Fred over a tantalizing drumstick.

Without missing a beat, Olive swiftly pulled out her wand, concealing it beneath the table as she discreetly murmured the incantation, "Accio, drumstick." Following her command, the coveted drumstick flew out of Seamus and Fred's clutch. Caught off balance, Seamus tumbled backwards, ultimately landing off the bench with a thump.

"Ouch!" Seamus groaned in discomfort, his predicament inciting laughter from everyone around. Puzzled, he questioned as he gingerly settled back down on the bench, "Where did it go?" He found Fred mirroring his confusion, both of them equally baffled by the sudden disappearance of their prize.

"I believe I might have a clue." Neville chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked at the girl seated across from him. There she was, Olive — nonchalantly enjoying the sole drumstick in their vicinity, much to everyone's amusement.