Chapter One
The Road
There's a road to becoming evil. It's long and confusing and has twists and turns. It's not dark. Not in my opinion, at least. In my opinion, it's well lit. It's easy to get lost and even easier to find your way back. Getting on it is rarely your choice. There's a day in your life where you stand before two trails. They're seemingly identical until you take the first few steps down. That being so, it's hard for you to predict which one is right. It gets chosen for you in the end.
My road was chosen for me when I was eleven years old and climbed atop the stool at Hogwarts to find out which house I was to be in. Would I be in Ravenclaw like my father? I was rather witty and clever. I always had a plan. Perhaps Gryffindor like my mum. I was loyal and brave enough. Willing to go to any lengths for the good of my friends.
Maybe I'd even get Hufflepuff. I'd been called kind and compassionate many times.
The Sorting Hat had said 'You have a choice, but it also is up to me...what is it you choose, child?'
All I could think was 'Put me where I belong. Put me where I will survive.'
And then the hat declared 'Slytherin!'
I could feel my face fall. The other children I had met on the train looked confused. Of course they were. I had made them laugh, bought them treats off the trolley and eased their nerves about coming here. They, much like myself, couldn't comprehend why I had been placed in a house infamous for cunning and blind ambition.
I recall my feet dragging as I walked to my house's table and how my shoulders slumped when I sat down. It didn't matter how many friendly faces greeted me, it only mattered how many seething faces I perceived. For no reason did they look angry. It was frightening.
That was when I realized that I had no say in my fate.
Which brings us to the day I began my long trek down the path of malevolence. The path of death and destruction. The path of corruption and cruelty.
It was by the lake that I was fiercely kissing Caradoc Dearborne. A Hufflepuff with a kind heart and handsome face. While his house had no qualms with our relationship, Slytherin highly discouraged it. Going as far as to threaten to rough the both of us up. Blane Swott in particular. I had insisted our relationship end, at least until we had left Hogwarts. Caradoc was much more resilient. He had protested and offered up the idea that we were to be secret lovers. A romantic notion.
I recall being in love with the proposition. Being enraptured in the concept of a forbidden romance.
That was before this night. The night of a full moon where Caradoc first said that he loved me.
"I know that I've never said it...but I love you, Josephine," breathed Caradoc holding my face in one of his hands.
I smiled slightly, switching from sitting cross legged on the grass to resting on my knees.
"I think I've know that for a while," I admitted.
Caradoc's hand slid down to my neck and he gently pulled my face to his, our lips locking. My fingers found their way into his dark curls and I kissed him back, passionately.
It was the most perfect moment I could imagine. Kissing the boy I loved by the lake where the pale moon light glimmered. The only thing looking at us were the stars above and perhaps the giant squid. Caradoc had shown me love and kindness. Granted that not all Slytherins were quite so cunning and I had a handful of true friends within them, I had still longed for more tender compassion. A relationship where the reason behind it was to simply be with me and not gain anything other than my company. Caradoc had given that to me.
Perhaps that mindset was what had given me the courage to proceed with our relationship. Even after the Yule Ball our fourth year.
Phineas Elkins, one year senior than me, had seen me dancing with Caradoc and caught us kissing in the corridor. He warned me that Hufflepuffs were lower than Pigmy Puffs and to date one of them was a disgrace to our house. I had tried to break it off with Caradoc after that. Telling him it was dangerous for us to be together. He didn't care though.
Often, his friends would cover for us. Even Colette Salt, a Slytherin Prefect, lied for me. She, much like myself, was a die-hard romantic and perhaps my closest friend.
However, no matter of lies and deception could save us from this moment.
"Ah, there!"
Caradoc and I separated, glancing in the direction of the voice we had just heard. Striding towards us was Corin Bullstrode, Phineas Elkins, Nelda Flint and, of course, Blane Swott. All wearing sinister smiles.
"Shit," Caradoc murmured.
I almost gasped, but managed to keep my jaw set. I could feel my eyes widen in shock.
Caradoc and I quickly jumped to our feet, ready for a fight. Caradoc had his hand resting on the wand in the pocket of his coat. I had mine raised and stood poised to attack. After all, my father had trained me not to rely on magic alone, but combat in addition. I had been banned from the dueling club because my attacks were not merely with my wand but with my feet and fists.
I recall apologizing to McGonagall and explaining that I meant only to win, not to inflict harm. I told her that my father was an Auror and had trained me in the art of wand combat. To my relief, she had believed me. I was informed that my skills were too advanced for an even match and that though I could continue playing Quidditch Keeper, I was no longer allowed to duel.
Unfortunately this had left me as more of an adequate duelist, and a better fighter.
A tense silence lingered in the mere feet that separated us.
"Let's just talk, shall we?" Caradoc suggested in a tranquil voice.
My eyes narrowed, focusing on Blane. He looked at the large and burly Corin, nodding at me. My gaze flickered to him. Corin drew his wand out of his robes and whipped it at me. Ropes shot out in my direction. Quickly I tucked and rolled to the side, narrowly escaping their grasp.
I looked back to Caradoc who was charging Henry. Blane waved his wand in an almost lazy fashion, Caradoc was sent flying towards the lake, landing on his back. He coughed as the air left his lungs.
I scrambled to my feet, trying to reach his side and help him up. I couldn't though.
Ropes snagged me around the arms and waist. I yanked away from Caradoc and into the arms of Corin Bullstrode. He chuckled darkly. Clearly proud that his second attempt to restrain me had been a success.
"Careful, Corin. Make sure she stays bound," Nelda warned, rolling her sleeves up over her bony arms.
I screamed as loud as I could. My lungs burned as they strained to reach top volume. Corin's hand clamped over my mouth and I watched in horror as Nelda, Blane and Phineas approached the slowly recovering Caradoc. He stumbled to his feet, drawing in wheezing breaths. My teeth fought to bite Corin's palm but couldn't seem to get a grip.
"Listen...I'll leave Josephine alone. We'll...we'll never see each other again... Let's just pretend this never hap...happened," Caradoc panted.
My eyes widened as I looked at Blane. He seemed to consider Caradoc's offer.
"No," Blane replied simply.
Blane' fist collided with Caradoc's nose, who was sent to the pebbly shore. Nelda kicked him in the stomach causing him to grunt out in pain.
Tears began to stream down my cheeks and I struggled more against my restraints.
'You're a Slytherin, Jo! You're determined and cunning and ambitious! You're willing to do whatever it takes to get what you want! Fight harder! Harder!' a strong voice within me encouraged.
I opened my mouth again, my teeth grazing Corin's palm. I clamped my jaw, catching his flesh and biting some off. He yelped out in pain and pushed me away. A metallic taste tainted my tongue. Blood.
Corin gaped at his hand, obviously in awe at the chunk of skin missing.
"You bitch!" he yelled, looking up at me.
I took this opportunity of confusion to charge him, my right shoulder leading. Though my arms were bound to my sides, the slight speed I had gathered within the few yards between Corin and I caused him to fall over. His head smacked the ground and his eyes closed. Momentarily incapacitated. Looking over my shoulder I saw the horrifying sight of Nelda, Blane and Walter beating Caradoc senseless.
My eyes scanned the grass for my wand, finally landing on it just feet away. Once more, I threw myself into a tuck and roll, my hand grabbing the wand as I landed upright. Bending my wrist at an uncomfortable angle, I aimed my wand at the ropes. There was a sizzling as my 'incendio' spell dissolved the ropes to ash.
Finally free, I leapt to my feet.
A perfect opportunity was before me. Blane, Nelda and Phineas had their backs to me. They were all too mesmerized in the tormenting of poor Caradoc.
I pointed my wand at Nelda and yanked her to me. She screamed as she slid the short distance across the grass. Blane and Phineas spun around, bewildered. As Nelda came within reach, I threw my right arm into a heavy thrust. My knuckles met her jaw and she flipped, landing on the ground. She clutched her face and moaned.
I waved my wand again and hoisted Phineas into the air by his ankle. Blane laughed loudly in a sick sort of amusement. It distracted me just slightly, but the rage burning within helped me to focus on my target again. I flung Phineas back in my direction and he fell to the ground, with a thud. He puffed in the same way Caradoc had just moments ago and struggled to stand to his feet. As soon as he managed to haul himself up, bending over and gasping for breath, my leg lifted up and the bottom of my boot collided with his cheek. A gash instantly appearing.
"Bravo, Josephine! Bravo!" applauded Blane.
My eyes flickered to Caradoc who was crumpled up on the ground. I gasped and ran forward. His lip was busted and his right eye swollen. Bruises were already starting to form on his body. I brushed some hair away from his sweat coated forehead.
"Oh, Josephine, Josephine, Josephine… We warned you, love," Blane sighed in a chiding tone.
My head whipped around and I glared up at Blane.
"Well, you took down Phineas, Nelda and Corin. I s'pose that I'm next then?"
He sounded almost bored.
"Yes, you are," I growled.
I leapt to my feet, my wand extended at him. My chest heaved with exasperation, I felt as though I were going to explode with wrath. For some reason, no curse escaped my wand. Nothing. I just glared at him, trembling with anger.
"Oh, Jo. Come on. Take me down. Look what I've done to poor Caradoc. I deserve to have something done to me."
"You do…but I want to make you a deal," I replied in a low voice.
Blane raised a fair brow and cocked his head to the side.
"I'll leave you unscathed and won't tell Dumbledore about this incident, if you leave Caradoc alone. Do anything to me. Leave Caradoc alone," I reiterated.
Blane stroked his chin thoughtfully. My breathing quickened as I watched Corin start to limp over to Nelda's side, aiding her. I struggled to maintain steady eye contact with Blane's cool gaze.
"Anything? We can do anything to you?" he clarified.
I swallowed, wanting to eat my words. This deal I had struck was very poorly worded. I hadn't been thinking. Finally, I answered.
"Anything," I confirmed.
It seemed like Phineas, Nelda and Corin had appeared out of thin air.
"Josephine here says that in exchange for Caradoc's safety, we can do anything we like to her," Blane informed them.
Nelda rubbed her face, her dark eyes burning into me as Corin pulled her to his side. A menacing grin spread on Phineas' face and he chuckled quietly.
"I think we should accept, Blane… Let's accept," urged Phineas.
"Yes, Josephine. We'll accept your offer. Corin, make sure that Caradoc can't go anywhere. Nelda, Phineas, grab Josephine."
Nelda and Phineas grabbed my arms, holding me back. Corin strode over to Caradoc languidly, Blane watching with eager eyes.
"What are you-what are you-what are you doing?" I stammered.
Corin stood over the shaking, damaged and destroyed Caradoc. I shook my head.
"No! No! No! Don't hurt him! You can't hurt him!"
Corin gave Caradoc a swift kick in the ribs causing him to gasp out in pain. His finger opened and closed, grasping at the pebbles. I sobbed, my eyes overflowing with tears.
"Leave him alone! Leave him alone, Corin!"
Another kick to Caradoc's gut.
"Stop! Please stop! Please stop!" I begged, looking from Corin to Blane. "Blane, call him off! Please make him stop!"
Blane rolled his eyes and waved his hand flippantly.
"Enough, Corin. That's enough," ordered Blane.
Corin spit on Caradoc who had passed out, then pointed his wand at him. A white bolt of light shot out and Caradoc went stiff as a block. A groaned out in agony, pulling against the grasp of Phineas and Nelda. I could feel an excessive amount of tears begin to stream down my face and gasps escape my lips. How was this happening? How had I let myself be so stupid and selfish? I should have cut ties with Caradoc when I had the chance.
"Alright, time for Josephine to hold up her end of the bargain. To the Forbidden Forest!" Blane declared.
They began to tow me towards the tree line of the forest. I didn't even struggle. I could only cry.
"After all, it's a full moon. I'd hate to miss the opportunity to see a werewolf. What's the time, Corin?" asked Blane.
"Almost ten fifteen, Blane."
"Lovely. In just a half hour the moon will be at its zenith and we may see a transformation! Wouldn't that be exciting, Josephine?" Blane added with mock enthusiasm.
I shook my head in objection, my eyes wide with fear.
"No. No, Blane! This is so stupid! This is madness! Surely, there are better things to do!" I shouted.
He didn't respond.
Deeper and deeper, we delved into the Forbidden Forest. Eventually, I gave up trying to escape. I surrendered. Something I rarely did. We arrived at a clearing when Blane had decided we had gone far enough. I was thrown to the ground. Luckily, the damp earth cushioned my fall.
"You'll find your way out by morning I'm sure…if the werewolves don't get you first," Blane explained.
He whipped out his wand and pointed it at my leg. There was a loud crack and a bolt that looked like lightning struck me in the shin. There was a snapping noise and a surge of pain went through me. He'd broken my leg. I let out a cry of pain and felt to the ground, clutching my calf.
"Give Josephine her wand. We aren't so monstrous to leave her that unprotected against a werewolf," Blane ordered casually. "And if Dumbledore hears of this being our fault…Caradoc will have a lot more than some bruises and broken ribs. I'm sure you'll come up with an excuse. A resourceful girl like yourself."
Corin tossed my wand at me, still wearing a furious expression. Not that I could blame him.
The last thing I heard as they disappeared into the forest was Blane telling Nelda she would need to obliviate Caradoc's memories of this night.
I couldn't help but snivel slightly at the agony rushing through my body. I hugged my leg to my chest, rocking back and forth. I tried to resolve some way to get out of this situation. Limp away when the pain subsided was my best bet.
"Snap!"
I looked up from my mangled leg, my eyes darting about my surroundings. All I could see was moonlit trees and rocks covered in moss. I took a deep, shaky breath and surveyed the area. My fingers gripped the handle of my wand, as if I had enough focus to fire a proper spell.
"Hello? Who's there?" I called out in a feeble voice.
I prayed it was Firenze. A centaur I had come across in these woods once. I had been lost and he had guided me out. It wasn't my four legged friend though. It was Him. The one who ruined my life.
"Hello, girl."
My head whipped around in alarm, eyes wide with fear. A man emerged from the shadows dressed in a long, dark coat and rugged pants. His chest and feet were bare. However, that was not the most shocking thing about his appearance. It was the massive patches of hair consuming almost every inch of his skin. It was not as thick as an animal's, but far more thick than any human's. His nose was flattened at the bridge and his eyes were black as coals. Too black. No whites visible. He resembled a vicious dog.
An eerie smile broke out on his face to reveal sharpened teeth. I shrunk back somewhat as he stepped towards me, attempting to ignore the stabbing agony in my leg while I scooted away. Dirt coated my jeans and twigs hit my palms. He continued to approach me.
"Who are you?" he asked in a pensive tone.
I aimed my wand at him, my hand trembling. He chuckled darkly and shook his head.
"Are you really so afraid, girl?" questioned the man.
"Stay back," I warned, my voice wavering.
He took another step, almost mocking me.
"I mean it! Stay back!"
My voice was hoarse and weak. Tears were falling down my face.
"All I want to know is the pretty girl's name," he shrugged.
I swallowed, still aiming my wand at him with a quivering fingers.
"I'm Josephine. Now leave me be!"
The man's back arched in an unnatural fashion. I gasped as he laughed.
"I wish I could. However, I can't really control myself at the present time," he groaned.
I felt my eyes widen even more. There was no more need to hint or taunt me with cryptic statements. This man was a werewolf. I had moments before the moon reached its zenith and he transformed, leaving me no chance at defending myself. My arms and legs quaked. I knew I couldn't make a run for it. A girl with a broken leg who had already expended most of her energy, dragging herself through the dirt in vain attempt to save her life was in no fit state to sprint off into the woods.
Another crack sounded and the man's arms began to sprout hair, claws extended from his fingertips.
I gasped loudly.
"You know," the man began drawing in a quick breath. "You're quite beautiful."
I shook my head vigorously as if that would change the situation I was in. As if my denying the circumstances would save me. I waved my wand, sending a 'stupefy' spell his way, but it missed. My focus was off. Way off. With good reason.
"I think I'll keep you when I'm done," grunted the man.
A bloodcurdling scream erupted my lips as the man's mouth elongated into a snout. My eyes darted about searching for cover or a weapon. A way out. I had nothing.
I pointed my wand at my mangled leg, Bandages shot out, binding themselves around my calf. A human cry and animalistic roar sounded from the werewolf as I forced myself to my feet. I started to limp away, deep down knowing that I didn't stand a chance. If I'd learned anything about werewolves in Defense Against the Dark Arts it was that they had a keen sense of smell; so even if I could manage to hide behind a tree the beast would still be able to sniff me out.
Still, doomed as I was I couldn't bring myself to give up. To stop fighting. With labored breath I hobbled through the woods, bracing myself against the trees. The sounds of a man in agony faded away and were replaced by the howls of an animal. Hopefully, my intuition that the castle grounds were just north was correct and even more hopefully, I was almost there with help on the way.
As I said before though, I was doomed. I didn't even see the tree line when I heard the bounding of lithe feet behind me.
I spun against the base of a large tree, planting myself against it. Tears streamed down my face along with steady beads of sweat. I could hear him. The snapping of twigs and the crunching of leaves beneath his massive paws. I could even hear the snuffling of his snout against my scent's trail. My wand free hand clamped over my mouth, trying to quiet my breathing. Again, I knew it was no use. I was done for. Done.
A scream erupted from my lips as the werewolf appeared face to face before me. Though the scream as muffled by my hand, he still heard it. He roared loudly in my face and my arms snapped to my sides, fingers clawing at the bark behind me in frustration that there was nothing I could do. The wolf's hot breath ran over my face, cooling it in places where perspiration had heartily gathered. I yelled with him, bracing myself for the feeling of his fangs sinking into my flesh. It would be painful. It would be agony.
I couldn't believe this. The situation was pure lunacy. I was about to become a werewolf. It seemed my fate of becoming evil was soon to be sealed.
'Maybe I won't become a werewolf. Maybe he'll maul me to death instead,' I thought in what was left of my sound mind.
My eyes met the wolf's. They weren't much different from when he had been a human. He sniffed my face, taunting me almost. It was as if the werewolf knew what he was doing. Playing with his food.
A fire burned within me. I felt almost insulted. Something I could not stand. Being insulted, mocked or even watching it occur to my friends had never ceased to get a rise out of me.
"JUST DO IT!" I shouted.
For I knew there was no escaping and he was not going to leave me unscathed. The werewolf lunged forward towards my shoulder and sank his fangs into my skin.
You would think I would have fought back. Someone as skilled in combat as me. Instead I stood there and took it. I resigned to it. That was odd for me. I never took anything lying down. I couldn't fathom why now was any different. Why today was the day I'd decided to give up. The day that mattered most. I didn't know then that I had a purpose. I was supposed to be a werewolf. Everything had been building up to this.
*Well? Interested in more? I loved this character so much I couldn't resist writing her a story of her own. So should I continue? Would you read it? Please review and let me know. I got the next chapter almost finished!*
My love and lots of chocolate from Lupin,
Ocean Eyed Redhead