Nightmare Wings 02

ISDH

Dinner was a quiet affair, considering it was during the beginning of winter in the Scotland Lowlands. Pot Roast and potatoes, carrots, and rolls. There was fried chicken, and ham, and other great foods.

After stuffing himself, and noticing that his head of house was was finished, Harry nudged Hermione and stood to follow her out. Ron looked torn between wanting to follow, and staying for dessert,

"Stay Ron." Harry chuckled. "Eat a slice of pie for me, would ya?"

Ron grinned, nodded and helped himself to another slice of apple pie.

As the two third years climbed the stairs to the Deputy Headmistress's office, Harry could tell his friend was compiling her list of questions. He shook his head as he snorted.

"What?" the London Witch Demanded.

"Never change, Herms, Never change." Harry grinned at her.

She frowned at him, "What are you talking about?" She then popped him in the arm, "And do not call me 'Herms'!"

"I can almost hear you listing the questions you are planning to ask once we get to Her office. 'What Happened? Is it normal? can anyone do it? How hard is it? Can we get extra credit for it? Are there any books on the subject, and where are they?" HE grinned at her, "Am I Right?"

"Prat!" she swatted his arm again in a huff as they turned down the hall to the office, "But yes."

"Like I said." He smiled at her. "Never change." He knocked on the Door.

121

The Wind Howled like the Demons of the Prison of Azkaban just outside his cave. The black shaggy beast huddled in the tight crevices hiding from more than just the wind and rain.

His Dreams were both better and worse now that he was on the 'Mainland' again. Better because his old friends, his Pack, were running with him once again. Worse, because they were now demanding to know where the Pup was and how he was doing. His Waking mind knew that they were fragments of his sanity, fighting to keep him one piece. Lily was his caring and loving self. James was his inner fighter, his Protector. And Moonie was his inner BEAST. The Grim that need to protect the Pup.

The Grim-dog whined and tucked his nose deeper under his tail as the Wind gusted across the cave opening. He sought comfort in his dreams, chasing rabbits with Moony all those years ago…

121

Minerva McGonagall watched as her favorites of her House sat across her desk from her. She knew she should not have favorites, and tried not to, but these two just…

Potter was a mix of his Parents, his Mother's thirst for learning and his Father's knack for finding trouble.

Granger was Lily reborn. She led the Two Boys out of more scarps with her common sense and good old fashioned book learning, then they could find their way into.

Shortly the Lad began to squirm, and Granger nudged him.

"Do you Remember my First Lesson, here in Class?"

"Matchstick to Needle" Granger responded promptly

"Cat" Harry grinned at Hermione, "To human, and a warning not to be late. Followed by no tom foolery then matchstick to needle."

Hermione's eyes widened, "Oh yes." Her eyes flickered over to the Headmistress. "What does mean for Harry?"

"Harry has tapped into a complex and tricky form of Magic. He has unlocked his Animagus Form." She Poured a glass of scotch from a bottle she kept in her bottom drawer. "Now Most Magicals can tap into this arcane art, but it requires deep meditation, and focus, which most Purebloods are not willing to invest into for a skill that is not that big of a pay back." She sipped from her tumblr. "I turn into a tabby cat. Now most people overlook a cat sitting or lying about, so I can move about unnoticed in most places. Only where a cat should not is my other form not advised." She sipped again, before setting the glass on the desk. "Very Rarely, does an Animagus take on an Magical Animal Form. I know a Witch in Cork that is an Owl. She is able to use the Owl Passages that the Postal Owls use." She folded her hands, "Your Father, young man, was rumored to be a Hart, a stag, if you will. It allowed him to run faster over ground and wrestle werewolves when needed." She shook her head, before grabbing the glass and glupping a swallow. "Now Your Form is that of a Thestral. I can not just show you a pic, because they are invisible for the most part. Think skeletal winged horse, and you are close. They are visible only to those who have seen death, and can eat just about anything we can, though Hagrid reports they prefer Carrion to most things." She blinked at the kids, "Most think of them as Heralds of Death due to the skeletal look and eating of dead flesh, but in truth, they are a gentle and Protective creature and we have a small herd here at the castle. They pull the carriages to and from the Village. Everyone just thinks they are pulled by themselves."

Harry blinked a few times, before clasping back into his chair. "Damn. Even among the wierd, I stand out."

"Language." Hermione chided out of reflex, while chew her lip. "To Master his new skill will weeks of meditating, and focus, you said. So how was he able to just…"

"His magic triggered to save him from the Fall." McGonagall leaned back in her oak chair. "And in truth, to learn the the skill, takes months if not years… but Mr Potter here jumped that…" She closed her eyes, "There Is a shortcut, that he can now use, if he is willing to put up with the pain, and has someone willing to inflict that pain on him daily"

Hermione's went wide, as her jaw dropped. "Who would do that?"

"Someone who had found his form, and wanted to master the change in a number of days if not weeks." the Old Witch looked at the two before her, "Understand, I do not advise this, but I know that trouble finds you and this skill can be helpful in getting out of tight places."

"Is there a way to quickly finding out if I have too have a form?" Hermione asked.

"There is a potion, but it is in the restricted section. I will copy it out for you, and you can owl for the supplies. I will oversee your brewing of the potion. I want to keep this contained. No mention of this to Fred, George, or Ron." The Stern Professor was tight lipped. "I know he is your friend, but his brothers know how to get him to talk, and he can not help but boast about this ability."

"Yes Ma'am"

"Good. Now, no doubt, you are tired. Return to your common room, think about what I have said, and your options. I will hear you out tomorrow after breakfast. Good night."

"Good night"

121

As the Fat Lady closed behind them the common room went quiet.

"So?" Ron asked. "What did she have to say?"

"Can't say." Harry answered. "Your Brothers will use it in their trouble making."

"Oh? Chorused the twin terrors. "Tell us more!"

"It means extra lessons and studies." Hermione grinned, "But I can not wait…" She dashed off to her dorm room

"Yeah, She gets to study, I get the pain." Harry grumbled.

"Pain?" Ron asked.

"Yeah. My half of the lesson, means that I must be subjected to hours of forced charms that cause a feeling like a full body stinging hex." He slumped in the stuffed chair by the fire, "Yeah me."

The Twins frowned as they perched on the arms of the chair, overshadowing the boy, "And She is okay with this?"

"Not per say, but it is the quickest way to learn, from where I am at." Harry grumbled. He glared up at the twins, "I do not think I am to be telling you this, any of this…" HE sighed, "so mum's the word, ok?" He sat up looking about, "She really does not want you two to get your hands on this art. At least while you two are at school. She all but made me and Herms take an oath on it."

"So, What…"

"...is it?"

"Can not say." Harry shook his head, looking at the boys, "I will not risk her wrath over this. But there is a potion in in the restricted section that she is copying for Hermione, and is going to oversee the brewing of. I will see if I can slip you a copy of it. Now, I have had a long day and need to sleep." he stood and shakily made his way to bed.

121

Morning Came quickly to those in the Castle, but not so quickly to the escapee in the mountains, Dawn dragged on like a wounded elk that refused to die. Just before the Sun crossed the peaks of the surrounding mountains, a black Grim padded into Hogsmeade, his Ears pulled back, listening to the wage slaves on their way to work.

"Hey, Did you hear," He overheard one say to another, "That Potter kid fell off his broom, last night. Racing Diggory's Boy into the Sky, caught the snitch, and was blown off his broom. The Dementors almost got him, before he fell into the middle of the Pitch. About a Hundred feet up, he just vanishes."

"Yeah, Hagrid was in the Pub late last night." His buddy sighed, "You how he gets after a couple of those Pitchers, he uses as pints. He was bemoaning that Boys fate. Not only does he have Black on his tail, but I hear those Demons really have it out for him. Then to have him Vanish under wards…" the man stepped forward as the line for the floo shortened, "To make matters worse, word has it that his broom met up with the Willow. That Nimbus of his was a prized possession. Got to see him last year, he flies better than most birds…"

The first wizard nodded in agreement. "Did old Hagrid say what happened to the Lad?"

"He tried to, ended up muttering on to his pitcher." The second wizard turned to look up at the Castle, "He did say the Lad was okay and safe in his own bed, but someone cast a heavy compulsion charm on him to keep mum." He shook his head, "Otherwise he would have blabbed it all."

"Aye." they shuffled forward a couple of times, "But what happened to the Lad?"

"Rumors are running wild," a witch nearby grinned, "Heard from Sprout this morning, that the Students think that the wards are failing or some such, that the boy Apperated to the Hospital ward. She joked that the Laddie was there more times per year than any five of her House."

The Grim's eyes bugged out, before turning tail and loping into the early morning shadows. Once outside of the town's sight, he flashed to his Human form, and turning on his heel, jumped to Diagon Alley, twisting the Apparition into his dog form, he trotted into the Bank.

Many Goblins watched the shaggy mutt trot passed the Guards, the tellers, and into the back halls of the Bank. Other than a tightening of their fists on their weapons, the dog was just watched.

He wondered into a small, but well decorated office, bumping the door closed with his nose, before shifting back to his human form.

The Accountant at the desk raised an eyebrow, before sneering. "Do you have an appointment?"

"I do not know, as I have been out of Contact, through no fault of mine for the last few years. While I could have arrived last week, I was busy checking on my Heir, and needed to avoid the Ministry." Black moved to sit across from the Goblin, "Apologies to the Bank for any slight, none was intended the House." He bowed his head, never breaking the locked gaze with the Accountant, "May our Profits know no limits, Our Enemies know the taste of our blades and boots, and Our Rivals know only despair and poverty." He eased into the chair.

The Goblin smirked at him. "Master Padfoot. Only you would offer such a long winded greeting in this manner." He closed the ledger book in his hands, before pulling out another. "An Heir you say." He flipped to the back third. "Not the Scion of Malfoy, I presume."

"No, The Scion of Potter. Heir Potter if he has not already claimed his Lordship." Black collapsed into the embrace of the hard wooden chair. "I was named his Godfather three days after the Pup was born, by blood ritual." He glared at the Goblin, "You should remember, you were there…"

"Ah, Scion Potter." The Goblin sneered, "Money-lord Malfoy has been trying to claim your House in his Scion's name."

"Who is the Standing Lord of Black?"

"Standing?" the Sneer shifted to a grin with teeth, "No One. The Named Heir was detained elsewhere when the Last Lord entered the Final Vault." He drew open a drawer on his desk, before digging around. Pulling out a Ring Box, crafted black oak, inlaid with silver and Onyx, he tossed it to the raggedy Wizard. "Now if you would please…"

Catching the Box, Sirius frowned, "Me? I am Heir?"

"Yes, While your Grandfather accepted that Malfoy was the Better man to Proxy his Seat on the Council, He knew that you would be the Better Lord." a quick strike of his Goblin Silver pen, "Scion Potter. Listed here as your Godson, Heir to two thirds of your Estate as of the time you were accused of the Murder of the Potters." He looked up at the Wizard, "the other Third was set aside for a Mister Lupin."

A knock on his door, before a similar looking Goblin slide in. "Gutterspike, My Ledger showed you pinging Master Potter's Account."

"BoneShear. Master Black here is talking about naming the Boy his Heir to Black." He flicked a look at the Wizard, "Is there a Problem?"

"I was wondering if you knew of a Way to contact Scion Potter." the New Goblin drew a heavy Scroll from under his suit coat. "He has not been to see me about his Accounts."

"If I may." Black sat up, "Send it to Master Lupin. I noticed that he is at Hogwarts, smelled him when I was looking in on Potter. If you send it in care of 'Moony', to 'the Son of Prongs'. He will deliver it. If asked for privacy, no one will know its passing."

"And I would do this...Why?"

"Debts owed. And none of it comes from money." Black looked at the Box in his hand, before thumbing the top up. He fished the Lord's ring out. Sliding it on, it flared…

"Lost Son, About time you took me up." a voice in the back of his mind murmured. "Alas you have failed in the First Task to the House. I sense that you are taking Steps to correct this…"

"Hold up a minute." Black leaned forward. "I, Sirius Orion Black, Lord of House Black, do Name Scion Potter mine Heir. As my Son in all but blood, I leave the Full of the Estate of Black to him, with the Understanding that He must Provide an Heir of Blood in Line with House Bylaws, and Independant of House Potter." He sighed, shook his Head, "I Declare him Adult, with all Rights and Responsibilities included there in. I return Andromeda Tonks to the House Black, with full monies owed and paid into a secondary Account. With her Return, I Claim Nymphadora Tonks as a Daughter of Black, and gift her a trust Vault. Standard Daughter of Black terms. I Declare the Black-Lestrange Contract Breached due to failure to produce an Heir and placing another above the House. I reclaim all property, moneys, and Lands gifted to House Lestrange, plus interest and Damages." He glared at Gutterspike. "Strip them of it all." A deep breath, "I name Remus Lupin as Steward of House Black until Heir Potter is able to fulfill all duties, with all that the Position entails. I rebuke House Malfoy for breach of Contract, and if these Breaches are not cleared within one year of this time today, House Black will reclaim all property, moneys, and Lands gifted to House Malfoy, plus interest and Damages. I declare that a retirement Vault be set aside for master Padfoot." The Accountant was scribbling as quickly as he could in the Ledger, "I, Sirius Orion Black, abdicate my position of Head and Lord of House Black, Passing the title, ring, and Estate to Mine Heir, Harold James Potter, Scion of Potter...Lord of Black."

"Compromise Accepted." The platinum ring fell from his finger, 'tinged' of the stone floor before floating up, into the the wooden box.

"Forgive me Pup." the Wizard sagged in his chair.

Boneshear squinted at the Wizard, "I think we should send this one to the Healers. When He is released from their care…"

"Good Idea," Gutterspike sneered, "I will contact his betrothed, and tell her that we have Male." He tapped a rune on his desk, causing the door to open as a squad of six Goblins in armour entered. "Take master…" he looked at the Ledge, "Padfoot here to the Healers." He wrote out a quick note "He is to stay, until both the Healers release him, and I take him from their care."

As Black was led from the Office, Gutterspike looked at his cousin. "Well, He has Named the Boy his Heir." He passed the ring box to his cousin, "As you are no doubt going to be Mailing Master Moony, about the Son of Prongs, would you include this ring. I have to ruin one House, and oversee their Vaults stripped to the bedrock."

"I will, but I claim three percent of Your Loot."

"Only three?"

"If What I hear is in that Vault, I profit, at no risk. Meanwhile you will be up to your nose in dragon dung and paperwork!" he cackled as he collected the ring box, and left to mail the scroll. The ring he would present when the Lordling arrived.

tbc