Wolfsbane
Companion to Harry Potter and the Unprecedented Situations
Disclaimer: I am not J.K Rowling, nor do I own the Harry Potter characters or franchise.
Warning: Story contains Lemons, carnage, and mature language.
Beta: The most amazing and wonderful beta Stephanie O, who accepted the challenge of correcting my numerous mistakes. May the odds be ever in her favor.
Chapter Two
Sorting
Lily's POV:
"You have everything, I reckon?" Daddy smiles briefly, his tired green eyes looking into my chocolate one's with warmth and a tinge of sadness. After Mum died he never looks fully happy anymore, but he manages to make up for it with his enthusiasm and effort to be the lovely father he is.
"Yes daddy… but what if I'm not in Gryffindor or Slytherin?" trembling with fear at this realization, I busy my self with assuring my snowy owl, Dighew, that he will be quite alright in his cage for the trip as he flutters about angrily. Daddy watches me silently, his eyes brightening with understanding at my concern. James was a Gryffindor to the core, his bravery always shining threw when the need arises. Albus was generally cunning; his schemes seemed to keep him out of trouble and he was in favor of most people he meets when he decides to be sociable. I was cunning, brave, and loyal… but my heart wasn't set on either house. I knew Daddy wouldn't care, but my brothers and Uncle Ron would if I didn't end up in a respectable house.
"Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff are just as well off as Slytherin or Gryffindor. One of your namesakes, your Aunt Luna to be exact, was a Ravenclaw and as you know is one of the brightest witches around. I have always suspected your Aunt Hermione would have done well in that house. I competed with a Hufflepuff during the Tri- wizard tournament, and he was a very honest man. You have nothing to fear but fear itself, Lily." Daddy smiled genuinely, and I smiled back in surprise at his attempt to reassure me. Daddy never mentions his role during the tournament; it was nice that he decided to open up a bit.
"If anyone gives you a hard time about your werewolf heritage tell Neville, Albus, Scorpius, Rose or Victoire. If you feel like owling me, though, I will be on the nearest broom stick available to Hogwarts. No one has the right to bully you, and they have plenty to fear if they think they can tease the great Harry Potter's daughter." Daddy mutters seriously, but his deep green eyes wink at me with humor. I agree, holding my arms out for a hug. Daddy easily kneels, lifting me into a tight embrace as he kisses my long copper curls. I kiss his scarred face, nuzzling his neck before releasing him.
Daddy rests his calloused hands upon my shoulders as Albus and Scorpius join us, followed by my godparents. Scorpius gives me a warm smile, and I blush, my cheeks heating up as I smile back. Albus mutters something in his ear, and Scorpius shrugs him off, his lovely blue eyes peeling off of me as he turns to shove my brother. Draco, my godfather, looks very tired as he holds my godmother's hand. Astoria smiles at us enthusiastically, her stomach slightly protruding from her green gown as she carries my god sister in her womb.
"I take it that Scorpius and Albus gave you a rough night?" Daddy glares at Albus openly before appraising Draco with concerned eyes. Draco runs his available fingers through his thinning golden hair, much like Scorpius does when he is stressed, I muse.
"A bit. They decided to chase the colts around the pens, resulting in a few angry mothers to chase after them in retaliation. It took hours and a few calming spells to get the lot to settle, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. The Pegasus' are a bit jumpy, but in a few days everything should be calm, I hope." Draco sneered slightly towards his son, and Scorpius inched away a bit, his blue eyes downcast as Albus inched towards him to avoid daddy's annoyed gaze. Daddy knew that breeding mystical horses was a hobby that helped distract my godfather from the past, and he seemed to be thinking of a suitable punishment.
"Albus, you are to help Neville every weekend this month with tending to the Hogwarts plants, in the forest and out. If Draco agrees, Scorpius will share this punishment." Daddy looked pointedly at my godparents, and they nodded in agreement, Draco looked slightly more appeased. "I will owl Neville then, and get his approval." Daddy muttered, and both boys looked less than happy.
Extremely glad everything was better, I happily embraced both my godparents. Draco held me warmly before releasing me, his lips pulled into a crooked grin. "I hope we end up with a daughter as well behaved as you, Lily. At least Hogwarts will have one behaved Potter on its grounds." Draco teased, Astoria nodded in agreement, holding me firmly before letting me go. "You would do well in Slytherin, love." Astoria whispers, holding my godfather's hand more tightly in hers.
Smiling politely at them both, I give my Daddy a proper goodbye hug before retreating with Scorpius and Albus. Scorpius pushes my cart like the gentleman he is towards the loading station, as Albus trudges along silently. I hide between them as unknown witches and wizards with their children watch us silently, curiosity and slight fear etched on their faces.
"I didn't think everyone would still be in awe after so much time," Albus quietly complains as he helps Scorpius carefully unload my owl and trunk from the cart and into the train.
I cover my face with my hair, trying hard to not cry as people's mutters carry through the wind. "Mother…" "Dead…" "Harry…" "Werewolf…" Words drift into my sensitive ears as people gossip about the newest Potter to attend Hogwarts. Both boys finish unloading my cart, Albus climbing into the train to save us a compartment as Scorpius approaches me, concerned. Running his fingers through his golden hair, he timidly smiles as he wraps a comforting arm around me.
"What's wrong, Lil's?" Scorpius whispers, knowing that despite the train and other voices I would still hear him.
"They won't stop… they don't even know me or our family and they keep whispering… my head hurts," I complain; and Scorpius frowns, pulling me closer protectively as he blocks everyone's view of me with his much larger body. Leading me to the train, I cuddle to him, reassured as he helps me onto the steps. The train walls serve to keep out the worst of the noise as I climb on, and I wait for him to join me as I ignore the silent stares of the passengers. Scorpius is quick and silent as he ascends; blocking curious eyes from me again as he escorts me to seek out Albus.
"Better?" He whispers again, his breath tickling my ear, and I blush. Both Albus and Scorpius are in their third year, and quietly respected in the school. Albus seemed to take over James' spot with popularity, his broody and quiet nature quietly effective with the ladies as they flocked around him, much to his annoyance. Scorpius also has his fair share of groupies, I notice with distaste as they glare at me, jealous.
Finding the compartment that held my brother, our elder cousins Starlet and Solar sit across from him with matching smiles as they read the Quibbler. Albus strokes Solar's calico, Starburst, as he looks up at us, annoyed.
"Took you both bloody long enough. Don't just stand there…" He mutters, his green eyes dark with annoyance. I glare at him, sitting next to the window as he pulls Scorpius to the seat opposite him, talking excitedly about James and his position with our Uncle Charlie as a dragon breeder.
Ignoring him, I scout out Daddy in the sea of unfamiliar faces. Pulling the window down a smidgen, I press my nose to the crack and try to sniff out his familiar woodsy scent. Catching it as the train bellows a warning, I yip and hear his voice almost as clear as day as he waves to me from the noisy platform; my godparents are with him watching us, amused.
"Remember, I'll be at the forest home monthly if you need me. Don't think you're alone, Lily." He barely seems to speak, but I catch it. Smiling at him with a slight nod, he watches anxiously as the train pulls away.
Sitting back, I am content with dozing the hours away as I drift into much needed sleep. My dreams are full of a friendly and brave boy that I grew up with; his smoldering blue eyes and light blonde hair are the highlight of my thoughts as I snuggle to my brother, content.
Nine hours later
"Lily…" Albus hisses, his voice annoyed as he shoves me. Shooting upwards, I gaze around confused as I try to remember why I am on a moving train.
"We need to get our robes on…" Scorpius kindly reminds me, his expression tired as he hands me a bag. Reaching in sleepily, I fish out my robe before handing it back to him. Thanking him for his kindness, while glaring at Albus, I hurriedly pull my robe over my clothing. Albus and Scorpius are already dressed in their house clothing as Starlet and Solar retrieve the bag to pull their Ravenclaw outfits and robes out. Excusing themselves, they leave to properly dress.
Starburst contently plays with the extendible bag Daddy let the twins borrow so we wouldn't have to carry our heavy trunks into our compartments. Stretching, I kneel and pet Starburst's soft fur with my fingertips,; Scorpius watches me silently as Albus fiddles with his wand.
Albus was very proud of his wand, because it was almost exactly like Daddy's. His wand was the same in every aspect, besides the shared core. His is phoenix and Holly, eleven inches, but a different phoenix than the one that provided its feather for the core to Daddy's wand. Scorpius and I had the same length wands, but different core and wood. Our wands are eleven inches, but mine was willow with unicorn hair while his was mahogany with dragon heartstring.
"Where is Hugo? I don't remember seeing him on the platform." Albus muttered, his eyes not leaving his wand as he polishes the wood with his shirt. Shrugging, I smile as I think of my most loved cousin.
"Rose was taking him with her instead of him taking the train; she figured he would be less scared that way… you know how public places make him nervous." I murmur, moving so our cousins can rejoin us in our compartment. Starlet and Solar thank me, as they collect the cat and bag from the floor.
"The train is about to stop," Solar warns, holding Starburst firmly as the cat cuddles to her in comfort. Starlet nods, agreeing with her twin as both of their silvery hair glitters with their movement. Both girls have gray eyes, unlike both their parents, but like their mother they share her love for oddities and her hair. Daddy said they have their father's temper when provoked.
"Thank you for the warning," I smile, and they nod, collecting their items. Scorpius stands as he holds the compartment door; the train slows to a stop as brakes squeal.
"Ready?" He holds my eyes, and I nod. The five of us make our way out of the train, my older cousins leading the way as Albus and Scorpius shield me from the cold stares of our classmates. We step onto the platform, and I take a deep breath in relief as I search for Hagrid.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" His booming voice echoed as he swung a heavy lamp in front of himself. A large wrinkly dog sat at his side, its jaws opening in a welcoming howl as its rump wiggled excitedly. I briefly thanked Scorpius and Albus, waving goodbye to the twin's as they boarded carriages pulled by the invisible beings.
Albus gave me a brief hug, followed by one from Scorpius as they joined the older kids. Taking a deep breath, I gave my best smile as I joined Fang and Hagrid. Fang's wiggling seemed to grow as I approached; his barks growing frantic as he struggled with the fact that Hagrid seemed to have ordered him to stay at his side.
Annoyed, Hagrid grunted, his booming voice ordering Fang to "Can It" as frightened first years gathered around them both. I neared, and Hagrid seemed to understand Fang's fuss.
"Oy! 'Ow' is the lovely Lily this night?" Hagrid smiled, and embarrassed I knelt to pet Fang's massive head tenderly. He nuzzled my palm, and I ignored his slobber as I blushed at the compliment.
"Nervous and excited…" I admitted, as he glanced at me thoughtfully as he continued his job of collecting first years.
A few moments passed, and Hagrid seemed convinced that everyone who needed to be collected was. Fang followed by my side happily, as the other first years avoided me, my chocolate eyes focused on the lights of the castle ahead.
Despite the fact that I spent every full moon with my Daddy in the forbidden forest, the castle still amazed me. Daddy said that it was almost exactly the same as it was prior to the war, but with some added protection. The giant castle seemed intimidating under the half moon; its twisting towers climbed towards the sky, making up the majority of the castle.
"Onto dem boats..." Hagrid smiled, his mouth covered with his graying beard as he hurried everyone into a boat. I joined him and Fang in one, squeezing into the available corner as Fang rested his head on my knees. Hagrid's boat seemed to float slowly ahead of everyone, as we all were magically transported across the lake.
"Is there really a Giant Squid and Mermaids?" I whispered curiously, my eyes easily taking in the dark lake as everyone else seemed to strain themselves to see. Hagrid nodded, his dark eyes alight in appreciation of my question.
"I reckon your father brough' em up at some point, brave man he is. Dey won' 'urt' you if you don' bother 'em," he muttered; his voice rising as he reprehended a student who placed her hand into the water.
"Oy…I wouldn' be tha' brave." He warned loudly, and she jerked her hand away, her nose turned up in annoyance.
We reached shore, and I easily exited the boat and waited for everyone else to join me. Hagrid helped the few struggling, his arms easily lifting the first years from the boats they were stuck in. Once everyone was ashore, he grunted, winking at me appreciatively as he led us up a small flight of stairs and to a heavy oak door.
"Ready?" Hagrid murmured, and once I nodded, he knocked three times upon the door with heavy fist.
The door swung open to reveal a smug looking Neville. His slimmed features and kind eyes appraised us all, before he settled on my face. With a kind smile, he winked, before he addressed the less familiar first years.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. Follow me, please." Turning, he left Hagrid at the door as he led us into the great entrance hall. The stone interior made me feel very small still, even though Hogwarts was almost a second home to me. I spent every month on its grounds during summer and winter breaks as a wolf, my Daddy showing me every secret it had to offer along with its history.
Neville stopped us at a stairway, his cheerful face thoughtful as he brought out his old pet toad Trevor. The toad seemed to be sleeping as he stroked it, his eyes glancing at everyone with curiosity.
"Each of you will be sorted into your houses momentarily. Each house is named after its very own founder, and each house has its own great and noble history. As many of you know, an abundance of great and noble witches and wizards were taught in these walls, so expect intriguing lessons during your stay here. While at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you house points while any rule breaking deducts points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will earn the house cup. Questions?"
Neville waited patiently, and surprise grazed his features as my hand shot up. "Yes, Lily?" He smiled, as Trevor croaked.
"When will we be eligible for Quidditch?" I smiled, and he chuckled, amused. Students looked at me curiously, but I tried my best to ignore them.
"I know you come from a long line of early players, so I figure it won't hurt to tell you. Once you start flying lessons, Madam Hooch will determine if you have the skills necessary to be placed on your house team." He answered directly to me, but seemed to be talking loud enough for everyone else.
A few people started to chatter excitedly, and another hand shot up eagerly. Neville seemed to realize his mistake in bringing up Quidditch, because his smile wavered as he gestured toward the hand. "Yes, Alexandria Wood?"
Surprised and feeling silly about forgetting about the Woods' youngest child, I turned my head and eagerly waved to one of my closest friends. Alex glared at me, but pushed through the crowd to join my side before asking her question.
"Assuming we make the team, will there be any games held at night?" Alex smiled brightly, nudging me in forgiveness as she openly embarrassed me.
Neville's gaze flickered towards me, while people inched away. His voice was reassuring as he returned his gaze to Alex. "As the Gryffindor Head of House and Headmistress McGonagall's assistant, I will be sure to bring it up to her. She knows the situation's every student has while attending Hogwarts, and if you make a team I will be sure to make sure your fear of the dark won't be a burden during a game." Neville teased, and Alex laughed lightly, nodding as she snaked her arm around my shoulder.
"Now, without any further interruptions, we shall begin the sorting. Follow me." Neville smiled widely, leading us in a narrow line through wide wooden double doors. Feeling excited, I embraced Alex's waist as we filled into the Great Hall.
Hundreds of eyes gazed at us curiously and I smiled, feeling quite brave at the moment. My eyes first met Albus as he sat across the room at the Slytherin table. He waved slightly, his mouth upturned in a slight and thin smile. Shifting my attention to Gryffindor, Scorpius waved warmly, his eyes locking into mine as he gauged my face. I smiled at him reassuringly, as we stopped walking.
"Reckon he knows you're bananas over him?" Alex teased, and my face reddened like a true Weasley at her observation.
"Hush, you. His parent's are like my own, and our parents are good friends… he sees me like a sister." I sighed, glancing away from him as I faced the front of the room. Headmistress McGonagall, her face creased with age, smiled warmly at our group as she spoke.
"Welcome, young one's, to your first exciting year at Hogwarts. I will call your name, and you are expected to step up and have the sorting hat placed upon your head. Professor Weasley from Transfiguration has volunteered to assist." McGonagall smiled briefly, before rolling out a very large parchment.
"Appleby, Justin" She called out clearly, and a burly student emerged bravely from our crowd to rest upon the stool. Rose smiled brightly, as she rested the hat upon his head.
The hat pondered a while, his lips scrunching up in thought as he considered the houses. "Gryffindor!" His rough voice shouted, and Justin jumped out of his seat with his chin held high. The entire table erupted in applause as the boy settled near Scorpius.
The list seemed to take forever before I was called, and the noisy room turned silent immediately. "Potter, Lily"!
Sighing, I release Alex as she wishes me luck, her face alight with a wide grin. Abandoning the slimming crowed, I gave McGonagall and Rose a beautiful smile before settling in the stool. Rose placed the hat over my head, and it seemed to hum in thought.
"You have a lot of potential for any house, making this so much harder. I can see you were bred for Gryffindor, but Ravenclaw could use your brains too. Bravery or smarts… which is more predominant?" The hat murmured, and I decided to make the decision for him as thoughts of Scorpius seemed to rush inside my head.
"Passion? I suppose I can not ignore THAT, can I? So much like your mother, she made up my mind the same way using your father. Not Ravenclaw then, so GRYFFINDOR IT IS!" The hat roared, and Scorpius seemed to almost fall out his seat with pride as he clapped most enthusiastically. I joined my new house with a timid smile, glancing at my brother across the room. He clapped supportively, but sadness tinged in his eyes as he smiled brightly at me. He was the only Potter to not make Gryffindor, I realized.
As the crowd thinned and people joined their respected houses, only a handful of students were left. What seemed like eons, Hugo was finally called. He was shaking nervously as he slipped away from the small group, his cheeks bright with a blush as his brown eyes flitted to my face. I wasn't entirely sure when he joined the group, but I waved to him reassuringly and he seemed to stand taller. His eyes hardened with bravery as he eagerly sat in the stool. His sister gave him a proud smile as she placed the hat upon his head, and the hat seemed to ponder for a long while. The hat seemed to nod silently, its mouth upturned into a smirk as he spoke loud and clear. "HUFFLEPUFF!" Surprised, I clapped for him happily as he slipped away towards his house, his face less than pleased.
After a few more people, Alex joined my table. The room grew quiet at her name as well, because her parents, Katie and Oliver Wood, were the most popular quidditch players of the century. "I hope it wears off, but I doubt it. Leon joined professionally now, so everyone expects me to follow my brother, mum and dad I suppose..." She shrugged, and smiled at me lightly. We were close because our families were so much alike. Everyone expected the Potter children to grow into something special, the same way everyone expected her to become a professional quidditch player. My mum was famous for her role in the war as well as her job as seeker in the field for her brief two years; I was always asked if I would take over her role as a Harpy, so we understood each other.
"I'll keep an eye out for you both." Scorpius promised with a smile, before inviting us into his conversation with the captain of the quidditch team, Madeline O'Leary. Observing the pixy like woman with curiosity, Alex and I quickly and eagerly joined in on their discussion.
Madeline observed me, before breaking into a breath taking smile. "You're built for seeking. You have your mother's arms and sleekness. Are you any good on a broom?" She wondered and I smiled brightly, Scorpius and Alex laughed at my wolfish expression.
"I'm just as fast and sleek as my Daddy on one; after I ace Hooch's test, I'll prove it on the field," I cockily purred, and Alex raised her brow at my confidence. Scorpius seemed impressed, but decided to mention Alex after O'Leary nodded seriously at me.
"Alex is a great chaser; I'm sure she will make the team as well without issue." He smiled, winking at us both before looking at his captain. She considered with a smile, before nodding her head.
"Alright, I believe you because you're our best beater, Malfoy, but if you're proven wrong I will work you bloody hard as punishment. I hate liars." O'Leary smiled, brushing her long blonde hair back with her fingertips as she stood to welcome the last Gryffindor to our table. Everyone joined her, before we settled to await the feast. My stomach rumbled, and I almost licked my lips with excitement.
Headmistress McGonagall stood taller, as Rose returned to her spot on the teachers' table. The room hushed as she lifted her wand to her throat and enhanced her voice.
"I suspect you are all famished after such a long day, but I have important news to pass on. We have a new teacher who just arrived on campus. I expect everyone to treat him no differently than your other teachers. He will be taking on Defense Against the Dark Arts, after retiring early from his more tedious work of being the number one auror in the wizarding community. Professor Weasley from Potions has just left to retrieve him." I lowered my head to my table, thanking Scorpius silently as he attempted to obstruct people's view of me as mutters about my Daddy surfaced. I knew cousin Victoire was sent to retrieve him, but it hurt that he didn't tell me he would retire to teach.
Alex stroked my hair slowly, as we waited for him to enter. A cloaked figure stood at the doorway, while my cousin held his forearm. She helped him out of his cloak, and he smiled at her thankfully as I lifted my head to watch. Together, they passed my table. Daddy smiled briefly as he noticed me, but didn't turn his head to show that he did. I was thankful, but I couldn't help but watch him as he joined the teachers' table.
Headmistress seemed to be waiting for him to speak, so Daddy stood, his eyes focused on every table equally as he watched his surroundings. "I expect to fill your minds with the truth, and with understanding. I expect everyone to do their best as I teach you complicated spells and tricks so you can better protect your minds and bodies from unknown dangers. Hogwarts is a second home to me, so it is wonderful to be back." Daddy seated himself, and McGonagall smiled, her hands clasped together.
"Without further ado, dig in!" she exclaimed, and heaps of food appeared. Hungry, I ate half mindedly, as I watched my Daddy scarf down his meal. Why would he not tell me? I sighed, ignoring Alex and Scorpius as I ate in silence.
