Chapter 4

"Da! Mum! I've captured a lion!" James shouted as he burst through the kitchen door to the mudroom.

Since Harry was the only parent in the kitchen at the time he was the first to have to confront the situation his son presented. It was mid afternoon on the Saturday before Halloween and James had been up to his usual outdoor activities, tramping about the high grass and trees that comprised most of the grounds at Meadow Crest. He had roughed out a map of the property and was now working on filling in more of the details. He was dressed in his boots, jacket and hat. Around his waist was a belt from which hung several pouches and an old compass passed on by his Grandfather.

What was most prominent and the subject of Harry's scrutiny however was being held in both arms and obstructed most of the boys torso. It was a large cat. A large, furry cat, obviously not of the lion species but certainly more than a handful for a nine year old. It had a scrunched in face that looked familiar to Harry.

"A lion, son?" he asked as he continued to observe the fuzzy feline.

"Well, more like a cub I guess," the boy replied.

"Or just a big house cat, perhaps?"

"But Da, he was outside, in the trees. I was walking along the edge, pacing out distances and it just stepped out of the trees. Then it followed me around for a couple of hours."

At this point they were interrupted by the appearance of Ginny and little Lily, the daughter bearing a striking resemblance to the mother. The girl took one look at the cat and clapped her hands and said,

"Ooh, look at the lovely kitty."

At this point the cat transformed from a large immobile mass to a wriggling ball of fur that definitely didn't want to be held anymore. With a shouted 'easy now' James quickly set the cat on the floor and it made deliberately for the youngest Potter child. The girl watched in delight as the cat stopped in front of her, looking up into her face and then proceeded to rub up against her legs, setting her off into squeals and laughter.

"Harry," Ginny began, "doesn't this cat look familiar to you?"

"Yes, at first I thought it was Crookshanks but he's with Hermione's parents and they live miles from here. Plus the coloring is too dark to be him."

It was Albus' turn to put in an appearance at this point, hearing the commotion from his spot on the couch in his father's library. He took in the scene with his serious eyes and then said,

"What's all this, then?"

Harry turned to his second son and replied,

"It appears that your brother has found a cat and the cat has found your sister."

Albus studied the creature more closely, then said,

"Looks a lot like a kneazle, if you ask me."

With his curiosity apparently satisfied, the middle Potter child turned around and walked out of the room, most likely returning to the library. Now it should be stated that Albus had no interest in animals, unless he needed to make use of an owl to communicate with one of his cousins, most likely Rose. It is not to suggest he was maliciously inclined towards animals, he was simply completely indifferent to them. If, on a rare occasion, Snuffles would present his head to the boy for a rub or scratch, Albus would oblige with a brief rub or a scratch by the ear and then carry on with whatever he was doing.

What he was interested in, most intently, was objects, both magical and mundane. He would just as likely be found discussing some item of muggle manufacture with his Granddad Weasley as he would be reading a book on equipment required for potion making or talking to his cousin Rose about some bit or piece of magical nonsense obtained from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. At the age of six he had already accumulated a significant collection of items, currently on display in his room on a series of shelves built by his Grandfather.

By the time the boy had disappeared back into the corridor, Lily had gone to her knees and was petting and rubbing the cat, who in turn was purring in a deep, reverberating rumble. Then she wrapped the cat in a hug, which the creature was more than willing to endure. Ginny regarded the situation for a moment more then looked up at her husband and said,

"I suppose we are going to have to keep this thing?"

"Well, they seem happy with each other. Lily, is it wearing any kind of a collar around it's neck?" he asked.

The girls small hands felt around under all that fur and then looked up at her father and said,

"No, daddy."

"I suppose we can let it stay, although we'll need to see how Snuffles reacts to him. He was here first after all," Harry suggested.

"I'll go find him," James said a little sullenly, apparently disappointed that the cat was more interested in his sister than him.

A couple of minutes later he returned with the big Mastiff in tow. The dog was already alert, probably having smelled the cat and the two animals regarded each other from a distance. The cat then moved out of Lily's grip and came within a body length of Snuffles. Both creatures sampled the air and after a short time the cat returned to Lily's embrace and Snuffles went back out into the corridor. From that point on, each completely ignored the existence of the other.

"I guess that answers that question," Harry replied.

"Please, mummy?" Lily asked, her brown eyes wide and imploring.

"Fine, but the first time I find claw marks on the furniture or walls, out he goes."

Lily let out a squeal and hugged the cat tighter. Then she stood up and tried to pick the cat up but this was no kitten, so she quickly gave that up and said,

"Come, Mr. Monty. I show you my room."

"Mr. Monty?" Ginny asked.

"Yes, mummy, he looks like a Monty."

The girl's mother rolled her eyes and with a last look at her husband followed the girl and furry cat out of the kitchen. Harry waited until he heard the sounds of footsteps ascending the staircase before he began laughing, although quietly. That night, when Lily was put to bed, Mr. Monty hopped up and made a spot for himself right at the foot of the bed, directly in line between the girl and the bedroom door. And that's where he could be found every night. On more than one occasion mother or father would check on the girl, as they did with all the kids before turning in for the night, to see the amber eyes of Mr. Monty staring back at them, reflecting the light coming in from the hallway.

Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, the student body was becoming more excited about the prospect of the annual Halloween ball. The five first year girls of Gryffindor house were sitting on their beds discussing the possibilities. Kai was twirling her long black hair, pausing now and again to nibble on a handful of ends.

"So what's the story on this dance? Vee, your dad tell you anything about it?" Kai asked.

"Actually, my mother is the one that told me. They completely rearrange the Hall with lots of smaller tables instead of the four long ones. The food is all placed on long tables against one wall and we serve ourselves. There's also lots of open room for dancing. My mum loves to dance. It'll be fun to watch that," Victoire explained.

Felicity was the one to drop the first shoe.

"I'd imagine you'll have plenty opportunities to dance yourself, Vee."

Victoire made a face by pursing her lips and scrunching her nose before replying.

"I wouldn't know about that. I haven't really made any friends that way, you know. I'm not really sure I'd want to, really," she said.

Kai laughed a little and then said,

"As far as I can tell, the first year boys are a bunch of total oiks. But there are a couple of third years that I wouldn't say no to, if they asked."

Marjorie snorted in a way that suggested she thought the whole idea was an absurdity. The conversation continued on for some time with the general consensus being that no one expected very much to come of the whole thing. Estelle hadn't said a word.

So it was that when the students began pouring into the Great Hall on Halloween evening, the first years were genuinely impressed. Jack o' lanterns floated around the room at various heights and the big hanging braziers blazed with mutli-colored flames and the buffet dinner threatened to overwhelm the long tables against the far wall. Vee and her friends found a table and sat down and began looking around.

Her eyes were drawn almost immediately to the dais where the faculty and guests were seated. She saw her mum and dad, as well as her Uncle 'arry and Aunt Ginny standing near one end, talking to a elderly, somewhat frail looking witch who still seemed to possess an air of authority about her. Looking more closely she deduced that this must be the former Headmistress, Professor McGonagall. Vee had heard her parents talk about how the Professor returned this one time each year since her retirement.

She watched for a few moments longer until the sound of music began to fill the room. With a few parting gestures, the two younger couples descended to the dance floor while the elderly witch made her way to another table were Professor Sprout and a few others stood waiting for her. Vee's attention shifted fully to the two couples that comprised her whole world. She smiled as she saw how her mother seemed to glide across the floor, as if her feet never really touched the hard stone. And for a large man, her father did an admirable job of keeping up with her.

When she shifted her attention to her aunt and uncle, she saw a more athletic display, with the compact and nimble Ginny working hard to keep pace with the sure footed moves of her husband. But all that changed when the third song began and partners were exchanged and her mum was paired with her Uncle. Vee was amazed at what she saw. It was a fairly energetic number and her mother and uncle swung each other about the floor in precise patterns, with movements too controlled to allow the use of the term 'reckless abandon', but with an enthusiasm that made it clear they were having a marvelous time.

Most of the rest of the dancers had backed away to allow the two plenty of room and Vee was suddenly very envious of her mother and she wished she could be out there like that. Maybe she could get some lessons during the summer. When the music finally stopped, there was great applause and the two partners hugged each other, smiles broad, one practically glowing. They were then joined by their spouses and the four headed for the buffet table. As Vee watched them, her Uncle 'arry looked over in her direction, cocking an eyebrow and giving her a slow wink. The girl had to use a hand to stifle a giggle.

"Wow," Kai began, "those two were amazing. That was your mum, wasn't it, Vee?"

"Yes, it was," she replied proudly.

"Can you dance like that?"

"Not hardly. I wasn't really interested before. Maybe I'll have to ask for lessons."

Vee kept watching until she saw that her uncle had filled his platter well and was walking back to the dais. At that point she suggested they go and get something to eat for themselves. They were just getting ready to start in on their dessert when they heard the sound of footsteps approaching and then a chair being dragged closer. Vee looked over and saw the very normal features of Ted Lupin looking back at her as he folded himself into the chair.

"Miss Vee, ladies," he said by way of greeting. "Having fun?"

"Yes, Ted," Vee replied, "it's been fun watching the dancing and listening to the music. Mum and Uncle 'arry, I mean, Professor Potter, especially."

Ted smiled at the slip and recovery.

"No worries, Vee, you can get away with it tonight. So how's our fella looking? Seemed pretty sure on his feet."

Vee's eyes went a bit wide and then she said,

"Yes, he did. Plus he filled his platter and it looks like he finished it, so that's always a good sign."

"What are you two going on about?" Felicity asked.

"It's no secret that Professor Potter has a history of injury and illness. We tend to keep an eye on him for any signs of trouble. It's a little hard to explain to someone outside the family," Vee said.

"Doesn't he find that annoying? Having all those people watching his every move?" Marjorie asked.

"No. Again, it's hard to explain. You'd have to know how he grew up," Ted offered. "I sometimes think I had it tough growing up with no parents, but at least I knew my gran loved me, and I had Harry, the Professor that is and the rest of the Weasleys looking out for me. Him, he had nothing until he was eleven and started here. So, no, it doesn't really bother him all that much. Just the opposite in fact."

All six of the students, five first years and a fifth year, looked up at the dais and the subject of their discussion. As usual, Harry could tell he was being observed so he looked over and down and gave the students a nod and a small smile.

"So, as I was saying," Ted went on, "everything looks good?"

"Yes, Ted, I'd say so," Vee replied, her voice holding an odd note.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied.

"Hey, come on, out with it."

"It just looked like they were having so much fun," she said.

"Yeah, they always do. I remember my first year and the first time I saw them out there. I couldn't believe it. I mean I knew what he could do on a broom, but that was really something to see the first time," Ted said, then looked at the girl. "Want to give it a go?"

"What?"

"Would you like to try dancing?" Ted asked.

"With you?"

"No, with the Bloody Baron. Yes, of course with me. I did ask, after all."

"Gee, I don't know. Aren't we, sort of, you know, family?" Vee replied nervously.

"Yes, but so is Harry and your mum, heck, your dad and Ginny are brother and sister and that doesn't stop them. Harry even danced with Abagail," he explained.

"Well, I guess it would be alright, but it would have to be something slower. I'd trip all over myself with the fast ones."

Ted nodded and as if on cue a slower song began.

"There we go," he said, standing up and holding out his hand.

Vee blushed heavily, her face momentarily clashing with the light coppery tint of her hair. She stood up, placing her hand in Ted's and letting him lead her out onto the floor. Despite the age difference, they weren't quite the mismatched couple that difference might suggest. With a tall father and tallish mother, the girl was a closer match for the lanky boy than any of the girls in the first two years of any house. She was, however, feeling rather self conscious, as if the eyes of everyone in the Hall was on her.

In fact, it wasn't the whole Hall, but a significant fraction of eyes were turned in their direction, to include four sets from a table on the dais. They watched as Ted brought her to a halt and held her as one would for a waltz, with plenty of room between them. He led her through a series of simple box steps, coaching her and giving small words of encouragement. Vee was concentrating too hard to notice that other boys drifted over to the table and soon all four of her roommates were out on the floor, including Marjorie who went more so to avoid the embarrassment of being the only girl left at the table and Estelle who was stunned when a Hufflepuff first year stumbled his way through a request.

When the music ended Vee's nervousness evaporated and her smile turned from tenuous to wide and dazzling, much like her mother's. Ted smiled back and leaned his head closer and he whispered,

"Better get used to this, Vee. I know you've been very busy, probably too busy to notice, but you are attracting a lot of attention. I've been hearing things. And it's not all like that oik in the corridor the other day."

"But, Ted, I'm only eleven," she whispered back fiercely.

"I know that, Vee, but you could easily pass for a third year. I'm not trying to scare you, just making you aware. You know if you have any problems come to me, alright?"

She looked at that serious face, softened a bit by the slight smile that looked so like Harry at times like this.

"Sure, Ted, I know that, and thanks. I guess this all takes some getting used to, really."

Ted's smile got a little wider and then he led Vee off the floor and back to her table. With a smile and a wave he moved off to rejoin his own friends. The other girls were also coming back to their table, Estelle looking puzzled, Marjorie looking decidedly annoyed. She was the first to say anything.

"What an oaf, he stepped on my toes three times," she said.

"Maybe," Kai said, "but he was kinda cute. So was mine," her smile widening.

"Yeah," Felicity said, "but that Lupin, he's really something."

Vee looked at the usually acerbic girl, noting the speculative look on her face.

"Yes, he is. He's always been very nice to me, even when I was little and probably more of an annoyance. I've always thought he was very lonely though. He's parents are buried down in the memorial park, you know. How he deals with that every day, I can't imagine," she said, her tone thoughtful.

Any further conversation was cut off by the sound of a heavy wind passing overhead, signaling the annual arrival of the guest of honor. Vee's glance swept first to the dais to see that Uncle 'arry was gone. Then she sought out Ted and they shared a brief smile before everyone began to head for the main door and large lawn in front of the castle. When Vee and the girls got outside, she found that Estelle was standing next to her, pressed hard to her side. She had been told what to expect but the girl from the muggle family was still wide eyed and shaking as they watched the massive green dragon soar and dive, roar and flame above them.

It was quite a show. Several low passes had students diving for the grass, although some of the older ones resisted the impulse, knowing contact had never been made previously. Vee heard the screams of some of her roommates, but none from Estelle who stood transfixed. Then the dragon backwinged and dropped on to all fours a distance from the assembled students and faculty. Now Vee was aware that in years past Abagail had approached the dragon and made physical contact, and she surmised she could have as well, not that it would have been the first time.

She knew she wouldn't, and likely shouldn't, as it might draw attention as to who the dragon truly was, but she knew that those big green eyes had sought her out and was watching her now and she offered a smile in return. Then she realized that the scrutiny had transferred to her friend beside her. The head drew a few yards closer and the eyes seemed to squint, as if to increase the level of concentration. She could feel the girl begin to quake and she took hold of her arm to steady her.

Then the massive head pulled back and the dragon reared back on it's haunches and let loose a massive blast of plasma straight up into the night air. Then with a deafening roar and great sweep of it's wings, rose off the ground, to circle the castle twice more and finally shoot off across the lake and disappear from sight. It was at this point that Vee felt Estelle slump against her and she had to react quickly to keep the girl from sliding to the ground.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Vee asked, which alerted the other roommates who moved in to lend a hand.

"Oh, wow, that was so strange," Estelle replied, her voice sounding very far away.

"What was strange?" Vee prompted.

"The dragon," the girl replied, her voice getting stronger as she stood up a little straighter. "It was all kind of scary, but exciting in a way, too. But for a moment though, it seemed as if it was looking right at me, right through me, really. Like I was being examined. Then it was gone and I felt like all my bones had turned to water."

"I'm sure it was just the excitement of seeing one for the first time. Come on, let's get you back inside and get you something to drink. I'm sure that will help," Vee said and with her on one side and Marjorie on the other the five roommates trooped back into the castle and the Hall.

A great deal of conversation was going on about how much longer the dragon had stayed this time and how much more noise and flame it made. As the girls settled back in at their table, Vee looked up at the dais and saw her uncle carrying on a conversation with the others, seemingly oblivious to her scrutiny. She suspected she knew better.

As for Harry, as he talked with Bill, Fleur and Ginny, he was thinking about what he had seen and sensed out there on the lawn. There were all the familiar students that he had known, some of whom for nearly seven years now. But there was that one who seemed to stand out from the rest. Being part of the crowd made it a little difficult to fully discern but the aura of the kind that he had seen before, that had told him so much about the likes of Professor McGonagall all those years before, or the three Slytherin troublemakers when Ted was a first year, was clear to see.

The girl he knew as Miss Mickelthwaite, Estelle to her friends, stood out like a bright candle in a dark room. True, the flame flickered and flared, but it was bright and hot and Harry had to wonder what it meant. Was it a portent of talent and strength or something else? He knew of only one other person that could sense this aspect of a magic user and they had yet to probe what that ability might reveal. He decided it was time to start finding out.

Although he didn't let it show, he felt some dismay at the prospect. One more thing to deal with, to worry about. It was only Halloween and he was already feeling tired.