Happy Friday everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. Australia is still going through a heat wave, but looks like we might get a reprieve over the weekend, thank goodness. This is the half way point for this book, but you'll be happy to know that I am managing to plug along for the next one.
My thanks go out to Pienuniek and Sally for all their hard work keeping me on point, and making this readable. I'd be lost without them.
Twilight and Harry Potter belong to Stephanie Meyer and JK Rowling respectively. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter Eight – The Holiday Season
The classroom we were in was silent, and mouths had dropped all around the table. It seemed I'd been able to stun everyone. Everyone except Isa and Hermione.
Emmett seemed to be the first one to snap out of his stupor. "What do you mean, Edward? Holding us back? Oppression? Acts of defiance?"
"Really? None of you have thought about this?" I snorted out loud. "It hasn't crossed any of your minds that Carlisle knew about the wizarding world long before Sirius and Shane showed up on our doorstep? That we could have been here, been part of a community and working instead of going to high school over and over again?"
Our siblings, even our mother, were all quiet in thought. It was the first time that had ever happened.
"I mean, surely that thought has crossed at least one of your minds, once, since this all started? And if not, since we've become part of the wizarding world?" I paused waiting … "No? That's okay because I hadn't, not really. Not until the other day when Isa and I were on our first date for the school year, and we were talking about what she'd like to do when she finished school.
"But it wasn't until Isa asked me what I wanted to do, that it sort of just hit me. I can do anything I want. I don't have to live a life doing the same thing over and over and over again. I can get a job, support Isa if she wants, and support the family we're going to eventually have. It's something I haven't been able to have in a long time. It's something I could have started years ago."
"That still doesn't explain the acts of defiance, Edward," Rosalie whispered. She was starting to see what I meant. She could see how things could have been different. "And if we had come earlier, who's to say you would have met your Bella."
It was Isa's turn to snort; only hers was in disgust. "My dreams would have led me straight to Teddy. If Daddy had been around, he would have brought me to him anyway. Using that is not a valid excuse."
I kissed the top of Isa's head. "What I mean by acts of defiance is Emmett's way of using his inappropriate comments to embarrass or humiliate someone in the name of entertainment." I could see Emmett cringe as he realized I might be right. "Or how about the way Jasper used to use his talent to manipulate things the way he wanted them—much like Alice used to with her visions—and I'm sorry, Esme, but the only way you were able to show us who you were was by smothering us sometimes because you had no other outlet. All of these little acts made one big whole. You were bored, you were undervalued, and you weren't stimulated or challenged.
"In fact, the only one who never showed her complete and utter boredom for the way things were before was Rose." I glanced over at her to see that her head was down, and she was fidgeting with her fingers. Not something she usually did. "But I could hear it, now that I think about it. You hid it well, sis." I smiled at her when her head shot up at the term of endearment.
I pulled in a deep breath before standing from the table to pace around it. "I've never seen this family happier than the day we moved into and became part of the wizarding world. When you all realized you had a purpose, something to challenge your vast minds, and somewhere the oppressing feelings from having to hide went away. And then … then, Carlisle, you stormed into the hospital wing demanding I put myself back in that little box, that I limit myself to doing things the way humans do. Well, I'm sorry. I won't be doing that, and I don't want to. And best of all, I don't have to.
"We're not defined here by what we hide, nor are we defined by what we are. We are accepted for just being who we are. It doesn't matter if we have super powers, are vampires, or Veela. Would you want to limit what Isa does just because she's different?"
Carlisle shook his head. "No, of course not. But …"
"But what, Carlisle? How could you possibly be about to justify all of that?" I waved my hand around, indicating all that I just said, as I stood behind Isa. "There is no justifying it. But you know the worst thought I've had since this little epiphany of mine?"
"What's that?" Esme whispered.
"How much more we could have helped in the first wizarding war. Could we have saved Lily if we'd been here? I mean, we still could have protected them the same, probably better, than housing them after the war."
Ooooooohhhh, I heard through just about everyone's thoughts.
"You don't know that, Edward! How could any of us have known that?" Carlisle growled. "That's playing a 'what if?' game."
"You're right. I shouldn't play the 'what if?' game, but it only popped into my head today. I couldn't help it." I nodded, taking my seat again, and crossed my arms. "But what I want to know is why? Why, after nearly three years in the wizarding world, did you decide to berate me for my behavior?" I let out a ferocious growl. "Especially in front of not only Sirius and Shane but many of my friends? What did I do to deserve that?"
It seemed all the wind had gone out of Carlisle's sails because he just sighed and looked at the table. "You didn't do anything, Edward. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything in front of the others. I shouldn't have said anything at all. You're right; we can be ourselves here in the wizarding world."
"Then why, Carlisle? Why say it at all?"
For the first time in a long, long time, I saw our unflappable father out of sorts. He seemed furious as he stood and paced around the classroom. He ran his fingers through his hair and made several other frustrated gestures before he managed to make a sound.
I let him pace around but tuned into his thoughts. They were disjointed as he tried to find the correct words to explain.
… I was a great doctor …
… Wanted my family together …
… Chose the muggle world …
It was that thought that made me pay more attention.
… Saw things …
… Wondered, but had to stick to my guns …
… It's where I would thrive, where I could keep us all together, could practice medicine …
… Didn't know I could do that here, although …
… Suspected that Edward might have been magical …
My growl caught everyone's attention and caused Carlisle to stop pacing. He looked at me in trepidation. He must have known I'd been listening to his thoughts.
My voice, though, was cool, eerily calm. "What do you mean, you suspected I was magical?"
Esme gasped at my words, placing her hand over her mouth before turning to Carlisle. In fact, everyone had turned to face him.
"How could I not?" Carlisle demanded. "There was always something weird going on around you. The occasional floating object behind you if you were passionate about something. The way you hunt is more animalistic than most vampires I know, and then there were the changes to your eyes when you were mad.
"But I had made a choice to be a doctor in the muggle world. Keeping us away from the wizarding world was the only way I knew how to keep us together."
I had no idea what to say. He'd deliberately kept me away from the area of the world that could have helped me the most. Kept me away from the people who would have accepted me for who I was, not what I was. Kept me away from my mate.
But worst of all, oppressed me to the point that I was just barely making it from one day to the next.
"Oh, Carlisle." Jasper tsked. "You really should have done some homework. Do you know what could have happened to Edward?" Jasper nodded toward Isa, which made me spin around, only to see tears in her eyes.
I pulled her onto my lap, trying to comfort her as best I could in my agitated state but was unable to do so because I was so mad. It wasn't until Rosalie placed her hand on my shoulder that I realized I had zoned out.
"Here, Edward, let me take her." Rose reached out, and I slid Isa into her arms, only for Rose to take her seat next to me so I could still hold her hand. I looked over to Hermione to see if she was all right and found Emmett comforting her.
Esme was beside herself. "What, Jasper? What could have happened to Edward?"
"Before witches and wizards went into hiding, they were hunted, much like vampires were. So much so that many of them had to try to suppress their magical powers to try to avoid persecution. So instead of learning to control or harness their powers, they developed what was, essentially, a parasitic entity called an Obscurial or Obscurus." There were gasps all around the room, except from Isa, who burst into quiet sobs against Rose's shoulder but gripped onto my hand for all she was worth.
"That parasitic entity feeds off of psychological or physical abuse until, one day, it just bursts out of the witch or wizard as a dark force or wind," Jasper continued.
"Nothing would have happened; I didn't abuse Edward!" Carlisle stated.
"No, but I piled a heap of psychological abuse on myself due to being unable to forgive myself and the fact that I was just making it from day to day." I paused. "Is that all, Jasper?"
Jasper shook his head. "Most Obscurials don't make it past their tenth birthday. In fact, there is only one documented case, in New York, in 1926. Credence Barebone managed to make it to twenty-one years of age before he was killed by the Magical Congress of the United States of Americaor MACUSA. We're very lucky Edward is still with us. We should have made the move to the wizarding world when Carlisle suspected Edward was magical."
"Then I would have none of you, bar Esme!"
Once again the room was quiet, both in thought and word. With Carlisle's impassioned plea, I realized he had been keeping quiet about me for a very, very long time. I felt … betrayed; although that word didn't seem to portray exactly what I was feeling. I couldn't even read what the others were thinking around me. The only person who got through was Isa.
Teddy, I love you. Please, don't leave me. I know this is bad; I can feel it; please don't leave me.
I reached over and pulled Isa back onto my lap. "I won't leave you, baby girl. I can't. I love you, and I promise I'm not leaving."
"I love you, Carlisle, I really do." Esme stood so she could face her mate. "But we have been living by your world for the last century. It's time to move your patriarchal mindset to the latter part of the twentieth. You're no longer in seventeenth century England where the father's word is the only word that matters. Edward may have been a teenager when you changed him, but he has lived lifetimes since then. You've done him a disservice with your actions, and we're lucky to still have him.
"You're no longer someone pretending to be a muggle, among muggles. You're a non-magical being, a mythical being, among magical ones. But on top of all of that, you're a father. You've kept your children in limbo for nearly a century; it's time to let go of your control and give your kids what they need to thrive in this world—wings. Wings to live their own lives as they see fit."
Esme made her way around the room kissing each of us until she reached me. Esme leaned down and wrapped her arms around me, and subsequently Isa as she was still in my lap. "I'm sorry, Edward. I noticed those little things, but I knew nothing of this world until Shane, Sirius, and Remus showed up on our doorstep. Had I known, we would have been here a lot sooner. Maybe not straight away, but certainly sooner than three years ago." Esme then kissed the rest of us. "I'll be waiting for you at home, Carlisle. We'll be talking about all of this."
Carlisle slumped to the table as Esme spun and walked out of the room. She knew Hogwarts hosted Christmas every year for the children who couldn't go home. She also had an inkling that at least Isa and I wouldn't be home for Christmas. I didn't know what I wanted to do.
Alice and Jasper stood. Jasper wanted to get home so he could support Esme emotionally.
"Alice, before you go …"
"I know what you're after, Edward. I'll get to searching as soon as I get home. There should be something nearby. Just please, be careful." Alice closed her eyes and showed me a vision of me tearing up the Gryffindor Common Room in an angry craze. "Don't let this consume you."
"I'll try my best." I looked down at my girl to see she was almost asleep. "Rose, Emmett, can you please take Hermione and Isa to the Common Room. I think Dad and I need to have a talk."
Are you sure, Teddy?
I kissed Isa's forehead before passing her over to Rose. "I'm sure, baby girl. I'll be up in a while."
Carlisle and I were quiet while the others left the room; I even let him have his thoughts. Once it was empty, I just sat and waited. It would have to be him to reach out.
"I'm so, so sorry, Edward." I nodded at his words but had nothing to say. "I held you back, for my own selfish reasons, and made you miserable. I could have lost you."
"It wasn't just me, Carlisle. I understand wanting to wait for the others because we may not have had them if we came earlier, but why not after? Why not when it really was obvious I was miserable? Not only that; you kept everyone from reaching their potential, kept them from the world."
"I know. God, do I know, and I did it deliberately. I made a decision that affected everyone without talking to any of you … even Esme. I was so wrapped up in having my career and the family I had dreamt about when I was younger that I messed everything up." Carlisle finally looked up at me, his eyes were filled with liquid remorse, and he reached out to place his hand on my arm, which I yanked back from his touch. "Can you … Will you ever be able to forgive me?"
"Maybe." I nodded, staring at my clenched fists. "With time. I can be civil for Esme's sake, and Isa's, but I'm not sure I'll be able to talk to you like this for a while. I love you, Carlisle; you're like my father, but this is a betrayal of the highest order. I could have died and taken all of you with me. I may have left Isa without ever having met her, and that makes me wonder what would have then happened to her."
"It seems I have much to make up for. I'll endeavor to do just that." Carlisle stood, looking down at me. "Come home for Christmas, please. Your mother would miss you."
I growled, stood, and stalked to the door. "You've manipulated me enough. If we come home, I'll see you."
"Goodbye, Edward," Carlisle whispered as I walked from the room.
Instead of heading for the Common Room, I decided to head out of the castle. I had to run, had to move; it was like an itch I had to scratch. Running had always helped me see things through before, although I hadn't had much need for it recently.
I spent the next few hours just running around the grounds, eventually not even paying attention where I was going. I was in a haze going over everything that had happened, that was until something came down with a whomp, just missing my face and landing at my feet. I came to a complete stop and looked down, only to realize I was having a standoff with the Whomping Willow.
The tree that had the worst reputation slowly lifted the branch it had thrown down at me off the ground. I followed the movement, watching to see what the tree would do next, and when I noticed the twitch in her branches before she swung on me again, I growled before launching myself at her.
What happened next was an all-out assault. The Willow swung her massive branches in every direction at me while I dodged and swiped back at her. Eventually, I found myself back on the outside edge of where the Willow was able to reach, watching the branches moving in front of me. I took a few steps forward, still watching but not realizing that she was using a divide and conquer concept. She kept me distracted in the front, while one of her longer reaching branches swung around from the side, finally making contact, and with an oomph, sending me flying sideways over a hundred feet, only to land at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
The divot I made in the ground from the force of my landing actually knocked the wind out of me. The Willow had hit me so hard that I could feel cracks in my skin across my chest on the impact zone.
"Edward?"
"Ugh," I groaned, rolling around on the grass.
"Edward? Are yeh, okay?"
I coughed a little because, yeah, that was a painful experience. "Uh … I think so."
"That was a rough ride." Hagrid reached out a hand and pulled me up to help me stand. "What were yeh doing fightin' the Willow?"
"I needed to blow off a little steam. I found out some disturbing things, and I didn't want to take my anger out on Isa."
Hagrid was guiding me over to his cabin, which wasn't far from where I had landed. "And yeh thought the Willow was the best thing for that? Professor Sprout won't be happy 'bout it."
"I'll apologize to her and help her bandage it up." I sighed as I sat in one of Hagrid's oversized chairs. "I started running from the castle and wasn't paying attention. I ended up at the Willow, she issued the challenge, and I just accepted it."
"Why?"
Hagrid was surprisingly easy to talk to. I spent the next while talking to him, explaining what had happened both in the hospital wing and at dinner, plus the subsequent talk with Carlisle. He didn't offer any advice but just offered to listen as an outsider. It was something I needed because I was still talking to him when the sun started to rise. Although, I didn't notice that until Saffy came in through Hagrid's window and landed on my shoulder.
Momma sad. You didn't come.
"Oh, shit!" I stood quickly. "Uh, sorry, Hagrid. Thank you for everything, but I have to go."
Hagrid chuckled. "Yeh in trouble with the mate, eh?"
"Something like that." I chuckled. I turned to Saffy. "Fly back to Isa, Saffy. Comfort her; I'll be right behind you."
The little blue bird tilted her head at me and frowned. It was like she was trying to read my mind. You promise. Momma cry.
I closed my eyes in shame. "I promise, Saffy. I'll be right behind you."
You better. Or I sick Athan on you, she threatened before flying off.
"Yeh, better go, Edward. Don't be too hard on yer dad. I know what he did was wrong, but he loves yeh all so much. And yeh're 'ere now. Plus, yeh do have yehr Isabella."
"I'll think on it, Hagrid. Thank you for lending me your ear. See ya, later."
Hagrid waved while I raced out the door and back up to the castle, giving the Whomping Willow a wide berth. Only pausing long enough to apologize to Professor Sprout for damaging the tree and offering my assistance in bandaging it up. She laughed at me and told me it was probably better if I stayed away for a while.
I could hear Isa crying by the time I reached the middle of the grand staircase; she wasn't sobbing, but it was a sad, worried sound that was coming from her. I could also hear Hermione comforting my girl, something I should have been doing. I didn't grasp what was worrying her until I made it through the portrait, and she caught sight of me.
Isa jumped from my recliner, barreled over, and leapt into my arms. Once she was there, her thoughts came through loud and clear. Oh, by Merlin, Teddy! Where have you been? I thought you left! You said you wouldn't leave me …
I wrapped my arms completely around her, running my hand from the top of her head right down the length of her hair and back. "I'm sorry, Isa." I walked over to my chair, giving Hermione a pat on the shoulder as I walked by her. "After talking to Dad, I went for a run around the grounds trying to work off some steam. I lost track of time and where I was and ended up at the Whomping Willow."
What happened?
I took the next few minutes explaining to Isa and Hermione what happened. To say they were upset was an understatement. But it wasn't at the fact I had gone toe-to-toe with the Willow that had them upset.
Isa stood in front of me with her hands on her hips and an almost perfect mom-glare (Esme's favorite when she thinks we're misbehaving) on her face. "Edward Masen, have you looked at what you've done to those beautiful dress robes Alice sent you?"
I looked down and realized that not only was I covered in mud but there were tears and rips all over me. I think I was showing almost as much skin as there was hidden. I looked up quickly when I heard Isa gasp, but she wasn't looking at me; she was looking around me. I spun and realized she'd been looking in the mirror I had placed in my corner to help me tie my tie. I could do that with my eyes closed, but sometimes, it was nice to watch as I tied it in a mirror like a normal person.
I couldn't figure out what Isa had seen until I heard her huff a growl and run her hand over my back. Right where the ...
"How bad is it?"
"It's almost all gone! You had better fix it, and clean it, because you will wear it again! You wouldn't want to ruin an Alice Cullen original, one of a kind, would you?" Isa glowered. "Besides, I want a date with you wearing that wizard's robes; you looked so handsome."
I preened under her praise but decided to do just as she asked. I pulled my wand from the pocket Alice had sewn into my dress robes before asking the girls to turn around so I could change out of them. Once I had on my robes for class, I placed my new dress robes on my desk and used the spells that we had been taught to both repair and clean them back to almost brand new. If it wasn't for the wrinkles, they would be exactly as they'd been when Alice sent them to me.
"Much better." Isa nodded decisively. "Now, you go wash up; we've got class soon. Not long now until we're home for Christmas break." I flinched at her wording, causing Isa to frown. "What is it?"
"I'm not sure I want to go home for Christmas."
Hermione gasped at my whispered confession. "Oh, Edward."
I sat as Isa walked over to me, framing my face with her hands. "As much as you want to hide away from this, I don't know that running away is the right option. The longer you put it off, the harder it will be to face."
"My heart knows; my head is harder to convince."
"Take your time." Isa kissed my forehead. "If you decide not to go home, then I'll stay here with you. Let me know when you decide." Isa turned and held her hand out for Hermione. "Let's go get our book bags. We'll meet you in the Great Hall, Teddy."
It looked like I had some serious thinking to do.
~*~UHS~*~
"Hey, Edward?" Harry came up to me in the library the following week while the boys and I were doing some studying.
"Yeah, Harry?"
"I was thinking that I wanted to do some research into something. But I think I'm going to need all the help I can get."
I frowned, looking up at him and the book he had in his hands. "What on?"
"These." Harry dropped the book onto the table in front of me, pointing to the picture on the page he had been looking at. "What do you think? You think if we did some research into Dementors, we could find out why they affect us so much?"
"I think that's a good idea. We can start after we finish our homework."
Harry didn't leave straight away; in fact, he stood at the table and fidgeted a little, which caught my attention. I looked up. "What's up, Harry?"
"Uh …" His hands fidgeted some more. "Look, I heard what happened with your dad. Hermione needed someone to talk to—don't be mad at her—but with what happened, I know you aren't sure about going home for Christmas. I … uh … spoke with Shane and Uncle Sirius, and they said that if you wanted to leave the castle but didn't want to go home, we had plenty of room for you, and Isa, to stay with us, if you wanted."
I sat back, flummoxed. Not because Hermione had talked to Harry, I'd almost expected that, but because, for the first time, I had family away from my own to stay with. I had someone I could turn to, who wasn't stuck deep in the middle of what was going on. It was something else that had been denied to me all these years.
I nodded. "I'll talk to Isa and let you know. Thanks, Harry."
"No problem. That's what family is for, right?"
"Right."
I sat for a while, thinking about what Harry said. They thought of us as family, and he was right; I thought of them the same way. I had gone back to my homework, finished it, and had started researching Dementors by the time Isa, Hermione, and Luna finally made their way to the library. Isa kissed my head, taking her seat next to me, but took a hard look at my face. Something there must have tipped her off to my thoughts.
What's up, Teddy? She frowned but ran her hands through my hair. I explained to her what Harry and I had talked about, her frown loosening the more I spoke. Oh, Teddy. That must have been really hard, but it's a good thing though, isn't it? To have that now? I nodded, kissing her palm when it cupped my cheek. Is that something you would like to do for Christmas?
"I think so?" My answer came out sounding like a question, causing Isa to chuckle a little. "But I think I want to talk to Sirius and Shane first, you know? Just to make sure. I trust Harry …"
After all this time, it's hard to take what they're offering at face value, through a third party no less. You want to make sure it isn't just Harry offering. I get it.
I relaxed. "Good; that's good. I'll ask when we go to Hogsmeade this weekend. I just need some more time."
Completely understandable. Now for a more serious question. Have you had any luck on that potion change for Remus?
"I have. But since we've been so busy, I haven't made it or tested it yet. And I don't think I will before we have to pack to leave." I indicated the mess of homework and studying in front of me.
Well, I know we don't have long over Christmas, but will you be taking your tester home?
I sat and thought a little about what she was asking. It was a pain going to and from the Room of Requirement now that I wasn't making the Polyjuice Potion as regularly. James was capable of making it himself, and had more time to do so. Was there a way to have my potions center closer to the tower? I mean was there somewhere else I could put …
What you need is a mobile potions room. Where could you put all your things that you could pack up in a … Ooooo, what about Daddy's panic room? I frowned as I followed Isa's thoughts, looking over to her. You know, inside your trunk? Daddy had one that had all my family heirlooms in it.
I sat up quickly and kissed Isa hard on the head. "Brilliant girl. That's a fantastic idea."
Isa blushed from my passionate response, looking down at her homework but peeking at me out of the corner of her eye with a small smile on her face. You're welcome.
I chuckled but got back to the research I was doing but using my ever-expansive brain to plan how I was going to set up my new potions center. I would move everything, except the cauldron Professor Dumbledore provided, from the Room of Requirement to my trunk. I was actually excited about it and couldn't wait until everyone went to bed so that I could do just that.
~*~UHS~*~
Later that night after everyone had gone to bed, I used the magic we had been taught, and the spells that Isa and I had been teaching ourselves, to collect everything from the Room of Requirement. I snorted; that was after I went through the keys for my trunk to find the one for the safe room. It seemed that when I was excited enough, I could forget something as mundane as which key would open the right area.
I smiled when I returned to the Gryffindor Common Room. Isa was curled up in my recliner, with it reclined, all wrapped up in blankets. She had tried so hard to stay awake and help but had fallen asleep once everyone had gone up to bed. We were doing a lot of studying, plus the research into the dementors. On top of all of that was the fight and everything going on between Carlisle and me; it wasn't a surprise she was tired. I was tired, but I couldn't escape from it.
I'd left the top of my trunk open so I could hear the little snuffling snores Isa made when she was that tired. I loved them, mostly because they were cute but also because it meant she was sleeping deeply. I was also grateful that her dreams had been peaceful considering everything that was going on. Although, what I wouldn't have given for some clue as to where either Pettigrew or Lestrange were hiding.
I hid out in my trunk until the first conscious thoughts filtered through from my Gryffindor housemates, barely making it out before Harry made it downstairs. He found me sitting at my desk, going over notes I had made for astrology. It was a fascinating subject because of how they interpreted what they were seeing in the stars.
"Hey, Edward. How're you feeling today?" Harry whispered after seeing Isa still asleep.
I shrugged. "I don't know. I feel good about school, I feel great about Isa, and I feel good about my friends and most of my family. I don't know what to feel about everything else, including Carlisle. I'm just lost."
"I get that. Have you thought about my offer?"
"I have. But I want to talk to Sirius and Shane first. I plan to do that today while we're in Hogsmeade."
"Fair enough." Neville and Hermione had made it down the stairs at this point. "Guess we'll see you down at breakfast."
I nodded, watching them leave, before I turned to Isa. "Thank you for letting me chat with Harry, sweet girl, but it's time to wake up." I stood up but leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Morning."
Isa giggled before she stretched like a contented cat. "Morning, Teddy."
"Are you ready to get out of the castle for the day?"
"Uh huh." Isa nodded along with her short answer.
I snickered. "Then you better get up and get ready, or they're going to leave without us!"
"Okay, Teddy!" Isa giggled again before jumping up and scampering off to her dorm room.
I chuckled at her before turning back to pack up my things and lock them away. As much as I trusted my Gryffindor classmates, I was still wary about leaving my classwork out where others could see it.
Isa and I made it down to the carriages with moments to spare; in fact, everyone else had gone ahead before us. We managed to catch the last one.
"Luna!" Isa squealed, climbing up into the carriage with her. "Why didn't you go on ahead with everyone else?"
Luna laughed before leaning in and giving Isa a hug. "Bella, Edward. I would have but I overslept this morning. It seems I only just beat you guys here. Why are you so late?"
Luna's mind was always an interesting place to be, and I never could help myself when she was around. I'd heard of the word "scatterbrained" to describe someone's thought processes but had never come across it until I'd met Luna. Her thought process was interesting because she could be thinking a hundred things at once, only to really have nothing going on in her mind at all. Today, though, it was a stray thought about finding her sneakers tied up in the archway of a corridor that caught my attention.
It seemed Luna was having a hard time of it with her housemates; they were teasing her and hiding her things. But because of her carefree nature, she never seemed to say anything to them.
"Why do you let them do that?" I blurted out without thinking. Luna knew I could read minds, but this was the first time I'd demonstrated on her. While she was surprised that I'd done it, she let it go.
"Let who do what?"
"Why do you let your housemates get away with hiding all of your things? You should speak up about it."
Luna shrugged before looking out over the edge of the carriage we were riding in. Her mind filled with a picture of a beautiful woman with dirty blonde hair and silvery eyes; she was smiling happily at a younger Luna, who looked to be about nine years old.
"My mother always used to say, 'The things we lose always have a way of coming back to us.' I guess that's why I don't say anything."
"Oh, but, Luna, you aren't losing your things. They're being taken and hidden from you. That's two very separate things." Isa held Luna's hands in between them. "That's wrong. That's stealing and bullying. It would be different if you were losing your things yourself, but you aren't. You can't just stay silent!"
"What am I supposed to do, Bella? They're my housemates; won't telling just make it all the worse?"
"I don't think so." I decided to add my two cents. "What they're doing is bullying. And from what I can tell, the wizarding world doesn't stand for that. Unless you're Voldemort. But nobody will do anything if nothing is ever said. Sticking up for yourself is never a bad thing; plus, it will let them know they can't walk all over you.
"Your housemates may never understand you, Luna, but know that we'll always accept you for who you are. Don't ever let fear of what may happen hold you back."
Luna nodded. "I'll think about what you've said. Thank you, Edward and Bella; you've both given me a lot to think about."
Luna fell quiet after that. Isa went to say something else, but I stopped her. Luna did need to think about it, and I hoped she'd make the decision to tell someone. Especially if that someone was a professor.
Isa and I were also quiet for the rest of the trip. It seemed that Isa had a lot to think about when it came to Luna's situation as well. She'd taken my words to heart. Isa was determined that if Luna didn't say anything, she would. Because how would it stop if nobody said anything. Sometimes, it had to come from someone outside the situation.
Besides, if someone had said something or anything about Tom Riddle, would we be in this situation with Lord Voldemort?
"That's two separate things, my pretty girl," I whispered into her ear as I lifted her down off the carriage in Hogsmeade. "But," I cut her off when she began to argue, "but had someone said something—because I'm sure he tormented kids here at Hogwarts, he was just smarter about it—then it very well could have been prevented. All it takes for war is for good men to do nothing."
"Exactly! So why are we waiting to see if Luna will say anything?"
"Because she needs to make up her mind for herself," I said, watching said girl walk away to find Hermione. "We've given her a lot to think about, and she's doing just that. But I promise; if she decides not to, then we'll go see Professor Dumbledore. I don't want our friend hurt either."
"Okay," Isa mumbled but held onto my hand and led the way.
It was time for us to go on another date, and Isa was leading the way. She'd decided we were going to the little bakery in town this time; only instead of staying, we were going to find somewhere nice to have a picnic. I had something to show her, and I didn't want anyone around to see.
After gathering some delicious-smelling pastries and desserts, we headed to the outskirts of town, hoping to find somewhere comfortable but not too cold, somewhere sheltered from the snow to enjoy our lunch. It took some hunting, but eventually, we found a meadow similar to the one near home, or back in Forks. We'd have to come back when it was closer to summer because I'm sure it would be beautiful.
"This is wonderful." Isa sighed. "Getting away from the stress of everything going on."
"It is wonderful. We'll need to find Sirius and Shane later."
"I know." Isa sighed again and flopped down onto the blanket behind her before she smirked over at me. "I take it lunch wasn't the only reason we're out here. You've been awfully smirky and happy the last few days."
I laughed at her description because she was right. Despite everything going on with Pettigrew, Lestrange, and Carlisle, I'd been able to find something good to hold onto. "You're right; I have been happier." I pulled the extendable bag out of my pocket. Marveling that something like this was actually illegal, but nobody knew we had made it. I reached inside and brought a small black case out and flipped it open. "I've done it, sweet girl. As of the full moon next week, we can start the process to transform into our animagus forms."
Isa was quiet for a few minutes, making me worry, before letting out a squeal that I'm sure only dogs and vampires could hear. She launched herself at me so quickly that I was just fast enough to close the black case and catch her at the same time.
"I knew it! I knew you could do it!" Isa bounced in my lap. "We're really going to do it, aren't we?"
"We are. And soon we'll have all the ingredients. Alice has been looking for the dew we needed since Thanksgiving dinner, and we'll have our chrysalises soon as well."
Isa stood and danced around the picnic blanket for a minute. "When can we put the fudge in our mouths?"
"The full moon rises next Friday, the twelfth, around five-forty. We have to keep it in our mouths until we get to the twelfth of January."
"Then we follow the rest of the instructions and repeat the chant at sunrise and sunset until we get a lightning storm …"
"At which point, we say the chant, drink the potion, and hope for the best." We finished together.
Isa was quiet as she sat back on my lap. "And Alice has seen it happen?"
I nodded, pulling her closer. "It's going to happen. Don't worry, my beautiful girl."
We sat quietly for a little while before packing things up and heading back toward Hogsmeade. Shane and Sirius had a small house on the outskirts of town, opposite from where we had lunch. We walked through town, stopping at Honeydukes for some candy and making tentative plans to have a date at The Charmed Palate sometime in the new year before making our way over to the house Sirius had bought.
I loved the houses in Hogsmeade. All made of stone, but quaint, and full of history. And that was exactly what the house Sirius and Shane lived in looked like. It was two stories with four large windows in front, along with a beautiful wooden door, and a lantern on the front. I was hoping they planned on keeping this house after this year; otherwise, I'd look at purchasing it from them.
Sirius was the one to open the door after I'd knocked. "Bella, Edward. Welcome. Harry said you might drop by. Come in, come in."
We followed Sirius through to the family room where Harry was sitting with Shane before taking the seats he indicated. "What can we do for you today?"
Isa looked up at me and reached for my hand. She was letting me lead this conversation.
"I know you've heard about what has happened between Carlisle and me," I began, waiting until they nodded before I continued. "Harry came to me the other morning and invited Isa and me to spend Christmas with you guys at Grimmauld Place. What I wanted to know was if you were serious?"
James and Sirius shared a loaded look between the two of them but, at the moment, had their minds firmly closed. James leaned back into his chair while Sirius leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"It's no secret that my family is as screwed up as they come." Sirius snorted. "What you don't know, Edward, is that for my last few years at Hogwarts, I crashed at James's house. Or Remus's house, and even a few times at Peter's. Although his parents weren't as welcoming as the others."
"Why did you do that?" Isa asked with her head tilted to the side. She was trying to figure Sirius out.
"By that time, my mother was very into the dark side of our world. She supported Voldemort, and I couldn't stand to be anywhere near their influence, so I left. But what I'm trying to say is that my house is open to you, as long as you need it, because I understand what it's like to fight with family and needing to be away from them."
I nodded but looked down at Isa's small hand clasped in my own so that I could gather my thoughts. "Do you think I'm being … I don't know … a little ridiculous."
"No, Edward." It was James who answered. "It's not something the three of us hadn't thought about at one time or another while we were living with you. In fact, it was a topic of discussion quite a few times while you were all out hunting."
Sirius nodded. "Carlisle wasn't the only one who noticed things around you. We didn't know if you knew, and were keeping quiet, or if you truly didn't know. It's why we never said anything. We're sorry, now more than ever, that we didn't say a word."
"I don't blame you. Like you said, you didn't know. This falls squarely on Carlisle's head because he refused to see what was right in front of him, or find out what it would do to me." I looked up at them both. "But I want to take you up on your offer for the break."
"Not a problem. You do know you'll have to see him Christmas day, right?"
I nodded, looking down at Isa. "I know, and I'll keep things civil. But I'm just not ready to talk about this again. Especially after finding out from Jasper what could have happened. I'm lucky to be here!" I growled, standing up to pace.
I smelled Isa's tears as she watched me, but I couldn't comfort her. I would grip her too hard in my anger.
I'll get her, Edward. Do what you need. Harry thought as he got up from his place next to James and went to Isa. He sat down and pulled her into his side because, even at thirteen, he was taller than the girls.
"Come on, Edward, let's go for a run. James will stay here with Harry and Bella. All right, Bella?"
I looked at Isa to see her nod.
Come back to me soon, Teddy. Love you.
"I love you, too." I spun back to Sirius, only to see him already walking away. I followed him to the back door. As soon as he had it open, I bolted. I didn't even wait for him to transform and follow me. I knew he would, but I needed to just run my anger off.
It took a couple hours of running, and even hunting a few animals, but eventually, I exhausted the anger I had. I knew it was something I had to get under control; I couldn't let it become a part of me, otherwise, I'd never get over what had been done. I was here, in the wizarding world, and that should be enough. It would just take time.
"Feel better?" Sirius asked after he'd transformed back and walked with me to the back door.
"I do."
Sirius snickered. "Preparing for something?" he asked, causing me to laugh with him. "Did you get everything out?"
"For now. It crops up every now and again. I can't control it when it does."
"I can understand that. I had the same problem when I left home. As much as you say you can't control it, you'll have to learn to; otherwise, it will take you over. Confront it, and Carlisle, so it can't define who you are."
"I know." I nodded. "It's something I'll work on over the break. I should've written it all down, and that's what I'll do; it'll help me sort it all out."
"Good. James and I will make sure you have time to do just that. We can take Bella and Harry out for a day."
I patted Sirius on the shoulder as I made my way past him. "I'd really appreciate that."
"Not a problem."
I made my way back into the family room where I could hear Isa and Harry doing some research on dementors, although, it wasn't distracting her all that much. Every minute or so, she'd look in the direction of the back door. It was with that in mind I knew Isa would see me the minute I walked in, so I was expecting her reaction.
It was with a squealed "Teddy" that she launched herself at me and hugged me tight.
"Hey, baby girl. Sorry."
"Don't you apologize. You needed to go; I understand that."
"Okay. Then I guess it's time we head back to Hogwarts. Harry, you coming with us?" I asked as I tossed Isa over my shoulder just to hear her squealing giggle.
Harry chuckled along with James and Sirius while he packed up his things. "Yeah. Let's go."
I started to head toward the door, only to have Isa start squealing louder and thump me on the back a few times. "Put me down, Teddy! Put me down!"
"What, why?" I spun around, pretending to try and see her face.
"Because I want to walk!"
"What would you want to do that for?"
~*~UHS~*~
The last couple weeks at school were reasonably quiet. There were no reports on Lestrange, and I didn't see hide nor hair of Peter. I checked the Marauders Map several times, but it seemed, for now, he'd disappeared.
The Saturday after our visit to Hogsmeade, Isa and I told our friends we were going to study by ourselves. After dinner in the Great Hall, we gathered our things from Gryffindor Tower and made our way to the Room of Requirement—there were just too many people inside the tower to use my trunk—to have our study session. What we really were doing was giving ourselves time to learn to talk properly once we'd placed the fudge inside our mouths. More so Isa than me. It took her a few hours of reading occasionally from one of our homework pieces to get the hang of it, but by the time it was lights out, she had it down. Nobody would know what we were up to.
We'd even decided not to let our friends know that we'd started the process. We were going to give them all a fudge for Christmas, along with a list of dates for the full moon for the coming year, and then let them decide for themselves if they were going to attempt their animagus transformations or not.
The only thing that stood out during our time left at Hogwarts before Christmas break was at the dinner before we left. Everyone in our group had been relatively quiet, we were just exhausted after all the time we'd put into studying. In fact, most of the students in the upper levels were all tired and ready for the short break. That was until Hagrid barreled into the Great Hall completely devastated. He just about fell down in front of Isa, Harry, Hermione, and me.
"Oh, Hagrid!" The girls jumped from their seats. "What's wrong?"
"They're going to execute Buckbeak!" he blubbered, waving a letter around in one of his meaty hands before he handed it over to me.
I could hear some of the other students—mostly ones from Slytherin—who were tittering and laughing quietly at Hagrid's display. I also heard as Professor Dumbledore leaned over and asked Esme what was going on. I looked up as she told him, only to see him look sympathetic briefly before schooling his features and giving Hagrid a disapproving look, which Hagrid caught. I understood that teachers were supposed to be held to a higher standard, but Hagrid's animals were his children. He loved them like no other.
I shook my head before looking at the letter. It was hard to read in some places because Hagrid's tears had landed everywhere on the page, but I could see it was from the Disposal for Magical Creatures division explaining that a complaint had been made against the beast known as Buckbeak, a Hippogriff, and at this point in time, it had been decided that he would be executed.
"Wait, Hagrid. We can appeal the decision!" I leaned forward to show him. "Look, we have time to fight for Buckbeak. Don't worry; we'll all help."
"Really?" Hagrid asked, looking around at all of us. "Yeh'll help?"
"Of course," Harry said. "We couldn't let this go without a fight. He means something to you, so he means something to us. That's what friends do, right?"
Hagrid nodded before blowing his nose, loudly, on a handkerchief that was the size of a hand towel. "Right." He stood up. "Of course, we will. An' we won't give up!"
"That's the spirit!" our group cheered. "We'll get it sorted out."
Hagrid left the Great Hall in much better spirits than when he entered. I snorted quietly to myself; they really could have waited until after the holidays to send that letter. Inconsiderate politicians! Seemed they weren't any different in the wizarding world than they were in the muggle one.
The trip home on the Hogwarts Express had been a quiet one. We were all tired from how the first part of this year had gone, none more so than Isa and me. Classes had been harder, with stronger spells, but Isa and I had also been doing our own research into spells and charms above our year level. We wanted to be prepared for anything. On top of all of that, there was the business with Carlisle. We'd told Hermione that we weren't going to be staying at Swan Manor for the Christmas break; although she understood, she was upset about it too. We'd also let Jasper and Esme know of our decision. Esme had been the most upset by it, but she, too, understood it was for the best. She also knew that she'd see us on Christmas Day at the Weasley house like normal.
Shane, Sirius, and Remus had all met us at Platform Nine and Three Quarters along with Emmett and Molly. Emmett had clapped me on the shoulder, gave Isa a hug, and told us he'd see us on Christmas, and that he had something he wanted to discuss with us. We nodded but followed along behind Sirius to the car they had waiting.
The first couple days of Christmas break were quiet. The three of us had homework to get done, as usual. I understood having to learn a lot during the year, but why couldn't we get a break also? School was getting more grueling the higher we went. Although Isa and I could be blamed for that considering we were studying extra, but still.
Today was the day that Sirius, Shane, and Remus were taking Isa and Harry out for a day of Christmas shopping and lunch. Isa had kissed my forehead gently when she left and wished me luck with sorting everything out. As soon as she was gone, I sat down with my journal and laid everything out that had happened since that fateful Quidditch match.
Getting it all down on paper helped me work out my feelings. While I was betrayed by everything Carlisle did, and furious beyond measure at how he put not only me but our family in danger, I could also understand to a degree. He hadn't known he could be a doctor in the wizarding world, that he could have continued his passion. He thought the only way to do that was in the muggle world. I also understood, to some degree, about not having the rest of us if we'd made that move sooner.
What I couldn't understand—after looking back over the long years we'd been together—was how the longer we stayed away from the wizarding world and the worse my control on my magic became, that he still didn't say anything. That was the part I couldn't justify. I could have seriously hurt someone in our family. I could have become some uncontrollable force of magic that could have killed not only everyone in our family, but everyone around us at the time. And worst of all, I could have left Isa more alone in the world than she was before she found me.
That was the part I was struggling with the most.
Well that and the fact that all the times I had thought it was my mind reading giving me the advantage in my daily interactions, or stock trading, or just about anything, I started to notice a pattern. Sure my mind reading had been an advantage, but there was a certain sensation within my body that coalesced with the push I was giving to get my own way.
Was I any better than Voldemort by using my magic to make others do what I wanted?
Granted, I had never hurt anybody. I had never physically made them do anything, but when I wanted something that could be bought, it seemed that my magic always had a hand in convincing them to give me what I wanted. Whether they wanted to sell it to me or not. Even if I didn't know I was doing it, did that make what I did wrong? Or evil?
It certainly had a way of messing with my mind and making me doubt myself and my abilities at controlling my magic. Although, at least since I started at Hogwarts, I haven't had any instances of it, so maybe that was showing my improvement.
It was something I was going to have to talk about with Sirius, James, and Remus. They'd be able to explain it to me in a way I could accept it. I had no doubt about that.
After I had finished writing in my journal, I decided it was time to get Remus's Christmas present started. I was glad the potion wouldn't take long to brew because I had to run it through the tester before I could, in good conscience, give him some from Isa and me. I was hoping this would be the end of it. That the result of this potion would possibly cure part or all of his lycanthropy. And if it didn't cure him, maybe it would make him an animagus instead. Able to control his transformations, able to be himself, and never be the danger to others that he thought he was.
He was probably my best friend, and I wanted to give him everything he'd ever dreamed of, starting with the cure he had so desperately searched for.
It took me the better part of the afternoon to create the potion the way I wanted it, with the ingredient changes that I needed. I was just about to run it through the tester when Isa and the others came home. I didn't realize they'd returned until my beautiful girl looked over the side of my trunk and called out for me. I looked up, and all I could see was her stunning face surrounded by light, causing her to look like the angel she is to me.
"Teddy?" Isa called, tilting her head to the side. "Are you down there?"
"I'm here, gorgeous. Home already?"
"Yup. I've done all my shopping. I got all the things on the list that you wanted me to get for you, too. What are you doing?"
"I'm just about to test that potion we were talking about. Why don't you come down here and see what happens?"
"Oooh goody." Isa clapped before she made her way into my trunk. I waited until she was standing by my side before giving her a hug. "Did you have a good day?"
I nodded. "I was able to sort a lot of things out. But there are still some I don't understand."
"Like what?"
"I'll show you my journal later, if you want. Right now, I want to test this to make sure it'll help Remus."
"Sounds good. Well, pour it in!"
I used a ladle to scoop up some of the potion I'd concocted and walked over to where I placed my deluxe model FIPRA. After ladling some into the top of it, I stood back to wait with Isa. We watched in complete silence as the liquid filtered down through all the levels, being separated, analyzed, and then released back into the bowl that I'd placed at the bottom.
"Hey there, be careful! Even I can become vampirized. Too much venom, way too much." Isa cracked up laughing at the admonishment I was given. "In this instance, a drop might be better than a drizzle. Try again."
I shrugged. "Well, if that's the only thing wrong with my potion, I'm happy. What do you think?"
"I think you better get to brewing another trial; we don't have long until Christmas. I'm going to see what Kreacher and James are making for dinner. I'll come get you when it's ready."
I nodded, already cleaning my cauldron and getting the ingredients ready to make another batch. I would take the advice the FIPRA gave me and adjust the dosage of vampire venom I was adding to the potion. I'd used a whole dropper full in the last batch; this time, I'd use just the drop it was suggesting.
I worked until Isa called me for dinner. After, while the potion continued brewing, we sat down with my journal and talked about what I had written. She could understand where I was coming from because she didn't understand Carlisle's reluctance to come to the wizarding world either—especially once he had all of us—but she knew it was something we had to talk about together, without outside influence.
We sat quietly for a while, just relishing in the quiet. Sure, Sirius and the others were home, but they were leaving us alone. They wanted us to be able to sort through things, and the best way to do that was to give us the space to talk about it. It wasn't until my watch rang out with a reminder to check on the potion.
Isa was all giggles and excitement.
"Why are you so excited about this?" I asked.
"Because this is something you've worked on. Something that could help better wizard-kind. Something that other wizards haven't been able to figure out before. But you want to know the best part?"
I chuckled at her excited chatter as I climbed the ladder down into my trunk. I didn't read her thoughts because I loved to hear things like this directly from her. "No, what?"
"If this works—which I have no doubt that it will—you'll take away the excuses of many werewolves who have used lycanthropy as a reason to do evil, nasty things. It'll come back on the person instead of giving them an excuse."
I froze a few steps away from the ladder. I hadn't thought any further than making this potion for Remus. "What did you say?"
"I said this is going to revolutionize the wizarding community. Werewolves won't have any excuses for their behavior; you could also make them more acceptable to the community at large. There'll be no more stigma on becoming a werewolf. Why are you not moving, Teddy? You'll overcook your potion!" I stayed frozen as Isa extinguished the fire under my cauldron before she turned back to me.
"Edward? What's wrong?"
"I just … I'd never thought of that. I hadn't thought any further than helping Remus get what he's always wanted, to be free of the curse that has affected him his whole life."
Isa reached out and grabbed my hands. "Oh, Teddy. That's beautiful, it really is, but can you hold this discovery back when I'm sure there're others out there who feel the same way? Who are ostracized for something that isn't their fault?"
I shook my head hard. I couldn't, wouldn't, do that because I knew how that felt. If this worked—Remus would have to be my Guinea pig—then I would want to work with someone reputable to create a place to make it and distribute it.
"We have to make sure it's perfect. There can't be anything wrong with it. I hope Remus will be willing to test it," I urged as I started pacing. "I want there to be nothing for people to complain about when it goes out to the wizarding world at large."
"And it will be. I have absolute faith in you, and in your work. You've been meticulous with this potion, Teddy. You've made notes, upon notes, upon notes. You've written and rewritten your formulas until you thought they were correct, and the only thing the tester commented on last time was the amount of venom. You've got this; I know you do." Isa pushed me toward the cauldron. "Now test it so I can pick out some bottles."
I laughed. Every time we went to Diagon Alley, we visited Mr. Wiseacre. And every time, Isa found some exotic and beautiful bottles. It made me wonder whether he was ordering them just for her.
"Okay, okay. Let's do this." I let out a breath while I used the ladle to scoop out some more of my potion. I was so nervous that my hand had the slightest of tremors to it. Once again, Isa and I stood back and waited while my potion meandered its way through the FIPRA.
"Hmm … This potion is very good. A well thought out and brilliantly put together idea. This potion will work on the werewolf virus. While nothing will cure lycanthropy, this one will give the humanoid subject what they are looking for … control. It's very, very potent with the addition of vampire venom. And even with this addition, it will not be poisonous to the subject. I must emphasize that only one infected by lycanthropy must ingest this potion."
I flopped down on the floor, my mouth wide open, while Isa squealed happily. I'd done it. I finished a brand new potion. I'd succeeded where many had failed before. But why?
"What do you mean, why? Teddy, you did it!" Isa flung her arms around my neck, still squealing.
"Why did I succeed when others had failed?"
"Oh! That's easy! You didn't try to remove or cure the lycanthropy; you helped them gain control of it."
I frowned. "You think it's that simple? Nobody thought about it before?"
"No!" Isa laughed. "That's the best bit. You thought of something nobody has ever thought of before. Well done! I'm so proud of you." Isa flung her arms around me again and hugged me for all she was worth. I could almost feel the pride coming from her. If I could cry, I would have. "Oh, I have to pick out some bottles! How many do you think he'll need?"
"I have no idea!" I laughed before I flopped back onto the floor. "I did it. I truly did it. Wow."
~*~UHS~*~
"Morning, Remus. How are you?" I asked as I sat down in front of his desk in the study. Because he was teaching this year, James and Sirius had set aside a space for him to work during the breaks, if needed.
"Morning, Edward. What can I do for you today?"
I relaxed back into the chair because it was seriously comfortable but waited until Remus actually looked up at me. "I need some help with something."
"Anything. You know that. Just tell me."
"I do know that." I pulled a small bottle with the shape of a wolf's head—looking remarkably like the wolves from La Push—and placed it on the table.
"What's this? I still have a couple remaining potions from the last batch. I'm not due for more just yet."
"I've been tweaking, like I promised. I came across some interesting information during some research this year, and it made me think outside the box I was putting myself in."
"A cure?" Remus breathed, picking up the bottle and looking it over.
"Not in the sense that you're thinking." I tapped my temple. "It won't cure you of your lycanthropy. But it may just give you the control you need to become a shapeshifter or animagus."
Remus frowned as he flipped the bottle over in his hands. "What do you mean?"
I leaned forward resting my elbows on my knees and looking directly at Remus. "Instead of only turning at the full moon, I'm hoping this potion will give you the option to change at will. I'm also hoping that when you do change you'll look more like the picture on the bottle than the two-legged description I found in the books at school."
"That description is nasty." Remus laughed but sobered quickly. "Unfortunately, we look exactly like that."
The werewolves we were talking about were the two-legged kind that are often portrayed in movies throughout the muggle world. They are lanky, with long arms and legs. Their heads are canine in appearance, and their bodies have fur. But the book also said that the more the subject takes on characteristics of the wolf, the more their appearance changed to look like that, sometimes while they are still in their human forms. No two werewolves look the same, even in their wolf form. Unlike the La Push wolves, who look exactly like wolves out in the wild. Only much, much larger.
"Well, hopefully, with this, you won't anymore." I paused before continuing. "Of course, I can't be sure. My FIPRA has tested the potion, and it's safe for consumption only by those who suffer from lycanthropy. But I don't know exactly what it will do."
"Ahhh, now I see. You want me to be your test subject." Remus held up his hand when I went to interrupt him. "I know that's not what you mean, Edward. But like I said earlier, I would do anything for you. You and your family trusted me enough when I made those potions for you, and I trust you when you say this is safe for me to consume.
"If this potion will bring me the freedom you think it will, I'll gladly test any potion you bring my way. When do we start?"
I smiled. "At the next full moon, if you're ready."
~*~UHS~*~
Hmm so what do you all think about Carlisle, now?
And it seems as if our couple is ready to bring out their inner animal. I can't wait to see what they become!
See you in a fortnight.
