Okay, usual disclaimers that everyone knows will be set aside to save text. First of all I am really, really sorry that this has taken so long to write. After the exams I had to move back to my parent's from university so unfortunately the story kinda took a back seat. To save any future confusion when this story is complete it will display the 'complete' tag beneath the title. As for other disclaimers the release key is from E nomine's song Mitternacht, if it seems long winded just check out the song it goes a little faster sung than in text, the translation's off a You tube video. Senbon sakura is from Bleach and so is the translation.

Hope you all like this chapter, it reveals a little more about Luka's past but I'm afraid that that only throws up even more questions.

Professor Snape concentrated trying to feel for the girl's presence as he rushed through the grounds. He would never tell anyone how worried he was about the child, the only student with a worse track record for life threatening incidents was Potter and his simpering friends. Looking around in his wand light he felt a cold chill, Dementors. They were all moving in one direction meaning that either they had caught the wretch Black or they were with the girl. Moving quickly he soon found her surrounded by the creatures and her owl. Muttering 'expecto patronum' under his breath he drove the Dementors back to their posts and approached the girl. Why was she still in human form? As soon as he got near he was halted by the blood curdling screech of the girl's owl. The bird had puffed itself up to twice its normal size, the beak was gaping in threat and the eyes were crimson... just like the demon's. Was the owl the demon or a Dark creature? Whatever it was he still had to reach his student, he could see that she was unconscious but still convulsing from the Cruciatus.

"Let me pass, I wish to help the girl," he said to the owl, he felt like a complete idiot but it may be intelligent enough to understand him.

The owl hesitated before deflating and the professor moved to the girl's side before conjuring a stretcher. Moving quickly he strode to the hospital wing, the owl now perched by its mistress' side. Once in the hospital wing he was met by Madam Pomfrey and Professor Flitwick.

"She is still in human form?" asked Madam Pomfrey in surprise.

"Yes, in fact she looks more human than when she was in the tower," replied the Potions master as he levitated Luka onto one of the beds.

Immediately he and Professor Flitwick began scanning her for injuries and malevolent magic.

"All the glamours have fallen away, only the collar remains and a curse is emanating from it. It appears that it limits her magic and there's a transfiguration spell on it too, that could be why she is failing to shift," said Professor Flitwick.

"In addition she is under the Cruciatus and there is all the unhealed damage from those Ministry swines," added Professor Snape as the matron bustled off to get the necessary potions.

Upon her return she asked, "Is there anything else we can find out about that collar? It seems to be the last hurdle she'll be facing once she's taken the medicine,"

"I'm not sure, it's an object rather than a charm so it's hard to visualise," replied the Charms master.

Hard to visualise... that gave Professor Snape an idea.

"Adeat,"

The others looked in surprise at the sudden materialisation of the tome and the Potions master flipped the nearest empty page. Placing his wand at the werewolf's neck he held the quill in his other hand. As he focused on the collar its image appeared on the page, once the drawing was complete he removed the quill before other thoughts appeared.

"What is that Severus?" asked Madam Pomfrey as she and Professor Flitwick stared at the objects.

"My artefact," he replied matter of factly as he turned his attention to the drawing of the collar. It was a foul device, a circlet of gold engraved with runes and from its inner surface emerged long spikes, presumably to hold it in place.

"I've never seen such a thing," breathed Professor Flitwick, "is it possible to get a closer look at the runes?"

Without replying Professor Snape magnified the image on the page and rotated it so they could read the runes. Holding the quill he rotated the collar full circle, the runes appearing on the page beneath the picture.

"Given that earlier they were trying to get her to transform and now Pearson is back in human form one of those cretins must be controlling the collar somehow. I'll go and see what Albus is doing with them," said Professor Snape as he turned to exit the hospital wing leaving his book with the Charms master so he could continue to decipher the runes.

Reaching the headmaster's office Professor Snape found the Ministry staff surrounded by other members of the faculty. Professor Snape swiftly appraised them of the situation.

"I believe that the use of Legilemency on the Pearsons will give us the answers we require to deactivate the collar,"

"I agree Severus, although veriterserum is another option. I will conduct the Legilemency myself," replied the Headmaster.

"No, I will. I have already seen the collar so I will have better understanding of what I'm looking for," said the Potions master as he strode over to Rose Pearson, she seemed to be the most intelligent of the two.

Professor Dumbledore didn't miss the bitterness in the younger wizard's voice. Acknowledging the fact that the current situation was partially due to his consistent dismissal of Professor Snape's concerns he allowed him to interrogate the prisoners.

Professor Snape cast a non verbal silencing spell on the witch, he didn't want the others interfering if her screams got too loud. Swiftly cutting into the blonde's mind he ruthlessly ripped apart her defences as he made his way to the desired memories. Relishing each mental cry of pain the professor found what he sought after. Her ring was a controller for her collar which would release the punishments the girl was suffering. The professor sucked a breath through his teeth as realised exactly what the girl was dealing with. Not only the agony of the Cruciatus and the constant tearing and reforming or her tissues due to the constraints on the wolf but a series of Mind Breakers and Crushers. Provided she survived the night there was no way she would be sane. Deciding to leave the interesting diversion of learning about the girl's past for later the professor withdrew from the Auror's mind. Instantly Professor Snape summoned the rings that the 'guardians' were wearing. From the corner of his eye he caught the sight of Rose Pearson collapsing to the floor, it made him smile in satisfaction. He ran his fingers over the fake wedding band used as a controller. Twisting the gold band that was above the circle of 'diamonds' anticlockwise completely would release the girl of the current restrictions but it would not remove the collar completely. Quickly sending a Patronus to Madam Pomfrey so she could prepare for the werewolf's change the Potions master waited a minute before turning the ring.

"Miss Reginold's restriction shave been cut off but her collar will still be attached. She should be changing now, however when she changes back she won't be the girl we know," the Potions master paused before continuing, "in addition to the Cruciatus and other physical curses the girl's mind has been subjected to Mind Crushers and Breakers. In the morning we'll find out whether she will have to be confined to St Mungo's for the rest of her life..."

Professor McGongall and Diggory gasped in shock whilst the Headmaster lowered is eyes to his floor as Professor Snape glared at him.

"Oh don't look so shocked," spat Jacob Pearson, "the little bitch is sturdier than she looks. Last time we had to use nine Mind Crushers before her mind was fractured enough for her to be Obliviated," continued the man obviously irritated that the girl was being seen as a victim.

"Shut it," hissed Rose from his left.

"You foul, loathsome beasts! How could you do this to a child?" scolded Professor McGonagall.

"Be quiet crone! You don't know what that thing is. It's a monster, not a child," shouted Jacob shrugging off his spouse's attempts to silence him, "the creature deserves everything it gets. It killed our friends and colleagues it is only just that we get to kill it!"

"A murderer? You said it was just a research specimen being used by the Department of Mysteries," squawked Daniels indignantly.

"Wasn't it her parents who were the murderers?" asked Professor Dumbledore.

"No, the creature doesn't have any parents, not anymore," spat Jacob the words seeming to spill out like water from a burst damn. It was clear for all to see what Mad Eye had meant when he had said that the Pearsons were unstable.

"It was Miss Reginold who was sent to Azkaban for the Dementor's Kiss wasn't it," stated Professor Snape as things began to slot into place.

"The Dementors won't touch it," said Rose calmly.

"What crimes was she charged with?" asked the Headmaster as the concerns he had for his school superseded those he had for the student.

"The creature along with demon was wanted for the murder of scores of Obliviators, Aurors and Hit Wizards. It was the beast that killed our comrades two years ago and before that it lay waste to the Department of Mysteries killing senior researchers and lab techs alike. Give it half a chance and it'll kill all of you too," said Jacob as his eyes grew sad.

Professor Dumbledore contemplated the information for a moment before speaking.

"Severus, accompany me to the hospital wing. Hagrid, Minerva, Pomona make sure these cretins don't go anywhere,"

The two wizards made their way swiftly back to the private ward where the werewolf was being kept. Madam Pomfrey and Professor Flitwick were swiftly brought up to speed on the girl's condition and past.

"We'll need to bring in a Mind Healer from St Mungo's then Albus although it will have to wait until morning, she has changed now after Severus reduced the restrictions on her," said Madam Pomfrey.

"Have you made any progress with the collar?" asked Professor Snape.

The matron shook her head as the diminutive charms master scuttled forwards with Professor Snape's artefact in hand.

"I'm afraid not Severus, however it seems to be improving by itself. Whilst before it was detectable but it was untouchable as far as our magic was concerned it has now been forced partially out of her body. It would appear that the lycanthropic change has forced the collar to the surface although the spikes remain embedded and it is still attached to her magical core. The restriction magic is also still radiating from it along with a powerful transfiguration that is a massive drain on her magic,"

"Can we see the collar?" asked Profesor Dumbledore.

To the headmaster's surprise Professor Flitwick presented him with a book with a large colour illustration of the collar complete with a transcription of the runes. He had never seen a book like it.

"What is this?"

"My artefact," replied Professor Snape coolly.

"Why did you not bring this to my attention earlier?" asked the older wizard sourly.

Professor Snape scowled, he should have know the old man would have reacted like that. He always hated it when people with held information.

"Firstly Albus, until today I did not have the best control over it and secondly, even if I had brought this to your attention I doubt you would have spared it a thought," the potions master replied bitterly.

Lowering his eyes from the resentful glare the Headmaster returned his gaze to the runes and collar. Not once in his long life had he seen a device such as the one the girl wore. Passing the tome back to its rightful owner he spoke once more.

"Given her past links her to the Dark and the fact she is currently mentally unstable I believe it for the best if we leave the collar on for now and leave our attempts to free her of it should be left to a later date," he postulated.

Professor Snape snorted as Madam Pomfrey drew herself up to her full height.

"That Albus is exactly why she doesn't trust us, well that and your foolish proclamation that you knew what was going on in her life. Honestly, you were all for helping the girl a moment ago. What's changed? And furthermore why were you initially so adverse to helping her?" hissed the Potions master who was now on a roll, "Well, regardless of your narrow minded attitude I'm going to have a look at her and see if we can do more to help. And by 'we' I mean Filius, Poppy and I,"

From the corner of his eye the Potions master saw the headmaster sag as the other members of staff moved with Professor Snape back to the closed ward. Professor Dumbledore reached up with one hand to massage the bridge of his nose. Seldom did he feel as old and tired as now. To have a former pupil and other subordinates look upon with such scorn left him feeling guilt that he hadn't experienced in decades. Never the less he couldn't allow a menace to be unleashed in the castle.

"My boy, I'm so sorry that I didn't take your initial concerns to heart and that yourself and Miss Pearson-"

"Reginold, she should not have to suffer the name of her captors,"

"-Miss Reginold have suffered because of it. At the time it was due to the Chamber of Secrets being opened but later it was due to my self-serving attitude. I did not wish to be seen to go against the Ministry and so lose influence in both the government and Wizengamot," said the older wizard wearily.

Professor Snape narrowed his eyes, "You did all of this for influence?"

Professor Dumbledore nodded sadly before replying, "Severus, Voldemort will be returning some time in the future and at that time I will need to convince the Ministry to act and not keep its head in the sand,"

The younger wizard just shook his head in disbelief and turned back to the ward. Madam Pomfrey opened the door to admit herself, Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick. Surprisingly the head master followed them in before they could shut the door. Inside the room and contained within a set of wards on a magically enlarged bed lay the unconscious werewolf. Measuring roughly seven and a half feet from muzzle to tail she would have stood nearly level with a man's waist. If she was fluffier and lacked the large claws and fangs the light brown wolf would have looked like a giant toy. As the faculty members neared her they could see that the collar was visible.

"Apart from that loathsome how is she doing?" Professor Snape asked Madam Pomfrey.

"Not too bad all things considered. Her healing abilities have been severely affected by recent events but she's still recovering faster than a human... or Remus," she replied.

Professor Snape nodded as he digested the information. He could still see the undulating marks of Sectumsempra on her fur and from the odd twitch he knew that the after effects of the Cruciatus were still being felt. The Potions master mused for a moment wondering how her healing could be accelerated before he remembered the pactio. Casting it swiftly he watched warily lest the now shining beast wake. Pausing a second to let the magic do its work he repeated his question to the matron.

"She's nearly completely healed... now completely. How are you doing it Severus?"

Professor Snape gave a swift overview of their contract editing out a bit of how it came about. Both Madam Pomfrey and Professor Flitwick were surprised by the use of yet another fictional spell to yield such a powerful result but now was not the time to debate such things. With Luka's body healed the question was now what to do about her mind.

"I shall owl St Mungo's to request the emergency aid of one of their Mind Healers. They will come in the morning or a little later once she is in human form," said Madam Pomfrey.

"I agree Poppy but I feel that we should at least attempt to assess the damage now and see if we can limit it," countered the headmaster.

"What do you suggest Albus?" enquired the matron.

"I will Legilemise her to see how badly damaged she is,"

"Using Legilemency on animal minds is notoriously dangerous and what if she wakes and forgets her human side?" asked Professor Snape as he cocked an eyebrow.

"I am sure the wards here will make sure she doesn't hurt me and as for the process being dangerous it is only so if one delves too deep," replied Professor Dumbledore not mentioning the fact that he wanted to gain information on where the child's loyalty lay with regards to the Darkness and Light.

The elderly wizard walked over to the bed feeling a slight pang of sadness as he looked over the sleeping form. Casting the spell he peered into the lycanthope's mind. It was in pieces due to the strength of the curses that had been applied to it. In addition the headmaster noted the scars left from the other Mind Breakers Jacob Pearson had mentioned. It appeared that they hadn't been healed by a healer but the mind had begun to repair itself. The same could be said of the more recent damage only the healing hadn't had much of a chance. It was remarkable really what a mind was capable of. Moving past the damage the headmaster attempted to view the girl's memories however his path was blocked by the beast. He knew that werewolves and in particular the animal part of them were resistant to Legilemency but he hadn't thought that it would be to this extent. At that point the headmaster noticed that the beast was utilising the shredded remains of a particularly well crafted set of Occlumency barriers to cement its position. Disappointed the headmaster withdrew, the only things he had been able to notice was strong feelings of pain, hatred and thirst for power. The vengeful swordswoman indeed. Retreating further the old man returned his attention to the child's mental wounds. Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey would have his head if he didn't at least try and help. Slowly and carefully he pulled the main pieces together and herded the smaller shards towards them. He then stitched the odd bit together to aid in the healing but there was little he could do without becoming dangerously engrossed in the lupine mind. When his task was complete he withdrew completely into the real world wondering how much time had passed.

In the outside world the other staff members watched as the headmaster stood motionless for nearly an hour. As he turned to address them they pricked back their ears in anticipation.

"Her mind is severely damaged, I've patched it as best I can but she will need that healer Poppy although we can delay it until the afternoon if necessary,"

"We cannot delay Albus," replied Madam Pomfrey sternly.

"I will not let a mad and possibly Dark witch loose in the castle without first questioning her on her background,"

"She will not be 'loose' Albus! Miss Reginold will be here under restraint for both her own well being as well as that of others," rebuked the matron.

"If anything we need to continue our inquisition of those bastards upstairs," snarled Professor Snape.

Professor Dumbledore nodded his assent before the potions master turned on his heel and headed to the headmaster's office with Professor Dumbledore behind him. When they reached the office the head of Slytherin was most displeased by what he saw. All of the Ministry staff apart from Diggory were lying on the floor unconscious. Professor McGongall explained that after a few minutes of apparent resignation to their fate they had attempted to rush at herself and Professor Sprout hence they had been stunned. They would be useless until morning, forcing them to wake after being subject to strong stunners could lead to permanent damage and the professors wanted them to face justice lucid. Professor Snape returned to the hospital wing leaving the headmaster to look after their 'guests'.

XXX

It was early the next morning that Luka Reginold woke up. Blearily she opened her eyes noting her head ache and the general mental fog although it was nowhere near as bad as she had expected. She could function quite adequately like this, or at least adequately enough to survive until Sebastian came. However if truth be told Luka did not want to follow his request to stay calm and act within the bounds of 'normal'. Normal be damned! She wanted to tear those bastards limb from limb! As she remembered the events of the night prior she recalled Professor Snape's odd behaviour. It reminded her of his failed attempt at Obliviation, his face had been an impassive mask but his eyes betrayed a certain pain and unwillingness that could not be discounted. The Imperius? No, he didn't look dazed at all. It would have to be the Compulsion Curse then, they must have put it on the professor at the same time as the gagging order. No wonder he had tried to stop her going to the headmaster. Concluding her analysis Luka turned her attention to her fractured mind, it was a mess but it seemed that basic repairs had already begun. That was odd to say the least. Pushing that thought to the side Luka envisioned her mind as whole and cohesive once more. Her magic responded to her wishes and she felt her headache recede slightly and her thoughts became clearer. Before opening her eyes Luka gathered the remains of her Occlumency barriers, it wouldn't do to walk around unprotected especially in this state. As she opened her eyes she instantly noticed that she was in the hospital wing and in a bed. That was new. Lab specimens rarely were afforded that privilege. Then again she had been healed as well, what was she missing? She would have to speak to Professor Snape, he may not be able to talk freely but Legilemency could still be used. Easing herself into a sitting postion Luka noticed that she was not alone, the Potions master was seated, asleep, on a chair next to her bed. His artefact was open on his lap. Cocking her head to the side in curiosity she edged out of bed gratefully noting that she was clad in pyjamas. Beeing seen naked by one's teachers would be utterly mortifying. She may be unhinged but she still had principles. Slipping out of bed silently she padded around the professor's shoulder to read his book. It was open on a large diagram of her collar and by the looks of the description and annotations it appeared the potions master was attempting to remove it from Luka's person. At that moment the professor awoke jerking back when he realised that she was standing next to him.

"Good morning professor," she smiled as her eyes shifted from green to yellow.

"Good morning Miss Reginold," he replied as he stood up.

Luka just looked at him in shock as her newly furred ears flicked forwards in attention.

"I didn't think that you would like to be addressed with the name that your captors gave you,"

"That is correct professor. I despise that name and the Ministry that forced it upon me," she replied sadly.

Further conversation was cut off by the triumphant screech of Elise as she flew into the ward through the open window. Professor Snape narrowed his eyes at the bird, it had left as soon as the headmaster had left the girl's mind. Luka on the other hand was happy to see Elise especially since she could see the parchment clasped in Elise's talons. As the bird land on her nightstand Luka rushed towards her and picked up the proffered message. Her black lips pulled back into a Cheshire cat grin as she read the message from her master. Not wanting to waste any time she swiftly pulled the curtains around her bed and dressed quickly in the school uniform she had been provided with.

Outside Professor Snape stood still for a moment, what exactly had she been told to elicit such a reaction? Before he could ask her through the curtains the girl was out again fully dressed. As she straightened her tie the green and silver darkened to become pitch black. In addition she was wearing her artefact, her wand had been transfigured into a black hair stick to hold her hair in a loose pony tail style, and somehow she had retrieved one of her firearms for across her back was slung a single barrelled shot gun.

"What are you doing to your uniform?" he asked scowling.

"Since I am no longer to be a student of this school I decided to change it a bit," the girl replied smiling slightly creepily.

Professor Snape's frown deepened upon hearing the reply. Still smiling Luka handed the note over to the professor.

'All orders rescinded, help is on the way.'

"It's open season on mages,"

Professor Snape's blood ran cold as he heard those words. Not only way the demon on his way but the girl appeared to be on the verge of an insane, murderous rampage. He had to dissuade her, somehow.

"Now Miss Reginold," he began as he slowly reached for his wand, better safe than sorry after all.

Luka on the other hand cut him off by non verbally casting incarcerous, "I'm afraid I can't allow your cursed self to interfere professor. Don't worry though, with the casters dead you will be freed from it. Good bye professor," she said calmly before she sprinted for the door with Elise following behind.

Luka raced up the stair cases towards the headmaster's office with happiness and the desire for vengeance warming her heart. Unfortunately though her lack of stability began to rear its head. For the life of her no matter how fast she ran she just seemed to keep taking the wrong turn. If she couldn't get through Hogwarts how was she to make her way through the labyrinth-like ministry that now lay in ruins? Gritting her teeth in annoyance Luka continued to barrel forwards.

In the hospital wing Professor Snape struggled out of his bounds cursing himself all the while. If only he had listened to Madam Pomfrey's suggestion that she put up charms to tell her when the little chit woke up. But no he had to go and insist that he would be able to handle it when the werechild woke up. Rushing into the matron's office he sent off a Patronus for her before throwing some powder in the floo. Charging into the fireplace he called out for the headmaster's office only to be greeted with the sensation of hitting a stone wall. The floo was blocked! His cursing reaching a new level of profanity the bat of the dungeons exited the hospital wing in full flight.

Grinning maniacally Luka screeched to a halt next to the griffin that guarded the headmaster's stair case. The werewolf skipped around the griffin so that she was in the alcove behind it before scuttling up the wall using sticking charms just like when she had first went to the Chamber of Secrets. Once at the top Luka took a running jump as she kicked open the door, she took special pleasure at hearing the wood crack and splinter as it broke free of the hinges. Continuing in she saw her bastard handlers and their colleagues. Upon the dais sat the old goat himself with Professor McGonagall by his side and the cur Lupin seated in front of them, they appeared to be examining a newspaper before looking up at the violent intrusion. The headmaster, soon to be headlessmaster smirked Luka, rose to his feet held out his hands placatingly.

"My dear girl-" he began, his tone soft but Luka heard no more. How dare he address her so informally after what he had help put her through!?

Charging forwards utilising her supernatural speed to propel her across the room in mere seconds Luka drew her sword as her black lips peeled back to reveal elongated canines. Jumping at the desk that separated them Luka grinned upon hearing the screech of her blade which was mirrored by the shrieks of her own heart. Her blood lust was momentary however for as soon as she landed on the desk sword raised a phoenix swooped in to intercept her strike its crimson wings spread wide. A slave to her momentum Luka pirouetted on the desk before coming to a stop, confused she pondered her next move. She hated to hurt an animal but she needed to get past. Fortunately Elise solved the problem by ramming into the other bird knocking it out of Luka's path. Free of distractions Luka snapped her attention back to her target only to be stopped once more by a shout from behind her.

Professor Snape was not having an easy time, he considered himself a fit man but running up scores of stairs took their toll. Scrambling up the last set to get to the floor of the entrance to the headmaster's office he took two stairs at a time keenly aware that time was of the essence. Finally arriving at the gargoyle he managed to huff out the password as he clasped his stitch afflicted side. As soon as the revolving stair case made its appearance he hopped aboard cursing its slowness. Seeing the smashed door he rushed forwards, his chilled blood contrasting sharply with his lactic acid burned legs.

"STOP REGINOLD!"

The room's occupants, thankfully unharmed, all turned to look in surprise at a very red and out of breath Professor Snape.

"Miss Reginold... when the headmaster said he knew about you he meant the false background the Ministry provided," the potions master puffed out.

"The supposedly omniscient coot knows nothing at all?" asked Luka cocking her head in curiosity as she remained stood on the headmaster's desk.

Professor Snape nodded as he slowly made his way into the office still clutching his side. Calling Elise off the phoenix Luka hopped off the desk and strode towards the professor letting her magic reach out towards him, she had noticed earlier the remnants of the pactio being invoked so she may as well return the favour. The potions master eyed the girl cautiously as he began to glow slightly and the stitch faded.

"I noticed the pactio you cast earlier. So...um.. will someone tell me exactly what is going on if you aren't all complicit in my torture and incarceration here at Hogwarts?" Luka asked turning once more to the headmaster, as she did so a breathless Madam Pomfrey entered the office.

"I got your Patronus Severus... came as quick as I could. The floo..."

The Potions master nodded before the headmaster spoke up.

"It's alright Poppy, I was just about to explain to Miss Reginold the events of last night and this morning,"

Everyone gathered around his desk as he began the explanation. Professor Snape made sure to stick close to the young werewolf, he didn't like the malicious glances she kept sending the captives.

"Firstly, I would like to extend my unreserved apologies to you Miss Reginold for the school's failure to see what was happening. Until last night we were under the impression that you were here as a orphan as your parents were given the Dementor's kiss and you were Obliviated so that you would not follow the same path. Whilst we believed this story we did not fully trust your foster parents and the Ministry personnel so Professor Snape went with them for your protection. Only when Madam Pomfrey informed me of the collar and the abuse you have suffered did we go to the tower to investigate. Seeing the situation we immediately detained the Ministry personnel and Professor Snape though after learning of the curse he was under we released him and he has been instrumental in retuning you to health. Madam Pomfrey has already made arrangements for a Mind Healer from St Mungo's to visit you later today so that you can be healed and if it were not the distressing turn events at the Ministry we would take you there to make a formal complaint-"

"What happened?" enquired Luka, the question was itself innocent but her grin and the evil glints in her eyes were not.

"The Ministry appears to have been attacked early this morning, some kind of explosion. The 'Daily Prophet' did not elaborate and I have yet to receive any owls from the Minister of Magic," the headmaster continued warily, he didn't like this new form the child was taking.

Luka on the other hand was positively glowing and her grin widened as she pulled the newspaper towards her. "Attack on the Ministry!" screamed the headline, according to the ill informed Prophet there had been several explosions in the Ministry with numerous casualties. Alas the paper did not say the number of those killed but casualties were a start, fatalities would be next.

"You monster!" shrieked Rose Pearson.

Luka chuckled as she turned to the bound form, it was nice to see the mages in such a weakened position for a change.

"It took you long enough to work it out,"

"How did you? We always checked you for dangerous items," retorted Rose as she clenched her jaw, behind Luka the Hogwarts staff looked on in shock. An attack on the Ministry? She'd been at Hogwarts all along!

"You checked for magical items. As usual you mages are so busy looking down upon Muggles that you discount the notion of a non magical item harming you. Your revolting arrogance along with my regular trips to the Ministry gave me the perfect opening for placing incendiary devices in the place you hold most dear. Now, since we're all caught up on recent events I think we had best get back to the business of removing my collar," smiled Luka as she took a step towards the witch.

Unfortunately Luka didn't get any closer to the errant mage as at that instant the floo flared to life and verdant flames erupted forwards into the office.

"FIRE IN THE HOLE BASTARDS!"

Bang!

Everyone had turned to the fireplace only to be blinded and deafened by a flash grenade. Collapsing to the ground none of the staff members noticed that they had been disarmed and were now surrounded by intruders.

A few feet away Luka was curled up on carpet cursing in her mind. What idiots would use a flash grenade in the presence of a werewolf? As the ringing in her ears subsided and her vision returned Luka realised she had been pulled into an embrace. Looking up she saw a familiar pair of blue eyes.

"Alois? What the hell are you doing here the wards-"

"Claude and I are wraiths not demons so the wards don't work on us, or the werewolves," the 'boy' replied.

Getting to her feet with the aid of Alois Luka looked around. So far the Ministry mages just looked shocked but otherwise unharmed whilst the Hogwarts staff members were in a heap surrounded by four figures whom Luka quickly realised to be Jim, Mike, Timothy and an extremely bored Claude.

"Hey nee-chan, we're here to help so who should we cap first?" asked Jim, his voice muffled by the gas mask he and his furry colleagues wore.

"Cap? Just because you're good at paintball doesn't make you an expert marksman besides it turns out that they are ignorant bystanders," replied Luka curtly, "and get those bloody masks off you're not in the trenches!"

"So what do you want us to do?" asked Timothy.

"Just make sure they don't interfere whilst I interrogate these prisoners," the young werewolf replied as she walked back over to Rose Pearson.

"You want me to hurt 'em for you, I can beat the lot of them like drums," continued the red head.

Luka turned to chide the masochist and consequently noticed the weapon he was swinging. As her eyes visibly widened Timothy laughed with satisfaction. There really was no better thing than tearing a person's composure to shreds.

"What exactly is that?" Luka asked as she narrowed her eyes.

"Oh you know what it is, you've seen that game too,"

"Yes but what is it doing in the real world?" asked Luka as she began to laugh, it was just too ridiculous for her not to.

The staff members craned their necks to see what the item it was. What they saw defied the imagination, well the imagination of a non gamer or otaku.

"This my dear nee-chan is the very latest in offensive weapons-"

"I bet it is," interrupted Luka.

"- it is my very own custom 'penetrator'. I work at a rubber moulding plant so I thought I'd just swipe the offcuts. Save the environment from landfill and all that,"

"Dude, you're swinging a four foot dildo-bat. Have you never heard of overcompensation?"

"Yeah, but I thought I'd set such considerations aside," Timothy replied as his comrades behind him sniggered.

"Fine whatever, just stay out of my way for a minute,"

"Sure, after all we wouldn't want to offend our new beta now would we?" smirked Timothy as he turned from Luka.

"What?!"

"Oh, didn't you know? Mathew made you our new beta female since Sally's probably dead and Alice hasn't been herself after the loss of her protégé," grinned the hyena as he talked over his shoulder.

"Don't stir the pot Timothy!" spat Jim as he looked worriedly at Luka who wasn't taking the news particularly well.

Huffing and pinching the bridge of her nose she decided that the interrogation would have to be momentarily postponed.

"What, pray tell, is going on? I never asked to be a part of the pack and one can't be conscripted in absentia,"

"Well, you Mathew has this thing where what he says is law..." began Jim.

"He changed the law didn't he,"

"Yeah... welcome to the family," replied Jim giving Luka the thumbs up.

"Now we have all learned that fascinating little titbit do you mind hurrying things along? Some of have places to be," Claude drawled as he adjusted his glasses.

Luka rolled her eyes at his behaviour before turning back to her captive.

"You can't do a thing creature, the collar forbids it," spat the blonde witch.

"It only forbids me to harm you magically,once again your conceit has come to my aid," replied Luka as she swept her duelling cloak along a nearby table, in its wake bottles and a tool kit appeared, Shadow gate summoning sure was useful.

Luka picked up the first bottle, a clear glass one with a matching stopper containing a colourless liquid. From his kneeling position on the dais Professor Snape leaned forward for a closer look. The bottle was like one he kept potion ingredients in but it wasn't one he recognised.

"Alois, hold her down please," Luka asked the wraith.

Alois obliged and pinned Rose's shoulders to the floor as his eyes glinted eagerly. Whilst it was true that over a hundred years as part of an unconventional but happy family had mellowed him considerably Alois was still inclined to flip if he saw any one hurt those he held dear.

As she struggled Rose looked up in fear as Luka came to kneel by her side, bottle in hand.

"What is that?" she hissed.

"Holy water," Luka deadpanned before laughing at Rose's shocked reaction, "idiot, of course it isn't. It's concentrated hydrochloric acid. Now how do I remove this collar?"

"Nobody knows. You and your demon destroyed that information when you escaped from the Ministry!"

"Very well, how do I nullify the enchantments placed on me by your beloved Ministry?" Luka growled as her patience grew thin.

"As if I would ever tell you!" spat the witch.

Sneering Luka uncapped the bottle and let the liquid trickle onto the Auror. As the colourless liquid soaked through the witch's clothes she began to buck and scream. On the dais the staff members recoiled in horror at the screeches whilst the weres stood smiling. After judging a sufficient volume had been spent Luka questioned Rose again. After receiving the same answer Luka dispensed more acid and the cycle continued until the bottle was empty. Before resorting to other methods Luka tested the Auror's mind but to her surprise her Occlumency barriers still held. Unfortunately she wasn't able to use destructive Legilemency so she couldn't tear down the witch's mental shields so back to torture it was and wait for the shields to fall. Taking out a scalpel from her cloak Luka looked over her victim to find a suitable cutting site. The abdomen and thorax were too damaged by the acid to be of any further use. The extremities then, perhaps an arm. Plucking a limb from Alois' grip Luka held it out straight so that the skin was fairy taut. Luka then proceeded to make swift, shallow incisions along Rose's forearm so that only the skin was broken. Perpendicular cuts were then added so that the skin could slowly be lifted from the muscle and subcutaneous fat beneath. As the smell of blood grew steadily stronger Luka's eyes flicked up to the weres and she gave them a warning glare. The last thing she needed to deal with was a feeding frenzy. Sighing she decided to ask the question once more and use Legilemency to gain the answer for Rose's screams had long since began to grate on Luka's wick so she had been silenced. Fortunately for the young werewolf's fraying patience the answer was now accessible although it wasn't exactly what she had been expecting.

"Ha, the monster will never realise that its release key will deactivate the collar. Then again... the Cruciatus still stands in its way, it will never finish the incantation..."

For a moment Luka sat dumbstruck. Her release key? She'd been racking her brain since she got her memories back to think of some obscure ritual but all the time it had just been her release key. What an anticlimax! Then again the Cruciatus was involved as a block although, in her condition one bit of pain no longer mattered especially when it would lead to power. Pushing unnecessary thoughts to one side she focused on the key, it had been so long since she had said it verbally.

"Loca in ferna in nocte, loca in ferna in nocte, animae in nebula, media nox obscura nox, crudelitas animarum, compana sonat duo decies, Mitternacht!" (a place like the underworld in the night, a place like the underworld in the night, souls in the fog, midnight, dark night, cruelty for the souls, the bell sounds twice, midnight!" finished Luka with gritted teeth as she stooped over.

The professors had watched in curiosity as the runes on the collar began to glow and the girl fell into the wraith's arms. She stayed there a moment before Alois stepped back allowing Luka to straighten.

Professor Snape's jaw dropped, it just wasn't possible. In front of them was the woman from the photographs, the only difference was the wolfen features. The woman looked herself and stretched.

"It's so good to be back in my old body. Being so short was a total pain," she smiled.

"Dude, you're still short now," interjected Timothy.

"I'm five foot five, that's average height,"

"Yeah, if you're a munchkin, anyway why the hell did you pick such a long release key?" asked the insolent hyena as Mike punched him in the arm.

"It's from a favourite song, besides I only need to use it to have a total power release so the fact that it's unwieldy rarely matters," replied Luka with narrowed eyes.

Professor Snape watched as she turned to the captives his eyes instantly locked onto the contract seal, a thorned circle with a pentacle. Just what in the name of Merlin was the Ministry doing sending a dangerous witch to Hogwarts in the guise of an innocent girl?

"You were the one sent to Azakaban for execution," said the Potions master and he couldn't help but flinch as her yellow eyes met locked onto his.

"Yes, the Ministry soon learned that the Dementors wouldn't harm me so I was Obliviated and sent here to be brainwashed into becoming a normal mage," she replied.

"What will you do now?" asked Professor Dumbledore warily.

"I will destroy the Ministry that has ruined my life along with so many others. As for you all I have no intention of harming you or your students," Luka stated as she turned back to her 'foster parents'. She quickly dispensed with their bonds and healed Rose's injuries, it would be a pity if the pain from the burns and knife wounds stopped her feeling anything else.

"Go on, why don't you show your true form you filthy creature!" spat Jacob as he jumped to his feet. Apparently recent events had robbed him of too much common sense for him to keep his mouth shut.

Luka simply smirked in response to the display of impotent rage.

"I thought you had gone dumb from your earlier silence. So you wish to meet your fate whilst looking at my true face? As you wish," the werewolf smiled as she released the clasp of her duelling cloak, the fabric seeming to slip into the chasm of shadows at her feet leaving her with just her sword and shield.

The professors' eyes were drawn to her back as her shirt ripped before they gasped at the sight of two large wings. Luka stretched the feathered appendages before folding them back up, they were the same colour as her hair and ears; dark brown with the odd bit of purple and pink. Looking up to her face the professors paled as they saw another addition, a pair of ivory ram horns jutting from just behind her temple. Just what on Earth was she?

Jacob Pearson must have been thinking the same thinking as all colour drained from his face as hooked claws forced him look the creature in the eye. Luka whispered something and he fell to the ground convulsing. Rose attempted to scramble to the aid of her husband but she two collapsed under a wave of Luka's hand. The mage watched in grim satisfaction as the dark miasma of the curse wormed its way into their bodies and their silent screams contorted their faces. Luka knew the moment their minds broke, their pain glazed eyes took on a new misty look and they began to claw at themselves. Just as her friends had done she reminded herself as she clenched her jaw.

The professors looked on in horror whilst the 'rescuers' simply smiled as Luka strode back over to them.

"Right you lot, I expect you to deal with those two," Luka gestured to Diggory and MacNair, "do what you like but you are forbidden from harming any of the Hogwarts staff or students. Now if you will excuse me-"

"Before you go on your little crusade your master asked that I give you something," said Claude disdainfully as he tossed Luka a crimson sphere of energy, "he says it's about time you started dressing like a proper mage,"

"Wow, Mr Frosty finally talks," quipped Timothy as he ignored Claude's irritated glare.

Luka looked over the ball carefully, she didn't sense malevolent magic but something was there. As it started glowing the witch squeaked before being engulfed in crimson energy.

"Now that is RPG style!" chuckled Timothy.

Luka down at herself and groaned. The masochist was right, she looked like a sorcerer from an RPG game. Skin tight black dragon hide trousers with an ox blood red belt. On the side of her left leg there was a triangular cut out where the black hide had been exchanged for red, the counterpart on her right leg was obscured by a pouch of test tubes which was strapped to her thigh as well as attached to her belt. Under closer inspection the tubes contained a couple of healing potions and explosives and phosphorous. Luka smirked at the last one, the mages would probably try to use the Augamenti charm completely unaware that phosphorous can react even underwater. The smirk was then lost as she saw what she wearing on her top half. Her master had really decided to embarrass her, her attire was based on a tail coat but far too skimpy for her taste. It was dark red dragon hide to match her trousers with a black shirt-like collar however unlike a normal coat it wasn't fastened with buttons but rather adhered to her body so that it covered the necessities but left her collar bones, sternum and stomach exposed. The jacket was cut so that it arched sharply over Luka's hip before flowing into the two tails between which Luka's furry one protruded. The cuffs like the collar were also black and were thick and folded back on themselves. To complete the look she was wearing thick soled goth boots. Luka's mutterings were swiftly cut off by the sound of clicking. Flicking her eyes up she glared at the weres.

"Put those phones away this instant," Luka growled.

"Ah come on, did you honestly think a bunch of gamers would give up a photo opportunity like this?" asked Jim with a grin as he pocketed the offending device. Luka just continued to glare as she tried to cross her arms in the manner that would cover her up best.

"Right, now that the costume change is out of the way we'd better head off and party," chirped Mike who for some reason was now holding an ornate yellow wooden staff.

"What?"

"Well we've got everyone assembled; we've got you, our tank, Timothy the dildo-batsmen damage-dealer, marksman Jim, alchemist black hair over there," Snape glared at the offending blonde "Alois is good with knives, Claude can do his Medusa act and I'm the priest," replied the werewolf proudly.

"You're an atheist," Luka said blandly.

"Well yeah but it's the magic not the religion that matters right?"

"I would also like to point out another fault; this is an enchanted dildo-bat. It gathers incoming magic and sends back in a whoosh," chirped Timothy.

"Regardless of your magic weaponry and capabilities none of you are going to the Ministry. It is to be revenge for Sebastian and I, you are not to interfere. Just play with your toys here," said Luka as she massaged the bridge of her nose, the constant irritation the weres were posing wasn't helping the headache she had received from the numerous curses.

"We were sent to assist you," insisted Jim.

"You have already done so, if you go to the Ministry odds are you will get hurt,"

"I disagree besides, what are we to do if other mages turn up?" asked Alois petulantly.

"Execute them on sight. Do not give them a chance to use their magic. Take no prisoners and if they are thick enough to give you quarter turn it against them. The only problem is how to make sure you get the ri-"

"It's been taken care of; we're wearing contact lenses to see the magical signatures from a distance and Sebastian says that all Ministry mages have a similar frequency. Furthermore the Floo's jammed and we've set up further anti-teleportation wards around the school just in case we have company. We'll be able to finish them off quickly and accompany you," quipped Jim.

"For the second time you are not coming," growled Luka.

"Well what are you gonna do? You won't hurt us just for being loyal friends. You'll have to trap us somehow," retorted Mike.

"I can just transform you to your animal forms,"

"What about the wraiths?" asked Mike.

"They're already dead so it doesn't really matter if they follow me," sighed Luka.

"That's favouritism!" pouted Timothy.

Muttering under her breath Luka closed her eyes to gather her power. Just as she had gathered a decent amount she was assailed by what felt like several pieces of cloth. Growling she ripped the offending article from her face to glare at the assembled idiots.

"Honestly I swear it's a miracle," Luka huffed in annoyance.

"That we're so buff?" enquired Timothy feigning innocence.

"No asshole! The fact that I'm still straight when I hang around you lot all the damn time! I mean why the hell do you have to strip naked at every opportunity?!" squawked Luka indignantly as she pointed at the hyena, however her eyes, along with everyone else's, were swiftly drawn to the piece of cloth dangling from her hand, "Jim, how many times have I told you that turning your pants inside out doesn't count as a change of underwear?" she asked as the undies were incinerated with a flick of her wrist.

"If you keep turning them they develop their own ecosystem and become self-cleaning. Right Mike?" replied Jim clearly unrepentant.

"Don't drag me into this,"

"You're the one doing the biology degree!"

"Quiet down you two. Now Luka, are you gonna lay your power on us or what?" asked Timothy.

"I'm not laying my anything on you pervert and no matter what you say you're most certainly not coming," said Luka as she shoved her hands into the shadows of a nearby table and pulled out a pair of boxers which she then threw to Jim, "I can create small shadow gates here to get to interdimensional storage. You work with werewolves you start hoarding undies and socks,"

That seemed to explain the situation to the Hogwarts staff who had seemed to be becoming increasingly confused.

"Right, now what to do with these..." Luka pondered as she looked at the blubbering masses of the cursed captives, "aah yes. I remember the ritual to send them through the gates in a warded area. It just requires a little sacrifice,"

With that the witch strode over to Daniels before squatting in front of him with a decidedly creepy smile. Rectus grin impeccably in place Luka brought the palm of her right hand to her contract mark, as she pulled her hand away a glowing replica of the mark hovered quivering in the air. Luka reached out to Daniels' forehead the mark burning into his head as if it were an iron brand. As Daniels' screaming and thrashing ended and Luka sat back on her heels satisfied.

"What the hell was that?" asked Jim as he leaned over to get a closer look.

"A soul stamp, I used a pseudo contract to force its soul to remain in this vessel regardless of how much the vessel sustains,"

"Meaning?"

"I can use it as a human sacrifice and it will feel everything as its soul will remain intact feeding off its magic reserves to keep it functioning," smiled Luka as she produced a dagger from the shadows.

"You honestly expect us to sit silently and watch you murder someone?" asked Professor Dumbledore incredulously.

"No I do not, however since your wands have been confiscated and your kind is powerless without them you have little choice but to remain still or be incapacitated," Luka replied coolly, her eyes never leaving Daniels' face.

With a swift flick Luka brought the blade to the wizard's throat. She cut swiftly through the major arteries before utilising telekinesis to levitate the hapless mage so that he was hanging upside down. The blood pooled on the floor beneath him before flowing under the influence of magic to form a circle of runes around Luka's foster parents. However instead of completing the rite she turned back to her current victim.

"The crimes you have committed do not include high treason but I believe that the punishment should be the same none the less," Luka smiled as she returned the werewolf capturer to his correct orientation, "however for both public decency and time I will forego some of the procedure involved in hanging, drawing and quartering you.Senbon sakura (a thousand cherry blossoms),"

As Luka unsheathed Shattered Soul the blade seemed to flake apart and drift up into the air like petals on a summer breeze. As the shards encircled Daniels' neck his eyes widened in fear and he lost control of his bodily function causing Luka's smile of satisfaction to transform into a snarl of disgust at the smell. With an unnecessary, but theatrical, click of her finger the blades spun cutting through the flesh of her victim's neck until the head was only moored to the body by the spinal column. The petite blades were then directed downwards to disembowel the wizard before returning to the shape of a sword in Luka's hand. For a few moments Daniels seemed relatively unharmed as only a large gash in his abdomen was seen but with every rapid exhalation his diaphragm pushed his organs out of his body as atmospheric pressure was far too low to restore their position. With the aid of gravity the viscera made their escape bid only to hang awkwardly and glistening in the restraints of the mucus membranes. With one last smile Luka let Daniels fall to the ground in a sobbing heap before turning her attention back to the runes. They glowed briefly before merging into a disc of light upon which the Jacob and Rose Pearson lay. The disc then dimmed into darkness and the pair fell through the shadow gate to the true hell.

"So what are you going to do with this?" asked Timothy as he poked the undead mage with his bat.

"The soul will leave when its magic core is completely drained," Luka replied.

"What about this one?" this time it was Alois who was nudging Diggory with his foot, a look of absolute disdain on his youthful features.

Said Ministry wizard had until that point been trying to merge with the nearby furniture. Luka glanced over at the shaking wretch.

"Do what you want, I'm off to the Ministry," she said as she turned away.

At the smirks of his captors Diggory wiggled closer to wall in a futile attempt to escape.

"I have a family... a wife and son," he squeaked as he tried to reason with them.

"Then I am sure that what remains of the Ministry of Magic will reimburse your widow more than adequately," smiled Luka as she neared the window, her wings unfurled slightly.

Professor Snape shook his head, he had had enough of sadistic displays to last a lifetime. To begin with he had agreed with Reginold's grievances but things were going too far now. Looking back at the mutilated living corpse and the spot where the Pearsons had disappeared he fixed his ex-pupil with a glare.

"Were you ever human?" he hissed.

Instead of a snappy retort Luka paused momentarily before conjuring a small pink card from the air. With the attitude of a managerial grim reaper she passed it to the Potions master. Professor Snape looked over the small piece of plastic. It just didn't make sense, why would a witch have driving license? Unless...

"You were a Muggle?" he breathed.

"Originally... which is of course the punch line of this twisted joke of an existence," she replied quietly as she took back her license, the professor narrowed his eyes as he saw what he thought to be shadows of regret and sadness flit across her face, "now if you will excuse me I have a massacre to conduct,"

With that Luka turned back and leapt out of window her wings unfolding and swooping down with a swoosh. Those in the tower looked on as she winged her way to the edge of the wards and the sky bled pitch as a shadow gate was opened.

"She looks like the angel with the flaming sword from the apocalypse," said Mike as leaned out of the window.

"She plays the trumpet too and can make the dead rise from the grave," added Jim.

"Yup, the day of judgement is truly upon us my brothers. Anyone up for or open to an 'end of the world shag'?" enquired Timothy.

"Shut up pervert!" came the mass reply.