Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter
A Different Professor
Chapter 11 - Unforeseen
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts
Albus Dumbledore was pacing. He had been pacing for nearly an hour now. He had managed to do some work after Severus left but after the second hour he could not focus.
Intellectually, he knew that it would take Severus time to figure out what happened at Privet Drive, but he was still worried. What if something had happened? Should he have checked the wards more often to make sure they were still in top shape? Did someone break them? Did Petunia and her son die tragically in a motor vehicle accident? Or did Harry say that Privet Drive wasn't his home? It could be any number of things.
Fawkes trilled from his perch and Albus felt a wave of peace fall over him. "Thank you, old friend. I think, I needed that."
He sat back down and started working on the budget for the next school year. It looked like they were going to be able to replace the school brooms after all.
Albus sprang to his feet with remarkable speed for someone his age a moment later when he heard the staircase begin to move. Severus and Bill Weasley stepped into his office moments later.
"Harry?"
"Is safe, Headmaster," Bill answered quickly.
"The Dursley's, however, are not." Severus pulled up a chair and waited for the others to sit before he continued. "I believe someone, other than you, was monitoring the wards at Privet Drive and when they fell, they struck almost immediately. My scans indicate that the wards fell only yesterday. Two individuals broke into 4 Privet Drive last night, I assume, looking for Harry, but they did not find him. They found only Petunia and her fat husband." Severus watched Albus, there was something there but he wasn't sure what it was. "The wizards tortured and then killed the Dursleys. I do not know if they got any information. When they were finished with their executions they left a message. 'We will finish what he started, Harry Potter,' was written in blood on the boy's bedroom wall."
"So they follow Voldemort," Albus concluded. "Well it is a good thing that Dudley Dursley lives. I can transfer the blood wards to wherever he ends up living. I will just have to talk to his guardian."
"No you won't, Albus."
Albus started at Severus's tone. "Why ever not? Harry is safest with his blood due to the protections Lily left that night."
Bill sat forward. "While it may be true that blood wards are incredibly powerful, Headmaster, they do require a certain level of affection between the protector and protected in order to work at full strength. I was completely unaware that there were blood wards around Privet Drive when I picked Harry up to take him to Gringotts. The wards were strong, but not blood ward strong."
"Pardon?"
"Headmaster," Bill continued, somewhat frustrated, "I am a Gringotts Curse Breaker and breaking down wards is my bread and butter. I know what a blood ward feels like when it is at full strength, they are still used in Egypt quite regularly. A blood ward will not work under certain circumstances. The first is distance of relation, which in this case wouldn't be a problem. The second is lack of time spent at the home, which may have been a problem in recent years due to Harry being at school and not returning for the Yule holiday. Finally, blood wards need family love or at least affection to actually do their job. There was no love in that home."
"Of course there was," Albus insisted, "Family loves blood. That just happens."
"Albus are you forgetting that my own father used to beat me regularly with a belt because of my magic? He did not love me and he was my father. My mother's family kicked her out when she married my father. That is not an act of love. Families are not required to love their blood." Severus glared at the man. "There is also the fact that they made Harry Potter, the Wizarding world's savior, sleep in a cupboard meant for cleaning supplies." Severus drew out the sign proclaiming 'Harry's Room,' and handed it to Albus. "That was taped to the wall of a tiny cupboard with a baby mattress on the floor. You are welcome to look at my memory of the event if you do not believe me. Or better yet, use Legilimency on me right now."
Albus's eyes widened. If Severus was offering him a trip into his mindscape, then he knew something was wrong with Harry's home life. "I will peruse your memory after the meeting. But I must insist on placing Harry with his cousin Dudley. Surely, there was not hate between the children. They had to have conspired against the adults together as boys are wont to do."
Bill shook his head. "A neighbor boy made point to come and talk to me when I visited to take him to the Goblin Healers and he wasn't there. The boy said quite clearly that no Dursley like Harry. He said Harry got in trouble for Dudley's misdeeds and Dudley would terrorize other children for even talking to Harry. Harry had no friends because of his cousin. There is no love between them." He wasn't sure what else to say, "When Harry heard the news he didn't know if it was okay that he felt nothing. The only thing he said was he felt sorry for his cousin because now he would be without parents. He didn't ask to visit his cousin the way I would if my cousins lost their parents."
"You know where Harry is?"
"Yes, Headmaster, I do. Harry stayed at my apartment last night after his aunt told me he wasn't welcome in their house. I fear I know the exact moment the wards fell, if they were in fact blood wards. Harry looked me in the eye after I apologized for getting him kicked out of his home, and told me that Privet Drive was never his home, only somewhere he was forced to sleep."
Severus and Bill watched Albus deflate. "Was his home life really so bad that he would say something like that?"
"Cupboard under the stairs, Albus."
"The Goblin Healers detected signs of severe malnutrition. They say someone has been countering it for about a year, but he may never get to where he was supposed to be due to the time frame he was denied proper nutrition for." Bill suspected that Harry's little friend Dobby had been dosing him with nutrient potions.
"If I had access to his scans, I may be able to devise a personalized nutrient potion for him," Severus told Bill offhandedly.
"I'll talk to Harry and Sirius about it."
"Sirius?" asked the headmaster.
"Yes, we decided that Mister Potter would be most secure in the protection provided by Black manor. It will be searched and cleansed by the Goblins shortly and then they can move in."
"Until that time, he will be with both Sirius and Remus. Two wands and a werewolf nose are great protection in my opinion. Plus, I am going over to lay some more wards around Remus's current home so they should be fine for a few days."
"I will also be reviewing the protections, but doubt I can add to a Curse Breakers expertise."
"Perhaps I should…"
"Not a good idea, Headmaster. Sirius Black isn't happy with you. You were, and still are, the Chief Warlock and you didn't ensure he got a trial, so he really doesn't want to talk to you until his anger has subsided."
Albus sighed. "What do you have to report from the crime scene?"
Bill produced two rolls of parchment. "These are the scans of the lingering magic from the attackers. It is obviously two people. Severus says the weaker signature is unfamiliar, but the style is similar to Dolohov. The stronger seems to be the same person as the individual who placed Compulsion charms on my brother."
"This one seems familiar to me, but I cannot place it."
"Thank you both. I will review this and your memories Severus. Please ensure Harry is safe."
12 Grimmauld Place
Bill Weasley inspected the wards at 12 Grimmauld place while his colleagues searched the house top to bottom, removing numerous dark artifacts. Some of what had been removed would be set aside for Sirius to look over, those items could either be cleansed or disposed of. Other items, a disturbing number, would be immediately destroyed.
The wards were surprisingly strong. It would take a Gringotts Curse Breaking team several hours, if not a few days, to break through them. There were some holes that could be exploited, but they often lead to deadly traps; he was beginning to think that the holes in the wards were placed for the sole purpose of leading anyone attempting to break through them to a quick and painful death. The only things he could suggest were mail redirect wards, warding the Floo, and perhaps placing a Fidelius, there wasn't much that could make the building more secure.
Bill cringed as he found another trap. The Blacks were either seriously paranoid or just really liked destroying people not of their House. Who sets a trap in a ward that, when triggered, caused the person attempting to break through to cut off their own hands and tongue? He shivered, glad he had never met any of the people who placed the wards.
He was startled from his examination by shouts in the Goblin language. Bill knew little of the language; Goblins didn't spend a lot of time teaching their human staff their language. They only taught what was needed for rituals, employees were supposed to figure it out from there on their own time.
Bill jogged into the dining room to see the team leader standing at the china cabinet levitating a necklace in front of him. Master Gildore was almost growing at the piece of jewelry. "Get over here Weasley," he barked.
Bill rushed to his side wand at the ready.
"Scan the necklace and report your findings."
Bill nodded and did as ordered. All scans of particularly dark items were done at least twice to corroborate the initial scan. The necklace was silver with a large green stone. The stone had an ornate S carved in it and appeared to be the top portion of a locket.
Bill scanned the results of his scan, his eyes widened with each line. If he was correct, then this locket was a Horcrux.
"Your conclusions Weasley," Master Gildore demanded.
"My scan indicates a level Seven dark artifact, classification Horcrux."
Gildore nodded, "That was my read as well. Do you have an idea as to the creator?"
Bill frowned, "I do not know the signature but due to resent findings I would lay odds that this is another one of Voldemort's Horcruxes." He searched the room with his eyes, "Will the owner be penalized? I only ask because I know the current owner would never follow or aid the man."
"Goblin gives Master Regulus's necklace back." An old, surly house elf demanded after popping into the room.
"Can't do that elf. This is a level seven dark artifact that I am required to cleanse of malicious magic."
"Master Regulus told Kreacher to destroy bad locket, so Kreacher must destroy it."
Bill crouched down to look the Elf in the eye. "The Goblins will destroy the evil your Master Regulus wanted to destroy."
"Goblins will make bad magic go away?" he asked suspiciously.
"Yes, you have my word."
"Kreacher does not trust words of wizard who is not part of the Noble House of Black."
Bill nodded, "Kreacher, I am Bill Weasley and my Grandmother was born Cedrella Black, she may have been blasted from the family tree, but she taught all Weasley children to honor our word, as all Blacks are taught."
"Cedrella married blood traitor."
Bill looked to the Goblin. Most wizards did not listen to House Elves. Goblins knew they held great power and would use that in service of their masters, causing harm if they felt it necessary. "What if Curse Breaker Weasley were to bring the locket back when it is cleansed of the taint of dark magic?"
The Elf eyed the Goblin and wizard with distrust. "Kreacher will give Goblins four days then he will takes it back if they has not brought it back to Kreacher cleaned."
The Goblin nodded, they would have it cleansed by the next day so four days was easily achieved. "I agree to your terms, Elf Kreacher."
Grimmauld Place, July 29th
Harry Potter was Happy. He felt at home for the first time outside of Hogwarts. Everything seemed to be going his way lately and he felt he had the twins to thank for that. If it had not been for them asking for his help to save Ginny, then he would never have found Pettigrew on the map. It all spiraled out from that. The twins had saved him.
The soon to be thirteen-year-old knew that the twins had talked to the older students. He knew that Percy had taken an interest because of their concern. He knew they had pulled Oliver's head out of quidditch so he could actually see. They had let the girls loose. Harry Potter loved his 'brothers.'
Now Harry had so much family he honestly didn't know what to do with it all. Bill had all but adopted him too and he was only here because of the twins and Percy. Remus would have been his teacher no matter how things turned out, but because of all that had happened, he was an honorary uncle. The same could not be said for Sirius. Had it not been for him finding Pettigrew on the map, he would not have Sirius. He wouldn't have a home.
Harry looked around his new room. It was great. Narcissa had completely redecorated the house. She had done so on her husband's dime apparently, he had no idea how she managed that though. Everything was in soft, inviting tones. Warm woods with nice accent colors. There was little black, and even less gray, which were apparently abundant before Sirius had taken control. There was still green in some rooms but others were accented in red. Harry particularly liked the room with the rust orange accents. It reminded him of a sunset.
Harry's room was done in blues and golden wood tones. The walls were a pale tan that just felt warm. All his furniture was the same shade of wood that almost seemed golden. His bed coverings were in various shades of blue. He absolutely loved it. Green may be his favorite color, but to him blue was much more relaxing.
He looked at the pictures spread across his bed. Hermione was the best friend and girlfriend a guy could ask for.
They had all gone to Thorpe Park a few days ago. It had been discussed and decided that weekends were busiest and therefore his actual birthday, that Saturday, would not be the best time to go. Hermione's parents were going to be the only muggle parents around so they asked if the day could be Monday, it was the easiest day for them to move their patients around on.
So on July 26th they all headed to Thorpe Park. They had all met up at the Leaky Cauldron and taken the Knight Bus. Upon their arrival they had headed to the area they had rented for the day for their party, it was in the Jungle section. They had tables and everything. One of the adults would be there at all times to watch their stuff, Remus, Grace and Patrick worked out a rotation.
Hermione had handed everyone disposable cameras, instructing them to take pictures of everyone as the day progressed. To start the day, she had called for a group photo. They ended up doing a few posed shots with her father's good camera. He couldn't decide which his favorite was; the one of him and Hermione was great, as was the one of Sirius with an arm wrapped around his shoulders. Perhaps is favorite was the large group shot of all magicals at the park or the one of Hermione, Sirius, Remus and himself.
They had spread out from there. He and Hermione had spent most of the day hand in hand, though she refused to go on some rides claiming they went too high or too fast. Harry loved every one of them. Bill was often with them so would go on the ride with him. Neville was like Hermione and preferred the more sedate rides. Harry and Bill claimed that 'Stealth' was the best while Hermione liked the one that was supposed to be a magic carpet, it went fairly high but wasn't nearly as fast. Sirius and Remus liked the fast ones too; Harry had figured Remus would prefer the sedate rides, but he was so wrong. Remus liked the craziest ones the most.
They had all met up for lunch, served inconspicuously by Dobby. It was brilliant. He did a fantastic fish and chips.
After lunch they did presents. Harry had only received birthday gifts once before, the previous year, but this was better. He got to thank his friends and actually have them around without fearing their destruction.
The Gryffindor chasers had gotten him a complete set of seeker's armor, he was amazed. That stuff was expensive. Oliver had gotten him new dragon hide seeker's gloves. Fred and George had gotten him a selection of his favorite candies, both muggle and magical, as well as some special fireworks that could only be displayed in the magical world; he was going to save them for a special occasion.
Lavender and Parvati got him some clothes, all wizarding. Fay had gotten him a book on seeker drills. Dean and Seamus gave him a professional quidditch jersey each. Dean, claiming he should be a Puddlemere United fan. Seamus was all about the Ballycastle Bats.
Neville had given him a plant from his personal greenhouse. The plant, when kept near the bed, aided in producing pleasant dreams. He had blushed slightly when Neville explained that, apparently the boy had heard his nightmares over the years. Bill had presented him with a dragon-hide wand holster. Percy had given him books on Runes and Arithmancy. Remus and Sirius were giving him his present later, on his actual birthday.
Hermione's gift was his favorite. When he had opened it he had seem a book but when he opened the pages they were blank, all but one that is. On the first page was a picture, taken by Colin the previous year, of Hermione and the Quidditch team hugging him in the common room. She explained that she was making him memories. They would take his favorite pictures from the day and every day after and fill the book with pictures and stories. Harry loved it.
And then there was cake. Dobby made a fantastic chocolate cake!
After the food and presents, most of the group headed to the water park section. They had a blast. Slides and tube rides. Water fights and swimming.
The only sour point of the day was when he ran into Dudley and Marge Dursley.
"Well, what do we have here," Dudley had sneered. Piers Polkiss just grinned while standing just to the left of Dudley.
"Dudley," Harry had gasped. "How are you? I am so sorry about your parents. We may not have gotten along, but nobody deserved that."
"What do you care, Freak, you didn't like them."
"I can't say they were my favorite people, Dudley, but I do know what it's like to lose your parents."
"Well, well, if it isn't the little criminal." Marge Dursley sauntered up, her considerable weight straining the seams of her clothes. "I told the police you were responsible, what with you attending St. Brutus's, pretended they didn't know what school I was talking about, but they knew. I expect they will be arresting you soon."
"Is there a problem, ma'am?" Bill had walked up just then.
Marge sneered at him, "only telling the trash where it belongs, which is behind bars. He murdered my brother."
Bill frowned. "I don't think that is possible Ms. Dursley. The night they were murdered he was at my apartment. Your brother and sister-in-law kicked a twelve-year-old out of their house."
"As they well should have, what with him being a criminal. He attends St. Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal boys."
Bill snorted, "No he doesn't. He attends the Hoag, a private school for gifted students in northern Scotland. I went there myself."
"He does not, he is just like his parents. They were drunken losers."
"Did you just claim that Lily and James Potter, that is Lord and Lady Potter, were drunk losers?" Sirius was fuming.
"He wasn't no lord, whoever you are."
"Lord Black," Sirius said indicating himself. "And James Potter was named the Potter of Potter when his father passed away just after Harry was born."
Marge was turning purple with rage. "He was a drunk who died in a car crash. She was a worthless whore. That boy murdered my brother." She was shouting at the end.
A park employee ran up at that moment. "Ma'am I need to ask you to stop yelling. You are scaring the younger children and disturbing Lord Black's party. If you do not stop this outrageous behavior, you will be asked to leave."
Marge looked like she was going to hit the man, but turned and stomped off. Dudley and Piers turned to follow.
"I really am sorry, Dudley. I never wanted them to get hurt, I just didn't want to live there anymore."
Dudley studied him for a moment then nodded before walking away.
Harry hoped he had gotten through to his cousin.
He picked up a picture of him with the twins, Fred on his left George on his right. He wasn't sure how he knew which was which but he could always tell them apart. They were staying at Bill's right now. They had gotten in a fight with their mother about him. Percy had managed to stay out of it by claiming he was going out with Oliver but the twins had boldly claimed to be Harry's friend.
Apparently, Molly now blamed him for Ron and Ginny's health problems. Harry thought she needed a mind healer too.
The twins said their father was furious with their mother, she was insistent that Ginny would one day be Mrs. Potter despite the fact that Harry was currently persona non grata at the burrow. Maybe Molly had multiple personality disorder or something, Harry mused. She was all over the map.
On the bright side, Ron was still improving. His mind healers had told him to write a letter to Harry. The letter had been surprising. Ron had told him that he wasn't to blame for anything, but he didn't think they could ever be the friends they were before. He accounted his change in attitude toward their friendship to scarring on his memory. Harry had written a reply. He knew the mind healer would read it first, saying that he was glad Ron was getting better and saying that he understood. He had suggested they start over just like the rest of their class had. He hoped he had done the right thing.
Ginny was seeing mind healers daily now. A muggle born mind healer had suggested brainwashing. Saying that Molly's constant stories and suggestions about Ginny marrying Harry had fixed her mind on that one image and now that is all she saw for her future. The mind healer suggested the healer's version of Legilimency to route through her feelings for Harry and determine what was real and what was imagined. Arthur was going to approve it on the next visit. Harry hoped it worked.
"Harry," he heard a female voice call up the stairs. He hoped off his bed and headed for the stairs. At the bottom stood Narcissa. Today, they would be having a family meeting. Narcissa said Draco would be there as well as her sister Andromeda and her family. They hoped that Cedrella Weasley showed up but she may just stay where she was, she had lost her husband three years before and had not ventured out much since. They had also invited Marius Black, a squib uncle, who would be bringing his son Jason, who did have magic. "Everyone should be here soon, grab your formal cloak and come on down."
Harry smiled at her and did as instructed. He liked Narcissa. She was kind of cold and imposing, but he knew she had a very loving heart. She was teaching him all about the etiquette of the wizarding world as well as traditions of the most prominent families. He realized he had made a lot of mistakes in the past; he hoped he could fix some of them.
He reached the main floor and Narcissa tried to flatten his hair, tisking when it didn't do what she wanted.
"Forget it, Cissy." Sirius said coming down the stairs. "Lily could never get James's to lay flat either."
"I will find a way, Siri"
"If anyone can it is you, little sister." Harry turned to see another woman, who he assumed was Andromeda Tonks. She had a nice smile. "You were always good at finding out how to fix appearances."
"Andromeda," Narcissa breathed before rushing over to her sister. They hugged tightly, both seemed to be either crying or laughing softly. "I have missed you, sister."
"As I have missed you, baby sister."
"Oh gag me. Quit with the sappy reunion, mom." A pink haired girl in Auror robes said making a face. "Hey, I'm Tonks, you do not need to know my first name. It is to remain secret."
"Narcissa," Andromeda said to her sister, "This heathen is my daughter, Nymphadora."
"Mom," Tonks moaned childishly.
"Sush, Dora," her mother admonished.
"Mother," the group turned to see Draco standing there watching them all.
Harry stepped forward. He bowed his head slightly. "I would like to apologize, Mister Malfoy, for unintentionally slighting you when we officially met. My only defense for not taking your hand, was that I was raised by muggles and did not know what social faux pas I was making. No one had thought it necessary to teach me about my place in society. So, I am sorry. I hope we can start over."
Draco looked at the out stretched hand briefly. He almost sighed, his mother was right again. When he had written home about his outrage for being slighted his father had said Potter did it on purpose so he should retaliate, his mother had said it was most likely unintentional and partially due to his own rudeness. Why were mothers always right? He took Harry's hand. "Neither of us were blameless. I was rude to address you as I did. I would like to apologize for the trouble I have caused you since you refused my hand. I would like to start over. Cousins."
Harry grinned. "Cousins."
Sirius sniffed loudly and pretended to whip a tear from under his eye. "Isn't that just sweet Cissy. Potters and Malfoys can stand in the same room without trying to kill each other."
Narcissa rolled her eyes at her cousin. "We should get this meeting started." She walked away expecting everyone else to follow.
Harry learned many things at the family meeting, probably the most amusing being that one led by Sirius seemed to lead to him cracking jokes and making faces at people.
Narcissa was all poise and proper behavior while Andromeda seemed to be attempting to keep herself from laughing most of the time. Andromeda's husband, Ted, seemed out of his depth just like Harry. Draco tried to look confident and knowledgeable, but he failed. Tonks didn't care what anyone thought and seemed to enjoy egging Sirius on. Marius Black seemed thoroughly amused by the whole thing and his son Jason confused.
It was announced at the meeting that a number of things would be changing in the House of Black in the near feature. First, everyone at the table who had been expelled from the family was to be brought back into the family. Second, Bellatrix and her husband were out. Thirdly, Narcissa's marriage to Lucius Malfoy was going to be declared void, due to breach of contract on Lucius's part. He would inform Lucius after school began to save Draco from the drama. Next, Sirius was adopting Harry. The paperwork had been filed the day before and he was approved almost immediately. They did require some home visits, but that was routine so no one minded. Lastly, Sirius was going to throw himself into the political arena with Narcissa as his advisor, she really did have a head for politics. They were going to try to change the wizarding world, or at least make it difficult for the biased laws to get passed from now on.
The house of Black was going to become something great.
Sirius had taken Draco aside after the meeting. He had told Harry he was going to give Draco the choice of being a Malfoy or a Black. He had time to make his decision but Sirius thought he should have the option even if he never needed it.
Just before everyone left Serious pulled his cousins into the family drawing room. He explained about his brother Regulus. The Goblins had found something very dark, which had belonged to the Dark Lord. Regulus had stolen it to destroy it, but had died in the process. Sirius explained that his brother was a hero and would be celebrated for his decision to follow his heart and leave Voldie's service. Narcissa and Andromeda had cried, both overjoyed that their sweet younger cousin had eventually seen what they had, but saddened by the fact that he had perished in his defiance.
Somewhere in the UK
The sound of a howl tore through the night. Most would think it was simply a wolf howling at the moon, a wizard would hope it was simply a wolf. Those of magic would fear it was something much more dangerous howling at the moon, for tonight was the night of the full moon.
This was a small town; some might even call it a village it was so small. The population was mostly muggle, in fact all but one family had no knowledge of the magical world. One home on the edge of town belonged to a wizarding couple. They were older, they had left school long before as had their children. Both were muggle born so could blend in well with those who did not know about magic. Their children had all chosen their own paths, most staying almost exclusively in the magical world. Their youngest son had married a witch that was essentially a Pure-blood, she knew nothing of the muggle world, so his only child, a daughter that would be going into her third year of Hogwarts, knew only the wonders of a magical life. They were determined to teach her the joys of the non-magical world.
They had her stay with them for at least a week every summer.
She woke with a start. Something smashed through her window shattering the glass.
Something large leaped through the now open window. Her heart nearly stopped. At the foot of her bed stood what could only be a werewolf. She could see the full moon lighting her room. It stalked toward her slowly, she didn't know they could move so slowly around things they considered prey. She reached for the bedside table her hand landing on and gripping a picture frame, the first thing she came in contact with. She held it in front of her like a weapon, knowing it would not save her. The beast seemed to study the photo and she could have sworn it grinned.
It lunged, landing on the end of the bed. The thirteen-year old tried to scramble back, but ran into her headboard with nowhere else to go. She screamed as it's jaws latched onto her calf, stabbing through the blankets and sank deep. She screamed in pain as she felt teeth sink into her flesh. She knew she was going to die.
The werewolf let go and howled. Her hands flew to her ears trying to block out the sound, the picture frame bouncing off her bed as she let go.
Her door flew open and there stood her grandparents, her grandfather in front, wand at the ready. "BOMBARDA," he shouted, his spell flying through the air, connecting with the beast's side, sending it flying off the bed. They rushed into the room, the older woman ran to her granddaughter while the man stood to guard them.
The wolf stood from the spot it had fallen to after the spell hit. His side ached a bit, but he would heal. He lunged at the man with unimaginable speed and sank his jaws into the man's throat.
"Matthew," the older woman cried out, nearly sobbing. Her eyes met those of the werewolf as her husband fell lifeless to the floor. She spun on her heel and Apparated out of the room with her granddaughter.
The werewolf looked at the picture that had fallen on the bed when the girl tried to cover her ears. A wolfish smile spread across his blood soaked face. It was pure luck he had found the girl. He had sensed the magic within the house but never expected to find someone connected to his prey. It was because of this that he bit instead of killed.
Fenrir Greyback howled again, joyously. On the next full moon, a new Werewolf would begin their journey to see if they were worthy of belonging to his pack. It would be interesting to watch. He only hoped his prey got the message. He left the picture where it lay, showing the brilliantly smiling faces of Harry Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, the girl and a large group of happy wizarding children.
He raced back into the night, he had some mayhem to cause.
Elsewhere…
They landed in a heap on the floor. Both grandmother and granddaughter crying openly. "Grandpa…" the girl managed to say through her pain and sorrow.
"I know baby." She knew she had to be strong for her youngest grandchild. "He would be glad we are safe. Move your hands, Fay, I need to see the bite."
"I'm going to… I don't want to be…"
"I know. Let me look sweetheart." Fay moved her hands and her grandmother healed the bit, it looked like no more than an old scar now.
"Mother, what is going on?"
The old, tired woman turned to see her son, Fay's father, and his wife standing in the hall leading into the family room, where they had landed. "Robert," she tried to keep her voice under control. "There was an attack in the village. A werewolf broke into the house before we even realized what was going on. Matthew," she sobbed his name, "your father didn't make it. The beast had Fay. We managed to save her, but she was bitten," she gestured toward the scar. "I couldn't take her to St. Mungo's they would register her and then her life in this country would be over."
Robert looked on with a stony face. He heard his wife sniff in disgust behind him. "I will not have a beast living under my roof."
"Robert."
"Daddy," Fay sobbed miserably.
He held up a hand. "We have a very traditional house, as you well know girl," he snarled at his daughter. "You can stay the night, but you need to be gone in the morning. We will allow you to keep the things we bought you but from this point on you are on your own." He whirled and walked back toward his bedroom.
"It is unfortunate that you allowed yourself to be bitten. It seems I should have consented when Robert asked for another child."
"Madeline, she is your daughter."
"And you know how my family views wild beasts." She too left leaving grandmother and granddaughter broken on the family room floor.
"What am I going to do, Grandma?" Fay's voice was broken.
"We'll work it out, baby girl."
"But how," she was almost hysterical, "You're sick. The doctors only let you stay out of St. Mungo's because of Grandpa due to your unstable magic."
This was true. She had a very rare disease that affected the magical core. As time went on her core got more and more unstable, being around a still maturing core was very dangerous. This weekend visit from Fay was supposed to have been the last time she spent any real time with her youngest grandchild. She was scheduled for a healer visit in a few days, she and Matthew feared that the healers would insist upon permanent hospitalization. She was surprised she had managed to Apparate and heal Fay.
"What about your friends? Is there anyone who you could turn to? I would help in any way I could financially."
"I don't know. I couldn't go to Lavender or Parvati, it would end up all over the school. Seamus is just as bad at keeping secrets and Dean wouldn't know what to do. Neville would help, he's a good guy but I don't know how his grandmother would react. Harry and Hermione would help but Harry's living situation just got figured out and I don't want to intrude."
"So it sounds like Hermione is your choice."
"Well, yeah I guess. She is muggle born, but is so smart she would probably be more capable of handling this than any Pure-blood."
"Alright, that is settled. Tomorrow we will visit your friend Hermione. For now, let's get to bed." She pulled Fay to her feet and together they walked toward the bedrooms. "I will do everything I can to make this work for you. Your parents won't say anything about you turning because it will embarrass them so all we have to do is get you settled into school."
Fay hugged her grandmother and walked into her room limping only slightly. She was worried. What if she couldn't go to school anymore? What if Hermione didn't know what to do? What if the werewolf came looking for her?
Fay Dunbar was scared.
Granger Residence
Hermione Granger was happy. They had been to Thorpe Park about a week ago. They had decided to not go on Harry's actual birthday due to the fact that it was on a Saturday that year. A summer Saturday was the absolute worst day for lines at amusement parks. They decided to go on the Monday before. It was amazing. Harry had loved it, the only downside had been meeting his cousin Dudley and Marge Dursley. Both had been rude and utterly horrible to Harry.
She shook her head, that was over and he never had to see them again. She skipped into the kitchen to see her parents both sitting at the table. Her mother with her usual bowl of fruit, her father with a bowl of porridge. "Good morning, Mother, Father. How are you today?"
"You seem happy, Hermione," her mother smiled slightly. "Is your newfound happiness connected to the new boyfriend?"
Hermione blushed. She had told her parents about her and Harry starting to date just before their trip to Thorpe Park. They had asked to meet Harry before passing judgement. Her mother said he was a polite boy and her father said he was respectful. From her parents, that was essentially saying they liked him. "I'm just happy. I have so many great friends and you both say you like them. Is it wrong to be happy with the way my life is going now?"
"No, my sweet," her father lowered his newspaper, "We are glad that you finally have someone your own age you can connect with. We just wish we understood your new life better."
"I understand that, Daddy. I try to explain but it's so hard to get it right. Most everything I see surprises me still and I have been at school for two years already. Magic is just so," she struggled to find the word, "well, magical." She shrugged.
Her mother raised an eyebrow. Her daughter was different and not in a bad way. Sometimes they were a little unfair with their exacting standards, both she and Patrick were perfectionists and it was hard to not ask for perfection in their only child. Hermione had found her own version of perfect, it was just one they didn't understand. They did approve of her current career goal, she wanted to be a doctor, no the word for magicals was healer. It was almost like a dentist, perhaps even better.
"What are your plans today?"
Hermione hummed, as she served herself breakfast, she was going with porridge today. "Well, I don't actually have plans for today. I thought I might get some sun. I know it is your late morning, so I thought we could just spend some time together talking."
Her parents exchanged a look, they didn't just talk anymore. "We would like that, dear," her father said folding his paper.
"Anything interesting in there, Dad?"
"Not really, just a wild animal attack in south Wales. Apparently some large vicious wolf killed some people during that storm last night. Lots of claw marks on buildings and some dead livestock. The reporter made some snide remark about werewolves as it was the full moon."
Hermione's eyes widened. It was possible, technically. "How odd, hopefully they find whatever did it."
Her mother looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"What," she asked squirming slightly.
"Werewolves are real aren't they?"
"Well, yes," she said shrugging. "It is a lot like legend says. Someone is bitten and once a month they become a werewolf. In most cases the wolf mind has complete control and the person has no knowledge of what they do when transformed. The British ministry judges werewolves really harshly. They can't get jobs in the magical world if they are registered. It isn't fair really because the rest of the time they are just normal people. They are a bit weak the day after a transformation and they can be irritable the day before, but other than that they are normal. There is even a potion that allows the person to keep their mind during the transformation so that they don't become mindless."
"And who do you know that is a werewolf?" Her father looked her in the eye, "you wouldn't defend werewolves to us like that if you didn't know one."
She looked at her hands, "Do you think that they are mindless beasts that all belong in cages?"
"No, sweat heart, not if what you say is true. If it was that fat kid that tried to push Harry of the slide maybe, but we like the rest of the people we met at Thorpe Park."
Hermione smiled, yeah she thought Dudley should be caged too sometimes. "Mister Lupin."
"That gentle man is a werewolf?" Her mother sounded shocked.
"Yes, he told Harry and I when I went to visit him at Sirius's house. It was just before the full moon in July. Harry told me that he took a potion, locked himself in his room and laid on the rug." She saw shock and perhaps pity, not revulsion. That was a good sign. "He told us he was bitten when he was four-years-old. He had no choice."
"No child should be condemned for being bitten." Her father said firmly.
Her mother nodded, "Remus was a caring, protective man, I cannot see him as a monster after spending time with him while he wrote out his lesson plans."
Hermione smiled brilliantly at her parents. "Thank you, that means so much to me, so much to Harry."
Her mother opened her mouth to continue, but stopped with the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Hermione popped out of her chair, rushing toward the door.
Hermione opened the door smiling only for her face to fall at seeing her Fay and an older woman standing on the stoop, looking grave.
"Fay, is everything okay?"
Fay shook her head and sniffed, "Can I come in Hermione? I need help and I didn't know where else to go."
Hermione opened her arms and Fay rushed into them. "Hi," she smiled at the older woman, "You're her grandmother, Lydia right?" The older woman nodded, "Please come in."
She led them into the living room and got them situated. "Give me just a moment. I'll go make some tea. Have you eaten? Do you need anything?"
"We ate, dear, but tea would be lovely."
Hermione nodded and rushed from the room. "Mother, Father, Fay and her Grandmother are here. Fay said she needed help and didn't know where else to go. What do I do?"
They shared a look, "You listen, Hermione and when she has told her story you do what you think is best," her father said in a firm, yet reassuring voice.
"Do you want us to be with you?"
Hermione bit her lip. "If it's okay with Fay, I would really appreciate your input."
"I'll make the tea; you go make sure our presence is alright." Her mother pushed her back toward the living room.
Hermione peaked her head in, "Fay?" the girl looked up, "Would it be alright if my parents joined us?"
Fay nodded, "That would probably be best."
Hermione smiled, "Tea will be ready shortly."
A few minutes later the group of five was situated around the living room. Lydia was sitting in an arm chair, Grace and Patrick Granger were on the love seat. Hermione and Fay were sitting on the couch.
"What's wrong, Fay?"
"I don't want you to hate me."
"I couldn't hate you, Fay, you are my friend."
"It will be alright, sweat heart. You said you trusted the girl, so just tell her."
Fay looked at her grandmother, then at Hermione. She reached down and rolled up the leg of her jeans, to reveal the bite mark on her leg. One that hadn't been there when they were at Thorpe Park.
Hermione's eyes widened. She knew about magical healing, she had recently decided she might like to be one. Magic could heal most things without scars. The only scars they couldn't heal completely were ones from injuries caused by malicious magic or deadly creatures. With a bite pattern like that there was really only one option. Fay had been bitten by a werewolf. "You were bitten last night," Hermione breathed in shock. "Oh, Fay," she launched herself at her friend, hugging her close. "Are you okay? Of course you're not okay. Do you have any other injuries? What can I do? What about school? I will cover for you. What about your parents? Where are they? Do you need a place to stay? Do you know who it was?"
"Hermione," her mother called somewhat sharply. "Breathe. Let the girl tell her story. That should answer some of your questions."
Hermione blushed. "Sorry."
Fay almost giggled, that reaction had been a very Hermione reaction. "I was at my grandparent's house in Wales last night. The werewolf broke in through my window. I thought I was going to die, but instead of going for a kill shot he bit my leg. Then Grandma and Grandpa were there. Grandpa hit him with a blasting curse and it threw him off the bed. Grandpa stood between me and the werewolf while Grandma checked on me. I think he got distracted checking on me, because the werewolf was suddenly on him," she sobbed, "He killed Grandpa Matt."
Hermione tightened her arms around the other girl.
"Grandma Apparated us to my parent's home and healed the bite. She swore that no one would tell the ministry. My parents came in and when they heard the story they said I was no longer welcome in the family." The last she said at barely a whisper. "I don't know what to do. Grandma is sick and could have killed us both using her magic last night. Her magic is unstable and being around me isn't good for either of us. The only things I have are my clothes and school supplies."
"We will figure this out." Hermione looked everyone in the eye. "I need everyone to swear they will never tell anyone anything they learn here today." She had a plan.
Lydia Dunbar nodded, as did her parents. Fay just looked at her with longing. Fay would never tell this secret for it was her secret too.
"I will be back soon. I need to go talk to someone." She looked at her parents pleadingly.
"I'll go cancel my appointments for the day," her father said standing. "You mother has a surgery she can't reschedule, but I can rearrange some things to stay with them while you do what you need to do."
"Sorry, Hermione, if I didn't have that surgery set for today I would stay and help but I should head in to prep and see if I can help rearrange the schedule for your father's patients."
Hermione nodded. "Please make yourselves at home. If you would like, you are welcome to use my shower, Fay."
Hermione rushed up the stairs grabbing her shoes, her purse and her wand. "I'll be back as soon as I can," she said as she all but flew out the door.
Hermione returned about 45 minutes later after a loud pop sounded behind the house. She came rushing in from the kitchen, after coming through the back door. "Daddy, could you make some coffee. Really strong black coffee."
He raised an eyebrow but nodded. "I can do that. Is Mister Black coming back?"
"He just went to grab Harry and Remus; he can only side-along Apparate one of us at a time. It shouldn't take long. Remus is a little out of it this morning. He said if there isn't coffee he is going to give me a T on my first assignment of the year."
She smiled at the Dunbars. "It will be just a moment. There are a few people coming." There was a pop a moment later indicating someone else showing up.
Harry walked into the room a minute later. He walked straight to Fay and hugged her. He didn't say a word.
A third and final pop sounded. Remus Lupin and Sirius black strode into the room, Remus looking dead on his feet, taking a big gulp of coffee as he slumped into a chair.
"Hello, Little Fay," Sirius said with a small smile. He more than anyone understood what her friends and family would be going though. He had Remus after all. He just hoped that they could make this easier on the girl.
"Hi, Mister Black. Sirius," she amended when he gave her a look.
Remus downed the last of the large mug of coffee and sat up slowly, smelling the air. He almost snarled at the lingering smell of werewolf wafting form the girl. He stood and walked carefully toward the small girl. His aching bones protested as he crouched in front of her. He met her gaze with his, he could already see the chocolate color of her eyes lightening. They would be gold in a no more than a week.
He took her slim hands in his. "You will not suffer from this if I can help it, Fay." She continued to look him in the eye, not sure what she was feeling. "I am going to tell you my story. I hope it helps you."
And so, Remus Lupin told his story to the others in the room. He left nothing out. He told her how old he was when he was bitten. The trials of attempting school while hiding his 'furry little problem.' The joys of running free. He explained what the Wolfsbane Potion did and about the pain. Lastly, he told her what it felt like to find your pack, your family. He saw Fay sag in what he hoped was relief in knowing that she was not alone.
"I have been dealing with this for nearly thirty years, Fay. I can help you if you let me. I will protect you from the one who turned you whether you like it or not. He and I have a score to settle." At her questioning look he pulled up his sleeve to reveal a bit mark around his elbow, "the werewolf who bit you was the same one who bit me. Fenrir Greyback is on borrowed time as far as I am concerned."
"How will you keep him from me?" her voice shook.
Remus smiled tiredly. "Greyback is a powerful werewolf, I won't deny that but he isn't the only Alpha out there. I can and will protect you from him because my wolf is an Alpha too. Greyback has no hold over me, I can already feel the wolf inside me making his claim. He wants you to join my pack."
She tilted her head maybe that is what she was feeling. The comfort of an Alpha. "You have a pack?"
He laughed softly, "Not a traditional pack. My pack is in this room, well most of it. Sirius is my beta. Harry is my cub. Hermione is pack, because the wolf feels her devotion to our cub. The only ones missing are the ones who don't know they are pack. My wolf loves the older Weasley children. He wants to adopt the twins and Bill."
Remus squeezed her hands lightly. "Will you let me help you?"
Fay smiled and flew at Remus. "Welcome home, cub." He hugged the girl close, all of him at peace.
Here is chapter 11. I hope you all enjoy. The identity of the Compulsion charm individual will have to remain secret for now.
I would like to take a second and thank everyone who has reviewed. You make my day. Some of your words really mean a lot to me. It is incredible to hear that someone spent the entire day reading my story because they couldn't put it down. I hope I continue to interest you with my imagination.
Thank you TheKolbyGreen for editing for me!
AsphodelWolf15
**Thanks for the corrections Hamiton