Dance of the Full Moon

Sakura Hanamoto

Chapter 11: Home Sweet Home(Reborn)

Harry ducked when a tea cup collided against the wall just above him. To his shock, Petunia was yelling at Vernon.

"How could you!? How dare you!? Did you think I wouldn't find out about that little whore you were keeping!?" she screeched.

"But Pet-," Vernon was cut off by another flying tea cup. Harry had to admit, his aunt's aim was amazing. The atmosphere in the room was electric, and he swore that he could feel wild magic permeating the room.

"Get out! Get out! I never want to see you again!" she screamed, her voice reaching up another octave in pitch. Vernon winced and made a hasty retreat. He went upstairs, and came back down five minutes later with a suitcase. He shoved Harry aside and slammed the door behind him. Petunia sighed and sank into the nearest arm chair.

"A-aunt Petunia?" Harry spoke carefully.

"What is it dear?" she asked tiredly. Harry's brow furrowed, this was new to him.

"Um, what's going on?"

"Nothing, but could you bring me a large brandy?" she asked him.

"O-okay," Harry hastily complied. He brought her the brandy and she gulped it down and sighed again.

"Thank you dear," she murmured as she polished off the tumbler. "Bring the bottle here please." She requested. Harry grabbed the remainder of the bottle and handed it to Petunia. She took a large swig from the bottle. "Go on up to bed, I'm sure you've had a long day." She said.

"Yes Aunt Petunia," Harry went up to his room but could not sleep, trying desperately to wrap his brain around what had happened.

XxXxXxX

The next day, Harry awoke to the smell smoke. He jumped out of bed, but he realized that the house wasn't on fire. He looked out his bedroom window and saw his aunt out in the backyard throwing his uncle's things into a large bonfire.

He came out to the backyard, pulling a fresh shirt on.

"Aunt Petunia? What are you doing?" Harry asked her.

"Oh nothing dear, just doing some," she paused to toss Vernon's golf bag into the fire, and grinning madly, "cleaning." The last word was said with some emphasis. Next went Vernon's Employee of the Month plaque from November 1983.

Harry just watched until he heard hissing laughter. Turning he saw the garden snaking watching as well. He couldn't help but chuckle himself.

"Harry, be a dear and put some tea on for me please," Petunia asked as she threw in a few of Vernon's work shirts. Harry nodded and went back into the kitchen.

There was a crash and Harry saw Petunia tossing in several boxes of Vernon's belongings.

Harry had managed to piece together what had happened the night before. Clearly, his uncle had been cheating on Aunt Petunia, and she'd found out. Though he shuddered to think of how desperate a woman had to be to sleep with his uncle. He realized he was insulting Aunt Petunia, who at the moment, was really quite nice to him.

XxXxXxX

Harry lounged on the couch, watching the television. At the moment, it was just a badly conceived game show, but at least he had something to do. He didn't feel like even touching the Lockhart books, and he had long since finished with his homework.

Petunia came in, dressed in a pale blue summer dress.

"I'll be over at the Watson's for tea. There's some left over pork roast in the refrigerator if you get hungry," she told him.

"Okay, have fun," he said. He was secretly glad that Dudley wasn't around, simply because it meant he could finally sit around the house like he actually belonged there.

Harry flipped through the channels, slowly getting bored of watching the television. He was so used to having something active to do, that just sitting there felt foreign to him. Finally, turning off the television, he hopped up and decided to check on the smolders that were his uncle's possessions. He didn't want something sparking and burning the house down.

There was still some smoke curling from the charred mass on the lawn, so he grabbed the hose and soaked it thoroughly. Once he was satisfied, he located the garden snake and let it curl up his leg for a conversation. Sunset soon approached, and Harry was forced to go inside when the doorbell rang.

He opened the door to find his Potions professor standing on the doorstep, dressed in a black button down shirt, and dark jeans.

"Is your uncle home, Potter?" Snape asked.

"No, he was kicked out last night," Harry replied.

"I see, may I come in?" Harry stepped aside to let the man through.

"Would you like something to drink?" Harry asked.

"No, I have been informed by Dr. Thomas that you've recovered. Is this true?"

"Yes sir."

"May I ask, how?"

"Um, well," Harry hesitated before running out the backyard and scooping up the snake. He hurried back, and Snape arched an eyebrow at the snake. "He helped me understand that what I did was okay." Harry explained.

"And how did he do that, Mr. Potter?"

"I can talk to him, sir," Harry answered. For a moment, Harry thought that Severus was actually shocked, but that short moment was gone. Severus cleared his throat before speaking again.

"I suggest, that you tell no one about this ability," he said.

"May I ask why?"

"It is associated with Dark magic, unfortunately. As of now, you are the only known living speaker of Parseltongue. Please, for your own safety, tell no one, not even your friends," Severus explained.

"I understand, sir," Harry said. Severus rose from his seat.

"I shall see you at Hogwarts Mr. Potter, good day," Severus walked out the door and was gone.

XxXxXxX

Mikan explored the house thoroughly, sniffing here and there, and seemed to stare intently at the photographs of Dudley on the walls. Petunia permitted Harry to let Mikan stay in the house on the condition that she not leave fur balls lying about. Now that Vernon was gone, and had taken Dudley with him, Petunia appeared to go through a complete transformation.

Harry was still getting used to being able to sleep in, stay up late, and he didn't have to spend all hours of the day doing chores. He enjoyed his new freedom, and relished in it as much as possible, as there were only two weeks left before the new school year started.

Tonight was another full moon and Harry was preparing for the transformation. Although it didn't hurt nearly as much as it did the first time, or that first time at Hogwarts, it was still very uncomfortable for him. He realized after his first meeting with the snake, that if he meditated immediately before the transformation, it was more bearable for him.

"Good evening Harry," Jennifer said softly, knocking on the frame of his bedroom door. He opened his eyes from his position on the floor and nodded back to her. She set his dose of the Wolfsbane potion down in front of him.

"Thank you," he said just as quietly. She smiled.

"Oh, before I forget, I have your birthday present here," she reached into her purse and pulled out a wrapped package.

"Thank you, did you speak to Madam Pomfrey or Professor Snape about why his potion isn't as strong?" Harry asked her as he tugged at the wrapping paper.

"Yes, after comparing the dose I give you, and the one Professor Snape gives you, we concluded that the Professor wasn't giving you a large enough dose," Jennifer told him.

"I see," Harry said with a smile as he revealed a new bottle of Instant-Dry ink, along with a new set of quills. "Thank you." He said. Harry set it aside and uncapped the thermos. He lifted it to Jennifer. "Here's to another school year." He announced before throwing his head back and swallowing the potion.

He grimaced and handed the thermos back to the woman.

"I'll see you next July Harry, be safe," Jennifer said, giving him a crushing hug. She shut the door behind him and slid the three bolts there to lock him in.

Harry stripped off the remainder of his clothing and pulled the blinds of his window up. He sat back down and waited.

He shuddered and pitched forward, now on his hands and knees. A shaky gasp escaped him as the bones in his body began to pop and snap. 'Don't fight it, just let it happen!' he coached himself. His muscles visibly relaxed before tensing once more. His arms could now longer support his weight and he fell forward, face rubbing against the carpet.

Harry kept his eyes shut tight throughout it all. A sharp pain at the base of his spine announced the arrival of his tail, the bone ripped through flesh and he screamed. His fingers shortened and fused closer together, his nails lengthening and sharpening into points. Harry's skin itched as what little hair on his body grew quickly, and thickly. The lower half of his face lengthened out, and the skin on his nose became black and changed texture, several short whiskers sprouting from the sides. His jaw stretched wide to accommodate his teeth as they became longer and more lethal. His ears shifted and changed shape to rest at the top of his head. Harry let out several shuddering breaths as his vocal chords and voice box changed in his neck. He shifted and sat on his haunches. Throwing his head back, he howled to the moon.

XxXxXxX

Petunia set down a feast on a tray and carefully carried it up to Harry's room. Balancing the tray on her hip, she slid the bolts and opened the door.

Harry was curled up on the floor, moaning quietly as he attempted to sleep a little while longer. Petunia set the tray down on his desk and lifted the blanket off the bed and threw it over her nephew. Harry immediately pulled it closer to his body to stay warm. Petunia wrapped her arms around him.

"Come one Harry, up onto the bed," she whispered to him as she lifted him up. He winced and let out a moan of protest, but she was already setting him down on his bed. She settled the tray over his legs and helped him pick up the fork. "Now, eat." Petunia ordered.

Harry's hand shook as he ate, but with each bite he swallowed some of his strength returned. Soon, the whole tray was gone; Harry had gone as far as licking the plate clean before he announced himself done with breakfast. Petunia took the tray and Harry curled up to sleep until lunch. She smiled and pulled the blanket up a little further before stepping out of his room.

XxXxXxX

Harry blocked Jon's kick with his forearm, and twisted, wrapping his arm around Jon's leg. He pulled the man closer, and aimed a hand chop to Jon's knee. Jon grabbed Harry's arm, forcing the boy to release his leg. Jon then aimed a punch for Harry's abdomen, but Harry blocked it before hopping back a few feet.

Both males took the time to regain their breath before rushing at each other again. Harry locked his arms around Jon's and flipped the man over his hip. Jon hit the mat with a thump and grinned until Harry stepped on his chest to hold him down.

"Katta," Harry announced seriously. Jon raised an eyebrow.

"Honto?" Jon asked. He moved quickly, knocking Harry off balance while righting himself. Jon had Harry's wrists gripped behind his back, pressing the boys face into the mat. His knee dug painfully into Harry's lower back. "Saa? Kachi kai?" He asked with a smirk. "Oshiete, Arashi-chan." Harry glared at him, and grumbled something. "Nani? Kikoenai."

"Boku to itta, Sensei o katta, ojii-chan," Harry snapped. Jon pressed Harry's face further into the mat.

"Ojii-chan? Damare, kouzo."

"Shi-shitsureishimashita," Harry muttered. Jon grinned and released him. Harry pushed himself to his feet. Harry glanced at the clock on the wall. "I think I should be going now." He said.

"Okay Harry, I'll see you later," Jon gave the boy a nudge towards the door. Harry stuffed his feet into his trainers and pulled the door open before Jon spoke again. "Hold up for a second."

"What is it?" Harry asked, turning to him.

"Here, for good luck this year," Jon said, placing something in Harry's hand. Harry nodded.

"Jaa, aniki," Harry murmured before stepping through the doorway and shutting it.

XxXxXxX

"Harry! Harry! Wake up, we're running late!" Petunia knocked on his bedroom door frantically.

September first came sooner than Harry would have liked, but he missed his friends a great deal.

He jumped out of bed and changed quickly into a fresh t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Shoving his feet into his trainers, he grabbed the small good luck charm Jon had given him and tied it to one of his belt loops. Harry grabbed his trunk and carefully dragged it down the stairs.

"Come on Harry, we're going to miss the train at this rate," Petunia said, shoving a napkin with a ham and egg sandwich into his hands. He held onto it with his teeth as he loaded the trunk into the boot of the car. He was about to slide into the passenger seat when he jumped up again.

"Mikan!" he cried, running back up the steps to the front door. Mikan was sitting in front of the door, tail flicking to and fro agitatedly. Harry sighed and picked her up. "Sorry girl."

"Hurry up!" Petunia called to him from the car. Harry hopped inside and they drove away.

XxXxXxX

Harry wheezed and coughed to regain his breath. He slowly pushed himself to his feet, and straightened the trolley and calmed Mikan who was hissing loudly and causing a scene.

"What happened?" Petunia asked.

"I don't know, the barrier wouldn't let me through," Harry said. He casually leaned against the barrier, but it remained steadfastly solid.

"Come on kids, hurry up!" a female voice called a little further down.

"Percy, you go first," a male voice said. Harry cursed, and grabbed Percy's trunk, preventing him from advancing any further.

"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley looked at him in shock.

"The barrier's sealed itself, you won't be able to get through," Harry told him.

"What?" Mr. Weasley approached.

"I just bruised my ribs try to run through it," Harry explained. Mr. Weasley leaned his hand against the bricks, and found it solid.

"Strange," the elder man murmured. Just then, the nearby clock chimed ten o'clock.

"Oh dear," Mrs. Weasley chewed on her lip for a moment. "What do we do Arthur?" She asked.

"We have to contact Dumbledore and let him know, the children need to get to school," Arthur said.

"How are we going to get to him?" Petunia asked. It was then that the family noticed Petunia.

"Percy, come out to the car with me, bring Hermes," Arthur ordered. Percy nodded and lifted Hermes' cage and followed after his father.

"Come along kids, we'll go wait in the car," Molly suggested. "You too Harry, Mrs…" Molly trailed off, realizing she didn't know Harry's aunt.

"Miss Evans," Petunia said. "Petunia Evans."

"Come with us then, Petunia," Molly lead the large group away from the platform and out to the parking lot.

"Where'd Mr. Weasley and Percy go?" Harry asked.

"Probably out in an alley, can't let the Muggles see Hermes flying off you know," Ron said. Harry nodded in understanding. Several minutes later, they saw Hermes fly off above the buildings, and the two Weasleys appeared.

"Well, we shouldn't have to wait to long, I put a Speeding Spell on Hermes so he'd fly faster," Arthur announced.

"That's good," Molly said, before continuing on with her conversation with Petunia.

XxXxXxX

Dumbledore frowned at the short note in his hands. The barrier to the platform never closed before ten o'clock and for it to do so just when Harry was reaching it seemed a bit too convenient. Someone knocked on the door to his office and Severus and Professor Flitwick appeared.

"Ah, thank you for coming so promptly. Lemon Drop?" both men shook their heads. "Well then, down to business, it seems the barrier to Platform Nine and Three Quarters sealed itself before ten o'clock. The Weasley family, and Mr. Potter arrived before that, but it was sealed when Harry attempted to step through. I'd like you both to fetch the children."

"Why do I have to go?" Severus asked.

"Because Minerva is busy preparing for the arrival of the first years," Dumbledore replied. Severus sighed.

"Very well, I will go."

"Excellent! You'll find them in the parking lot by Arthur's Ford Anglia," Dumbledore explained. He produced an empty bag of sweets and a pair of socks from a drawer and set them on the desk. He tapped his wand to each of them and whispered an incantation. Both objects glowed for a moment, and he handed them over to Severus. Severus spun around and headed for the door.

"Hurry up Filius, I wish to get this over with as quickly as possible," he said. The much shorter man followed after Severus as they made their way towards the entrance.

They trekked down the path towards the edge of the wards, and with two nearly silent pops, were gone.

XxXxXxX

After taking a moment to transfigure their robes into more appropriate attire, they approached the large group surrounding the old light blue car.

"Oh, hello Severus," Molly greeted him cheerfully. Severus' thin lips pressed together in a thin line, but he did give her a nod of acknowledgement.

"We were informed by the headmaster that the students were unable to pass through the barrier," Professor Flitwick said.

"And we were given the happy pleasure of collecting them," Severus groused. He then reached into his pocket and produced the two objects Dumbledore had given him. "Everyone make sure you've all of your belongs in physical contact with you, and hold onto one of these objects." He directed. Flitwick took the socks and held them out. Harry, Ron, and Ginny took a hold of it, while the twins and Percy grabbed the bag of sweets.

"Have fun at school kids," Arthur said. "And keep an eye on Ginny." He added.

"Dad!" Ginny flushed in embarrassment.

"Stay safe, all of you," Molly told them.

"The same goes for you Harry," Petunia said.

"Yes Aunt Petunia, I'll be careful," Harry assured her. Abruptly, there was a sharp tug at his navel and he felt his world spinning rapidly.

As he fell, he managed to get his legs under him, and successfully landed. Meanwhile, the Weasleys came tumbling out of the air. The four boys landed in a heap with Percy at the bottom. Harry managed to catch Ginny before she fell. Their trunks landed with heavy thuds, and Mikan yowled as she landed on Ron's head.

Severus smirked at the Weasley boys. Returning his robes to their normal state, he passed by Harry.

"And I thought dog's didn't land on their feet," he murmured in Harry's ear before walking on by. Harry glared at the man, before helping Ginny collect her trunk.

"T-thank you Harry," she stuttered and blushed.

"No problem Ginny," he said with a smile. Her blush deepened a bit more. Harry lifted up his trunk and retrieved Mikan, who was stalking Scabbers over the grass. Casting the Levitation charm on his trunk, he followed Severus up the path towards the castle. It wasn't long before everyone else followed.

XxXxXxX

They waited at Hogsmeade station for the Hogwarts Express to arrive. The evening air was a bit chilly, but wasn't too bad. Ginny stood nervously next to Hagrid, while the five boys were off to the side.

Soon, the light from the train appeared, and it slowed to a stop. The car doors opened and students spilled out.

"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" Hagrid called out. A few minutes later, Harry found himself nearly being knocked over by Hermione, who'd practically tackled him.

"What happened!" she cried.

"Let go of the poor bloke, Hermione, he's turning a fantastic puce color," Alex said. Harry looked at his other friend and saw that she had grown quite a bit over the summer, standing nearly half a head above him.

"Nice to see you too Alex," Harry gasped when Hermione eventually let go. Hermione looked at Ron, but made no move to hug him. Alex was looking about, and then, she reached into the crowd, and yanked Neville out of the throng. "Hey Nev." Harry greeted.

"Hi Harry," the boy said smiling.

"Come on, we need to get going now," Hermione said, pulling Harry along. The group melted into the crowd and came upon the carriages that would take them up to the school. Harry halted at the sight of the creatures that pulled them.

"What are those?" he asked.

"What are what?" Alex looked at him.

"The things pulling the carriages, don't you see them?"

"I can see them," Neville said. The others looked at him, not comprehending the reason as to why only Harry and Neville could see these bizarre creatures.

"What about you, Hermione, Ron? Do you see those things?" Harry asked.

"I don't see anything, Harry," Hermione told him.

"Same here," Ron added. Harry frowned and cautiously approached the strange creatures. One turned its head and gazed at Harry. He reached out slowly, and stroked its muzzle. It nickered and leaned into his touch, not at all minding his scent. He smiled a little.

"Come on Harry," Hermione called to him from inside the carriage. He nodded and hopped inside.

XxXxXxX

The Sorting Hat sang a new song this year, this one speaking of standing by your fellow students, no matter who they may be. Harry hadn't been paying much attention, but did pay attention to the Sorting itself. He clapped whenever a new student was sent to Ravenclaw.

"Lovegood, Luna," Professor McGonagall spoke. A girl with blonde hair, and dreamy pale eyes seemed to glide forward. She sat down upon the stool, and after only a short moment, the Hat shouted out its decree.

"RAVENCLAW!"

The table erupted into applause as she made her way down towards the table. She took a seat between Hermione and Alex, right across from Harry. The girls took a moment to welcome her before returning their attention to the Sorting.

A while later, Ginny was called.

"Weasley, Ginevra."

Ginny nervously sat upon the stool, twiddling her fingers as she waited. The Hat was taking a much longer time deciding on where to place Ginny, than any of the other first years. Harry glanced at the Gryffindor table, at the four other Weasleys, and all four of them were watching their one and only sister in anticipation. Then, the hat's brim opened and gave its judgment.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Not one Slytherin clapped for Ginny. Instead, they gawked at her as if she were some strange animal at the circus. As she walked towards the table slowly, only two hands clapped for her. The twins did their best, hoping to keep her cheered up for a bit. Ginny sat at one end, ignoring the others around her as she took a seat.

Professor McGonagall regained her bearings, and continued on, Sorting three more children before it was over, not that anyone noticed.

Harry had lost his appetite, the moment he'd seen Ron's expression when the Sorting Hat placed Ginny in Slytherin. Like the year before, Harry could see that once again, Ron was being controlled by his own expectations. But it was much worse this time, his own sisterhad been Sorted into Slytherin. Harry knew right then and there, that Ginny would be in for a rough first year.

Dumbledore rose from his seat once McGonagall had taken the Sorting Hat away. His eyes twinkled merrily in the candle light, as he beamed at the students.

"To all of you who are new here, I welcome you. And to those of you who are returning, welcome back," he said before sitting down.

The feast began and Harry served himself but didn't make an effort into eating it.

"Come on Harry, you should eat something," Hermione urged him as she buttered a roll and placed it on his plate.

"'M not hungry," he muttered.

"What's wrong?" Alex asked him. "By now you'd be halfway through your third portion."

"It's nothing," Harry told her, roughly cutting up a slice of rare done steak before viciously stabbing the pieces with his fork. He growled in annoyance, wanting to just get up and leave. 'I'm not normally this violent during the new moon of all things.' He thought nervously. His eyes fell closed slightly as he fell into meditation.

It took a little longer than normal to find his Wolf, but when he did, it wasn't too happy either. After sitting with it for a moment, he realized that his pack had already extended itself to Ginny, and Ron was being an idiot once more.

"Harry! Harry!" Hermione was shaking him violently. He blinked and realized that everyone was getting up.

"Huh? What?"

"The feast's over Harry," Alex told him. Harry jumped up and joined the mass of Ravenclaw students heading up to the Tower. Penelope was leading the first years up at the front, with everyone else trailing behind. Harry hadn't noticed just how short some of the first years were.

'Were we that short last year?' He thought. He'd been in such a catatonic state much of the summer he hadn't even noticed if he'd gotten any taller. Though some of Dudley's jeans did fit just a little better in terms of length.

The Common Room looked exactly as it did last year, and Harry joined his fellow roommates in climbing the short flight of stairs up to their dorm. He shut the door behind him and fell into his bed, nearly crushing Mikan under his weight.

"Sorry," he muttered as he kicked off his shoes and curled up into a ball to sleep. He hadn't even bothered to change.

Translations:

Katta. – I win.

Honto? – Really?

Saa? Kachi kai? – So? Did you win?

Oshiete, Arashi-chan. – Tell me, Arashi.

Nani? Kikoenai. – What? I can't hear you.

Boku to itta, Sensei o katta, ojii-chan – I said, you won, grandpa.

Ojii-chan? Damare kouzo. – Grandpa? Shut up brat.

Shitsureishimashita – Excuse me (lit. I have committed a rude act)

Jaa, aniki – See you, big bro.

A note on "-chan": The suffix "-chan" is typically used for either small children, or among girls. The fact that Jon is using this term attached to Harry's Japanese name, is insulting. Harry is neither a small child, nor a girl.

A note on "kai":"Kai" is the basically the question mark in the question, but "kai" is only used by males. The general question mark is "ka". The female equivalent is "no".

A note on "aniki":There are several words when referring to family members. In a conversation with someone, when speaking about one's own older brother, one would use the word "ani". For someone else's older brother, it is "onii-san". Often times, when addressing one's own sibling, "onii-san", or the more affectionate, "onii-chan" is used. In a far more formal setting (i.e. old school nobility type) the word "aniue" or "onii-sama" is used. The word "aniki" is somewhere between "onii-san" and "aniue". It's also referred to a superior member of a gang in more popular culture and anime.

I had a little too much fun with Petunia's character in this chapter. I don't know why, but I could totally see her burning Vernon's crap. Rather than the clichéd throwing all of his crap out the bedroom window, I went with burning it! MWAHAHAHA!

Okay, rant over. Please review! It'll make me immensely happy. You know you wanna press the shiny new green and white button down there. And really, who doesn't like shiny things? I sure do, I love shiny things. But then again, I'm a girl, and they like shiny things in generally. Especially gold and diamonds.

Hmm, no more candy for me…

PLEASE REVIEW! I SHALL LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER AND EVER…