It took the group most of the year to work on the patronus spell. Fred and George had been invited into the lesson, and Professor Lupin was astounded at how well the group worked together. Harry was first to complete the spell, and the group watched in awe as a magnificent stag pranced round the room. Harry found himself wiping away tears as the animagus form of his father reared up and flashed brightly. He noticed Professor Lupin also had tears in his eyes. With that incredible display the rest worked twice as hard to master theirs. The twins were next, and laughed as a pair of squirrels darted round the room. The next animal to appear was a hare, and Luna smiled serenely as her patronus bounded above her head. The remaining two members glanced at each other and realised they'd have to work even harder to catch up. It took a few more weeks, but eventually Hermione's otter and Neville's badger joined the others. Professor Lupin was extremely impressed that a group of school children, mostly below the age of fifteen, had managed what many adult wizards couldn't.
Of course the lesson wasn't easy. Many times a member of the group succumbed to exhaustion and had to rest. But each time they picked themselves up and pushed a little further. Professor Lupin couldn't help but think these kids could very well be an unstoppable team, with the right training.
OOO
Harry, after speaking with Susan, decided to write to Madam Amelia Bones. Her reply came a few days later, and while reading it Harry thought that she could possibly be the first adult, besides Sirius, he felt he could trust. After hearing about Sirius and Pettigrew she immediately dug into the fiasco surrounding Sirius's imprisonment. What she found did not please her, and knowing a potential criminal was at Hogwarts was even worse. She assured Harry that she would come with a couple of trusted aurors as soon as possible and see for herself. She told a little half truth to the minister to allow her to use veritaserum "on anyone who may be keeping information about Sirius Black to themselves". She of course promised that no students would be given the serum. If Pettigrew was found to be a deatheater, then she had the authority to call for a trial and the will power to back Fudge into a corner and make him agree with her. Harry couldn't wait for her visit.
With the twins and Hermione as his official consorts, Harry was able to reintroduce them to Gilderoy. Hermione took a slight fit when Harry mentioned he'd effectively kidnapped the man, but she relented when she saw just how different Gilderoy had become. The man was overjoyed to have more people to talk to, and with the group working together he was able to spend more time outside.
While Hermione kept Gilderoy amused, the twins had pulled Harry aside and presented him with a map titled the marauder's map. They remarked that they felt it was time to pass on the torch, and showed him how it worked. His reply was to smirk and mention that he knew who the marauders were. Fred and George were all over him, begging for that piece of information. Harry had laughed and told them they were friends with the child of one, and that another was currently teaching in the school. And then he said no more and left them to work out the puzzle on their own.
Hermione made the suggestion that Neville and Luna be told about Gilderoy, which would help the man get more time outside. Harry agreed with her logic, the more people on guard the more time Gilderoy could spend getting some fresh air. Luna didn't seem at all surprised, Harry didn't think she would be. Neville was stunned to know his friend was keeping a former teacher as a pet, but he realised how memory charms could affect people, and he was thankful Harry hadn't decided to follow his original plan and have the man shipped to India. He wasn't sure about the pet idea, but he could see Gilderoy was happy with it.
Harry decided not long after that it was time Neville learned of his true intentions. He once more used the room of requirement and invited both Neville and Luna to talk. He had a feeling Luna knew, but it was better he admitted it rather than her taking accurate assumptions. He was sure she had some Seer blood in her. Luna had given him a curtsey and said that she would always be by his side.
Neville's world had been turned upside down. He couldn't get his head round the idea of his friend being a Dark Lord. The problem was, the clues were there all along. Harry had even admitted it right at the beginning, granted in a joking way, but still. But the more he really thought about it, the more he realised that being a Dark Lord didn't necessarily mean that a person was evil. The many Dark Lords in history had tainted the idea, twisting it so that the very title meant you were evil and nothing more. Neville decided that Harry was different. It was more than possible to be a dark wizard without resorting to evil acts. Gathering his courage he stood and offered his hand to Harry, formally stating that he would be by his friend's side no matter what. Harry had smiled warmly and shook his hand, thanking him for remaining a friend and giving both him and Luna access to his manor.
Luna had then decided to mention Harry's consort list, and Neville promptly fell back onto his seat. For Merlin's sake, give him a chance to recover from the first piece of news!
OOO
'Harry please!'
'You gotta tell us!'
He smirked as they fell to their knees in front of him. Fred and George had been making good use of the Sherlock Holmes books Harry had given them last Christmas and gone round the entire school body looking for the marauder and the child of a marauder. They'd made a list of people, and they were steadily getting closer.
'I told you I will not help any more than I already have. The professors would most likely have me in detention for the rest of my school life if they knew I'd introduced you to your idols' Harry replied.
The twins whimpered in frustration and slumped back to their table. Hermione giggled.
'I see you haven't told them yet'.
'What fun is there in telling them?' Harry remarked.
'Hey, isn't that Madam Bones?' Neville suddenly asked.
The woman had indeed just come through the entrance, a male and female auror at her sides.
'This should be fun' Harry remarked as he watched the headmaster rise.
'Madam Bones? May I ask what this visit is about?' Albus asked.
'Indeed headmaster. I received a worrying letter from one of your students, and have come to investigate' the woman replied.
'Is she here about the rat?' Hermione asked quietly as the adults talked.
'Indeed she is, hopefully by the end of today my godfather will be proven innocent, or in the very least get a fair trial with truth serum' Harry replied.
'Harry, might we speak to you for a moment?' the headmaster called.
'Excuse me' Harry said and rose, following the group out the door and into a side room. He stood beside his head of house, the headmaster and deputy head sitting opposite him. Madam Bones came over and held out her hand.
'A pleasure to meet you Mr Potter, I am Amelia Bones, head of the department of magical law enforcement. This is Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, and junior Auror Nymphadora Tonks. I certainly hope we can get this matter seen to'.
Harry noticed the pink haired woman scowl at the use of her full name. She was very attractive.
'The pleasure is mine Madam Bones. You were recommended to me by a trusted friend for being fair and honest' he replied, taking her hand with a bow.
'Harry, exactly what is going on here?' the headmaster asked.
Harry turned to the man.
'I discovered at the beginning of the school year, aided by my familiars, that one of the pets here isn't what it appears to be. I did some research and discovered that there was an innocent man in Azkaban'.
'And who might that be Mr Potter?' Professor McGonagall asked.
'Sirius Black, professor' Harry answered.
A few in the room muttered in disbelief. Albus started to get a little worried. Surely the boy hadn't discovered Pettigrew? If Sirius was proven innocent then he would demand to be Harry's guardian, and that couldn't be allowed.
'Harry Sirius Black must be guilty. He killed his friend Peter Pettigrew'.
Harry raised his eyebrow at the man.
'How can you be so sure headmaster? After all, he wasn't given a trial, and Pettigrew is still alive'.
'WHAT?!' Professor Flitwick exclaimed.
Harry, in answer, brought out the cage with Pettigrew inside. He presented it to Madam Bones.
'Because of the chaos surrounding my parent's deaths, Sirius Black was denied his chance to prove his innocence and thrown into Azkaban illegally. Peter Pettigrew is an animagus and used the blasting spell as a diversion to escape into the sewers. You may wish to set up anti-animagus wards'.
'Isn't that Mr Weasley's familiar?' Professor McGonagall asked.
'Yes it is. Pettigrew, after escaping from Sirius, took refuge with the Weasley family, unknown by them' Harry answered.
'Professor McGonagall may I speak with the young man who owns this rat?' Madam Bones asked.
Professor McGonagall nodded and walked out the room, looking curiously at the rat as she went.
'How is it that you came to these conclusions Harry? After all, this rat, Scabbers I believe his name is, has been with Percy Weasley for some time before being given to Ronald. If he truly was Peter Pettigrew, would he not have made himself known before?' the headmaster asked.
'He might have, but why make yourself known when you are trying to hide from the world? Pettigrew had a comfy life with a known light side family, why would anyone suspect him?' Harry replied, not bothering to answer the first question.
They glanced over as Professor McGonagall returned with Ron. The red head spotted his familiar and immediately snarled at Harry.
'WHY DO YOU HAVE SCABBERS POTTER?! I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR HIM FOR AGES! PROFESSOR HE'S KIDNAPPED MY RAT!'
'Mr Weasley please sit down, I'd like to ask you some questions if you don't mind' Madam Bones asked.
Embarrassed at yelling in front of the headmaster and a high up member of the ministry, Ron slumped onto a seat, blushing madly and glaring at Harry.
'Thank you. Now if you will, can you tell me how your family came to own this rat?' Madam Bones asked kindly.
'Well, Percy found it ages ago. He had Scabbers for years and then I got him' Ron replied looking confused.
'Can you remember just how long your brother has had Scabbers?' the woman asked.
Ron thought for a moment.
'Percy told me he found Scabbers when he was five, and mum let him keep it. Then he gave Scabbers to me for my first year. So…about twelve years'.
'Don't you believe that to be a very long lifespan for a rat?' Madam Bones asked.
'I didn't really think about it. I just thought he was a magical rat or something. Why is he in that cage? Why does Potter have him? I was really worried about him, I thought Granger's cat had eaten him, or Potter's snakes' Ron replied with a glare in Harry's direction.
'We have reason to believe your rat is an animagus Mr Weasley. Do you know what that is?' the woman asked.
Ron's eyes had gone wide.
'An animagus?! I didn't know that! I know what an animagus is but I didn't think Scabbers was one!'
'Thank you for answering my questions Mr Weasley. Auror Shacklebolt, if you could put up the wards' Madam Bones spoke.
'Now Amelia surely we're getting a little too excited over this' Albus spoke.
She pinned him with a look.
'It is my duty to ensure that wanted criminals are put to justice. Just as it is your duty to ensure the students of Hogwarts are safe'.
Surprised by the stern tone, the headmaster fell silent and sat back, growling to himself. They were going to ruin everything!
The dark skinned auror started casting spells. While he did, Harry took the chance to examine the pink haired auror. Part way through she had caught him staring and winked, causing him to blink in bewilderment. Sniggering she stepped closer to him, her eyes still on Pettigrew and her wand at the ready.
'Wandering eyes have we?' she asked quietly.
'My apologies ma'am, I have recently started to see the female population for the beautiful princesses that they are, and I couldn't help but gaze at your loveliness' Harry replied.
She made a noise at the back of her throat and blushed. Harry noted curiously that her hair turned the same colour as her cheeks. Professor Flitwick chuckled and leaned in to his student's side.
'Quite the young charmer Mr Potter. Auror Tonks is a Metamorphmagus. How are you doing with your training?'
She cleared her throat and forced her hair to change back to pink, giving Harry a mock glare before replying to the question.
'Hopefully I'll be a proper auror next year. Madam Bones brought me here for experience'.
'Your ability must really help with your training' Harry said.
'You bet!' she grinned.
He wanted to know more about her, he hoped he got the chance afterwards.
'All done Amelia' Auror Shacklebolt said.
Madam Bones nodded to him and motioned for Ron to stand with his head of house. Taking the cage from Harry she set it on the floor and flicked her wand to open it. Immediately Scabbers scrambled out and started running round the room, looking for an escape. Auror Tonks managed to catch him with a stunning spell and the rat stumbled head over heels before lying still.
'YOU KILLED HIM!' Ron yelled.
'Calm yourself Mr Weasley, he is merely stunned' Madam Bones soothed.
The group watched as she performed the counter spell. Gasps rang round the room as the rat turned into a rather fat balding man. His eyes darted round in terror.
'WHO IS THAT?!' Ron yelped, realising he had been sleeping with a man in his bed for years.
'Peter Pettigrew!' Professor McGonagall breathed.
Madam Bones quickly had the man up and bound to a chair, cancelling the stunning spell. While the aurors, and most of the teachers, stood with wands trained on Pettigrew, she pulled out a vial of veritaserum and forced three drops onto the man's tongue. She noticed Ron had become far too pale.
'Minerva perhaps you should take your student to the hospital wing. He's had a nasty shock'.
Professor McGonagall glanced at Ron and quickly agreed, practically holding him up as she escorted him out the door. Madam Bones turned to Harry, who said that he was quite happy to stay and watch the results.
'What is your name and date of birth?'
'Peter Pettigrew, 21st April 1960' came the monotone reply.
'Were you the Potter's secret keeper?'
'Yes'.
'What about Sirius Black?'
'He was the decoy, everyone assumed he'd be the secret keeper'.
'Are you a deatheater?'
'Yes'.
'Were you forced into being a deatheater?'
'No'.
'I think I've heard enough' Madam Bones said, forcing the antidote down the man's throat.
'Merlin help us! All these years we've had an innocent man behind bars!' Professor Flitwick squeaked.
'I'll have the order sent out at once for Black's trial, even if I have to glue Fudge to his seat in order to get him to listen. I just hope Sirius is still around to hear the announcement and turn himself in. This sorry excuse for a wizard will be replacing Black in Azkaban, or better still, receive the Dementor's kiss for his crimes' Madam Bones said coldly.
Pettigrew whimpered as he was hauled up by the aurors and put in magic binding cuffs. As he struggled, Harry noticed something white peeking out of his ragged clothes.
'You might want to check him ma'am, there is something in his pocket' he remarked.
Auror Shacklebolt quickly patted the man down, bringing out a rather familiar wand.
'That You Know Who's wand!' Auror Tonks gasped.
Harry went over and snatched it from the man's hand, snapping it in half.
'Mr Potter that is evidence!' Madam Bones scolded.
'My apologies ma'am, but I don't wish for it to wind up in the wrong hands. This wand had caused far too many deaths over its lifetime' Harry replied quietly.
Madam Bones fell silent, nodding her agreement. The wand was still recognisable. Giving a look to her aurors, who agreed to turn a blind eye to the damage, she summoned a bag and Harry dropped the pieces inside.
'We'll ensure he doesn't escape for a second time' she said.
Harry nodded and was escorted back to the great hall by his head of house. The headmaster was left in his office, wondering how he was going to fix this mess.
'Mr Potter, how exactly did you manage to capture Pettigrew?' the little man asked.
'When I realised who he was, I asked Dusk if he wouldn't mind bringing Pettigrew to me. It took me some time to convince him not to kill the rat' Harry replied with a chuckle.
'Well I must say that was some brilliant detective work there. I daresay you'll be rewarded for bringing this information to the authorities, but between us, fifty points to Ravenclaw' Professor Flitwick said with a smile.
'Thank you sir. You may wish to speak to Professor Lupin. He has the right to know' Harry said.
'Yes, quite right. On you go and finish your meal, I'll speak with him' the man replied.
Harry nodded and headed back to his table. Hermione immediately gave him a questioning look.
'The rat has been uncovered. The news will be out soon' he said.
She beamed and hugged him. Luna let out a little giggle.
'Ok, now what am I missing?' Neville sighed.
OOO
'Harry! Harry can I talk to you?!'
He glanced back to find Professor Lupin coming up the corridor. It was getting late but the man looked desperate.
'Of course professor'.
'Thank you. Come, we can use my office'.
Harry idly remembered that there was a full moon that night, which explained why the man looked so worn out. That and Professor Lupin had been told Sirius Black was innocent and Pettigrew was guilty. The rat was awaiting his trial, and it was clear that when he was proven guilty that he would receive the Dementor's kiss. The papers had had a field day with the information, and several howlers had already been sent to the minister and the headmaster for allowing an innocent man to stay behind bars. Harry had told Sirius through the books that he should hand himself in as soon as he could for his trial. The man hadn't yet replied, and Harry had a feeling he was getting his head round the idea of being a free man.
All this meant the Dementors were thankfully sent away from Hogwarts and back to Azkaban where they belonged.
Professor Lupin closed the door behind them and they sat down. The man shakily offered Harry a drink which was declined.
'I…I heard that it was you who discovered Peter'.
'That's right professor' Harry replied.
'How?! I was so sure…' Professor Lupin tried to say.
Harry sat his hand on the man's arm.
'Sirius told me professor. You, he, Pettigrew and my dad were friends'.
Professor Lupin looked at him in stunned silence.
'You've spoken to Sirius…?!' he finally breathed.
'I came across Sirius in the summer. I would have attacked him, but he was able to convince me to listen. I gave him a mild truth serum and asked about the night my parents died, and who their secret keeper was. When he mentioned Pettigrew's animagus form, and that he'd cut off a finger to use as evidence of his death, I immediately thought about Ronald's familiar Scabbers. I asked Sirius to live with me until I could prove his innocence. When I got to school I asked Dusk to catch the rat and have been hiding him in my trunk until I could write to someone trustworthy about him. Neville was the one who suggested Madam Bones' Harry explained.
Professor Lupin's head dropped into his hands.
'I believed he was guilty. I didn't even think to question it'.
'No one did professor, not even myself until he explained what had happened. And even then I was still ready to attack first and ask questions later. But something in me demanded I give him a chance' Harry said.
The man looked up at him.
'Harry I…I've not been a very good friend. You say he lives with you…Do you think…do you think you could tell him that I'm sorry? I don't know if I can face him'.
'He'd like to see you professor, he told me he would have done the same thing had it been you falsely imprisoned. Too many people rely on others to tell them what to do, not many decide to think for themselves' Harry replied.
'He wants to see me, really?!' the man asked quietly.
'He wants you to live with us, at Potter Manor. I'd like it if you would live with us' Harry replied.
Professor Lupin looked ready to argue. Harry quickly spoke before he could start.
'If this has anything to do with you being a Werewolf, then you needn't worry. Sirius told me about the marauders, and why they became animaguses. Besides, there is a rather selfish reason that I am asking you to come and live with us'.
'What might that be?' the man asked curiously.
'I will need to explain before answering that question. You see, I am a Dark Lord'.
Harry quickly prevented the man from speaking.
'I know what you might think, but I am old enough to make that decision for myself, and I am not an evil person. I am a Dark Lord because that will be the way the people of the wizarding world see me. Once they find out I have grey magic, and speak to snakes, then they will jump to conclusions, so I became a Dark Lord before they could accuse me. There are those who are already accusing me because of Dusk and Dawn'.
The man nodded slowly, motioning for Harry to continue.
'I have read that past Dark Lords always had followers. However because of my Boy Who Lived status, many followers will only be so to ride my fame. So I decided that instead of followers, I would have consorts. That is what I'd like you to be'.
He chuckled slightly as Professor Lupin's mouth hung open, the man attempting to form words.
'I realise it is odd to ask someone my father's age to be my consort, but neither age nor gender is important to me. I choose personality, and of course looks come in there as well. I have a list of people I'd like to be my consorts, in fact three of them have already accepted. I explained to them that I am not looking for a sexual relationship, just companionship. Should it become sexual, then that would be a nice bonus'.
'I…I don't…I mean…'.
The man shook his head and gave Harry a long hard look.
'Harry I'm afraid I don't entirely believe this'.
'I can show you my grey magic. And if you'd like, I can perform an oath to state my claims' Harry replied.
Professor Lupin was silent for a moment, then he nodded. Harry decided to make the oath first, and thought for a moment about how to word it. Then he held his wand over his head.
'I, Harry James Potter, so hereby swear, on my life and my magic, that what I have spoken is true. I wish for you, Remus Lupin, to be my consort. I swear that I will not force you to do anything you do not want, be that sexual or otherwise. I swear that I will ensure you are safe and provide for your condition. So mote it be!'
His wand flashed and he cast a lumos charm to seal his oath. Professor Lupin watched him with wide eyes. Harry then sent out a whisper of his grey magic and let it curl round the man. Professor Lupin shuddered, lifting a hand to try and touch the strands. The wolf whimpered within him, accepting Harry's magic and allowing itself to be seduced by it. Remus realised the wolf was accepting Harry as its new alpha. The magic was almost like a lover's touch, delicately ghosting over his skin. It was neither forceful nor trying to lure him to it, rather it accepted him for who he was and offered him sanctuary.
'Professor Lupin?' Harry questioned.
'Yes' the man whispered.
'Yes?'
'I will become your consort' Remus spoke quietly.
He'd never felt so safe. If this was what Harry was offering, then he would ignore the fact that he was old enough to be the teen's father. He blinked when he felt a touch, a real touch on his hand, and glanced at Harry. The teen smiled at him, rubbing his thumb over Remus' palm.
'You don't have to decide so soon. Although I can see you have made your mind up. Thank you Remus'.
Remus gave a soft smile back, then screamed as a streak of pain shot up his spine.
'Oh God! Harry! Harry run! The potion! I haven't taken the potion!'
Harry sprung to his feet, wand in hand. Then he realised what was happening and looked in horror at the budding full moon peeking in the window. Remus was normally away when the full moon came. He must have been so frazzled by the news about Sirius and Pettigrew that the full moon was pushed to the back of his mind. Harry rushed to the door, then realised it was unlocked and he had no way of warding it against a Werewolf.
'Oh dear!'
He forced himself to stay calm and cast as many locking spells on the door as he could. Taking a few deep breaths he turned to face the Werewolf. He felt a rush of magic and his instincts took over. Harry slipped his wand back in its holster and sat in front of the door. Hermione was going to kill him for this, if Moony didn't decide to act first. Harry winced as the man thrashed around, his clothes ripping as his bones and flesh grew. Now that he was calm, Harry realised that the whole transformation didn't take that long, thought it probably felt like a lifetime for Remus. Harry made a mental note to look into the wolfsbane potion and to see what he could to about making the transformation less painful.
Moony stretched and shook the remaining clothes from his body. He wanted to howl, and run with the night, he wanted to catch some prey and roll around in the earth. But to do that, he needed to get outside. And there was a human in front of the door.
Harry gazed into the Werewolf's amber eyes.
'Hello Moony'.
Why wasn't this human running? Every human ran from him. Moony let out a low growl, taking a few steps closer. Harry brought his magic to the surface and let it move over to the Werewolf, softly whispering around the beast. He didn't know why, but something told him Moony would react differently from Fluffy, and that he shouldn't threaten the Werewolf with his magic. Moony stopped growling and tilted his head. He knew this feeling, it was the same one he'd felt a while ago, the one he'd associated with safety and alpha. He took a few steps closer, keeping his head down, and sniffed at the human. This was definitely the one he'd deemed his new alpha. He lay down and rolled onto his back, assuming the submissive pose.
Harry raised an eyebrow at the gesture. He quickly realised what it meant, and chuckled softly.
'No one will believe me when I tell them'.
He ran over what he knew about wolf packs, since there wasn't much about Werewolf packs. He hoped the information would be the same. If a wolf held this position before an alpha, then he was expecting to be clawed or bitten, which would solidify his place as a submissive and let him know he was accepted into the pack. Harry thought for a moment, then had a flash of inspiration. He rummaged through his trunk and brought out a set of small daggers he'd found in his vault. He placed them between his fingers and curled his knuckles to make him look like he had claws.
'I hope this will do' he mumbled, leaning over Moony's still form.
The Werewolf barely moved, whining slightly as he sank the daggers into its thighs and dragged them down a little. Harry pulled away and spelled the daggers clean, putting them back in his trunk. Moony rolled onto his stomach and licked at Harry's hands, a gesture that let the alpha know he was thankful to be part of the pack.
'It would appear I will be spending the night with you' Harry mused.
He warily reached out and petted Moony roughly behind the ear, playing the part of dominant alpha. The Werewolf whined and allowed the touch, his tail wagging. Harry shook his head in amusement.
'What next? Shall I be able to ride on an Each Usage?'
OOO
He wound up falling asleep next to a warm furry body, thinking nothing of the fact that he was hugging a sleeping Werewolf. His plan was to catch a few hours sleep and then find a way of bringing Moony outside. The pounding on the man's door the next morning forced him to think of a new plan and fast.
'LUPIN! OPEN THIS DOOR BEFORE I BLAST IT OPEN!'
'Professor Snape. Of course'.
Harry slipped away from Remus and stood. He'd held the Werewolf through his transformation back to human, ignoring the man's nakedness and offering as much comfort as he was able. Harry looked round the room. He flicked his wand at the torn clothing and muttered the spell to repair them, then spoke the levitation spell and carefully brought Remus into his bedroom. He pulled the sheets down and sat the man on the bed, tucking him in. Hearing the pounding getting louder he quickly grabbed Remus' clothing and wand, folding the clothes and sitting the bundle by the bed. Harry eyed the vial of potion. It was a waste, but he had to let Professor Snape think Remus had drank it. He grabbed it and went to the bathroom, pouring it down the sink and running some water to clear any lingering smell away. He sat the empty vial on top of the clothing just as the door was blasted open. Harry quickly sat Gilderoy's trunk under a chair and transported himself inside.
'Hello Harry'.
'Good morning Gilderoy'.
The man happily went over for a morning hug, then wrinkled his nose and stepped back.
'You have a funny smell on you?'
Harry blinked and sniffed his clothing. Wet Werewolf and drool. Moony wasn't even wet, how did he managed to get wet Werewolf over him?
'You're right Gilderoy, I'll take a shower in a moment. I have a feeling Professor Snape isn't very happy with Remus'.
Gilderoy glanced out the "window", watching as the dark haired man furiously shook the sleeping man awake.
'He doesn't look very happy. He's a bit scary. Is he going to hurt the other man?'
'Hopefully not, but should he try then I will stop him' Harry replied.
Professor Snape thought Remus had been incredibly stupid to stay in the castle, even if he had taken the potion. Thankfully Remus hadn't mentioned otherwise, though he had given the empty vial a curious look. Professor Snape ranted for a while longer, eventually stating that this was the last straw and he was going to tell everyone what Remus was. He stormed out the other mans quarters, ignoring Remus' call to come back.
'That wasn't very nice' Gilderoy said quietly.
'No, it wasn't. That shower will have to wait, I need to comfort Remus'.
Gilderoy nodded and Harry came out the trunk. The man jumped slightly and turned to him.
'Harry…?'
Harry went over and hugged the man, caring little for the stink on his clothing or that Remus only had a sheet covering his body.
'It's alright Remus. There's only a few days left of the term, then you can come home with me'.
Remus was too busy wondering why the teen smelled the way he did, and why Harry was in his room, and why he was up so early in the morning, and why Severus was so angry at him. His head was fuzzy, as it normally was after a full moon.
'What is going on Harry?'
Harry lifted his head to give the man a small smile.
'I'm not sure you would believe me if I told you'.
'Harry'.
He stepped back and motioned for the man to sit back down, bringing out a pain potion from his trunk.
'You're still recovering, drink this and I will explain'.
Remus took it gratefully and gulped it down.
'The wolf side of you seems to believe that I am his alpha. When you told me to run I realised if I left you Moony might get out and attack any students or teachers that happened to be out. So I went with my instinct, locked the door, and waited for Moony to appear'.
'You stayed?! Harry what were you thinking?! I could have killed you!' Remus breathed.
'It was either I stayed, or you got out and hurt or even killed others. Moony reacted to my magic, he submitted to me'.
Harry paused to chuckle softly.
'Believe it or not, but the reason I stink is because I spent the night sleeping next to a slobbery Werewolf. I could really use a shower'.
Remus could hardly see what was so funny. The teen he thought of as his cub, and now his alpha, had just done something entirely stupid and could have been torn apart, and he was sitting there laughing. Then Remus realised exactly what Harry had done. He'd kept Moony from leaving the room, he'd brought Remus to bed and made it look like he'd drank the potion. He'd even repaired his clothing. Remus shifted slightly and felt a slight pain, dulled by the potion. He glanced down to find what looked like a claw mark on his thigh. His eyes widened, he couldn't have done that to himself. Which meant…which meant Moony had really submitted to Harry.
'My apologies for that. I used a set of daggers I found in my vault to substitute for claws'.
Remus looked back at the teen.
'Moony really submitted to you?'
'Yes, it was somewhat terrifying to know I was potentially trapped in a room with a Werewolf, but the moment he caught my magic he was nothing more than a big puppy' Harry replied.
Remus blinked a few times and shook his head. A big puppy. A Werewolf that hadn't taken the wolfsbane potion was seen as a big puppy. He couldn't help it, he started laughing.
'Harry, if I didn't believe you were a Dark Lord before, I do now!'
OOO
Professor Snape did indeed go ahead with his threat. Later that day the entire school knew exactly what Remus was, and they gave that information to their parents. The headmaster had no choice but to fire him. Harry had a feeling there was a reason the headmaster had hired Remus in the first place, and he was sure it had something to do with Sirius. However he couldn't prove his theory. Remus couldn't help but be upset at the news. Harry understood that he had enjoyed his position as a teacher, and it was hard to see his students look at him like he was a monster. Harry assured Remus that when he came to live at the manor that he would be spoiled, and ignored any argument the man tried to make about accepting charity.
Harry realised that in all the fuss, there was one thing he had almost forgotten to do.
OOO
'That's a laugh Harry! Good joke!'
Oliver's smile died as he looked at the face of his young friend.
'You're being serious, aren't you?'
Harry nodded. The older boy struggled to come up with a response to the calm behaviour of his friend.
'But...but I'm a guy?! And you're not dark!'
'As it happens Oliver, I am. At least, that is what the magical world will see me as, once they know my plans'.
Oliver shook his head and sat. He was waiting for the punch line. He just knew those blasted twins were going to jump out and laugh at how he fell for this prank. Harry sensed his thoughts.
'Is there something wrong with me liking you for being male?'
'Something wrong? Something wrong, Harry this isn't about you liking me! You want me as a consort! That's like a sex slave! How am I supposed to take that seriously?! How am I supposed to take anything you're saying seriously?! How am...'
He froze as grey magic started to surround Harry. It drifted over to him and Oliver flinched as it touched his skin. But it didn't feel bad. It felt soothing, comforting. He had a sudden image of Harry treating him like royalty, giving him gifts, offering him anything he wished, and only asking for company in return. There were a few flashes of them sharing a bed, but Oliver understood enough to know that at the moment Harry was too young for any real sexual thoughts to come through. What he saw was enough though, and he felt his body react. He had always wondered how someone could be drawn to dark magic, and now he knew. Of course, this wasn't exactly dark magic, it didn't feel evil, but still it called to him. Oliver let out a shuddering breath as it drew away from him, almost ready to reach out and ask for it to come back.
'Harry...'
'I'm not here to force you Oliver, nor do I wish to keep you as a prisoner. I want your company, your personality and your intellect. If you will consider my offer, please' Harry said.
Oliver pulled himself together. He knew this kid was strong, but he hadn't realised just how powerful Harry Potter really was.
'You won't ask me to kill? Or...make me...'
Harry had his wand out before the older boy could finish.
'I, Harry James Potter, so hereby swear, on my life and my magic, that I wish for you, Oliver Wood, to be my consort. I swear that I will not pull you into battle, or force you to do anything you do not want, be that sexual or otherwise. So mote it be!'
His wand flashed above his head. Harry cast a lumos spell to seal his promise.
'You won't be a sex slave. You won't be a slave in any way. I know you have plans to join a national quidditch team, and I of course will not prevent you. Nor am I going to take you away from your family. And you won't be alone either, there are others I'd like as consorts' he said.
'Others?' Oliver asked.
To see Harry made a declaration like that eased his worries, even if he was annoyed that Harry had risked his life to do so. Oliver still wasn't sure about the idea of being intimate with a male. But...he had had thoughts of that nature.
'Yes. Hermione was the first name on the list, and she has accepted. Fred and George are also listed' Harry replied.
'Fred and George?' Oliver asked in surprise.
The younger boy caught his expression.
'Is there something wrong with having them on the list?'
He chuckled at the faint blush that appeared on the older boy's face.
'No…I just, might, have a thing for them' Oliver admitted.
'Well then you are in luck, as they have also agreed to be my consorts. Their brother Charlie is on the list as well'.
'Charlie? Really? He was a seeker for the Gryffindor team. He was the best seeker Gryffindor had in ages. It was amazing watching him' Oliver said.
'I've been told he was good. The other members so far are Draco Malfoy, his parents, Sirius Black, Professor Lupin, and Professor Snape' Harry finished.
He smirked as the older boy gave him a stunned look.
'Professor Lupin?! But he's a Werewolf! The Malfoys! Professor Snape! Do you have a death wish?!'
'Not at all. I may have a thing for long hair, but certainly not a death wish. I'm aware that Remus is a Werewolf, but that does not make him a bad person. He was unfortunate enough to run into a Werewolf when he was a child and was attacked. I find Professor Snape intriguing, albeit somewhat snarky, and I believe he would jump at the chance to get out of this school and work on his passion for potions. The Malfoys made the list simply for their appearance, and then I researched them. And since I know Lucius is a deatheater, I dare say he wouldn't mind submitting to a different lord. At least, he might when I explain my reasons for having him. He is one of Slytherin's finest, but he is not without his faults. If I took him and his family as my consorts, I would have more control over his influence in the ministry. His word has been golden in many discussions, and I could use that to my advantage. I daresay he'd need a bit of, persuasion, to become a consort, but I am very much prepared to give that persuasion'.
'You have really thought this through Harry' Oliver said, impressed at the younger boy's attitude.
'I make a point to know my future consorts, and how to get them on my side. Should they decide in the end not to become a consort, then that is fine' Harry replied.
'Ok…but what about Sirius Black? I mean we're all pretty sure he's innocent now with all that stuff that happened with Pettigrew, but why do you want him as a consort?'
'I met with him last summer and he told me the truth about what happened that night. I let him stay with me to regain his strength, and while he did I got to know him. I think you might like him, he's quite passionate about quidditch' Harry replied.
Oliver thought about the offer. If he did decide to become a consort, he would have the freedom to become a quidditch star, have a chance at being with the twins, be away from any problems with deatheaters, and be a bit pampered as well.
'Don't decide right now. It is a big decision and you have all the time in the world to make a choice. Should you decide not to join, then I hope that we can still keep our friendship' Harry said.
He took out a communication book out his trunk and handed it to the older boy.
'So that we can keep in touch. I wish you luck in your future dreams'.
'I...thanks Harry. Um...can I ask one more question?' Oliver replied.
'Of course'.
'What would I call you, if I did decide to be with you?'
The younger boy's answer made Oliver lean more in the direction of being a consort.
'You would call me Harry, nothing more'.