A/N: Waterlights: You may site my story. I don't mind at all.
Study and Preparation
Gabriel was indeed better by Monday morning. The last thing he could remember was calling the headmaster an information-whore. Silas quickly filled him in on what happened, careful not to mention Gabriel's helplessness or the fact Boy had to get involved. Instead, he said that the reason Gabriel was missing a few seconds of memory was because of the violent and enforced transfer. After Dumbledore got mad, he released Gabriel and Silas had come Out to try and manipulate the man and gather information.
This was the same story that Severus related to Harry and neither Harry nor Gabriel suspected there was more to the story. Harry didn't because he was predisposed to trusting, and Gabriel accepted it because there was a subconscious scab where Boy had very carefully removed the memories that had created the trauma and he instinctively didn't want to go anywhere near that wounded area.
As for the Gryffindors, Harry told them what he knew, but Silas pulled Neville aside privately after ensuring Gabriel was asleep and told him the truth. The boy could be a useful ally, especially as he was getting more powerful, but only if he knew what was really going on. Harry also told Remus his edited version, but Silas didn't correct the story. He figured Neville could tell him the truth if he thought it necessary. As for Sirius, Harry decided not to say anything at all, since he wanted his godfather to return to Severus' house so he wouldn't get caught. Telling him he had been attacked by the headmaster wasn't the smartest way to achieve that goal.
The week passed slowly. Harry attended classes and helped his friends study the Animagus Transfiguration. At night, Silas would study for several hours in the library and Gabriel would come Out in the early morning hours to duel and train with Severus. Dumbledore didn't call them up for another meeting and in fact had missed dinner in the Great Hall twice.
Silas had questioned Severus about this, but the man had only answered cryptically that Dumbledore might be busy with things outside of the school for the time being. Harry thought his smug humor was funny, when Silas complained of it. Gabriel was equally amused, but wanted to know what was going on as much as Silas did. None of them could get Severus to talk, however.
There was no sign of Sirius and they received no more letters. Remus said he couldn't get a hold of him either, but not to worry. He knew most of the hiding places that were closest to Hogwarts and would keep his eyes on them. Harry was worried that the headmaster was absent because of this, but Gabriel assured him that Severus would have told them if this had been the case. Silas wasn't so sure, but he didn't say so. He, personally, didn't care if the stupid mutt got caught. It was his own stupid mistake, and why should Sirius alone be exempt from the consequences of his actions.
xXxXxXx
Saturday, September 13th, dawned and it was a very clear and crisp day. Harry could feel Neville's excitement and it was matched by his own. Today they would finish the potion and discover what animal they were. They told both Severus and Remus of this development and both men promised to come to their abandoned classroom to supervise the transformation after lunch. (Severus has promised more slave labor if Helga could get Godric to shield where he was from the headmaster for those two hours during the day.)
"Ready?" Remus smiled, his eyes warm with anticipation.
"Yes." Neville nodded.
"One at a time." Severus ordered.
The teens shared a glance and Harry felt his best-friend's nervousness. "I'll go first," he offered. Neville sagged with relief. The green-eyed boy went to the middle of the room carrying a single mug of his blue potion. The others stood to the side and watched. He smiled and gulped it down. It tasted like mud and gristle. He almost gagged, but forced it down all the way. It hit his stomach like led and he dropped his cup as he stood hunched over his stomach.
Severus, Remus, and Neville watched as Harry's form began to blur. He shrank down and elongated in a smooth, flowing motion. Color from his jeans and T-shirt bled away into browns and off-whites. In less than a minute, a young adolescent deer was standing before them. It had long, boney legs and large brown eyes. A lighter brown surrounded his mussel and belly and he had about two inches of light grey antlers. Large, cupped ears twitched as the forest animal lifted its soft and gently shaped head to sniff at the air.
"Harry?" Severus asked. He was afraid the teen had lost himself in the animal's foreign senses and instincts.
The young deer shook its head and twitched its fluffy tail before carefully making its way over to the three humans. He reached and nuzzled Severus' stomach and rubbed the side of his soft head against Neville's chest. Remus laughed and reached to rub around the deer's antlers and ears.
"Oh, Harry. You're beautiful." He laughed again.
Harry lipped at his hand happily, but suddenly tensed. His large brown eyes rolled as he clumsily staggered backward. Severus reached for him, but suddenly the deer was blurring, shrinking, melting into the floor. The adults gasped and leveled their wands, preparing to cast any number of spells. It was too soon for the potion to wear off. Something was wrong.
A blank snake with a single white stripe sat on the floor. It reared and opened its mouth in a vicious hiss, the small fangs dangling threateningly. Neville squeaked and jerked backward and the two adults stood frozen. Severus was the first to speak. "That's a viper. Very poisonous and fast. No one move."
As if understanding, the snake smoothly slithered closer and curled up non-threateningly, watching them out of unblinking black eyes. Its tongue flickered.
"Silas?" Remus questioned, shocked.
The snake lifted its head and bobbed it once. Neville giggled nervously. Severus smiled and lowered his wand, but before he could say anything, the snake was blurring again and this time they didn't panic. They knew what was coming. The snake grew in everyway possible. The black faded to a creamy golden color and a young puma stood in front of them with large golden eyes.
The feline stood at about mid-thigh, but his paws were as large as Severus' hand, fingers spread wide. The cat was far from done growing. Its body was lean and lanky, thin and graceful with every movement. Obviously delighted, the cat opened its mouth and screamed, sounding like a woman, and showing off impressive teeth. Flicking its ears and tail, the puma ran around the room and pounced at shadows, its long whiskers twitching playfully. Neville and Remus laughed and Severus muttered about idiotic Gryffindor's under his breath.
The cat stilled and began to shrink, his color bleaching out. When the transformation was complete, a small dove lay sprawled on the cold stone floor in the wild cat's place. Neville gasped as the beautiful bird cooed weakly in anguish. Remus gasped and stepped forward, but Severus grabbed his arm. There was nothing they could do for the beautiful bird, lying with two badly broken wings.
The sobbing cooing tore at their hearts and Neville began to cry as the bird flopped and shook on the floor. Remus had to look away. Severus stared at the wounded creature and a slow realization floated to the surface of his mind. His eyes widened with dread. If all the alters had their own animal and that animal reflected their mental condition, as was evident by the wounded bird, that meant Demon was next, and whatever he became, he'd be murderous.
"Move to the door. We must leave." He said lowly, his hand gripped his wand so tightly his knuckles went white as memories of dementors being torn asunder filled his mind.
Remus looked startled, "Why?"
"Now!" Severus bellowed.
Neville jumped in surprise and ran for the door. Severus was herding the reluctant Remus after him when they heard a low snarl from the corner. Severus spun around, wand drawn, and saw his worst fear. An all black werewolf was staring at them with bloodthirsty, glowing ruby eyes.
Its jaws were hanging slightly open and ropes of saliva hung and dripped from a muzzle filled with sharp teeth. The humanoid body was almost skeletal, but powerful muscles rolled beneath the velvety black fur. Yellowish claws on pawed hands dragged against the stone floor as the beast tensed to pounce. Remus stood, tense, his eyes bright and his lips peeled back off his teeth in a silent snarl. Severus shoved him out the door and spelled it shut behind them.
Neville's eyes were wide with fear as the door shook as the werewolf through himself against it. Snarls and vicious snaps sounded in the room. Howling and growling, the werewolf attacked the door and the teen was certain that at any moment the monster would break through and eat them. Severus stood, chanting repair and locking spells continuously, while Remus staggered against the far wall, his arms wrapped around himself, staring at the door with unblinking eyes.
It seemed to last forever. Neville's heart punched at his ribs and his hands shook. That was some part of Harry? How? Why? He had thought there was only three alters. Who was this fourth? And did he really want to know? He immediately felt guilty for that thought. Harry was his brother, how could he just ignore something like this?
Eventually, the sounds stopped. Severus waited a minute more before removing his spells and opening the door. Then he flung it wide and ran into the room. Neville glanced at Remus, who was still standing motionless, and followed him in. He gasped. Severus was cradling his friend in his arms. Harry looked like he had been beaten. His clothes were shredded and he had bruises already forming on his arms and shoulders. A few of his nails were ripped off his fingers. His face was cut, his lip split. Severus gently tipped healing potions into the teen's mouth and spelled the wound clean and bandaged. Harry groaned and opened dazed green eyes.
"Wha' was I? Why's it hurt?" He slurred.
"You were a young deer." Severus answered softly. Neville blinked. He knew Severus cared for Harry a lot, but it always surprised him to see the man being so nice and gentle. "You can watch the recorded images later."
They had set up a recording spell on the room so that the boys could see themselves in their forms. Neville shuddered; he didn't want to see what the werewolf had done in the room. He turned to look as Remus slinked silently into the room and bit his lip worriedly. The full moon was next week and Remus had been looking sickly, but now he looked down right frail. He moved as if he had arthritis and his face was tight with strain.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"He'll be fine." Severus answered. "Here."
Remus stared at the blue vial in Severus proffered hand, but took it. He swallowed mechanically, but the haunted look in his eyes eased and his body loosened.
"Wha's wrong?" Harry demanded. He was too tired to shield and the tension in the room was clawing at his brain.
"All of your alters had their own Animagus form. Demon included." Severus answered softly.
"What?" Harry's eyes went wide. "Are you hurt?"
"No. We left the room before damage could be done." Severus assured him. "Silas is a viper, Gabriel a puma, also known as a mountain lion. Boy was a dove with broken wings, and Demon…" He looked over at his colleague. "Demon was a werewolf."
Harry gasped, "Remus, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Harry… But who is Demon?" Remus shivered, but his eyes didn't look away from the teen.
"He's… well…" Harry looked beseechingly up at Severus.
"Demon was made from the residue of the Killing Curse the Dark Lord cast on Harry when he was a child. Instead of letting it make him sick or kill him, Harry isolated the taint. As the years progressed, he dumped all his anger at his abusers and life into that dark corner, creating an alter who is wrath personified. They call him Demon and he has only come Out twice. The second time was at the end of last year."
"The magic storm." Remus breathed, horrorstruck.
Neville hugged Harry and said nothing. They sat together silently. Harry slowly healed as the potions started to work and used the time to pull himself emotionally back together. The adults weren't as resilient, but Neville was able to smile when Harry looked at him worriedly. The green-eyed teen smiled in relief and squeezed his hand. "Come on, Nev. Your turn!"
Severus and Remus stood and backed away with Harry as Neville produced his potion and chugged it down. The brown haired boy went ridged and slowly began to blur. Severus and Remus held their breath and Harry watched with wide eyes. Neville's form stretched and thinned until a young oak tree stood before them.
The long, uplifted branches had light green leaves that whispered as if a breeze sung through them. The bark was young and healthy. The exposed roots were long and extensive, though many were knotted together, and Severus suspected it would do well if planted in the right soil. The professors were shocked. They'd never heard of this before. The Animagus spell was just that, an animal transformation, and a tree was hardly an animal. For ten minutes, the young tee stood proud and unbending. The potion released its hold and Neville staggered and fell to his knees.
"Wow." He breathed.
"That was so cool!" Harry enthused, running to his side. "You were an oak, I think. You were so strong and tall!"
Neville blushed hotly.
Remus laughed and went to his side. "Yes. Very impressive, Nev. You're the first wizard in recorded history to achieve such a form from the Animagus Potion. You should be very proud."
"It felt… it was incredible." Neville answered.
"Tell me about it." Harry smiled broadly. "I couldn't see too well as a deer, but the smells! I can't even explain what it was like. And moving was so simple. So easy."
"The patience I felt…" Neville shook his head. "It was like I could wait for eternity and everything held meaning and beauty. The air, the stone, the heat from your bodies…"
"I wonder what our animals represent." Harry chatted excitedly. "I know oak is a strong tree."
"I'm not that strong." Neville blushed again.
"Of course you are." Remus rebuked. "You can't deny the truth when it's staring you in the face, I'm afraid. You can't trick the potion and your form represents the deepest truth of who you are. And you, Neville, are an oak tree. It's known for its strength and endurance. I'm sure you'll learn more when you do your research, but basically, you are more than your fears."
Neville hugged him, hiding his face. Harry joined the embrace. Severus sneered and began collecting the images recorded in the walls. It would be stored in memory format in his wand until he could place it in a Pensieve. The day had resulted in very startling realizations, and he had much to think about. But for now, he wouldn't disturb the three's happy moment. There would be time to face the implications of their forms later.
xXxXxXx
Neville and Harry made their way from the classroom and went in separate directions as the adults. There were a good two and a half hours before dinner and they had promised to meet their friends by the lake to tell them about their forms. They broke into a run, werewolf forgotten, as soon as they stepped outside into the late afternoon sunlight. Fred and George whooped and celebrated with them even before they knew what their forms were. Hermione demanded to be told, eyes bright with excitement.
"I bet you were a huge lion, right?" Ron demanded of Harry, putting him in a headlock. "Tell me, mate! I can't take the suspense!"
"Nah, I bet he was a mouse!" Fred laughed and pushed his brother off Harry.
"Neville's the little lion!" George added and poked said Gryffindor in the stomach.
"Tell us." Hermione said, hands on hips.
"I was an oak tree." Neville admitted, blushing hotly.
The four Gryffindor's fell silent. Ron was the first to speak. "You were a tree? Is that even possible?"
"Of course it's possible." Fred shoved him.
"He is one, isn't he?" George grinned.
"I've never heard of that." Hermione looked fascinated.
"Guess what I am?" Harry spoke up. He could feel Neville's nerves beginning to stretch tight and wanted to distract the others away from questioning him too closely. It worked beautifully. Their friends turned their attention to him and he was instantly bombarded with guesses.
"A bird." Fred guessed.
"Gryffindor lion!" Ron shouted.
"A wolf." George argued.
"Hmmm… something compassionate… maybe a porcupine. They are very soft and loving, but when frightened, they defend themselves with sharp armor."
"Noooo!" Harry laughed, his eyes sparkling. "I was a deer! Just like my father."
"He had big brown eyes, long stick legs, and tiny bubs for antlers." Neville described. "He was really cute."
"Awww!" Hermione squealed and hugged her friend. "I can't wait to see you for myself! When will you be able to master the spell?"
"Well, we have to study our animals, both biologically and symbolically, and then we have to research and memorize the ending for the type of animal we are. It's different for mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians." Harry tapped his lip thoughtfully. "I guess we should have it done by Christmas."
"Sounds good to me." Neville agreed. He wanted as much time as he could get. You only got one chance at this, and if you failed, you weren't able to try again. He wanted to do it right and he had no idea what he was going to have to do for a tree. The others weren't kidding. This had never been done before in recorded history, but maybe Rowena would help him. He had a feeling she would know what he needed to do to finish the Animagus Transfiguration.
"I still don't really understand." Ron frowned. "I mean, what we've been learning and memorizing is this huge incantation and ritual, but the Animagus I know don't even have to say anything to transform."
"Once you master the transfiguration, the process is laid over your magic permanently." Hermione lectured. "Basically, it lies dormant and you just activate it with a flex of will whenever you wish."
"I bet we'll be monkeys." Fred and George said together.
"I'll be the lion, then." Ron grinned.
"You'll probably be a goat." Hermione sniffed.
The twins howled with laughter and Ron went bright red. "Well, you'll be a mother hen! Always clucking and telling people what to do!"
"I bet she'll be an owl or something smart." Harry interrupted before his two friends began yelling at each other.
"Ron will be something like a wolf." Neville nodded. "They are playful, dangerous when wanting to be, and pack orientated."
"And you two probably will be monkeys." Harry laughed. "Smart, nimble, and affectionate."
The twins gave mock bows and came up with mud balls. Hermione shrieked in horror as one hit her right in the chest and Harry got pelted in the face. The green-eyed boy wiped it off and scooped up some mud from the lake's banks to throw back. Laughing and shouting, the six teenagers played at the lake edge. Neville eventually fell in and sat up to his waist in cold water. He spluttered and came roaring out of the water, tackling Ron and getting him just as wet. They didn't stop until they heard the school bell in the distance signaling dinner.
Three forth year boys had to wait patiently for the twins and Hermione to spell them clean and dry before heading up. They all wore smiles and were filled with enthusiasm about their own transformations. Tomorrow they would be holed up in the library studying while Neville and Harry researched their animals.
xXxXxXx
That night Silas crept to the library, talking to Gabriel as he went. Everyone has an inner animal that represents their personalities and spirits. But that doesn't mean they can correctly cast the Animagus spell. As you know, it takes a lot of work, memorization, and understanding of magical theory, on top of knowing as much about their animal as a veterinarian would. Just because Boy and Demon turned to animals under the potion doesn't mean they will be able to master the Animagus Transfiguration. I don't think it's possible for them, so we shouldn't worry about it. Only Harry, you, and I will be able to succeed and ever after transform at will.
So you're saying that we need to cast the Animagus spell three times? That just because Harry does it, you and me won't be able to change at will.
Exactly. Silas nodded. Just like only I can speak Parseltongue. If you and I want to be able to transform into our Animagus forms, we will, personally, have to successfully cast the Animagus Transfiguration spell.
Man… Gabriel whined. I can't remember all that stuff! Silas laughed silently in their head and Gabriel pouted at him. Seriously. I might be able to memorize the ritual and incantation, but knowing the biological details of my animal is far and beyond my capabilities. And you know it!
It will be tedious and your attention will wonder excessively, but I think you can do it if you really, really wanted to. Silas answered and Gabriel lapsed into a sullen silence. The Slytherin ignored him easily and began researching about vipers.
When his allotted time for study was up, he place-marked the book he was using and headed toward the dungeons. He explained to Severus his theory about the Animagus Transfiguration. The Potion Master agreed and was relieved that the threat of a wild, rampaging werewolf who evidently didn't need a full moon to transform had diminished. Of course, they wouldn't know for sure until Harry was ready to try to cast the Animagus spell and see if it did or didn't allow all of them to transform.
As for their other research projects, they were growing closer to creating a spell to transfer a portkey from one object to another (so far every attempted had been a failure), and once they succeeded, they would be able to apply Silas' research and transfer the portkey from one spirit to another. As for creating a safeguard against Demon coming Out, it was going slower. They couldn't think of any spell or potion that would affect only Demon and not all of them.
It was almost four in the morning when they were done discussing their many projects and had run over into Gabriel's training time. So, naturally, the Gryffindor wasn't happy when he was finally released. Severus paid for it; the duel was bloody and both were left wounded. Gabriel was especially ruthless as he vented his frustration over the work that loomed in front of him due to the Animagus spell.
xXxXxXx
The next month passed quickly. Hermione turned fifteen and they had a small party in Gryffindor Tower. The boys made cards and streamers, and even chipped in to get her a pass to spend the day in the Ministry's library sometime next summer. She had a great time and forgave Harry and Ron for often doing little for her on her birthday in their previous years.
As for projects, the group continued to work hard on learning how to become Animagus. Hermione was already starting to study the process of making the Animagus Revealing Potion and should be able to brew it by the end of Christmas break. The three Weasley boys should be able to brew and drink their own by March.
Silas and Severus worked on transferring the portkey spell from one object to another, but still hadn't succeeded yet. They were close, very close. They had managed to transfer the spell, but the first object was still taking damage so it still needed work. And as for Demon, the best they could come up with to keep him locked in was modified Occlumency shields made by Silas, Gabriel, and Harry.
Neville had lessons in Earth-elemental magic with Rowena once a week. He came back from them numb, but the time it took him to recover was shortening each time.
Dumbledore was still busy with whatever had grabbed his attention and he still hadn't called Harry to his office for a second visit.
And on top of all this, school work had tripled. Remus had informed the class at the beginning of the year that there would be research projects every month that would take them a week to complete. They wouldn't have to come to class that week, and instead should spend that time in the library covering a topic of their choice as long as it related to the subject they were studying. Those who knew Remus were aware this was because he needed that week off to recover from the full moon, but they still learned a lot in his class and from these projects (not the least of which was how to do a research project in the first place). What made it hard was that each project had to be longer and more in depth than the one previous.
There were two tests in Charms and Professor Flitwick had assigned them three extra books to read. Professor Trelawney was still assigning excruciating assignments and Ron, Neville, Harry, Seamus, and Dean worked together making-up most of their answers. Lying didn't hurt them, however. In fact, Trelawney often chose one of their homeworks to read and praise in class.
Severus had demanded Harry and Neville turn in an essay on the symbology of their Animagus forms, on top of their Potions homework of memorizing how to make several antidotes. They took this seriously because Severus had hinted that he would poison someone in the class sometime before Christmas, and none of them wanted to be responsible for letting one of their classmates get sick.
xXxXxXx
Professor McGonagall explained why their academics had become so demanding when the class complained at the amount of homework. They wouldn't normally whine to their professor, but she was also their Head of House and they thought it might get them some sympathy. Unfortunately, that was not the case this time.
"You are now entering a most important phase of your magical education." She frowned at them severely. "Your Ordinary Wizarding Levels are drawing closer."
"We don't take O.W.L.s till fifth year!" Dean exclaimed.
"Maybe not, Thomas, but believe me, you need all the preparation you can get! Miss Granger remains the only person in this class who has managed to tern a hedgehog into a satisfactory pincushion. I might remind you that your pincushion, Thomas, still curls up in fright if anyone approaches it with a pin!"
xXxXxXx
Even Hagrid was adding to the workload. Despite not discovering what the Blast-Ended Skrewts ate, they were growing remarkably fast. Hagrid was so excited about it that he had them coming down to his hut every other evening to observe them and record their findings. Draco naturally protested, but Hagrid's response to this rather routine and harmless defiance was rather surprising.
"Yeh'll do wha' yer told," he growled. "Or I'll be takin' a leaf outta Professor Moody's book… I hear yeh make a good ferret, Malfoy."
The Gryffindors roared with laughter and Draco flushed with a scowl. Harry knew most would have taken his look for anger, but felt the boy's fear and deep mortification and couldn't stay silent.
"Hagrid!" He scolded. "You know that's not allowed. Professor McGonagall was deeply upset that Professor Moody did that. You shouldn't say such things. It's cruel!"
Surprise flared from Draco as shame rose over Hagrid. The big giant shifted bashfully on his huge feet and turned to the blonde boy, "I wouldn'ta hav' done it. I'm sorry, Malfoy. Just don' be talkin' back in class. Yeh'll do as yer told."
Draco sneered, but didn't say anything. Satisfied he had done the right thing, Harry smiled to himself. Ron gave him a funny look and Hermione looked ashamed for laughing. Despite her belief in authorities taking a severe beating, she still respected the rules deeply and she was embarrassed to be caught supporting someone who was clearly stepping out of line.
xXxXxXx
Moody seemed to catch wind of the increased homework and decided not to give them more; instead he had them do another practical lesson, which he had refrained from since the demonstration of the three Unforgivables. Harry felt pretty nervous as they walked into his class on Thursday after hearing from the upper years that it had been intense. He had a faint hope that Moody would change his class plan for their year, but it wasn't to be. He came clunking into the room, his blue eye spinning wildly and growled at them to put away their things.
"Today, I'll be testing you on the Imperius Curse. Let's see how well you do in resisting it after all we've covered."
So saying, he swept his wand at the front of the room and the desk and board went flying to the side with a loud bang, making almost everyone jump. Moody stood in the middle of the cleared off space and glared at the single hand in the air. Taking it as permission, Hermione began to speak.
"But – but you said its illegal, Professor. You said – to use it against another human was – "
"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like. If you'd rather learn the hard way – when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely – fine by me. You're excused. Off you go."
Hermione stammered that she didn't mean to say she didn't want to participate and sunk in her chair a bit. Ron grinned and Harry kicked his foot gently. The redhead sighed and stopped antagonizing her. Moody moved on and called up Dean Thomas. Dean stood straight and swaggered to the front of the room, stopping in front of their professor. He boldly met their teacher's eyes and the scarred hand lifted an equally battered wand.
"Imperio." He whispered.
Dean went limp, but somehow remained standing. His eyes got huge and glassy. Moody grinned ferociously and whispered in their classmate's ear. The boy immediately strode to the nearest wall and began to hop on one leg and sing the national anthem. Moody didn't even wait for the teen to get finished and called up Lavender Brown.
Lavender looked frightened, but walked up to their teacher. Hermione reached under the desk and clasped Harry's hand tightly. Again, the curse was cast and Lavender went limp as Dean before crouching and acting like a squirrel. Dean was still singing and hoping. No one laughed.
"Neville Longbottom." Moody growled and as Neville made his way, trembling, to the front of the room, yelled at the class. "Strength of will, people! You must resist the curse. Does no one know what that MEANS? Imperio!"
Neville went ridged for a split second before going limp. Moody growled, "Better." Then he leaned forward and whispered in his ear. Neville turned and flashed the class a confident smile, a smile that no one had ever seen on the teen's face naturally, and began doing a series of quite astonishing gymnastics. After several minutes, where everyone watched, cringing, waiting for Neville to trip and break his head, Moody cancelled the three spells. Dean, Lavender, and Neville stood blinking a bit. Then realization and reaction set in. Dean groaned, Neville blushed, and Lavender bit at her nails frantically.
"You must FIGHT the spell. You must KNOW YOURSELF!" Moody roared. "Ronald Weasley!"
Ron gulped and stood. He clasped Neville's shoulder as he passed and the teen only stared shakily back. Now distinctly nervous, Ron stood in front of their teacher and tried not to look away. Moody cast the spell and Ron went limp. He whispered and Ron spun around and ran to Lavender.
"Lavie, my love! I've been trying to tell you for weeks how I feel." Ron sounded completely sincere and his eyes were full of honest passion. "You are the sweetest, most patient person I've ever met and I would be so happy if you would consent to date me."
Lavender had stopped chewing her nails in shock and now looked nervously to the teacher.
Moody scowled. "It is not easy to tell when someone is under this curse. They seem completely sincere in their actions because they honestly believe what they've been told."
He flicked his wand and Ron blinked, coming back to himself with a gasp. He turned blood red and stammered apologizes as he hurried back to his seat. The rest of the class laughed nervously at his antics. Ron ignored them and buried his face in his arms on his desk. Moody watched this impassively and called for Seamus Finnigan.
Seamus was made to think the desk was his enemy and with vicious cusswords and heated screams of revenge, he proceeded to spell the desk into little, bity pieces. Next was Hermione. Hermione stiffened like Neville had, but went limp like the others. She began braiding her hair and singing how pretty she was. Parvati Patil began spinning in circles like a ballerina and even when she looked like she'd get sick, she kept going.
"This is PATHETIC! Do you not LISTEN to anything I've been TELLING YOU?" Moody bellowed as he released the girls. Hermione helped Parvati to her seat as the girl couldn't walk straight. "CONSTANT VILIGANCE!" The class stared back at him solemnly and he growled, "Potter."
Harry was the last to go and he stood on shaking legs. He didn't want to do this. He really, really didn't.
You'll do fine. Gabriel encouraged. You have us, don't you? Nothing to worry about.
Harry nodded and stopped in front of the professor, his lip between his teeth nervously. He watched Moody cast the spell and suddenly he was aware of nothing at all and completely happy. It was the most wonderful feeling. He felt a floating sensation as every thought and worry in his head was wiped gently away, leaving nothing but a vague, untraceable happiness. He stood there feeling immensely relaxed, only dimly aware of everyone watching him. A thought slowly dropped down on him, rippling across the happy haze of his mind.
…jump onto the desk… jump onto the desk…
He bent his legs and tensed, preparing to spring because he had to…
…jump onto the desk…
No. A second thought bubbled up from below. Don't do it, Harry.
Really. A third agreed. That's stupid. Why should you?
…jump onto the desk…
No. The second voice drawled again.
I don't think he will, thanks. The third chirped cheerfully.
Harry frowned, confused. But the second and third voices (he knew they weren't his thoughts now) were trustworthy. So he leaned on them and answered the first voice, No. I don't really want to jump.
Jump! NOW!
The next thing Harry felt was pain as he shins hit the desk and he toppled face first on top of it. He blinked away the tears of pain and realized he had done it. The curse was gone and he had resisted with the help of Silas and Gabriel. The pain was nothing to that realization and he smiled happily.
"Now, that's more like it!" Moody shouted. "Look at that, you lot… Potter fought! He fought it, and he damn near beat it! We'll try that again, Potter, and the rest of you, pay attention – watch his eyes, that's where you see it – very good, Potter, very good indeed! They'll have trouble controlling you! Now, come back up here and we'll do it until you can throw the curse off completely."
Harry obediently went back to the front of the room, nervously glancing at the class who were cheering him on. Ron, Dean, and Seamus were the loudest as they screamed, "You can do it, Harry!" Neville grinned, clapping along with Hermione. Harry smiled and turned his attention back to his teacher.
"Imperio!"
The fog was back and he was so very happy. It was so nice and peaceful and it was so pleasant to let go and float away.
…get on your knees… get on your knees, Harry… Get On Your Knees…
He was bending down, when the second voice came screaming from the depths. I think not! Do Not get on your knees, Harry!
You bow to no one. The third growled.
Harry hesitated and the first came screaming into his body and mind. GET ON YOUR KNEES!
No!
No way!
No! Harry echoed the two voices and pushed back at the first voice.
He blinked as the spell was lifted and realized he was sitting on his bum. Having already crouched and then fought, he had fallen backward. Moody was smiling at him and lecturing the class. Harry was happy, but his head was hurting and his shins hurt. Silas and Gabriel were indignant at the last request and he could feel their sharp-eyed dislike for the man in front of him and winced.
"Again, Potter. Imperio!"
Bastard! A voice came screaming across the pleasant numb, receptivity of Harry's mind and his brow wrinkled. Don't listen to the voice, Harry! I don't care what he says!
…touch your toes… touch your toes… touch your toes…
Don't bother. A second voice whispered. You don't have to listen to him.
Okay. Harry answered and pushed the whispered voice away. Go away. I won't do what you say.
Way to go, Harry! The voice he knew was Gabriel cheered.
That was easy. Guess the trick was speaking to you before the intruder achieved any influence over you. Silas said thoughtfully.
The spell ended and Moody beamed at the blinking teen before him. "You did it, boy! You completely blocked the Imperius Curse and after only three tries too! Well done, Potter, well done!"
"Thank you, sir." Harry blushed and hurried to his seat. Thank you, Silas, Gabe.
No problem! Gabriel laughed.
"Alright, class. We'll try this again. This time FIGHT ME!" Moody yelled. "Dean Thomas!"
xXxXxXx
The stress of classes was beginning to weigh them down, on top of their voluntary extra study on the Animagus Transfiguration. So everyone was very relieved to be reminded why Quidditch had been canceled this year. On Monday, October 27th, a sign was posted in the Entrance Hall that read:
TRIWIZARD TOURNAMET
THE DELEGATIONS FROM BEAUXBATONS AND
DURMSTRANG WILL BE ARRIVING AT 6 O'CLOCK
ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL
END HALF AN HOUR EARLY –
STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS
TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND ASSEMBLE IN FRONT
OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE
THE WELCOMING FEAST.
"Brilliant!" Ron cried when he read it. "We have Potions last thing on Friday! Snape won't have time to poison us all!"
"That's less than a week away!" Ernie Macmillan grinned excitedly, standing behind them. "I wonder if Cedric knows. Think I'll go tell him…"
"Cedric?" Ron looked confused.
"Diggory." Harry answered. "He must be entering the tournament."
"That idiot Hogwarts champion?" Ron scowled.
"He's not an idiot. You just don't like him because he beat Gryffindor at Quidditch." Hermione scolded. "I've heard he's a really good student – and he's a perfect."
"You only like him because he's handsome." Ron said scathingly.
Harry and Neville exchanged a look and sighed. These two had been fighting even more than normal lately. They carefully fell behind and decided to go see what Remus was doing, not wanting to listen to another heated argument.
xXxXxXx
When they went to breakfast the morning of the thirtieth, they discovered the school to be transformed over night. The castle was sparkling clean and the Great Hall was decorated elegantly with House banners. The four of them sat at the table across from Fred and George. The twins were conversing near silently and the four exchanged glances. The past week the twins hadn't been as available, busy with work and their plans.
"It's a bummer, all right." George sighed loud enough for them to hear. "But if he won't talk to us in person, we'll have to send him the letter after all. Or we'll stuff it into his hand. He can't avoid us forever."
"Who's avoiding you?" Ron asked, but they were all curious. This was the first they had heard of something like this.
"Having a nosy git like you for a brother." George snapped ill-temperedly.
Harry intervened quickly, feeling hurt flare from his friend. "You two got any ideas on the TriWizard Tournament yet? Thought anymore about trying to enter?"
"We asked McGonagall how the champions are chosen…" Fred said.
"…but she wasn't telling. She just told us to shut up and get on with transfiguring my raccoon."
"Wonder what the tasks are going to be?" Neville asked worriedly.
"I bet we could do them." Ron said confidently. "Harry, Hermione, and I have done dangerous stuff before."
"Not in front of a panel of judges, you haven't." Fred laughed. "McGonagall says the champions…"
"…get awarded points according to how well they've done the tasks, and not just whether they finish them or not."
"Who are the judges?" Harry wanted to know.
"Well, the Headmasters of the participating schools are always on the panel." Hermione answered knowledgably. "Because all three of them were injured during the Tournament of 1792, when a cockatrice the champions were supposed to be catching went on the rampage. It's all in Hogwarts, A History."
"Have you memorized that thing?" The twins asked in unison as the boys stared at her.
She huffed and ignored them. Laughing, the boys returned to their meals, but something caught Harry's eye. He noticed Hedwig was flying with the other post owls near the ceiling. As if feeling his gaze, the white owl dropped gracefully and landed on the table in front of him with a letter tied to her leg. Harry took it carefully and fed her some bacon.
Dear Harry,
I've finally found a secure location close to you. Don't worry, it's well hidden. I want you to keep me posted on everything that's going on at Hogwarts. Don't use Hedwig, though, keep changing owls. Watch out for yourself, kiddo. Don't forget what I've taught you.
Sirius
Harry sighed and guessed that meant Remus couldn't talk Sirius in staying away. He really hoped his godfather didn't get caught. He didn't think he could stand for Sirius to go to prison again when he was innocent. Fred and George noticed his distress and began joking around to cheer him up.
The day passed uneventfully. The whole castle was buzzing with anticipation and the clock seemed to be going in slow motion. Teachers had to fight to keep their student's attention. There were several mistakes in Potions and Transfiguration, but luckily Dumbledore had forbidden detentions to be given on this day and no one was too severely punished for their distraction. Finally, six o'clock arrived and the whole school poured out to greet the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.
Chapter end.
A/N: If you're curious about the symbology of Harry and Neville's Animagus forms, the next chapter will provide that information. If you're not that interested, skip the next chapter completely.
A/N2: A few of you offered to do art for this story and send it to me so I could put it in my Yahoo Group (giving full credit to you, of course), and I was wondering how that was going. BMFS is seriously under-represented in my Group. Most favor GP there. Love ya guys and I can't wait to see what you've come up with! I'm all thumbs when it comes to drawing.