I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, ONLY MY OCS AND THE SITUATIONS I PUT THEM IN. This is a mix of both books and movies. WARNING: There will be cussing, lemons, and violence. (Also someone said I should put please don't steal. Didn't think I needed to, but ok. Please don't steal my stories.)
So here we are again. I want this beginning and story to be different and since I haven't seen a start like this I think I'm on the right track. Some characters may seem OOC at some points at different times in the story, but I hope I explain that in the story when the time comes. Some things happen pretty fast at first (like certain relationships or legal stuff), but again I try to explain it. Some people may go back and forth at times, but I'll explain it! You get the idea. Spelling and grammar errors, I recheck constantly, so sorry if some slip by. Some character bashing in the beginning and for a little while, but that doesn't mean it will last the whole story. I don't hate certain characters though it may seem like that at times. Big thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! Thank you, Ash B Bramble and Sillygabby! You guys are so sweet. (Sillygabby: my dad, who I based Adam off of, won't stop preening now that he knows he's your favorite. I hope you're happy). So, I was writing and realized I did a lot more of the ocs and marauders point of view when I realized why. I was having them do the things Harry shouldn't have to do, and in this AU he doesn't have to. That being said, I'm working on writing more Harry and Hermione and the gang since this is still their story. It'll probably be a process since I tend to lean towards my ocs in every story because I made them and now exactly how they'd react, but I'm going to really try for the rest of this story and other stories to come. Though, characters may still be OOC a little or a lot at times because, come on. I need my fun. Also, with werewolves I'm taking what J.K. did but also expanding it and trying to make it more. We'll see how it turns out. Enjoy.
Chapter 37: The Beginning of Another Crazy Ass Summer.
"Mrs. Lupin-Black, Ms. Bedlam!" reporters shouted over one another.
"Yes, Mr. Lovegood" Ava said from her spot next to Remus and Eva, Sirius on her sister's other side. They had managed to push the conference off for a few days, much to Fudge's displeasure.
People grumbled, waiting for whatever ridiculous question they were sure the eccentric man was going to ask.
"Is it true that you plan on trying to meet with the goblins, Centaurs, and the like to help further equality for all sentient beings and magical creatures?" he asked making the people around the room look at him slack jawed.
The twins had to hold in smirks.
"Yes, we are hoping that by meeting with them and setting up possible friendships and business relationships, we can help the magical world move forward to the wonderful and amazing place we know it can be" Ava stated.
"That includes equal rights for all blood statuses, magical ability, gender, and sexual orientation" Eva added.
"So you want to take power away from the purebloods" someone else shouted and everyone waited.
"This isn't about taking power" Remus explained. "This is about making sure that everyone has a voice in this world. Too long has it been called the Wizarding World, that's limited. It is the Magical World."
"Besides" Sirius added with a playful smirk. "Aren't you tired of having your lives run by a bunch of old bigots who would sooner let Dark Lords rise to power than actually help keep us safe?"
People were writing like crazy.
"Ms. Bedlam" Rita asked waving her hand until she was called on. "What happened in the Ministry between Potter and the Dark Lord?"
"Now that is a very tricky question, that we will answer" she assured when Rita went to open her mouth again. "It started when we learned that Tom Riddle was trying to trap Harry by sending him disturbing dreams" she said.
"And at this time, we are not at liberty to discuss how he sent these visions" Remus added.
"He tried to use visions of me being tortured against Harry in attempts to luring him into a trap at the Hall of Prophecies" Sirius said. He purposely mentioned what department they were in with no intention of telling why.
He'd let them speculate, they were good at that.
"What about the children's safety" came the voice of Albus as he strolled in in bright blue robes. He was not impressed when the aurors guarding the table up above, refused to let him pass.
He hadn't been happy when he realized that the interviews would be before he would be able to speak to them about what happened.
He was forced to sit by the reporters.
"We are so happy that you've finally chosen to take an interest in the students' safety" Ava said with a false smile. "I suppose it's better late than never" she added.
"We had been working on something for a very long time, something that would help the children in any dangerous situation" Eva said. "Harry was very adamant about fighting stating that even though he desperately wished it wasn't true, he was a part of this war".
"So we began making a very special type of armor for them, because where Harry goes, Ron and Hermione are sure to follow" Sirius said.
"And the other teens refused to be left behind when their family was in danger" Remus told them.
"Where is Mr. Potter?" someone asked.
They smiled and Sirius took that question. "Harry wanted to have a normal summer, which is what most teens want. He is safe at home, waiting for our return. Probably even sharing an ice cream and a cuddle with his lovely girlfriend".
The other three shook their heads trying to smother their laughter.
"What did this armor do?" Rita asked.
"It stops all curses, even the killing curse" Ava said and now everyone was deathly still.
"You found a way to stop the killing curse" Albus asked them seriously.
"Yes, that's how Hermione Granger was able to survive Voldemort's killing curse last night. And the others survived multiple other curses" Eva told them.
"Sources say you were hurt last night. What happened and what were your injuries Mrs. Lupin-Black?" Rita called out.
Their looks showed just how they believed she'd gathered her information.
"We didn't have enough time to make the same armor for the adults" Ava answered. "We knew that we had to strike last night while Voldemort tried to use someone that we knew was safe, we didn't want to give him the chance to get someone who couldn't defend themselves".
"And she was cursed by Bellatrix No-name" Sirius said. "She cut her back open after Ava saved me from being cursed into the veil".
"She and our children are fine" Remus said smiling at her as he placed a hand on her stomach while she nodded.
"Why didn't you just call the aurors?" Albus demanded and they snorted.
"While we respect Madam Bones, we don't trust Minister Fudge. His choice of aurors and Undersectary leave much to be desired. Not to mention how he's been trying to slander Harry" Remus said. "We did call them after we had taken out a few of the threats, because we knew that certain ones such as Kingsley Shacklebolt would not hesitate to capture the death eaters".
"Also, we didn't know if there were any other death eaters still in the auror field who could have helped their friends escape or hurt the others" Sirius told them.
"Men were killed, they could have been saved. Does that mean so little to you?" Albus asked sadly.
"These men, more like murderous bigots" Ava spoke up. "Were there in hopes of killing a bunch of teenagers. They were and are willing death eaters. Notice how I said willing because we do know that some were manipulated and forced into the position".
"However, none of these ones were. Lucius Malfoy was never even questioned, which should have happened to all of the death eaters, even the ones forced. They couldn't be saved because they don't want to be saved, and I'd even go far enough to say that most of them don't deserve it" Eva said seeing where he was going with this.
"Some of them have done everything in their power to make up for joining, such as becoming spies. Those are the ones with hopes of redemption, none of the men who were fought last night have that hope" she stated.
"Everyone deserves a second chance" Albus said.
"Does Voldemort?" Ava asked innocently. "I mean, he only murdered a bunch of people and tried to kill a baby. Does he deserve a second chance?" she asked and Remus and Sirius shook their heads at the old man as Eva crossed her arms.
"I find it odd" Ava said speaking in a more calculating tone making Albus' eyes narrow slightly. "That you are willing to sacrifice one innocent child, for what you believe is the needs of many. But, you will damn thousands of innocents to their deaths for the need of one death eater."
"Does make us question about your motives" Sirius agreed.
"Seems like you're trying to make up for mistakes you made in your past. Perhaps between a friend and family member?" Eva hinted as he grew paler. "Maybe even a lover".
"That will be all, we must be going" Remus said and the all stood, ignoring the crowd shouting other questions.
"What about Rabastan Lestrange, he is still stuck partially in the veil" Albus boomed.
Ava shrugged not even looking back, "Push him the rest of the way".
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Harry sat in his room, thinking over the last few years.
He absently smiled at Hermione who was making S.P.E.W. shirts. Her views had changed slightly, seeing as now she knew that house elves wanted and needed families.
That didn't mean she wasn't going to fight for their right to not be abused.
Ron was playing, and winning, a game of chess with Neville even as Ginny tried to whisper moves to her boyfriend.
Luna was humming making flower crowns for everyone, sitting on his dresser as Dudley tried to help.
Danny and the twins sat in a corner sniggering and conspiring as they looked over the plans for the shop that Sirius and Remus were giving to them in a few days.
Though the marauders would still be helping with products and even selling some of their own ideas at the shop.
Something that still made Fred and George giggle like fan girls.
He realized he was happier than he had ever been. He was surrounded by friends, 'No' his mind corrected, 'By family'. People who cared about him and would stand by him no matter what.
Sure, there was still a lot to do, but he was enjoying just being a teenager for once.
The adults handled most things and had assured him numerous times that that was how it was supposed to be.
"I'm glad you liked your birthday present" Harry said softly as he once more noticed Hermione twirling the lion pendant connected to the golden chain around her neck.
Her eyes had really lit up when he had shown her their initials on the back.
"I love anything from you Harry, you know that" she said distractedly.
"I know, that's one of the reasons I love you" he said catching some of the others attention as they quieted down.
"I love you too" Hermione said making them all hush as her eyes slowly widened in realization.
Harry leaned back on his bed, grin in place.
"Did-did you just say you love me?" she asked him, turning with big eyes.
"Well as much as I care about him, I wasn't telling Ron" he teased making the red head hold in a snort.
"I love you too!" Hermione squealed before jumping her boyfriend and trying to snog the life out of him.
When they didn't show signs of stopping, the others decided to leave.
"Well, I was losing anyway" Neville joked as they walked out. Though the twins and Danny took pictures to tease them with later.
"I think we should go kiss as well" Luna said simply taking her now grinning girlfriend out of the room.
Ginny grabbed Neville's hand. "Luna's a smart girl, let's follow her lead" she chuckled making Neville almost drag her out of the room.
"Not a word" was all Ron said to his brothers as he dragged them out, giving his two best mates some well-earned privacy. Dudley tried shook his head and smiled as he closed the door.
"I'm sorry if I just sprang that on you" Harry said once they pulled back for air. "I've just been thinking about it and I realized, even if everything had happened the way the twins and Danny described it, I would have survived because I'd still have you. I couldn't go on without you in my live" he told her honestly.
"I mean, I love Ron like he was my own brother and Sirius and Remus and everyone is my family. But…you're different Hermione".
"You'll always have me Harry, no matter what" she promised him with a watery smile. "I couldn't go on without you either" she whispered.
"I just want to be good enough for you" he told her, showing his doubts. Scars he still had from his time with the Dursleys that would take a long time to get over.
"You are the best thing for me" she told him. "The world could burn away, as long as I have you" she told him softly and he kissed her showing just how much her words meant to him.
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The teens had convinced their parents to let them sleep over at Harry's house. They had just finished dinner when they noticed a fidgety Ava and Remus stand, Sirius trying to soothe the two.
"What's wrong?" Adam asked.
"We have to go to the basement, it'll be dark soon" Ava said as Remus ran a hand through his hair, both twitched as they turned to walk off.
"We'll see you in the morning" Sirius said. He didn't miss the fact that Severus slightly paled as he realized where they were going. "Don't forget the charms Eva" he said before following his mates and locking the door from the inside.
"Was it just me" Fred started.
"Or did they seem a bit more jumpy than usual?" George finished.
"This is Remus' first night accepting the wolf" Eva said and they all turned to her in silent question. "Well, you all know the problems he's had in the past" she said squeezing Severus' hand. "This will make things easier on him".
"Poor Remus" Harry said, not for the first time, with a head shake.
Down in the basement, Remus was pacing, nervous for his first full moon in years without his wolfsbane.
Sirius and Ava thought it would be best if he tried to embrace the wolf first with no potions getting in the way.
He had worried about hurting them, but his wolf would never allow that.
Then he worried about hurting Harry and the others, but Adam assured him that he'd have everything covered.
Eva set up a big mattress for them with blankets and everything. They had accessible food and water and the room was heated just right to cool their overheated bodies, which they would use to keep Sirius warm.
"You'll be fine Moony" Sirius tried to calm him, going up and hugging his back.
"I know" he sighed rubbing Sirius' hands on his stomach as Ava smiled at him. "It's just…I've spent my whole life fighting the wolf. It's just scary".
"I know Babe" Ava said walking up and placing a hand on his cheek, smiling as he nuzzled her palm. "But we're here for you. You don't have to do it, I just want to help you".
"I want this" he told them. "I want to feel whole, I want to be whole in my own body".
They hugged him and kissed his neck before Ava pulled apart and began stripping.
"Just follow my lead" she said and he nodded while Sirius hurried to get undressed. He still couldn't describe how seeing his wife pregnant with his and Moony's babies got him going.
"Sirius" she chuckled, "You don't have to get undressed".
"You've never complained before" he said with a roguish grin making her shake her head and laugh.
Remus also took his clothes off, eyes darting between the window, his mates, and Ava's stomach.
"I don't want to be a monster" he whispered and they went back to running their hands over him.
"Never" Ava said.
"That's not what's happening Babe" Sirius agreed. "You could never be a monster".
"You're one of the most humane people I know Babe" Ava added. "Don't let fear hurt you".
"You're not and never could be Greyback" Sirius said voicing Remus' fears.
He smiled as he held back tears, kissing them both.
"Thank you" he said before his and Ava's heads snapped to the small window where the moon began to shine through.
Sirius took this as his cue to change.
Remus forced his eyes away from the moon and looked at Ava, who was bathed in the light. He thought she looked like a moon goddess as it lit up her already pale skin, making her almost glow.
Her arms were lightly held out, palms facing up. Her face toward the ceiling with her eyes closed as she took deep calm breathes.
Slowly, her eyes opened revealing large pupils ringed by amber.
"Accept it mate" she said in a voice that he now recognized as Accalia, her wolf. The voice was slightly deeper, huskier with not that large of a vocabulary. She only really needed basic words to voice her wants and needs to her mates.
Moony was the same.
Then the pain came and Remus's back almost snapped with how fast he arched. Ava's grunts came from next to him as her arm broke and then healed itself.
'Accept it mate' came the words again, though this time in his head breaking through his screams as Padfoot whined and looked between the two with his paws over his snout.
He took a deep breath and tried to relax his body, soaking in the pain instead of pulling away from it.
To his surprise, the pain did lesson. Not an amazing extent, but a noticeable one. Remus' last thought before Moony took over was that he hoped that nothing bad came of this.
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"What's wrong Harry?" Luna asked her friend as she walked into the kitchen. Everyone else was asleep, finally, even though it had been hard since Eva almost forgot the silencing spells and they had heard the firsts of Remus and Ava's screams.
The blonde had woken up and suddenly felt the need to go to the kitchen.
"Couldn't sleep" Harry said taking a sip of water. He pulled a glass down for the shorter girl who smiled her thanks.
"Is it because of Remus?" she asked having seen his flinch when he heard his uncle's screams.
"No, I mean I do worry about him, but I know he's in good hands" he said sighing as he leaned against the cold kitchen counter.
"Then what's troubling you?" she asked patiently as she hopped on a stool and faced him. Gray blue eyes wide with interest and kindness.
"I just can't stop thinking about all the people who were, are going to be affected by Voldemort" he said. He explained when she made no move to stop him.
"We all agreed that with him now in the open, Fudge is likely out but it's too dangerous for Bones to take over since she'll be a target and we need her where she is. But then I think about the muggle and muggleborn camps the twins talked about. How all those people were victimized and it makes it hard to sleep".
"Well then why don't we do something about it?" the blonde asked simply.
"I tried tea but it didn't work" he told her.
"How would tea stop the camps from being built? Is it a distraction?" Luna asked confused.
Now Harry was confused before he realized what she meant.
"How would we stop them Luna?" he asked her and she smiled again.
"I'm sure we can think of something, we're all very smart. Even you're quite clever Harry" she told him.
"Er, thanks" he said and she nodded.
"We can ask the others tomorrow, though I do believe that Sirius should be allowed to help Remus and Ava rest. Perhaps we could bring it up after we have a plan? Maybe even Professor Snape could be of some assistance" she said and he cracked a smile.
Leave it to Luna to make things look so simple.
"That sounds brilliant, thank you Luna".
"You're welcome, I suppose we should get back to bed" she said, blonde hair swooshing as she jumped off the stool.
"Didn't you come in for some water?" he asked and Luna shook her head.
"No, I came to help you Harry".
"You're a good friend Luna" he said after a pause and she turned to him with bright eyes.
"That's one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me".
"Well, I'm sure Danny had said even nicer things" he suggested and she nodded.
"True, but that's because Daniela loves me. I'm glad we are friends Harry".
"So am I Luna, so am I".
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Malfoy Sr. was also unable to sleep that night.
He sat awake, next to his wife as he thought about everything that had happened to him as of late. He thought of when he first joined the death eaters and the others he had lured to Voldemort's side.
Including Severus Snape, who it turned out was in face a traitor.
However, Lucius didn't feel the anger he thought he would. Azkaban had changed him, no matter how short of a time he had actually been there compared to most.
At first he was spouting his desire for revenge on Potter and his brood, especially Black, Lupin, and those damnable twins.
But lately, his mind had forced him to reflect on everything he'd done wrong, including taking pleasures from people who were not his wife.
He turned slightly and looked at the beautiful woman sleeping next to him and wondered where he went wrong. He loved Narcissa, he had since they were in school. Yet, he strayed.
What was worse was he dragged her and their son into the clutches of Voldemort as well.
Every day the dark lord took perverse pleasure in telling Lucius of what he'd let some of the others do to his wife, should he fail him again. He also told him of his plans for Draco, plans that Lucius at first had seen as a way of getting back in his Lord's favor.
Now he desperately wished for some kind of miracle to save his family.
He knew he was not a good man, not anymore. This wasn't what he wanted, especially since he noticed a change in Draco.
His son tried to hide it, but he saw it.
It seemed Draco was scared and he had a sneaking suspicion that he was coming to doubt some of the views that Lucius had raised him on. He thought he knew who was responsible for that as well.
For the first time in a very long time, Lucius prayed to the Gods to help save his family and give him the second chance he knew he didn't deserve.
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'Pups. Healthy' Moony thought to his mates as he sniffed and licked Accalia's stomach. Padfoot nodded his doggy head, amazed at the ability to be able to talk to Ava and Remus' other selves.
'Ours' he said and Moony snorted in agreement as he pressed his body against Padfoot's.
'Happy you hear now' he said and Padfoot took a minute to decipher what he meant.
They had always had a canine kind of communication, just as he and Remus had always been able to speak with no words, but now they could actually speak.
'So am I' he said before letting out a small whine when Moony nibbled his shoulder.
'Our mate' Accalia said. 'Pretty mate' she complimented him and Sirius' doggy snicker was cut off when she bent her head and let her tongue take a swipe of his underbelly.
'How-uh, how are you feeling' Sirius asked trying to focus on Moody who had moved behind him.
'Free' came the answer. 'Human likes me now' he explained. 'Not caged, not angry'.
'Hmmm' Accalia agreed as she laid out in front of them.
Sirius was planning on asking more questions, but he felt Moody hunch over him as Accalia brought her head closer once more and he realized that now was not the time. Obviously the two wolves had something much more pleasurable in mind, and Padfoot wasn't about to deny them.
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Albus Dumbledore was not happy.
He had spent the entire day in the Ministry of Magic, he almost missed the parting feast. He had been upset to learn that the twins had been telling the truth, Harry wasn't in the castle.
It seemed they had gotten permission from the other children's parents as well, taking them earlier in the day.
Even Severus had left.
McGonagall had looked awfully happy all day and he dreaded when she would corner him and point out whatever had her tickled pink.
He had a very strong hunch that it was something he did not want to hear.
No, it wasn't even a day into summer yet and he already had a bad start.
On the bright side, he knew that Molly had invited Ava over for tea.
He hadn't recommended it, only hearing about it from Arthur, but he thought that was wonderful and wondered if he could possibly convince Molly to help him.
He didn't see her refusing.
Also, he had a list of names of death eaters and possible death eaters that the DMLE had been unable to capture as of yet.
He knew that a few of them might be persuaded to see the light and help with his plans for the Bedlam home.
He'd start with Igor. Honestly, he was surprised the man wasn't dead yet as Tom knew he was a traitor.
Perhaps he could offer him sanctuary in return for a favor?
It was a hopeful thought that saw Dumbledore pick up his quill and begin a letter to the ex-death eater.
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Helena was floating by silently in the empty school, Luna's words still playing on her troubled mind when she almost floated into someone. Another spirit.
"Pardon me" he said timidly and she looked up to see the Bloody Baron or as she knew him, Alexander.
"Alexander" she breathed and he looked down momentarily as they floated there, not speaking.
"You look-".
"How are-?" they each went to speak at the same time. Alexander coughed as Helena gave a small awkward smile, not used to the act after so long.
Especially with him.
"What were you saying?" he asked her and she nodded her head once.
"I was wondering how you were doing" she said in her soft voice and he smiled briefly before it disappeared.
"I am…working on my person" he said and she looked at him curiously prompting him to elaborate. "I recently spoke to a kind young maiden who is trying to help me work through what I did to you, though I know it was unforgivable and I more than not deserve to carry my chains for all eternity" he told her.
Helena licked her lip as her eyes darted to his blood stained shirt before she took a small breath and looked back up at his face.
"I also have been speaking to a young one from my mother's house" she said, getting that faraway look she got whenever she mentioned her mother.
She shook her head lightly.
"Oh, what about" he asked her lightly, though she saw how he looked at her. Giving her all of his attention, she could even still see a flicker of devotion still in his eyes.
"Forgiveness" she said softly as she looked at her hands that fiddled with a bit of her dress.
He nodded, swallowing unsure as what he should say, if he should say anything at all.
"I-" she started before cutting herself off. She tried again, "I've allowed myself to wallow in self-pity and pain for so long" she said.
"You have every right to" he said immediately and she gave the small smile, the wistful smile he was once so familiar with.
"Perhaps at first" she said nodding a little. "But I have also done wrong deeds, deeds that I have not repented for".
"Your mother loved you" he said lowly and she looked at him again.
"I know that now. I think I always have, but envy is such an unforgiving sin" she told him. "As is anger and pride".
"I know plenty of both" he said.
"I don't know if-" she cut herself off again, but his eyes pleaded with her to continue. "I don't know if I can forgive you" she said and he looked down, sadden and ashamed. "Just yet" she finished delicately and his head snapped up to look at her in astonishment.
"I know I can never love you as you loved me" she said firmly, though it lacked the haughty tone she had often used with him in the past.
"I know that and I understand" he told her, his eyes sad and his own smile now holding a wistful but accepting tinge.
"I would like to try to forgive you, to be able to move on. For both of us to be able to move on" she said. "I'd like to see my mother again" she admitted.
"I would like that" he said, ghostly tears gathering in his eyes and she gave another tentative smile.
"My lady" he said, offering a chained arm.
With another breath, she floated to his side and allowed him to escort her back to her tower.
A/N: What did you guys think? As you can probably guess, this is a set up chapter. Next chapter has; Voldemort, the wizarding world's reaction, plans, and much more. Review, ask, or suggest if you'd like. Until next time, have a great day.