I will remind people, this is an M rated story.
A/N: Thank you so much for the responses and new followers.
A/N2: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
Chapter 19
December 19, 1994
Malfoy Manor, Somewhere in Wiltshire, England
Draco was still only half awake. Pansy was laying next to him, her arm over his midsection and breasts against his side. Yesterday had been a whirlwind with the preparations for the small ceremony and the bonding ritual. Having to perform for the first time in front of their fathers and the bonder had not been what he wanted, but he had made it up to her later in the evening.
Going back to school with Pansy as his wife was going to be different. There hadn't been a married couple in Slytherin in almost fifteen years, and that had been two seventh-years when they were both of age. They would get their own quarters and she would now be Mrs. Malfoy. On the positive, they could do whatever they wanted. It would also help to cement the status he had gained back. Since winning the first task, many had come back around to him. They may only be fourth-years, but most of the children in the Sacred Twenty-Eight and others listened to him again.
He yawned and felt his hardon grow as Pansy shifted and he felt the hair between her legs rub on his leg. He wasn't sure if he liked his prick buried in her twat or her mouth more yet. He would have to try them both again today to find out. As he thought about it, he lazily reached an arm over to stoke his fingers down her breast. Now that she was his, she couldn't say no, not that she had before either. Well, she could, but he knew she wouldn't.
She shifted and let out a sigh as he traced her curves. She moved so he could move his hand over her nipple. "I was sleeping," she said in a tired tone.
"I wasn't," he told her. He pinched her nipple a little hard and she squeaked.
"Ow. You know I don't like that," she told him.
He smiled. He liked how they became a little red and puffy after he did that. He did it again and she squeaked again, pulling away from him. "Draco!"
He didn't feel sorry. "I want you to take me in your mouth," he told her.
She yawned. "Can I sleep a little more first?"
He frowned. They were bonded, but the contract had not required a fealty bond, thus she still had her own will. He was about to find a way to convince her when the doors to his room suddenly burst open. Pansy screamed and scrambled to get the blankets over her. Draco rose up, angry at the disturbance until he saw his mother storming in.
"Get up. Now." His mother was upset. She marched over to the curtains and threw them open, letting the full sun of the day in.
"What is going on," he demanded of his mother.
"Your father is having company. You and Pansy need to pack and you will be going back to Hogwarts within the hour." She didn't allow any descent as she took two bags from his closet. "Sipsy!"
There was a crack and a house elf appeared. She was cowed to see the mood her mistress was in. Wait until she saw the mood he was in for being disturbed. "Mother! We are supposed to stay until Thursday. I would like time with my new wife."
She turned on him. "You may be married, but you are not emancipated. Until you are seventeen, I am guardian of both of you and when I tell you where and when you go, you do it. If you wish to test me in this, Draco, you and your new wife shall not like the consequences. And for Morgana's Sake, Pansy, you don't have anything I don't have. Get up and get dressed. Both of you. Breakfast is in ten minutes. I will take you at ten o'clock."
She stormed out of the room leaving his double doors wide open. "Close the door," he ordered and Sipsy snapped her fingers. A moment later, he was raging as he ordered the elf what to pack. "This is mental. Making us pack like we are servants. Don't forget my egg, you daft elf."
"Draco, did you stop to think why," Pansy asked putting on her bra. He liked the blush on her face. He had seen her without one many times now, but they had never had to get dressed like this before. Nor had they ever seen each other in their all before last night.
"No. Why should I? My father has made it very clear he wants you pregnant as soon as possible and I am to win the tournament. What else could be so important?"
She gave him a look as though he was being daft. He hated when she did that. Most times she was the insipid, brainless twat most purebloods wanted, but behind closed doors, or if you really upset her, she was one of the most conniving people he knew. It had been her that had figured out embroidering unactivated rune sequences in his robes would not break the rules. This side of her was part of why he liked her so much.
"Think, Draco! Have you ever been thrown out of your house like this before? There is something big going on," she told him pulling her dress over her shoulders. "Can you button up the back," she asked turning so he could.
Draco rolled his eyes but stepped up to help her anyways. He was her husband now and he had been taught to treat women with respect, even if he didn't feel like it most of the time. "Pansy, I know something is going on. My father has suggested that much for months and bedding you and winning the Triwizard Tournament are conditions he has set to give me a roll in it. Until then, it has been made very clear I should focus on my tasks." He shook a little to think of the punishment he had received Saturday night for his spying on them over the summer. He was not ready to push his father again, not so soon after that.
She turned and frowned. "Draco, why is it so important that I give you a child? We are still so young and as much as I like being called Mrs. Malfoy now, this is years before a typical betrothal would become active."
The soft pop of Sipsy coming back into the room caused him to pause. "Lady Malfoy requests you in the dining room at your earliest convenience."
Draco frowned. "We'll be down in just a few minutes." The elf bowed and dissapparated. He looked at his new wife. She was owed an explanation of what he knew about. "Pansy, I will explain later, but it is not wise to upset either of my parents. I do not want to see you punished."
She frowned, as though the thought of punishment was foreign to her. "Draco, I don't think your parents would do anything to us."
"Pansy, you don't know them. Let me handle this for now and I will explain later. Finish getting ready. Mother will not be patient if we delay anymore."
Five minutes later they walked in the dining room. Their breakfast was already cooling down and his mother would not allow the elf to reheat it. "Next time you will be here when I tell you to be," she said at them coolly.
Draco didn't say a word. He knew he could get away with many things and that his parents would lavish him with most things he wanted, like the girl next to him, but he knew when not to push them. Today was one of those days. It was a very quiet morning, all three of them being very stiff and proper. Pansy must have sensed the mood as well because she remained quiet as a good pure-blood should in this situation.
When the clock tolled ten on the mantle, his mother got up. "Come. Time to go," she told them imperiously.
Draco stood and helped Pansy out of her chair, pulling it out as she stood and then replacing it. In the main atrium, their bags lay next to the fire. The door to his father's study was open and he heard him yelling. "...you utter incompetent fool! That shipment of plants cost over fifty thousand galleons and you dump it the second you see an Auror! What of the artifacts and silver..."
His mother flicked her wand and the door closed. He acted as though he hadn't heard anything. He knew that their fortune came as much from doing things on the up and up as it did from other means. He had not been taught that side of his family business yet, but that would be one of his rewards if he made it through the Tournament. Pansy gave him a quick look when his mother turned to their hobbled elf. "No one besides who Lord Malfoy has put on the list is to enter this house for the rest of the day."
"Yes, Lady Malfoy," the elf said bowing low.
"Now, come." She turned to them and Draco had picked up both of their bags. He watched her take a pinch of flow powder and threw it into the flames. "The Three Broomsticks."
Draco frowned. Did this mean they would have to walk up to the school?
It meant just that. It was a blustery day and the dark clouds overhead threatened snow. He cast a warming charm on Pansy, then himself, as they started the walk. One of the many things his tutor had been teaching him as he readied for a plunge into the lake. It had taken them a week to figure out what the clue was. Now he was trying to find a way to protect Pansy and let him reach her before the hour was up. He doubted that the Judges would literally mean they would be gone in an hour, but he wasn't going to take any chances.
Aurors were posted at the gates and when he reached the doors of the school. They were met by Professor McGonagall when they came in. "Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," she said not looking pleased. He was unsure if it was because of Pansy's new name or something else.
"Good afternoon, Professor," his mother said with a well-polished voice that hid any emotion. "I take it Professor Snape and you received our missive yesterday of the change in status of Draco and Pansy."
"We have, Lady Malfoy. Professor Snape has ensured quarters are available and their stuff moved to them. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, we recognize your new status but I will remind you that you will be bound to the same rules as all other students outside of your quarters. Is that understood?"
"Yes," he said impatiently. "Are we released to go? I would like to go to the library," he told them.
"All students are on House stay except for meals at the moment. The news from last night has caused a stir. You will be escorted by Professor Sinistra or Snape. They have rules to go over before they show you to your quarters."
"Why are they on House lockdown," his mother asked. "That issue occurred in Tettenhall, not Hogwarts. If Draco wants to go to the library to research for the task, you are not to prevent him."
McGonagall took in a deep breath. "I am not preventing Mr. Malfoy from going to the Library. I expect the House lockdown to end tomorrow. In the meantime, the library is closed to all students, so there is no way he could enter. That is not a violation of the Goblet of Fire."
The two woman stared at each other for a moment before Pansy asked, "What happened last night?"
He was curious too, but had wanted to see which woman would give in first. McGonagall looked at her. "Where you not told?"
"I had not had time to inform them," his mother said and Draco was wondering if that was why they had been shuffled out of the house. "There was an attack by the mongrels last night in Tettenhall. Some wizards and witches died and a few were bitten. It was mostly purebloods and old families," she said as though really bothered.
Pansy grabbed his arm hard. "Did they kill all the creatures? What about the ones here?"
"Mrs. Malfoy, I will make this clear now. None of the werewolves currently in employ or attending Hogwarts were involved or even close to the event. They are innocent and shall remain so. If you have issues, you may speak with your Head of House or Professor Sinistra."
"You want us to stay in school with beasts that want to kill us," Draco asked. He felt a little shaken. He hoped his suspicions were off. "Potter already broke out once. Who says he wont go for us next?"
"You shall stay in a school that accepts all students," she said imperiously.
"We shall see, Professor," his mother said in a dangerous tone. "I have already been vocal of my feelings. If Draco wasn't in this farce of a... game, then he would already be out of this school. Should anything happen to him because of the mutts I will hold you personally responsible."
"And I, Lady Malfoy, shall hold anyone that starts anything with the students that have been afflicted accountable. I assure you the might of the Ministry and ICW are behind my words," McGonagall said in a dangerous tone. "Can you say the same?"
He snarled at the woman. They were saved anymore words as his godfather entered the Entry Hall. "You called for me, Deputy Headmistress," the man said in a deceptively calm voice. He flashed a quick look to Pansy and him then their hands. "Ah, I see the newlywed couple has arrived. Shall I take them to Slytherin House?"
"Yes, Professor Snape. Do not forget to go over the rules we discussed. Now, if you will excuse me, Lady Malfoy, I have other items to attend today." With that, the woman turned on her heels and walked brusquely up the main staircase.
"Such an unpleasant woman. Draco and Pansy, I will expect you to act as the Scions of House Malfoy. Should I hear anything less, then it will be me you shall talk too, not your father," she told them with a cold malice in her eyes. Draco swallowed. His mother had never disciplined him before, but the way she looked at them, it sent a shiver through them. Where his father enjoyed the pain he inflicted, she looked as though she would be dispassionate in her punishment. That could bode for a worse time than if it had been his father.
"Yes, Lady Malfoy," Pansy said, clutching his arm hard.
"Yes, mother," he told her.
She nodded at them then turned to Uncle Severus. "Severus, can you attend a dinner tonight at seven?"
They shared a look for a few. "I shall see if I can be released for the evening. Come," he motioned to him and Pansy.
-oOo-
December 25, 1994
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
Minerva looked out over the students that had started to gather in the Entry Hall. The doors of the Great Hall were to open in a few minutes, and the Champions were to enter in about twenty. A photographer for the Daily Prophet was moving through the crowd taking pictures of happy couples or just the milling crowd. There was a sense of excitement in the air, but it was not as much as she had originally expected.
Perhaps what bothered her more were the missing faces in the crowd. She knew every student that passed through these halls. It was something she always prided herself in. She knew that three hundred and forty-two students had stayed this year. It was the most in many years. Many years ago, the Yule Ball had been a large event every year. It was a way for the students to have fun, for the more socially elite to mingle in an environment away from their parents and those not of the magical world to learn more of their customs.
When Albus had become Headmaster, he had turned it to every three years, and then eventually disbanded it, saying it caused to much division. She snorted. This year he had been treating it like one of the most important events of the Tournament. So important, almost every fourth-year and up had stayed. That was why she was concerned when the Entry Hall seemed less crowded than it should. She had expected late stragglers, but she doubted more than two hundred students were waiting. Far less than she expected.
She knew a few had pledged not to go when it came out this morning that the Lobos had been banned, but she thought it was just a show amongst friends. She had rewarded each of them, the entire fourth-year Gryffindor group, five points for that show after lunch today, being very proud of her Gryffindors. She had been a very loud opponent of separating them from their classmates and Albus and the Governors were now reaping their rewards.
When Albus had returned from Sweden this morning and informed them of a vote the Governors had taken yesterday, she and many of the other Professors had been incensed and made Albus tell them himself.
She could tell he had never considered that they Lobos would rebel like they had, or that Hogwarts itself would back them.
-FLASHBACK-
Potter sat in a desk with his Pack around him. It was undeniable that he and Ms. Granger were the leaders. Granger sat at his side. "Are we being locked away or expelled this time," Harry asked petulantly.
Albus was giving them his grandfatherly expression that she was coming to hate. "No, Mr. Potter, nothing like that. I am here to tell you some disappointing news. While I was away, the Governors voted to exclude you from the Yule Ball."
"For what reason," Ms. Granger asked, her anger evident. "We broke no rules. We started no fights. We did nothing that we weren't supposed to, even locked ourselves in our dorm most of the week at Professor McGonagall's urging. Why can't we go?"
She could see Albus look at her over his glasses. "It was deemed safer for you not to be in an environment where emotions may run high. There is fear of retribution after last weekend."
"This is shite," Harry told them.
"Mr. Potter, language," she scolded him. It didn't matter that she agreed with him. There was a decorum that students should maintain to their Professors.
He glared at her and the Headmaster. "Hermione is right. We have played by all the rules asked of us. I have made a few mistakes, but nothing that would ban us from the Yule Ball. The Governors and you all just want to hide us away and ignore what we are. You claim it is for protection, but it is shite." He stood before he pulled at the jumper he was wearing and pulled it off.
"Potter, what are you doing," she asked as the Gryffindor jumper and the shirt below it hit the floor.
"You told us, Professor, we were part of the school and our houses when we first got here. How can we be part of any house when we keep being excluded? After this week we only feel truly safe when in the Lobo Dorm. Since it seems like most of the school, Governors and staff," his contempt for them was palatable, "feels the same way, I am not a Gryffindor! I am a Lobo."
She watched Ms. Granger step up and take off her own jumper. Thankfully she left her undershirt on. "I agree with Harry. I am a Lobo."
With horror, the other three stepped up and took off anything that might identify themselves as Hufflepuffs. She watched a pile of clothes, patches and scarfs form. "This is most unnecessary," Albus tried to soothe. "You have all been sorted into a House that the Founders would have accepted you into. That is where you belong."
Ms. Granger scoffed. "I doubt Godric Gryffindor or Helga Hufflepuff expected their students to be segregated into a separate dorm, Professor. We are wolves. That is all people really want to see us as. That is what you see us as. We mind as well be one then. Correct, Headmaster? We are Lobos."
"Ms. Granger, surely you don't mean this," a flustered Minerva said.
"We are no longer Gryffindors or Hufflepuffs," Harry spoke up. "As you said, it is dangerous for us, and we are dangerous. I don't want to give up our safe retreat, but I won't be called a Gryffindor anymore. If there isn't anything else, may we go?"
Minerva sighed. "I will accept this, Potter. Yes, you may go. I will not remove your permissions to Gryffindor Tower."
Ms. Granger shook her head. "We will not go in there again, Professor. Come on, Harry, and you lot."
She watched Potter take her hand and lead the others out of the room. When the door closed, Minerva whirled on Albus. "I warned you this would happen, Albus! I told you. I have never seen you cave to the Governors like this!"
Pomona had hung her head. "I quite agree with them. Albus, we spoke against this path when they came back."
"Yes, we did. I was most against it," Filius said. Minerva knew why the half-goblin would be. "You can inform the Governors of this development. I will back a motion to allow them to form a new house. I am also considering tendering my resignation at the end of the year in protest."
Her lips pursed to look at Filius. He was a natural teacher and loved his work. He would never abandon his students unless he felt a line had been crossed he could no longer support. She was starting to feel that way too.
"As will I, unless you allow them back into the other dorms," Pomona agreed. "Or find a better solution."
"I cannot, but this is not what the Founders envisioned. They are in the House they were sorted into," Albus told them.
"I do not doubt what Granger said. You will never see any of them step into their Houses again, even if it were allowed," Minerva said heavily. "And what of the new werewolves I expect to see back next month? Can you see any Slytherin allowing them to ever set foot in their House again, Albus? This was why I wanted Severus in this meeting. If this continues, I will only stay at this school as long as the Lobos need me."
"Minerva, that is a road we should cover at that time. The Yule Ball tonight needs our attention," he told them.
"Our students need our attention, Albus," she said angrily. "There is a great divide forming in the school and you do nothing about it. Where were you this week when we had a fight break out in the Great Hall? Did you even receive my owl? Three of the Lobos and eight other students had to be treated. Or how about when I had to send Ms. Edgecombe and Ms. Chang home after they bullied and almost pushed Ms. Lovegood down a flight of stairs because of her choice in friends? Have you even noticed who the Lobos hang out with? Do you even know whom I'm talking about?"
Albus had frowned at her outburst.
-END FLASHBACK-
Looking up, there was a new container of black opals over the doors. It was right in the middle of the other house hourglasses. Right now, all the points the six of them had earned were in the hourglass, having been removed from their old houses. It had caused quite a stir when it had appeared after the late brunch this morning. It held a little over a hundred points, compared to the two to three hundred in the other hourglasses. Albus had been less than pleased with that, especially when Skeeter saw it immediately upon arrival and her photographer's camera was going off.
There was a sadness to look at that hourglass. Two very bright and brave Gryffindors left her house. Three up and coming Hufflepuffs had left theirs. Seeing how Bonnie was performing, she could see Headgirl in her future. She could see two Headgirls and a Headboy in that houses future.
Speaking of her House, she saw many faces missing from it as the doors opened and people began filing in. It was loud, as she expected. There were some excited voices, but not like she had experienced in the past. Something was off.
A few minutes after the door opened, a beautiful young Hufflepuff in a blue dress and her golden hair done up in a high do stopped with her handsome beau. "Professor, Headboy Diggory requested me to hand this to you."
She took the scrolled-up parchment from the girl's hand. "Thank you, Ms. Charlot. I hope you have a wonderful time tonight."
The girl smiled back. "Thank you, Professor."
Minerva unrolled the parchment.
-o-
Professor McGonagall,
I regret to inform you that I will not be attending the Yule Ball this evening. I have not come to this decision lightly or without much consideration. As Champion and Headboy of Hogwarts, I represent the values and morals of this school and cannot do as such if they violate my own. Excluding students because of their magical creature classification is something I cannot support.
I have reviewed the Rules of the Triwizard Tournament and have come to the conclusion this is not a required event per the rules and feel I will not violate any of my contract. If this is proven wrong, then I will gladly face the Goblet tomorrow and find my fate.
I have sent a similar message to my Head of House.
Until such time I find my fate, myself and many of my dorm mates will be staying in the Hufflepuff Dorms. I have informed my date, Angelina Johnson, and she agreed to do the same. I can not speak if others are joining her. Could I ask permission to allow some Elves to deliver whatever food they can or to have permission to retrieve picnic items from the kitchens for those that choose not to attend tonight?
Sincerely,
Cedric Diggory
-o-
She smiled at the parchment in her hands. "Twenty-five points, Mr. Diggory," she said quietly and knew the points would be added. She may not be pleased about the situation, but far more than she expected were showing they believed in what was right. The Entry Hall was now mostly empty. A few dozen students milled around, probably waiting for dates or just talking. In the Great Hall, it was obvious the empty spots and even empty tables. It looked very possible that up to a third of the students had chosen to stay in their dorms.
"Dobby," she called out. The elf was overzealous but served Hogwarts well. She would grant Mr. Diggory's request.
A second later, the elf appeared. "Professor McGonagall call Dobby?"
"Yes. I would like you to organize two or three other elves. Layout a picnic in each dorm where students still are tonight. I don't want any of them to go hungry," she instructed.
The elf brightened up and his eyes grew wide. "And my master and mistress? Shall I bring them food?"
She raised an eye at this. Last she knew he was in full employ of Hogwarts. She didn't have time to question it. "If they are students not at the Ball, then yes."
The elf looked like he just got the best Christmas Present ever. "Oh, yes, Professor." He was quickly gone.
She stood there, knowing the Champions would come out of the Antechamber in a few minutes. She was letting Aurora and Filius organize them with the Heads of the various schools. Pocketing the letter, she was sure one of them would be searching her out soon. And here it was, Percy Weasley came of out the Antechamber and went straight for her.
When they had chosen Headboy last year, she had been in favor of him. Now, she found him to be very self-important and ambitious to the point of being dangerous. "Yes, Mr. Weasley," she asked as he walked up to her.
"Evening, Professor," he said as though they were equals. The young man had a long way to go before she thought that. "Headmaster Dumbledore and Mr. Crouch were wondering if you have seen Mr. Diggory. He was to report almost fifteen minutes ago."
"Mr. Diggory is indisposed this evening, Mr. Weasley. I shall usher in these stragglers and you can tell the Headmaster they may enter in five minutes," she instructed. If Diggory and others wanted to protest, they were free to do so and she would not stop them.
Percy Weasley stood there as she brushed past him. "It is time to enter the hall," she announced and followed the last student in as the door to the antechamber opened again. She ignored the Headmaster poking his head out.
A few minutes later, a flushed looking Mr. Weasley came in the door and announced the Guests of Honor. Minister Fudge and his wife came first, followed by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman sans dates. When Albus entered, he looked straight at the Staff Table she was standing at and gave her a hard look. She stood there impassively. There was a stir when Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy was announced and the reporters took more pictures than of any of the other Champions. Mr. Malfoy looked as though he could care less while his new bride was flush with the attention. When Mr. Weasley bowed and the doors closed without Mr. Diggory, talk broke out over the hall.
"Minerva, what is going on," Aurora asked leaning into her as the Champions and Guests finished moving to the table and sat. "Why are there so many missing students?"
She looked at her longtime friend. "If I am not mistaken, I believe there is a protest going on."
Aurora looked at her concerned. "What do you mean a protest. Should we be worried?"
She smiled. "I don't think so. None of the students that are protesting are troublemakers." Well, the Weasley twins were, but not the type she feared tonight. She had a feeling they would stay far away from this event.
Aurora pursed her lips before nodding. "The Headmaster is motioning towards you."
By now, he had given his small welcome to the Ball speech and ordered a meal. Others around the hall were following suit. "Bangers and colcannon," she said without looking at the menu. She doubted it was on the menu, but that is what she wanted tonight. The plate appeared as she got up to see what the Headmaster wanted. When she walked to the Champions' table, Albus Dumbledore was already talking with a flustered Cornelius Fudge. She noticed Madame Maxime and Headmaster Karkaroff looked quite pleased with the turn of events.
The Headmaster looked at her as she pulled up a seat to sit behind them and they turned to her. She raised an eyebrow at the fire in his eyes. Fudge got to her first. "What is this, McGonagall? Mr. Weasley said Mr. Diggory is not joining us? And why are a number of seats and tables empty. I was told this would have most of the older students here."
"He is not, Minister," she said calmly.
Albus eyes narrowed. "He is required to be here. You shall retrieve him, Minerva."
She smiled at him. "I don't think I will this evening, Headmaster. Maybe this will explain it better," she said taking the parchment out of her pocket. Fudge grabbed it out of her hands. By now, murmurs and reporters were looking around and realizing something was off besides just a missing Champion.
Fudge's eyes bulged. "What is this," he spat at Dumbledore holding the parchment out to him. Albus took it and after a moment Albus bowed his head. Fudge was not a very pleasant man at the moment as he whisper yelled. "Dumbledore, what is this about? What creatures were not allowed?"
"I think Mr. Diggory believes he is making a stand against a decision he is not in support of." Albus sighed.
Cornelius leaned in further. "What is the meaning of this? This is an embarrassment for us. What is Mr. Diggory talking about?"
"Cornelius, the Board of Governors voted yesterday afternoon that it was safer to exclude those infected with Lycanthrope from the ball. There has been much... disagreement among the students about whether they should stay or not."
"Are you telling me that the Boy-Who-Lived was denied access to the Yule Ball? Is this anything to do with that new hourglass in the hall? This is outrageous. After the whole Black debacle at the beginning of the month, Potter's pack saving Hogsmeade and with this week, we need him here to show that the Ministry supports this bloody law and will fix the injustices that you and my predecessor inflicted. It was your name on those documents that sent Black to Azkaban without a trial, Dumbledore. You sent a Lord of the Wizengamot and Head of House to the worst place possible besides the Veil. I cannot tell you the trouble that has stirred."
She was enjoying watching Albus lose some color in his face. "And now this stuff with Fenrir Greyback! I had to give Amelia another increase in her Department. To do that, the Wizengamot had to cut funds to two other departments. I want this mess buttoned up and need that boy here so that we can be seen to be resolving the issue and control some of those Morgana-be-damned beasts. I also need Diggory here for the damned Tournament. This was your idea."
"Cornelius, this is just a childhood prank," Albus tried to brush it off.
"This is no prank, Dumbledore. How many students are not here?"
She waited a few second and when Albus didn't answer, she spoke up. "I would estimate about a third. That would be over a hundred, Minister."
Albus gave her a glaring look. "The ICW is threatening to overturn the Anti-werewolf laws and the Preservation of Magical Heritage act if this gets any more out of hand," Minerva said to stoke the flames. "As their representative, I was informed of the warning given to the Ministry this week."
Inside, she was rolling with laughter to see Fudge's eyes bulge and Albus pale more. "What? Unfounded. That is not public," Fudge blustered. "Only the Ministry can release that information."
"Are t'ere issues, Ministor," Madame Maxime asked. "W'ere is Misteer Diggoory?"
Fudge sat up, his angry face gone and the congenial man he usually showed to the world as he turned back to the table. "Oh, my dear Madame Maxime. There is no issue. Mr. Diggory just wasn't feeling well and should join us shortly."
Albus stood, his dinner getting cold and walked towards the door that led to an Antechamber. She followed him. Once inside he turned a cold eye to her. "You shall get Mr. Diggory and any other students that had planned to be here in the Great Hall now."
"Will that include Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger," she asked.
"Of course not. The Governors forbid it and I cannot allow it without being admonished by them," Albus said angrily.
"No, Albus, I will not. This is not a required school event and the students have a right to express their opinions. Unless you think Mr. Diggory's life or magic is at risk with this decision?"
She watched him stare at nothing for several minutes. She could see the fire in his eyes, but his face showed no emotion of what thoughts were going through his head. With great difficulty, he eventually said, "No. No, the rules do not require this of a Champion. It is a tradition."
"Then I see no reason to force a decision that seemed well thought out and well researched," she told him. She was still very upset with him with what went down with the Lobos this morning. When Remus had gotten back just after noon, he had stormed in on Albus and she had gotten to see them row. Remus was the new provisional-Head for the Lobo Dorm until the Governors decided to reintegrate the students. She highly doubted if they were forced back to their old Dorms if they would go now. Potter was their Alpha and he had made up his mind.
Personally, she didn't want that dorm to disappear. If Ms. Greengrass, Ms. Davis and Mr. Zabini decided to register and come back, that would be the safest place for them.
Albus let out a sigh and the fire in his eyes subsided. He didn't say a word as he left.
When she got back out and sat at the table, Poppy leaned over to her. "You missed the show," she told her.
"I had my own, thank you. Anything I should be concerned with?"
"Nine more students and Fleur Delacour walked out after Karkaroff laughed out loud about Potter and Granger having been banned because they were werewolves," she said with a frown.
She pinched her nose. "Fool of a man."
Looking around, she could see some people without dates and others looking shocked as Dumbledore got very upset at Karkaroff with a flustered Fudge trying to be between them. Rita Skeeter was hovering nearby as her photographer took pictures.
-oOo-
Lobo House, Hogwarts, Scotland
Jason was curled up in the chair he liked by the fire. A small model dragon was chasing a small broom. The broom was twirling and dodging as his wand made circles or sharp movements in the air. They were small gifts Hermione and him as picked up for him in Hogsmeade.
This morning was the first time in a week he had seen Jason smile. The boy was missing his father, and Harry didn't blame him. Hermione kept telling Harry he just needed time. Since going to the graveyard, Harry felt the whole where his parents should be in his life. He was sure Jason was feeling worse than him.
Harry was grateful that the others still had family. Annabel was home with Kevin for a few days. He wished she could go back home to live, but the Ministry would never allow it.
Bonnie sat across from him, the snap card in her hand starting to smoke and looking anxious that she was still holding four cards. They were playing a variation on War tonight and she let out a frustrated scream when Harry quickly played a card and she had to grab one from the pile.
"Harry, if you win again," she warned. A few of her fingers still looked red from the last game. Winner was first person with no cards or the one the card didn't explode on.
He grinned. "You'll what?"
Both their hands were starting to smoke, but he held off for just a second or two more than he normally would. "Harry!" She sounded shrill. He played his card and she quickly put one down. "If you win I'll put snow in your bed," she threatened.
He quickly picked up a card. He had three in his hand. Same as Bonnie now. He shrugged with a smirk. "I'll just sleep in Hermione's bed."
Her smirk widened. "Maybe."
He eyed her as she put another card down. He quickly followed. He could feel the heat. She went to grab another card and the ones in her hand exploded. "Merlin!" She cried out in pain.
Harry laughed. He knew it stung, but it didn't leave any permanent damage. "Should I get some snow for you?"
She looked at him angrily and wiped her wand. He ducked as she cried out, "Aculeus!"
He ducked her spell and laughed as he called out "Aquamenti Frigus!" A stream of water shot out of his wand. He only did a short burst but she screamed as the frigid water hit her.
"Harry!" She got up, clothes soaked and hair dripping. Jason started to laugh to see the half-drowned girl who looked maybe ninety pounds wet.
"I thought your fingers were sore. And you did start it. That was a good stinging spell... OW!" He grabbed his side and turned, wand up and the words, "Protego!", already on his lips. The second spell was deflected back and he saw Hermione drop to avoid being hit by her own spell.
"Stupefy! Stupefy! Immobulous," she yelled from the floor.
Harry blocked the first before ducking behind the couch. "You're getting faster, luv," he laughed.
He didn't see Bonnie. "Aculeus!"
"Merlin's balls," he cried out as the stinging jinx got his leg. "Two on one! Protego!" Bonnie tried to sting him twice more and got hit by one of her own jynxes.
"Bonnie, why was Harry dousing you?"
"He won the last four games and my hands are getting sore," she said to Hermione. Hermione flicked her wand and Bonnie cried out. "What was that for!"
"I attacked Harry because you are being a petulant child! Grraw," Hermione yelled. "I thought you two were in trouble!" Harry leaned up far enough to see Hermione. She looked half crazed before marching back into her room and slamming her door.
"Bloody hell," he said before slumping into the couch. She had been in a mood all week and the Headmaster telling them they couldn't go tonight had been the topper. He looked to Bonnie who looked down. "Adcisso," he pointed his wand at her and then the wet chair. In seconds, she was dry. Hermione had taught him that to help dry her hair and clothes.
She gave a small smile. "I'm sorry, Harry. I'm just so angry. I didn't want to upset Hermione or hurt you."
Harry understood. They were all feeling the effects. He wasn't sure it wasn't his own anger and hurt infecting the Pack right now. He sighed. "Bonnie, we are all feeling upset right now." He turned to Jason, who was still playing with his broom and dragon now the action had stopped. He was getting concerned how he just seemed to shut down like that at times. "Why don't you see if you can get Jason to eat? He hasn't had anything that Dobby brought us. Do you want me to heal that sting?"
She shook her head. "You and Hermione taught us, remember?"
"I know. I was just trying to watch out for my Pack."
She smiled. "You do. Go to her, Harry. She needs you."
"You sure you are alright?"
"Just go to her, Harry. I have these two," she told him.
He sighed. He knew Hermione needed him, but she had stormed into her room earlier and shut both doors. Since then, he had avoided her, knowing she needed some space. Sighing, he made a plate from the spread by the stairs. Hermione hadn't eaten either. Bonnie had moved to Jason. He had put his broom and dragon on the table and was smiling at something she said.
Maybe he should trust his mate. Jason just needed time and his Pack.
Harry decided this was more a private matter and went to his room. After shutting the door, he moved to her door and knocked. "Hermione, can I come in," he called through the door. When she didn't answer, he tried the handle. It opened and he pushed the door open. "Luv, I have some dinner for you."
"I'm not hungry, Harry," he heard her say.
"Can I come in?"
There was some rustling. "I would never keep you out, Harry."
Moving into her room, he saw her sitting at her desk. There was a large mirror on it and makeup and other stuff that he had never really seen her use before. "You alright?"
Hermione looked at her desk. "McGonagall had given permission for Parvati, Lavender and Padma to come into the dorm today while you went to Gryffindor. That was why I was supposed to meet you in the Entry Hall." Before they had been called to the classroom, she had been saying it was a secret and that he needed to be anywhere else after brunch until later. Looking at her in the mirror he saw how sad and resigned she was. "That was what I was supposed to wear. I wanted you to think I was beautiful when you saw me."
He moved to her bed and put the plate on her nightstand. "Hermione, you are beautiful."
She looked at him. "I am not. My hair is wild and frizzy most of the time," she said grabbing a bunch and pulling on it. "I have these giant buck teeth. I hear people say how plain I look and that I look a wild beast already. I wanted you to see that I could be beautiful. I am not a monster."
He turned her to him as she looked away. Taking her face in his hand, he pulled her head up to look her in the eyes. He saw the tears in them. This week had been harder on them all than he had thought. "Hermione, you are beautiful. There is no one else I would ever want to look at."
She bit her lip. When she spoke, she sounded bitter. "You say that because I'm your mate, Harry. The wolf, our monsters, wouldn't let you say anything else."
He didn't break eye contact. "Hermione, even before we became wolves, I found you cute and beautiful."
A tear left her eye. He brushed it away with his thumb. "Harry, please don't lie. You never once looked at me before this summer."
"No, I just didn't realize I had already been looking at you until this summer. You know those potions and compulsions kept us from realizing it," he said gently.
"I know," she said finally leaning her cheek into one of his hands. "I still can't believe they can't link that to Dumbledore or Snape. Even without that, he keeps controlling our life."
Harry felt the same towards the Headmaster. Remus had probably saved them from the man with what he had done, but it had also allowed Dumbledore to keep them here. It was probably best he had. The other Lobos would have been eaten up this year without them, but he didn't want his inheritance or to live here anymore. None of them had done anything wrong but he felt like they were being punished anyways. "We just need to keep our distance like we have and he will be caught someday."
"I hope so," she said opening her eyes. "Harry, you really think I am good looking?"
He moved his hands down and took her hands in his. "Beautiful. You are beautiful. You are not a monster."
She sniffed and moved onto his lap. He pulled her to him and she cuddled against him, her head on his shoulder. He kissed her on the top of the head. "None of us are monsters, luv."
"I feel like I am." She moved to put her face into his chest. She grabbed his jumper. "Harry, I wanted to kill the man earlier. There is something about him that tells me he is a threat to you and he needs to be eliminated. When he told us we couldn't go, I felt like he was gloating that he one upped someone. There are other things too."
He held her tight. "Like what?"
"Tonight was supposed to be more than just the dance. I can feel the wolf, Harry. I had a very light cycle, only two days this month. I got an owl back from Alexandra yesterday. She isn't sure if it was just stress or a sign that I may go into Heat after the next moon. There is something telling me we need to decide soon what we want to do," she told him, grabbing his shirt harder. "I love you, but sometimes I feel like we are being pushed into stuff we aren't ready for."
Harry kissed her on the top of the head again. "Do you not want me," he asked. He had some understanding of what she might be going through. Since the last moon, he felt the wolf more. It felt more powerful. The draw to her was stronger. The draw to claim those that wanted to be Pack was stronger. The pull to lead, protect and keep them safe was stronger.
She pulled back a little to look at him. "Don't ever think that. I want you, Harry. I need you. The need I feel for you scares me. The wolf wants you. She doesn't want to let you go when we get up in the morning. She seeks you out whenever we are separated. She drives me to go to bed with you at night. Merlin, Harry! All I want is you and it's scary."
Harry could see the need for him and how it scared her in her face. He smelt it in her. He felt the same most of the time. "Hermione, it scares me sometimes too. I have to fight the wolf down to let you walk away. I only do it when I know you are with people we trust. Sometimes I have followed you just to know you are safe. When you come to bed at night, I don't like it when there are clothes between us. I am scared too."
She gave a shaky smile. "I know you have followed me sometimes, Harry. I could smell or hear you."
He chuckled. "I figured, but you wanted to be alone, so I didn't want to bother you."
"I wanted to know I could be alone without you and every time I found myself trying to get back to you as soon as I could or couldn't fight the wolf anymore. Harry, I think it's like real wolves. A Pack lives together and only separates when they need too. I don't want to separate anymore." She looked shocked at her own words.
He felt his heart in his chest. He thought he had been the only one that felt that way. Maybe that was why he always felt the most relieved when he had his Pack around. The wolf was a social creature that wanted its kin and pack. Her words were correct. "Hermione, I will not leave your side if you want."
She shook her head. "Don't say that, Harry. Don't give me that option. I don't know if I can fight the wolf if you give me that option."
"And what if it's my choice? What if I want to always be by your side? Hermione, no matter what, we will be with each other. I don't care if you are my mate or not, it was going to be you at some point. I don't want to fight my wolf anymore on this. I want you, Hermione."
She looked up at him. He wanted to claim his mate. He wanted his mate to know he would be by her side. Harry wanted his mind to finally stop this battle with his wolf.
He watched her chocolate eyes search his for something. After a moment, her features relaxed. "I'm not a monster," she told him and moved into hug him. "You are not a monster."
He wasn't so sure, thinking of the life he took, but she needed to feel better. "You are not."
"Everyone else thinks so though," she said melting into him.
"Does it matter? We know we aren't."
She moved to bury herself into him. "I just don't want any of us to be a freak anymore." He tightened his hold on her. "I hear what they say. We all do."
He kissed the top of her head again. "Hermione, we are Lobos. I don't care what they say. We only need to be here for a few more years, and then we can find somewhere quiet."
She squeezed him tight. "I don't want to hide, Harry. I want to do something. I also can't leave our Pack here when we graduate. I care for them and need them too."
Harry put his chin on her head. "They will not be left behind. And if you want to do something, then we will figure it out."