A Lynx to the Past – Chapter 16 (Startling Revelations)

To put it simply, Minerva McGonagall was not happy. She didn't think she had been since the near beginning of the year. But her mood had been down spiraling. For several reasons, one was because of the neglectful Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. She had never been happier to receive the notice that he had been sacked, though surprised that she would take his place. She probably should have expected the promotion since she was the Deputy Headmistress. But she assumed that Madam Bones would send an owl to inform of the selection for the new Headmaster or Headmistress. She approved of what Madam Bones was doing, especially since someone seemed to care about the safety of the students besides a select few professors. And Albus Dumbledore was nowhere on that list.

Minerva had lost count of how many arguments she had with the man concerning their missing student. And Albus waved off her concern each and every time. Her anger near exploding on some days. She had some very strong words for that old man on those days.

Her anger hadn't been that terrible on the day that her Headboy reported to her. She was thankful she had made the final decision of approving Mr. Flint of being Headboy. No matter how much Albus had protested on the matter. She had scowled deeply that day, she could not understand how a man that had gone on and on about interhouse unity, would be so prejudiced against Slytherins. It was as if his every word was hypocrisy.

But Mr. Flint had reported to her what had happened. She had never been so disappointed in one of her Gryffindors. The young Ezio was sitting proudly on Mr. Flint's shoulder, it was an amusing sight.

But she had some issues with dealing with Mr. Weasley, who had been very prone this year to outbursts. And there were only so many times she could take points before assigning detention. But she had been furious when she heard what was said. Especially when she heard that Mr. Weasley pointed his wand upon seeing Mr. Flint. She knew that Mr. Flint probably didn't hear the entire tale. But her nerves were shot, and it warranted her requesting the presence of some of her students in her office.

It was bad enough that students tended to talk bad about others. But it was a different matter when it concerned a missing student. And she didn't tolerate that behavior, especially from her Gryffindors when that student could be dead for all they knew. Most the time she wouldn't warrant any detention and would settle the matter with points being deducted, because you couldn't control what a student says. You could only punish them to an extent to show that the behavior was unacceptable. But it had been the fact that Mr. Weasley had raised his wand against a Headboy and his fellow students.

Cursing a fellow student and classmate was another matter entirely. A matter that she refused to let lie down and be forgotten. Minerva decided that she would have Mr. Thomas, Mr. Finnigan, and Mr. Longbottom stay after class and speak to them. Where she would get their side of the story. A story that would match Mr. Flint's tale with a few more facts.

She expected her students to be a bit wary and hesitant. But once she had stated that Mr. Flint has already stated these events. They seemed to be a bit more relaxed, maybe because of the fear they would be punished for ratting out a dormmate faded. Though she was pleasantly surprised to see that they didn't hold any distrust for Mr. Flint and wondered if he had managed to get their trust somehow. She was grateful to see it; she held no prejudice towards Slytherins and had hoped for years for some of her students to see the same. But they seemed to hold a grudge that lasted for centuries.

Then came time to where she would make the decision that required the need to write to Mr. Weasley's mother, Molly Weasley. A woman that even she would not want to cross on a bad day. But she seemed to have abilities that she could not possess, like scaring her more rowdy children somewhat into submission to behave slightly. She would not be surprised to see Mr. Weasley receive a Howler the next morning and look thoroughly cowed. She didn't believe that Mr. Weasley would not repeat his behavior again, though she hoped he would stop for his own sake. But the year was almost over and it seemed it couldn't get here fast enough.

But there was also the hidden worry for her missing student as well. She had tried to remain hopeful that Mr. Potter was still alive. As the months went by, that hope decreased significantly. And she wasn't going to be like Dumbledore and pretend that Potter no longer existed. She had recently been aware that Dumbledore was only using him for his own personal agenda. A weapon of some sort. Something that she had argued with the old man numerous times. But he would never see reason. And when he no longer could use him, he just tossed him away. The only thing that kept her hope that one of her students wasn't dead yet, was there was no report of a body found.


Marcus lost track on how long he had been pacing. He had been striding in his personal living while ranting off to Terence. Ezio was lounging on one of the couches, curled up in a ball. Though his orange ears remained perked, as if listening while trying to sleep.

"It just doesn't make any bloody sense," Marcus remarked, his feet still pacing.

Terence looked bored, "you can't argue against the goblins, mate."

Marcus sighed, "I know that. But how could Potter be the champion if he was never in any of the tasks. I thought that was the reason why Crouch Jr. died. There shouldn't even be a champion!"

"You're not wrong there, mate. And no doubt its making the Ministry scratch their heads as well," Terence remarked.

"Not to mention we have three deaths to deal with," Marcus ran a hand through his hair. He could still recall what McGonagall had said when Krum's betrothed had found out. He had been inconsolable.

Terence frowned, "I'll admit that is a bit trifling to deal with. And probably the reason why Dumbledore is out now if the Headmistress' words are anything to go by. International relations are a bit iffy at best. Though they seem to be blaming the old coot rather than the Ministry."

Marcus raised an eyebrow at his friend. Last he had heard, the other countries were also going after the Ministry's blood for their champion's deaths.

"Something got leaked out that the Ministry may have helped organize the tournament. But it was old Dumbles that gave the initial ideas for the tasks and that the Ministry only helped carry it out. To them, the old coot should hold the rightful blame. Though they are still trying to go after the Ministry for their part."

Marcus still looked unsure, "They won't have much luck with going after the Ministry. It is still part of the contract that it was possible their champions could die. That doesn't mean that Dumbledore is still not accountable for his actions. Legally the Ministry can't be held accountable, but there are loopholes that Dumbledore can. And I've already heard from Headmistress McGonagall that Bones is already going after Dumbledore for that. But their main pull is because of his lack of action of Potter's disappearance."

"Which isn't surprising, the entire wizarding world is after his head because of his inaction about Potter," Terence shrugged.

Marcus frowned; he wasn't too happy about the inaction either. Though Terence would tease that he only thought that because of his so-called crush. He probably wasn't wrong either and that was part of the frustrating part. As much as he sometimes hated his best mate, he was pretty spot on about that bit. He couldn't say that he wasn't glad that Dumbledore was finally getting his due.

"While you're moping about your crush, I'm going to get food from the kitchens," Terence's voice broke Marcus' thoughts.

Terence may have had to duck the curse that was aimed at his head, running out of the room laughing.

Marcus wound up muttering bitter curses under his breath. He should have made sure that curse hit his friend, that would have been well deserving. Then his attention suddenly went elsewhere. All because of Ezio.

The orange feline started to make this type of high screeches of pain.

Marcus was afraid to touch his fur, scared that he'd make it worse. He didn't know what to do to ease his pain. And it becoming unbearable to witness and not do a damn thing about it.

That was when he could hear snapping, as if the bones in Ezio's body were snapping in half. Marcus' hands started clenching together, he wanted to run to get help. But he didn't want to leave Ezio alone in pain.

That was when Marcus would get the greatest shock of his life. Enough that he tried to walk backwards and fell over his own two feet. All he could do was stare. He couldn't even get his mouth to work, it was incapable.

Because where Ezio had been was the nude form of one Harry James Potter. The same Gryffindor that had been missing for almost a year.

Harry's face was blood red from embarrassment and Marcus was just staring. He had felt warm and cozy as a feline, now all he could feel was the wind and draft against his bare skin. His hands immediately went to cover his most sensitive part of his body. And it still wasn't helping that Marcus hadn't moved or said anything. He kept looking at him and Harry wanted to die from embarrassment. This was something he had not imagined would happen to him, especially not today. It was not helping that Marcus' eyes had gone straight there.

Any other time he may have been flattered or even blushed. Because the Slytherin he had started to crush on had found him appealing. All he felt now was the need to hide.

"Marcus," Harry whined, his hands not moving.

That created a reaction. The Slytherin just merely blinked at him, but he still didn't say anything. It was not helping matters.

"A robe… please," Harry begged. He wanted, no needed something to cover up in, at least to save some of his dignity.

That seemed to get an uncharacteristic response out of Marcus as he practically ran from the room and mindlessly grabbed one of his Slytherin robes.

When Marcus returned, he tried to advert his eyes before passing the robe over. He finally had the brain that Potter or Harry probably felt uncomfortable enough. But he was still in shock over the fact that he'd been housing Harry Potter in his dorm for almost a year. He hoped that he could maybe process this later when his brain was actually working.

"Thanks," Harry mumbled, wrapping the robe tightly around him. He still felt the chill of the room, but at least he was covered somewhat. He still felt embarrassment rush through him, but it seemed to have faded a little.

Marcus still kept staring, unsure of what to say.

"You're staring," Harry whined.

Marcus felt a rush of heat rise to his face. He knew the Gryffindor's words weren't accusing, it was more of a statement and maybe something to say to break the awkwardness. He could still feel the high tension and didn't know what to say.

But it seemed like circumstances took control of that for him.

"How the bloody hell did he get in here?" Terence demanded, ignoring the fact that he was speaking to the missing Harry Potter.

"Nice to see you too, Terence," Harry commented sarcastically. "It's not like I've gotten to know you for almost a year."

Terence just stared, stunned into silence.

Harry pulled the robe around him tighter, not liking the silence, but feeling self-conscious all the same. Least with Terence he seemed to be able to talk. He already missed the closeness he had with the two Slytherins. He never hated being forced back into his human form than he did at that moment.

"That's impossible," Terence finally found his words, "you've been missing for almost a year. Why appear now? And why not with your precious Gryffindors."

Harry winced, the bite from Terence's retort hurt, a lot more than he originally thought. He couldn't see himself ever wanting anything to do with Gryffindors now. Unless it was Neville, Seamus or Dean, at least they seemed to still care about him.

"Ohhh… did I hurt the poor Gryffindor's feelings," Terence mocked.

"Terence!" Marcus shouted at his friend, suddenly furious. He didn't care that Terence didn't know that Harry had been Ezio the entire time. That gave him no reason for his words. He didn't seem to mind the three other Gryffindors, but what grievance did he have with Potter?

"What?!" Terence hissed.

"You will hold your fucking tongue," Marcus demanded.

"Or what? Just because your cr—" Terence started to say.

"Not another word," Marcus breathed.

"Don't," Harry's voice was soft.

Marcus looked surprised when Harry spoke. "He doesn't even realize who you are."

"And he will," Harry's voice was surprisingly confident.

Terence just looked back and forth, unsure what to say.

"And for your information, no I'm not going to crawl back to Gryffindors. I had hoped you would have enough smarts to realize who I am," Harry commented.

"You're Potter, who else would you be?" Terence's voice was filled with suspicion.

"Look at my eyes and find out for yourself," Harry replied.

Terence scoffed at that but humored the Gryffindor. His demeanor suddenly changed; guilt heavy in his eyes. "Ezio?" his voice shook. "How?"

"Creature inheritance," Marcus' voice rang out.

Terence turned to look at Marcus and back at Harry, "I'm sorry, I honestly didn't know."

Harry's eyes were hard, despite that he was only covered with a robe. "That still is no excuse. One would think you're a Gryffindor, jumping to conclusions. At least with Marcus he didn't change despite that I had been locked in that form for months. Yet it was different with you, you treated me like an enemy!"

Terence looked downfallen at that. He looked at Marcus and gave him a pleading look.

Marcus frowned and shook his head; Terence was on his own for this. Actions had consequences and this was one of them.

"Can I please have some actual clothes though," Harry finally asked.

The death glare match between Terence and Marcus was broken.

Marcus turned his gaze at Harry and his face softened, the Gryffindor almost looked scared. He imagined the sudden spike in tension wasn't helping. And he wondered how much Terence's words really affected the Gryffindor. It couldn't have been ideal to think you had a friend then have that slapped in his face.

"I can shrink some of my clothes for you," Marcus offered.

Harry nodded, not looking at Terence, unable to bear meeting his eyes. Immediately following him to a very familiar dorm, not wanting to be alone with the other Slytherin.

Marcus tried to not look at Harry while digging through his trunk. He knew that his clothes wouldn't fit him, but he could shrink them.

Harry snatched them as soon as Marcus offered him the clothes and rushed into the luxurious bathroom. He disregarded the Slytherin robe to the side, letting it fall to the floor. His face had lost the red color it had been sporting ever since he turned back into a human. But it returned at the thought that he had been given a pair of Marcus' boxers. He couldn't help his mind going into the less appropriate of places.

Harry shook his head, to shake away those thoughts. This was not the best of times to get aroused, especially with Marcus right outside the bathroom. He threw on the shirt and trousers and was surprised to find they actually fit. It was slightly weird to be wearing clothes after being a feline for so long, but he assumed he get accustomed to it eventually.

Marcus nodded in approval, though unsure what to say now.

Harry hesitantly took a seat on Marcus bed, but when the Slytherin didn't say a word, he slightly relaxed.

"Why haven't you thrown me out?" Harry asked, confused.

"Harry or Ezio," Marcus was apprehensive, he didn't know what the raven would prefer. He was just glad that he managed to gain the use of his tongue once more.

"Umm… Harry, least in this form, I guess."

"Harry, you've known me for almost a year. Can you really see me throwing you out?" Marcus asked, exasperated.

Harry shook his head, that was everything against what he had gotten to know about Marcus.

"Were you being serious about actually helping me with staying away from Dumbledore?" Harry's voice grew soft.

"Of course," Marcus's reply was instant.

"What happens now?"

Marcus was thoughtful for a moment, "guess that's up to you. I personally wouldn't reveal yourself. You will never know a moments rest if you do."

Harry could feel himself tremble at that. That was one part that he loved when he was Ezio, the escape from his fame. But he felt a smile tug at his lips, Marcus never lost that protective nature, it didn't matter if he was Ezio or Harry. He couldn't help but feel pleased by that.

Marcus placed a firm hand on Harry's shoulder, wanting to give him some sort of comfort. It didn't matter that he was Ezio and Harry. Both seemed to grow on him and worm into his heart.

"You can still be Ezio if you wish," the Slytherin's words were low.

Harry looked confused, "what do you mean?"

"You have a creature inheritance, it typically shows when you hit your magical maturity," Marcus explained.

"Magical maturity?"

"When your magical fully matures. It can happen between when your fifteen to seventeen. No doubt your Lynx form detected danger and sought to protect you. It sought to hide you away and keep you safe. With the tournament over, it is no surprise that you were allowed access to your human half once more. While threatened, your Lynx half took control," Marcus' voice was soft.

Harry blinked several times, "I never knew…"

Marcus sighed, "you wouldn't…"

"What do you mean?"

"Magical inheritance is to be kept within your family. It's known as a family secret, never to be shared unless you were family. So, nobody can dare to exploit your form and use it for their own gain. The only way you would know is if you read the memoir of your mother and father," Marcus explained.

Harry's mood seemed to drop at the reminder. He already knew that there was nobody to tell him about his family. His parents were dead and there was no changing that. He had no family to ask that could answer any of his questions.

Marcus snorted at the decrease in mood, "do not let your mind take that path."

"What would you know," Harry bit out.

"Do not let your grief and self-degradation rule you," Marcus warned lightly. "I may not have lost my mother and father at a young age, but I know the pain of loss."

Harry sighed, "Sorry, I didn't mean it."

"You will one day find that not all is lost, you can still find out more about your family," Marcus commented knowingly.

Harry looked at in Marcus disbelief, but didn't argue against his words.