This is an M rated story.

A/N: 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 22

January 10, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Remus had called them to his office after discovering that Prim had not waited on the Potters when at Bliyhl House excepts meals or if others were around. It had come out last night when he had made a stray comment about having her looking for something Hermione thought she had left behind. She had made a comment about them asking their elf.

Harry had come in holding both their bags. Looking at the boy, Remus realized he had grown, they both had, over the last six months. Half a summer of him finally getting food and the exercise schedule they were maintaining had seen the small boy add three or four inches and a stone weight in mostly muscle and bone. The wolf probably had an influence on this too.

His quite attractive wife next to him had also grown and matured. She still had a slight frame, but her figure had filled out and she had put on a good two inches. While Harry had bulked out, she had a wiry muscle structure in a more petite frame that hid the strength she had gained. In a few more years, Harry would be able to challenge any Alpha he wanted. Any wizard for that matter. The power projection he had witnessed at the Greengrasses was more than equal to Lord Greengrass. He had felt Hermione to. Her raw magic was a match to his own and he wasn't that poor in the power department, just his pockets.

"Remus, why did you want us to come to your office?"

"I think this will be a quick matter. Do either of you have a house elf," he asked.

They both looked at him. Hermione was a mask of disgust while Harry looked confused. "No. You said all our house elves died when Potter Manor fell and the one my mother had she gave to you for Bliyhl House."

He nodded. He had an idea of who they were looking for.

"Harry, when you freed Dobby, did he say anything about a new Master or do anything that might seem odd."

Harry frowned. "You can't be serious? I like the elf and all, would even call him our friend, but Dobby is not my elf."

There was a crack and Dobby appeared next to Remus desk. "Bloody hell," Harry called out.

"Harry," she corrected him.

Dobby looked extremely guilty. The elf was looking at his wards with large green eyes that were full of tears and he was wringing his ears so much Remus wasn't sure if the elf was going to tear them. "Dobby, stop, you'll hurt yourself," Harry said to the elf. Dobby stilled his hands, but still held his ears tight.

"As Master says," Dobby said to him sounding as though he let someone down he cared for deeply.

Hermione put her hands to her mouth. "Oh, no, Dobby. Why?"

Dobby looked down, rubbing his foot into the floor. "Dobby had to, Mistress. Dobby wants to be free, but Dobby needs a wizard or witch to live. Dobby knows Masters want him to be free. Dobby did as Masters wanted."

"I don't understand," Harry said. Hermione looked close to tears herself.

"Do you not, Harry," Remus asked. "You freed Dobby, but he knew, even when he finally gained his freedom, that it could not last. An elf not in servitude to a wizard, witch, business or institution will grow weak and die eventually."

"But I thought Dumbledore hired him for Hogwarts," Hermione said. "Oh, Dobby, I don't want you to be a slave."

Dobby looked up and smiled, finally releasing his ears. "And that is why Dobby is happy to serve his Master and Mistress. Dobby longs to be free, but I long for a family too."

There was a pause. Harry took Hermione's hand and they seemed to have a silent conversation before Harry turned to his elf again. "Dobby, we would be happy to have you in our family. We would also like you to do what you want."

Dobby eyes swelled with more tears and they started to fall down his cheeks. "OH! Dobby serve the Great Harry Potter and his Lady Hermione!"

"But is that what you want," Hermione said. "You said you want to be free. If you serve us, you won't be."

"Dobby is family. I feel your intentions, Mistress Hermione. That is free enough for Dobby."

-oOo-

January 13, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Albus had had some of the worst three weeks he could remember as Headmaster. Even when he had children petrified in the Hospital, it hadn't been as bad as this. Then again, none of the internal workings of his school had been so public until now.

Hogwarts was now a school of five Houses. The crest in the great hall had changed the day all the students had returned. There was now a grey wolf in a silver circle over the top of the Founders crests. The Governors and him had tried to change it, but the magic of Hogwarts would not be dissuaded and the old paintings of the Founders in his office were in agreement. He had been surprised that even Slytherin had agreed. Albus had to suspect it was the three new beasts that would be returning later this month.

Potter was also a worry. He was progressing faster than he had thought he might. His life debts to his family meant the boy was off limits and he had no persuasion over the boy to lead him into the Light. Observations were leading him to believe the boy would not go dark, but he wouldn't be part of the Light either. His renunciation of Gryffindor House was proof of that.

Looking around the hall, he was worried. The original idea of bringing the Triwizard Tournament back was to bring unity to the wizarding world. Albus had seen the cracks starting to form outside the school, the divisions that were starting to split the pure and old bloods from the half-blood and muggle-born. As much as the wizarding world needed the fresh blood of muggle or squib born, he had always sought to maintain the old traditions.

It would appear that many of the great social upheavals that had infected the muggle world over the last century were finally percolating into the wizarding world. He did not want to see the old traditions die, but looking at the five Lobo students sitting at the end of the Hufflepuff table tonight was a sign of a crossroads.

Harry Potter was a werewolf now. One of the most feared beasts in their world. He was also married and in full compliance with the Preservation of Magical Heritage Act. In a few years, he would be able to claim his Lordship and in seven years he would be a voting member of the Wizengamot. Albus had a feeling the boy would be a powerhouse and most of the old Alliance that died with Fleamont already flocked around him.

He could do nothing to them, even if he wanted, and he wanted to badly. More than half of his coalition was represented in those around the boy. Easily as much in Bones Alliance. To control the Savior of the Wizarding World would have ensured all his plans would success in the end. Now they were going up in flames because he couldn't act on them because they involved the boy. Even if Tom was to come back, Dumbledore suspected he was looking at the next generation of leaders in that pack and the friends that congregated around them.

Most in their world still looked to the boy, whether in hatred, fear or adoration. Far more in the last category than he imagined. There had been a clear shift in sentiment among the population of students around them. His influence was enough to overshadow even the Great Albus Dumbledore.

Diggory and Johnson appeared to be at the center of this change in sentiment. The couple sat talking with friends at the Gryffindor table tonight. All of Hufflepuff and most of Gryffindor were so firmly behind them that he had not been able to find a single student that would take up the prefect badges in either house. Rules of Head Boy and Head Girl would not allow him to present the title to any other for the year. Right now, it was only those in Ravenclaw and Slytherin that were taking up the honors of being a Prefect and it was not a good situation.

About a fifth of Ravenclaw sided with the other houses, while the rest were firmly with Slytherin and in the last two weeks both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor had lost fifty points a week from the other Prefects. It was bad enough he had had to agree with Minerva to suspend point deductions and detention recommendations from Prefects. Especially since neither the Gryffindors nor Hufflepuffs were causing any issues. They were acting more like adults than some of the adults on his staff.

More troubling was that others couldn't do much to the Potters and now their allies either. The current Death Eaters, or whatever they were, were steering well clear of the boy and his chit. The magic swirling around them was dangerous to anyone that truly challenged them.

Looking around, he was going to have to act soon to protect them more, meaning he would lose more control than just around them. He could feel the pull on his debts. Before, the wolfs had been safe and sound. This shift was a danger to them, a danger he had not anticipated when he secretly supported the changes, even if he had no involvement in it.

He truly thought they would have an incident at the ball. What happened had turned out to be far worse.

It had shut down avenues to affect change. After having missed the opening session of the ICW while dealing with this issue, he had been removed from both the Head Mudwump and Senior Council. Things had been moving to a more lenient sway in the ICW faster than he could have known, and he wasn't sure even if he had been there it would have turned out differently. Parts of the new Creature Rights bill had been passed, mostly adding to the Intelligent and Near Intelligent Rights Act when the bill could not be passed in its entirety. The wolves in the hall were now recognized as full witches and wizards. That meant they could file for the IWL's and AWL's through the ICW.

It would also mean they would now be applicable to apply for a Ministry Alternate Schooling Certificate, allowing them to keep their wands and use them outside of Hogwarts. With these changes, none of them would need to set foot in Hogwarts again. Albus didn't like losing all control like that and he wondered how long it would take the ICW to finalize the new rules and how long it would take the Pack to find out. So far, they had been very proficient at obtaining ICW documentation that most never even bothered to know existed.

Being recognized as wizards also meant the ICW Injunction to have all international mail to go through the WRC would be in jeopardy of being lifted. He had only been able to enact that before because they were classified beast before being classified magic wielders. His debts aloud it because he could use the information to keep them here and safe. Now that had been reversed, other laws took precedence.

His plans to preserve the old traditions was going to die and he could only be a spectator if he couldn't find a way to break his life debt or find a different approach.

He looked long and hard at the boy that laughed at something Ronald Weasley had said. He was curious to notice the Longbottom heir talking animatedly with one of the other wolves. She was a first year. Why would a fourth year be interested in her, even if she did look mature for her age. He may have to keep an eye on the boy. The Weasleys and Longbottoms had been some of his most ardent supporters for decades.

"Minerva," he said to his Deputy Headmistress. So far, she had been as good as her word and the responsibilities he had transferred to her had been confirmed by the Governors and they refused to return them. He was not liking having lost so much control of his world.

"Yes, Headmaster," she responded in a very formal tone. Since Christmas, their easy professional and friendly relationship had disintegrated. A person who had been unwaveringly loyal to him for more than sixty years looked at him as though constantly disgusted. It was much the same look he now received from much of his staff.

"Would you draft a proposal with the Head of Houses for a formal amendment to add the Lobo Dorm as an official dorm in the Hogwarts Charter," he asked her. That was his responsibility still, but he knew that Minerva would draft the proposal most likely to gain the loyalty back of those that were shunning him. He would need to use his influence on the Governors to pass it, whether he agreed with it or not.

"Of course, Headmaster. I will call a meeting tomorrow to discuss Lobo House. When would you like the proposal?"

He frowned. He refused to call it a House. It was not founded by any of the original founders. If he did, then Potter or someone else would need to be elevated to that position. If anyone deserved that distinction it was a Dumbledore. It didn't matter that the Potters could trace lineage to Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. Dumbledore could trace his back to Ravenclaw, even if he had been in Gryffindor's House.

"As soon as you can. I would not like to go without Prefects in Hufflepuff or Gryffindor for much longer," he told her.

"Shall I also draft a change in rules for the Lobos House so that they will be recognized as full students again? That would include a Quidditch team if they are to gain enough students. I don't think any of those students will take up their rolls again with anything less."

He popped two lemon drops into his mouth. No, he thought bitterly. Those students had been very clear and steadfast in their demands. He crunched the candies to think about the Great Albus Dumbledore bowing to children.

It teased in the back of his mind that the Potters would be his equal and he had rethink his approach.

-oOo-

January 19, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Pansy was looking across the hall. Today was the first day for her to see the new mutts. They sat at the end of Hufflepuff table with most of the other creatures. She felt a twinge of regret to see Daphne and Tracey sitting with them, straight and stiff, acting as though nothing around them bothered them. Blaise was just as aloof as usual. Daphne had been a girl she enjoyed talking too, even considering her a friend at times, but now that they were mutts, they would never be welcomed at their table or in their house again.

Draco was looking at them too. He was still upset over the Yule Ball, having the attention turned to the mutts and Cedric's rebellion. "I see they already know their place," Draco commented.

She sniffed. It was no secret that he had harbored a crush on Daphne, besides her. Starting to know her husband better, she could tell he still found her attractive. He didn't look at Daphne like he did at her, but there was still lust in his eyes.

"Such a waste," Theo said next to Draco. "I would have liked to shag them once, but I can't dirty myself that way now."

Vincent shrugged. "She is still pretty. I could see her on all fours like a mutt."

She looked at him, her lip curling a little. "Why would you want her on you," she asked. "You want to become one of them?"

He gave a wicked smile. "I never said I wanted her on me, but under me, in her mouth or on her knees?" He shrugged again.

"You're sick, Goyle," Draco said next to her. "Even I wouldn't stoop that low."

Goyle snorted. "Not even for that Granger bitch? I know you want to get back at Potter and she isn't bad looking."

"She's better than bad. Too bad she's a mudblood," Gregory said.

"If it hurt Potter, then maybe," he admitted, not really looking all that enthused.

"It's not Granger anymore," Pansy told them and they all looked at her. "I heard Flitwick call her Potter in the hall yesterday."

They all turned to look at them now. "Well, that explains some," Gregory said. "I thought she looked a little bowlegged the other day."

She pursed her lips. One of the downsides to having mostly male friends was the way they talked. Not that she wasn't bad with Daphne or Tracey in private... was not that bad. She couldn't do that anymore. Millicent wasn't really one she could share stuff like that with. Maybe she had lost something.

"What is that supposed to mean," Theodore asked. "I wouldn't touch her even if I was Potter. Mudloods."

"It means that her cherry has been popped and she is now fair game," Vincent told him.

She shook her head. "I wouldn't, Vincent. I think we should leave Potter alone for now, and do not go after his wife. If you do, he will have course for recompense against you and your entire family," she told him.

Draco frowned. He had read the same things she had. Lady Malfoy had sent then copies of the WRI and Magical Heritage laws and instructed them to memorize them. She knew Draco's lust to get Potter, but he hadn't gone near the prat since Halloween. Draco had other larger things to worry about. She could worry about the Potters.

"What do you mean," he asked her. "She's a mutt. I'm sure she'll howl like a mutt in heat to a thick prick in her if we get her in a room in the dungeon."

"You dolt. You don't get it, do you," she snapped at him. They all turned to her. She was not going to act the simpering schoolgirl now that she had Draco. She didn't need to act the weak fool anymore because that was what boys liked. "The Potters are protected by the Magical Heritage Act. You go after either one of them and they get hurt or killed, you just denied a magical line from progenerating. That can be a walk through the Veil, even if you are a Scion, and up to half of your family's fortune to them or their named heir. That is what Yaxley, Crouch and even Dumbledore is facing right now if the claims are found true about Black."

Vincent and Gregory frowned and scrunched their brow. If they weren't so effing loyal to Draco, she would have told him to dump the simpletons ages ago.

"There is also the fact they are mutts. Either one of them could kill you and get off with no more than a fine if they think you mean true harm to them. They are mates. That means under the Creature classifications, they qualify as a bonded pair. Even you should know the consequences for that if you get caught. Leave the Potters to me," she told them.

She had a happy thrill go through her to see Draco's approval. She wondered if she would be rewarded tonight? His tongue was as good as his prick in her.

"So, you figure out what was in that egg, Draco," Theo asked looking at Crabbe and Goyle with a disgusted face.

She couldn't keep her face from losing some color. She was not looking forward to being a hostage of the merfolk. Draco looked at her quickly. She could sense his own discomfort. "Ages ago," Draco drawled.

They all waited for him to say more. Not long ago he would have bragged about knowing stuff others did not, eventually telling his followers, but Draco was changing. He was becoming more reserved. In a way, she liked it. She knew his inner secrets right now, and she could horde that fact over their group when he wasn't around.

"Well, what is it," Vincent finally asked.

Draco looked up and down the table before leaning in. "Those weren't screeches we heard." He leaned back again. In a very rare show, his hand found hers under the table. It was a sign of how worried he was about the event in a little more than a month from now. Having his hand in hers helped her too. She really didn't want to drown if it meant what they thought it did. Nor did she want to end up as fish food for the heathens with fishtails.

"That's it? That's all you are going to say," Gregory looked put out.

Draco smirked. "I am a Champion. I will let you know if I need help. Ah, mail."

She looked up to see the owls gliding down. Draco's eagle owl came down and landed before her. She gave the owl a look before looking at Draco. He raised an eyebrow to see two letters on the owls leg that was being held before her, not him. She took them off and handed one to Draco. It still sent a thrill through her to see the name Mrs. Pansy Malfoy on the letter.

Hers was obviously from Lady Malfoy. She had quickly come to recognize the matriarchs flowing script.

-o-

Pansy,

I would like to tell you that the word I have heard so far has please Lord Malfoy and myself. You have done well by Draco. Now, I must impress on you the important role in bearing an heir for the House of Malfoy.

You shall start visiting Severus Snape the day after your bleeding stops each month. You will take a potion that will increase your chances to bear and have a child. It is imperative you encourage Draco to sire a child in case the next task or two prevents him in the future.

Narcissa Malfoy

-o-

Pansy swallowed. She was not sure if she was ready to bear a child, but that had been the known expectation for this early marriage. What she liked less was the demanding tone of her mother in law. She had heard from Draco the punishments he had had a few times and she did not relish the thought of not doing as she was told. She could not wait until she was seventeen, then she could go tell Narcissa to stuff it.

-oOo-

January 22, 1995

Hogwarts, England

The wind was beating on the window pain and the morning was dark. Bonnie found herself curled up in her large bed. The duvet was wrapped around her and she had a small hole to let the cool air of the dorm into her nest. The mechanical alarm clock went off on the side of her bed. She growled at it, not wanting to get up, but too annoyed at the alarm not to stop it.

She took her small stuffed rabbit and shot it out the hole. It hit the clock and they both crashed to the floor. She would have to repair it later. It was a good thing Hermione had taught her how to cast the reparo spell.

She waited in her cocoon for a little bit more, listening to ice and snow hit her window. It was going to be a miserable day outside, meaning they would either be stuck in the dorms all day or spend much of it in the library. She understood she needed to get good grades, and she was third in her year, but sometimes she just wanted to take a full day off and just go and walk or run around the grounds. With the weather so bad out, she doubted she could even go down to see Hagrid. She found visiting him was a fun time to hear all the man knew about animals. She was looking forward to taking Care of Magical Creatures, even if she had to admit she was glad not to deal with the blast-ended squirts.

No, today was most likely going to be a dorm day. She hated that it wasn't safe to go explore the castle without someone with her, usually a group. Since that day they had been attacked in October, and then before Christmas, she didn't trust being alone in the castle. She loved learning magic. It was one of the best things in the world, but she wanted to play and just be a kid too, and that meant she wanted to explore on her own.

After getting up and getting ready, her stomach grumbled. She wasn't sure if she should go to the Great Hall or call on the Potter's elf. They had permission to eat in the dorms when they wanted, something she used when it got to be too much outside the Lobos dorm. Today, she wanted her friends, and her Pack. Walking back out into the Common Area she saw the three new Lobos sitting in the chairs by the fire. She sniffed. She didn't like the smell of the dark hair girl. She smelled of power, but not like Harry or Hermione.

She found great comfort and felt like she had found a family in them. Daphne and the others felt aloof. They smelled, not tainted, but not clean. It was something that bothered her, and Hermione. She had actually growled at them when they had come back to the House after the turn and found them here. She really didn't like the way she had sized up Harry. There was a challenge and lust in her expression that had caused Hermione to possessively grab Harry's arm.

Jason was sitting in a chair away from them, a book in his lap and his dragon figure making a nest in his hair. She smiled at him. Hermione had given him that and he almost never went anywhere without it.

"Green, how do I interrupt the Potters long enough to have them answer their door? I knocked on both doors for a few and Wilmont won't say anything," Greengrass said with a tone to her voice that made her fight her own wolf down. It had a command to it. Harry was her Alpha and that would not change.

"We leave them alone Sunday morning," she told them. "Jason, you about ready? Yvonne, Luna and Nathan should be here soon."

Jason nodded. "Let me just finish this paragraph. Can we go outside today?"

The dark skin boy looked at a window and made a face. "Sure, grab your winter cloak. I'll put a warming, impervious and the umbrella charm on us."

Daphne scrunched her brow. "Those are third and fourth year spells. How would you know them?"

"Hermione. She found then first and second year. Come on, Jason, I'm getting hungry."

Daphne scoffed. "I'm sure Potter just told you that to make herself sound more intelligent. A muggleborn isn't that smart. Now, how to stop the Potters from doing whatever they are doing? I need to talk to them."

She felt her anger pique at the girl. Since they moved in, Daphne had been quiet, but would try to dominate the dorm if Harry and Hermione were not around. Today the girl was the worst she had seen. "As I said, we don't bother them on Sunday morning. Saturdays we leave them be until about ten."

"They are the prefects and you shouldn't be covering for them." Jason had returned from his room and stood next to her. He stared at her and Blaise stood to be besides Daphne. Tracey Davis just sat in the chair and stared at the fire. She reminded her of Annabel at the start of the year.

"They are our prefects. They also should be able to get their own time," she told the girl. The girl didn't like her defiance and she could smell it.

"I am going to report this to Professor Lupin. Prefects not doing their duties," she said, as though that would make a difference.

She scoffed. "Go ahead. They are with Professor Lupin if you need to know, you bint. They usually let us sleep in and do whatever we want on Sundays while they get up and are out of the dorm by about six. They typically come back a little after ten and then take a nap and have a late lunch in the dorms. I don't see that as being lax in their Prefect responsibilities when they aren't even in the dorm."

They glared at each other, a slight growl coming to Daphne's throat. She fingered the release on her holster. Harry had made sure they all had one after her and Hermione had gotten them at Christmas. She was sure the older girl would probably wipe the floor with her if it came to a fair duel, but Bonnie was not going to let it be fair. Remus was too good a teacher to just let you only know how to trade spells.

"You call me that name again, runt, and we'll have words."

Bonnie snorted and took off towards the stairs, Jason on her heels. "Who in Merlin does that girl think she is to say that to me," Daphne raged as the door opened.

"None of the first-years would treat us that way in Slytherin. There is a certain decorum," Blaise said as they walked down the stairs.

"Potter is too lenient," Daphne said. "I don't think we can afford to shake things up right now though. They are helping us."

"I think you could be nicer," she heard Tracey. "You didn't used to act this way."

Daphne let out a frustrated growl. "As much as I don't want..." her voice was cut off as the door shut and they made their way down the stairs.

"I don't like them," Jason said next to her.

"I know," she said in a short snip. She was not pleased with the girl. "I think you should move downstairs to be next to Hermione. I don't like you upstairs with only them."

"I like that room though," he told her.

"How about we move the wardrobe?"

He frowned before conceding. "Fine. I want the bed too. They have my scent."

"We can probably ask Dobby to help," she told him.

They walked down to the bottom of North Tower to wait for their friends. About half way down, she could smell a group approaching them. She could smell Harry, Hermione, Neville, Ron, Yvonne, Nathan and the new girl Luna. She found she liked the third-year Ravenclaw. Over the last week, she had started to hang out with them. She knew a third person would brave the elements to see Hagrid now.

Jason gave her a sly smile. "I smell your boyfriend," he teased like a younger brother would to his sister.

She tried not to let her cheeks color. "He is not my boyfriend."

"Bonnie and Neville sitting in a pumpkin patch. K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Ow," he said as she elbowed him.

"Bonnie, stop beating up Jason," Hermione called up the stairs. Jason grinned and mimed kissing.

"Jason, I swear I'll leave you in a snowbank."

"You will not. Hermione would never let you," he said smugly.

"I might," Harry told him as they reached the bottom of the stairs. As usual, their Alphas looked exhausted. She could smell the sweat, an earthy musk and tones of masculine shampoo from Neville, and with his tousled blonde hair and blue eyes looking at her, her heart beat a little faster. Him and Ron looked tired too. "What are you teasing her about? Last time she took her wand out on me."

Jason didn't look quite so confident. She glared at him too tell him to stay quiet. "It was nothing. Did any of you eat breakfast yet?"

It was a good thing that on Sundays it was more of a brunch from eight to eleven. "I'm hungry but we'll have Dobby bring us something. No, that wasn't a call," Harry said tiredly. She caught site of some large eyes from behind a suit of armor down the hallway from the base of the tower. "Please bring us something to eat in about thirty minutes. I would like to take a shower first."

Hermione leaned against him. She wondered what they did to make them so tired and why they couldn't come, but it looked like Neville and Ron did. They weren't Pack. Why did she feel jealous? She did things without them, but something told her this was important. "Yes, Master Harry," the squeaky voice of their elf came to them.

"If you don't mind me being smelly, I can join you," Neville told them.

Luna gave her usual far away smile to Bonnie. "I can eat a little something more and then join you down to Hagrid's."

"Can I take a shower first, before we go down there," Neville asked. Bonnie's heart skipped a beat to think he might be around for a while today.

"I'm going to go eat and then crawl back into bed," Ron told them.

"If you have them, would you mind if Nathan and I go to the library and meet you later? I want to work on our potions essay," Yvonne said, giving her a significant look. She narrowed her eye at her friend. They finished that essay Friday. Nathan went to open his mouth and Yvonne elbowed him. Hermione looked at them, not missing the interaction. Harry was rubbing the bridge of his nose. She was grateful for that, though his wife might say something later. Or not. Hermione was usually good that way. Or Harry was good at keeping secrets and not teasing her. She wasn't sure which yet.

"Ah, yeah, what Yvonne said." Nathan gave her a look that said he had no clue what was going on. Merlin did look over her at times.

"Right," Harry said a little slowly. "So, I am going to take a shower, maybe a nap. We'll see you with whoever shows about two?"

Ron sighed. "Yes. You owe me a game of chess though. All this studying and extra classes are killing me," Ron told them. "Can Dobby take me something to eat?"

"I can ask him if he can. McGonagall has given us special permission. Otherwise, you can raid the kitchens," Hermione told him.

She raised an eyebrow. Maybe she had something to ask them about. She might be able to wheedle it out of Neville later.

"Harry, the minge wants to talk to you two," she told them as they went to split up. "She's not playing nice today." He groaned and Hermione gave her a reproachful look. Jason sniggered.

"Thanks, Bonnie."

As they walked to the Great Hall, she fell in next to Neville. "So, where do you go with Harry and Hermione," she asked.

Ron groaned. "Don't remind me. I'm going to have bruises until next week and then get more."

Neville looked at him. "Ron, we are not supposed to talk about it."

The redhead looked at Neville before sighing. "Bloody hell, why is this so secretive? Harry or Remus never told us to keep it quiet."

Neville frowned. She was trying to figure out if she should push the issue. Jason spoke first. "How long have you been practicing muggle fighting and dueling?"

It suddenly made sense. Why hadn't she seen it before? Neville rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know. Since start of December? Remus invited all the advanced group to join him. Third years and up that are interested show up in his office at six every Sunday. If he isn't there, Harry and Hermione lead the class."

She frowned. She didn't like to be left out of things. "Why can't we come? I would like to do that stuff," Bonnie told him.

Ron shrugged. "I just know its third years and up. Only about two dozen students show most weeks. Too early for most." He yawned. "Too early for me too."

Neville laughed. "Yet you drag yourself out of bed. Your sister did a good job against Cedric today. Where does she get all the power and some of those spells?"

"Beats me. The bint has always been bloody strong that way."

"That's your sister," Luna said to him. "I rather like Ginevra. She's always been kind to me."

Ron laughed. "Ginny is, but she has just as many choice names for us at times too. You should've seen the way she went mental on Fred and George over Christmas when they hexed her new brush to keep disappearing every time she went to use it."

Neville snorted. "Remind me never to upset her. Those bat-bogeys chased then all over the dorm for two hours."

Ron laughed again. "Berks deserved it. We all know not to upset her."

She laughed at the image of it too. She liked the twins and Ron. She didn't know Ginny though. "How do you do that hex," Jason asked intrigued. She eyed him with his mischievous smile.

They made it to a cross-section of halls. "I am not telling you. All I need is to have bat-bogeys everywhere. I'm going to take a shower and then take a walk to the kitchens," Ron told them yawning again. "You sure you want to eat first, Nev?"

He shook his head. "I am too hungry. Besides, I said I would escort these two and you know how Harry and Hermione don't want any of the Lobos alone. Not that I blame them."

Ron nodded. "Oh, yeah. Should I come to the Great Hall then?"

"Nah, why don't you go take a shower," Bonnie told him, happy at the thought of one less person to occupy Neville's time. She was starting to wish she could have started last year. At least then she would be a second year and maybe convince Remus or Harry to let her go Sunday mornings.

"Bonnie, I will meet you in about twenty minutes. I should get my cloak if we are going to Hagrid's. It is rather poor weather today," Luna said in her far away voice. How the girl did that, to know what was going on, she didn't know.

"You're not going to wait for me?" Neville looked at her.

"I'll meet them in about twenty minutes so you can go shower," Luna told him.

"You'll be alright," she asked their new friend.

"Oh, yes. No one really bothers me as much and not sure what Hermione said to my dorm mates but all my stuff has found it's way back. "

She looked concerned as the girl wandered off. "Should we follow her," Neville asked.

"I'm hungry," Jason told them.

"I think she will be alright," she said, not sure if she believed her own words.

After that, it was a nice breakfast. Neville was a very sweet boy who made sure she passed through doors first and pulled out her chair. Jason snickered at her to see her face redden. A glare made him stop. Jason got on the topic of herbology with Neville. She was not a huge fan of the subject, but the way Neville brightened up and the look of excitement on his face excited her.

She was a little sad to convince him to go back to Gryffindor. He looked tired and smelled like he needed a shower and a nap. He said he would meet everyone at two in the library.

When he was finally heading back to Gryffindor when they were done and Luna joined them for the walk to Hagrid's, she felt a little sad. Neville was a nice boy, a cute boy. He had leaned out some over the last few months, to be replaced with muscles bigger than Harry's. She was also sure he had grown some too. He may have smelt a little repugnant with his sweat, but she found it wasn't a turn off when it came from him.

The storm had let up some. The wind was coming in buffs and burst. The sleet had changed to a light freezing mist. She cast the charms on all their cloaks and boots, Luna giving her a smile before adding her own weather repellant charm and a charm that would make their boots not slip on the ice. She added that to her list of spells to learn later.

The smoke that drifted out of Hagrid's hut was a welcome sign as they made it down the hill. Fang started to bark before they knocked on the door. "Get back you ruddy dog," Hagrid's booming voice came to then. She liked Hagrid. He had a scent that spoke of a gentle power and caring for those around him. Very unlike the new smells in the dorms.

That was a large reason she wanted out today. She needed a break from the new Lobos. She had a feeling Jason did too. As though reading her thoughts, Luna spoke up as the door unlocked. "It smells fresh out here. So much better than in the school some days."

She shook her head. She really needed to understand how that girl did that.

The door opened and Hagrid looked out. "Who in their ruddy right minds would be so barmy- Oh, it's you lot," he said, his face breaking into a smile.

"Morning, Hagrid," Luna said.

Jason reached to pet Fang who was trying to get past Hagrid. She liked the giant boarhound, who could be just as gentle as his master. "Morning. Get in here. This is no weather to be out in today," he ordered them.

They all filed in. She was pleased to see that they didn't need to shake their clothes of any sleet or moisture. The hut was just the way she liked. It had been a comfort outside of Lobo House since Harry and Hermione had taken them here in November. It was small, with the main room dominated by a fireplace, table and work area for the Groundskeeper and Professor. She noticed a box filled with leafy sticks.

"What's in there, Hagrid," Jason asked.

"Bowtruckles. Their tree was felled by something in the forest. Thought they could use a safe place until spring," he told them bustling around to get a kettle on the fireplace.

Luna smiled and moved to the box. Without hesitation, she stuck her hand into the box. "Do you have any wood lice," she asked the half-giant.

"On the shelf. Just fed 'em last night."

"I think they would like a snack," she said as a stick thing detached itself from one of the thick, lush branches that looked to be enchanted to stay healthy and full as though it was mid-summer. It chittered at her as she stood up, the small figure on her hand and stamping his foot. "Now, now. It is not all that bad. You will find a new tree. If it fell that easily then it was probably sick already," she told the bowtruckle kindly. "I know of someone that could probably heal a tree if you need in the future."

"Can I hold one," Jason asked coming up to the box.

"Be careful, they are still a little dodgy."

"I don't blame them. It was an acromantula that was fighting the centaurs that broke their tree," Luna stepped aside, taking a jar and pouring some of the little bugs onto the shelf and letting the bowtruckle chase them. More came out of the branches and she put some of the wood lice in the box. Jason was trying to see if any would climb onto his hand.

Hagrid cleared his throat loudly and made lots of noise as he put cups on the table and took out a large tin. "Made some biscuits if you want," he said as though he hadn't heard Luna.

"Hagrid, are there really acromantula's in the Great Forest? My mum said they are nasty things to deal with," Bonnie said. Visiting Hagrid every few weeks was starting to give her a healthy respect for why the Forbidden Forest was just that.

"Oh, they are just misunderstood, they are. Like most beasts. Why look at your lot. Not a nicer set of students I haven't seen in years," he said with a smile.

Bonnie felt the heat in her rise. Maybe she had hung out with Hermione too much, but she didn't like being called a beast. It didn't help that she heard it a dozen times a day when people thought they couldn't hear. "Hagrid, they are not beasts," Luna spoke up. "Bonnie is a very attractive girl with a sharp mind and Jason has a natural affinity with other animals. If they were beasts, these bowtruckles would not like them so much."

She gave a grateful look to the girl. Jason had three of the creatures sitting on him crunching on their treats.

"I neve' meant to offend you," he said to them. "I was just say'n'. You know, I can understand," he told them significantly. She knew he could.

"Hagrid, we understand," Bonnie told him. She knew the friendly man wouldn't offend them on purpose. He was as much an outcast as them.

-oOo-

January 29, 1995

London, England

She sat in the conference room that had been converted over to the main office for the huge investigation into all the werewolf and other creatures that had appeared to rise up over the last six months. Boards covered three walls with parchment, string, pictures and notes. It was the work of Scrimgeour and Black Group as they try to figure out what was going on.

Since July of last year, they had broken up four smuggling rings, all run by werewolves or hags, many times with them together. They had used trolls at a few places, and one even had an immature dragon. She had lost six Aurors, and four times that many creatures had perished. The only real link she could find was potion ingredients, plants to make potions or minor relics that didn't seem to have any link to each other.

A team from St. Mungo's and the Department of Mysteries had analyzed everything that had been captured. Besides a few dozen common potions, some relatively unknown susceptibility or very old healing potions, they could not figure out what the ingredients were being used for.

What bothered her more was that she had a feeling the Potter and Granger packs may have an idea. She had had a conversation with Remus, Dan and his Beta, Alexandra, a few weeks ago. They had given them some very nice clues that had allowed them to conduct more raids, but they had not been able to locate the cave that Sirius had found.

It was also disturbing that everything had gone silent since the massacre in Tettenhall. She had a feeling that Fenrir had done more damage than he was supposed to, and that if someone was pulling his strings, they were keeping the beast well in control right now. She did not like it when criminals went to ground like this. It made them even more unpredictable and dangerous when they did come out.

"Boss, Green two just came back. They found nothing," her secretary said peeking her head into the room.

Scrimgeour was sitting at the table, writing notes in a parchment pad. "That's eight out of eleven raids in the last three weeks with nothing," he said aggravated.

She felt his aggravation. He had calmed some after his forced break, but he was more determined than ever to find what was going on.

"You are sure the Malfoy case is not related to this?"

Scrimgeour frowned. "I am not sure of anything, Bones. The best they can find was that the boy was imperished and put his own name in. No one tampered with Dumbledore's wards and no one approached the cup that wasn't supposed to. We have found some odd things with his father looking into this case."

She had read the files but thought if she heard his perspective that might help. "Go over those odd things again."

"Eight of the twelve apothecaries that were robbed belong to the Malfoys. Two of the boats used had been reported stolen from the Malfoy's in the last three years. They had a load of special enchantments on them that I doubt a typical criminal would know or couldn't afford some of what we found. Have you ever heard of a muggle vehicle being made unplottable or with anti-wizard wards?"

She hadn't. Outside of a few ministry vehicles and the Knight Bus, most magicals in Britain didn't use any modern technology because magic would interfere with it. Some had learned how to enchant or shield the equipment to make it work, but there was a disdain for muggles that prevented most from dabbling in such.

She was going to have to have Remus and Alexandra come in and look at this. Maybe they could see something they weren't.