A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Godzilla. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 45: Wolf, Grim, and Wyrm
The evening after he departed Hogwarts found Harry back at Potter Manor, discussing the events of his most recent school year with his grandfather's portrait.
"It sounds like you've been busy, Harry," said Charlus, "still, you're growing up to be a fine young man… dragon… you know what I mean".
Harry just laughed, and headed down to his cavern to get some rest. Knowing he'd be expecting guests the next day. He wondered how Sirius would react.
The next morning, Harry had breakfast and made sure he was properly presentable, and soon after his guests arrived.
"Master Harry," said one of the House Elves, "a Mr. Lupin and Mr. Black are at the door".
"Thank you Blinky," said Harry.
Harry headed down to the entranceway to receive his guests, smiling as he saw them.
"Hello Sirius, hello Professor Lupin, good to see you," said Harry.
"Now Harry, you know I'm not your professor anymore," said Remus, "someone decided to spread word of my 'furry little problem', and now parents are worried for their children".
"That's too bad, you're the best Defense Professor I've had so far," said Harry, "unfortunately, that's nat saying much as the competition leaves much to be desired".
"That bad huh?" asked Sirius.
"First year there was some sort of wraith possessing Professor Quirrel," said Harry, "Second year we had Lockheart, who was nothing but a fraud. Even considering that, Remus was far and away an excellent teacher".
"So, you wanted to show me something," said Sirius, "does it have anything to do with that book you gave me?"
"It does, but I need to know," said Harry, "Even if you don't like what you learn, you can't tell others about it. Can you do that for me?"
"Of course," said Sirius, "now I'm just more curious. What are you doing, keeping a dragon in the basement?"
"Now that would just be silly," said Harry.
Harry led them though the house, passing the portrait of Charlus as they went.
"Sirius, Remus, good to see you again," said Charlus.
"The same to you," said Sirius, "thank you again".
"It was no problem," said Charlus.
"I feel like I'm missing something here," said Harry.
"Long story short, I was the black sheep… though white sheep would be more appropriate, of my family," said Sirius, "because I wasn't holding up properly to the dark path she wanted me on, my mother kicked me out on to the street. The Potters took me in, treated be just like their own son. Your father was more that my best friend, he was a brother to me".
"By the way, if you're here, where's Dorea?" asked Remus.
Charlus blinked for a moment before frowning.
"I… I don't know," said Charlus, "her portrait should be right here!"
"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye out for her portrait," said Sirius.
"Again, missing something here," added Harry.
"Dorea Potter was your grandmother Harry," said Sirius, "she was also one of my aunts. She may have been a Slytherin, but she was also one of the kindest women in the the world. Her portrait should be right here!"
"Perhaps someone removed it?" supplied Harry.
"But to remove the portrait, you'd need access to the manor, which would involve passing the wards," said Sirius, "do you think Albus wouls... and if he did why would he remove a single portrait?"
"We'll find her," said Remus, "she must be somewhere".
They agreed to this plan, and then continued on, heading down to the caverns beneath the manor.
"I was kidding about the basement, Prongslet," said Sirius.
"I know, but I have to say, you were rather close with your guess," said Harry, "have you seen the news about Asulmagus?"
"It was hard not to, a creature that size, appearing out of the blue near Hogwarts!" said Sirius.
"How would you like to meet him?" asked Harry.
Sirius broke down in laughter, but eventually recovered enough to continue.
"Come on, you can pull a better prank than this," said Sirius.
"I certainly can," said Harry, "offline limiter".
Before Sirius could process what he'd said, Harry suddenly changed, morphing into a something extremely large. Where his Godson once stood, there was now a colossal dragon. He blinked and rubbed his eyes: it was still there. He muttered quietly to Remus, who proceeded to slap him across the face. The dragon was still there. Asulmagus… he was looking at Asulmagus.
"Harry?" questioned Sirius.
Asulmagus nodded. A pulse of magic surrounded him, and he cleared his throat.
"Yes, it is me," said Asulmagus, his voice filling the chamber even though he spoke quietly, "will this be a problem?"
"Like I told you before, James made me your Godfather, even if you are a giant monster, it changes nothing. You're still my godson… my big scaly godson".
Asulmagus flashed him a toothy, terrifying grin. Sirius' mind recalled something from a muggle book Lily had introduced him to.
'Merlin, his teeth really are like swords' thought Sirius.
"So, would you like to hear how this happened?" asked Asulmagus.
"Definitely," said Sirius.
"Well," said Asulmagus, "it began at #4 Privet Drive…"
He launched into his tale, Sirius hanging on to each word. The more he heard about what had been happening at Hogwarts, the lower his opinion of Dumbledore sank (not that it had been high to start with). But it made him a bit sad as well.
"So, you're rejecting your humanity? Your heritage?" asked Sirius.
"Not completely, but you must understand," said Asulmagus, "I never had anything resembling a normal childhood. The other kaiju… they largely don't treat me like a child. It's more like they're my older brothers and sisters, wanting to be there to support me. Some like Manda and Mothra play the role of the wise elder, but don't talk down to me. They make me feel like I belong".
"If I could… then I'd thank them personally," said Sirius, "for taking you in, keeping you safe. For being a family to you".
"I'll make sure to pass the message along for you," said Asulmagus.
All were quiet for a moment, before Sirius thought of something with a smirk.
"So… if you're a mighty dragon, where's your bed of gold and jewels?" asked Sirius wryly.
"Gringotts, I suppose," said Asulmagus, "though I believe the Goblins wouldn't appreciate me napping in their vaults".
That got both Marauders laughing. Eventually, they calmed, and discussed their respective summer plans. It turned out Sirius had managed to get tickets for the Qudditch World Cup, and wished for his best friend and godson to join him.
"Sure, I'd be happy to attend," said Asulmagus, "Though, it never really had much appeal to me at Hogwarts, nor did riding a broomstick for that matter".
"It didn't?" asked Sirius, "why not?"
"Why would it, when I can use my own wings?" said Asulmagus.
"He's got you there, Sirius," said Remus, "I'd bet he could outpace all but the fastest racing brooms if he really tried".
They continued chatting throughout the day, reminiscing on days long gone, and thinking on what the future may hold.
A Distant Planet
A warning klaxon was blaring as the critically damaged Gigan appeared in a burst of energy and particles. Upon arrival it immediately shut down, the last dregs of power in its bio-reactor focusing on life support. The alien lifeforms who were in the control room rushed out once the decontamination system said it was clear.
They looked at what was left of Gigan, and readied to get to work. The sample container was empty, and any trace samples had likely been incinerated away. It seems the mission had ended in failure… at least they could collect telemetry to see where exactly Gigan was during its battle.
"Download its memory, find out what happened!" said the commander, "The Masters are not going to like this…"
A/N: And there we go! Next time a return to Monster Island to report what he learn in his time away. and to explore the Path of Mind. See you then!