Lychophidion

Disclaimer, if I owned Harry potter would I be writing fan fics? Okay the first two chapters of this story are a little vague and rough but it gets better after that I promise

" " Is talking

' ' Is thinking

A/N: This story will start at the end of third year and then breeze through fourth and fifth, please review.

Chapters 1, bite me.

(Harry and the others have just left the whomping willow) "A cloud shifted. There were suddenly dim shadows on the ground. Their party was bathed in moonlight. ...Harry could see Lupin's silhouette. He had gone rigged. Then his limbs began to shake.

"Run," Black whispered. "Run, Now." But Harry couldn't run Ron was chained to Pettigrew and Lupin. He leapt forward but Black caught him around the chest and threw him back.

"Leave it to me-RUN!" There was a terrible snarling noise. Lupin's head was lengthening. So was his body. His shoulders were hunching. Hair was sprouting visibly on his hands, which were curling into paws. As the werewolf reared Sirius disappeared from Harry's side he had transformed.1"

The huge dog surged forward as the werewolf came loose from the manacles. Sirius tried to grab the werewolf, but before he could the werewolf spun and knocked the dog to the side. Sirius gave a yelp, as the werewolf started towards Ron. Ron tried to run, but his leg caused him to fall over. The Werewolf rushed towards Ron, Harry could see Sirius charging behind the wolf trying to stop him, but Harry knew he wouldn't get there in time.

Harry couldn't think of anything else to do so before he could even think about it, he rushed forward and tackled the werewolf to the ground as Hermione and Ron both screamed, "Harry no!" Harry tried to keep the werewolf pinned down, but he simply wasn't strong enough the animal over powered him and then bit into Harry's shoulder.

Harry screamed in agony as he felt the fangs penetrate his skin his shoulder burned like it was on fire. Harry felt a sudden weakness in his whole body and he was also very dizzy. Harry was certain he was going to die than; suddenly the werewolf was pulled away. Harry looked up and saw that Sirius had grabbed Lupin around the neck and was dragging him away from Harry and the others.

Harry's shoulder was bleeding badly; Hermione rushed up to him her face pale. She was obviously unable to think of anything to say. Hermione muttered a spell that caused the wound to be wrapped up and then placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry looked up at the full moon and his stomach sank, 'I'm a werewolf' he thought, 'I'm going to turn into a monster every month now' Harry felt like crying then he saw something out of the corner of his eye.

Pettigrew had lunged forward and grabbed Remus's wand, he pointed it at himself. Harry shouted, "Hermione behind you!" Hermione turned and yelled, "Expelliarmus!" But it was too late Pettigrew had transformed and Hermione's spell hit Ron knocking him out.

Harry heard a loud whining and saw the werewolf run into the forest Harry shouted, "Sirius Pettigrew is gone!"

Sirius turned and started to race after Pettigrew while Hermione ran over to Ron. Harry still clutched at his wounded shoulder as he asked, "How is he?" Hermione looked at Ron, "I'm not sure, but I think he will be o.k. Harry I'm so..." Hermione didn't have time to finish her sentence the next thing Harry heard was a loud yelp and he knew that something was wrong, "Sirius!" Harry didn't know where he found the strength but some how he managed to stand and run towards the sound with Hermione close behind him.

As they crested the hill Harry saw Sirius was lying on the ground with his hands over his head moaning, "Nooo, nooo please. Harry said, "Hermione think of something happy," Harry pulled out hi wand and started shouting, "Expecto patronum! Expecto Patronum!"

Only thin wisps came out of Harry's wand, Harry tried to focus on Sirius and nothing else but it wasn't working one of the dementors walked forward and brushed away Harry's patronus2.

Clammy hands grabbed Harry's neck and forced his face upwards… it was going to get rid of him first…His mother was screaming she was going to be the last thing he ever heard. Then it happened a huge silver shape came out of the darkness and the dementors suddenly fled. Harry tried to see what it was he watched as the thing arrived at the other end of the lake and someone welcomed it back. Someone who looked very familiar but it couldn't be could it? Harry couldn't think anymore his strength left him and he fell back onto the grass3.

Harry woke up in the hospital wing he could hear Snape talking to minister Fudge, it took Harry a moment to remember what was going on but when he did he sat bolt upright. His arm was in a sling it was still throbbing, but it did feel better. Harry and Hermione tried to convince Fudge that Sirius was innocent, but they wouldn't listen.

Dumbledore managed to get them out of the room then he turned to Harry the usual twinkle in his eyes was gone, "Harry my boy I am so sorry. Unfortunately there is nothing I can do to help you there is no cure for a werewolf bite however, there may be something that can be done for Sirius we just need more time." Harry didn't understand what Dumbledore was saying but Hermione seemed to, "But professor isn't that dangerous with Harry you know?" Dumbledore shook his head, "It takes twenty four hours for the werewolf venom to work its way through the system, Harry will be perfectly safe this one time."

Dumbledore told them what to do and then left the room, Harry and Hermione used the time turner to go back and save Buckbeak. Harry used his patronus to drive away the dementors and the next thing Harry knew he was saying good-bye to Sirius. Sirius looked sadly at Harry's arm and said, "Harry I am so sorry. I tried to stop him I did." Harry nodded too chocked up to speak the full effect of what had happened was only just now starting to hit him, "It wasn't your fault Sirius. Now hurry up and get out of here!" Sirius flew off on Buckbeak and Harry and Hermione got back to the hospital wing just in time.

The next morning Harry Ron and Hermione were still talking about what had happened the previous night. Madame Pomfrey had let Harry leave the hospital wing, but insisted that he come back every day for the next week to make sure that his injury didn't get infected or anything. Unlike most injuries that could be sealed ad cured by magic a werewolf bite had to heal on its own.

Harry was sitting by the lake with Ron and Hermione still trying to compile everything that had happened to him. It was still hard for Harry to believe that he was now a werewolf. But he knew he was the bite had all ready started to effect him. Harry's bright green eyes now had fleck of amber in them and he was a bit bigger then he had been before, he no longer needed his glasses. His shoulders were broader and he was a little taller, his sense of smell and hearing were both a lot stronger as well. Walking through the hallways was killing Harry so he was glade to be outside. Harry was staring out into space listening to Ron and Hermione talking when Dumbledore came walking up to them. Harry was trying to make sense of all the smells that were flowing into his nose at the moment.

Harry looked up and the headmaster said, "Harry professor Lupin would like to see you in his office immediately." Harry stood Ron and Hermione moved to follow him, but Dumbledore held up his hand motioning them to stay. Harry headed to Lupin's office with Dumbledore close behind. Harry was privately glad that the headmaster was coming with him. Harry knew that Remus hadn't hurt him on purpose, but even so the image of the snarling werewolf sinking its fangs into his shoulder was an image Harry wasn't going to forget anytime soon.

Harry arrived at Lupin's office and knocked he heard Remus shout, "Come in." Harry turned the knob and entered as Dumbledore said, "I'll just wait out here for you then." Harry looked back he wasn't sure if he could face Remus without someone else there but at the same time he knew that he had to do this on his own. Harry swallowed the lump in his throat nodded and walked in.

Remus was packing up his things but he stopped and turned to Harry with a sad look on his face. Harry had never seen Remus look so old, "Harry I am so sor…" Harry held up a hand to stop him, "Remus this isn't your fault, I don't blame you." Remus gave a sad smile, "You are too forgiving Harry." Harry shrugged, "So I've noticed. Why are packing you haven't been fired have you?" Remus shook his head as he sat down in his office chair, "No I've resigned Harry what happened last night can never happen again."

A sudden terrible thought hit Harry, "Minister Fudge doesn't know that you." Remus knew what Harry was asking, "No Harry Dumbledore convinced Fudge that I was trying to help you and that you were attacked by Sirius. This of course got professor Snape angry so he told what I was and soon parents will start to kick up a fuss so I've resigned before that could happen. As for Fudge doesn't know that you were bitten by anything, he saw your wound but it was all ready dressed so he didn't know what it was. Madame Pomfrey, Snape, Dumbledore, myself, and your friends are the only ones besides you who know what you are."

Harry let out a huge sigh of relief he was glade that no one knew, Harry had heard that any werewolf who infected another person. Be it accidentally or on purpose would be put down for the crime. Harry looked around and said, "So you're leaving then?" Remus shook his head, "No I am staying until the next full moon which will come about three days before school gets out." Harry was very confused by this, "But why?"

Remus gave a smile, "Harry as a werewolf you need to have your sire with you on your first transformation without me the transformation will be even worse than what you saw last night." Harry swallowed hard he couldn't think of anything that would be worse than what had happened last night. Harry asked, "So did you have your sire with you the first time?"

Remus flinched and Harry instantly regretted asking the question, "No I didn't. I was bitten when I was eight years old I had been out flying a new toy broom my father had gotten me for my birthday. I stayed out too late and as I was putting the broom away I heard a noise in the bush. I shrugged it off as just being some kind of rabbit or something like that."

Remus sounded sad as he continued his story," Then I heard a howl I screamed and called for my parents as the werewolf lunged out of the bush at me. I tried to run for the house but the wolf caught me and bit into my leg. My father came charging out of the house holding his wand while my mother had a gun she kept in the house. My father hit the werewolf with a spell it let go of me and tried to run off into the forest but my mother shoot it in the head."

Remus stopped to take a breath, Harry could tell that this was difficult for him, "My parents tried to help me, but there was nothing they could do it was a miracle that I even survived the bite. When the full moon came they had no choice but to lock me down in the storm cellar attached to the house. When I went down there I was obviously frightened then my body began to tingle and I felt as if something were pulling at me somehow. It was the pull of the moon, the transformation was much more painful than what I usually go through without my sire there to guide me I fought it every step of the way and the more you fight the moon the more it hurts. Eventually I learned to accept what I was and to deal with my transformations more efficientlym but it has never been easy."

Remus finished and Harry sat there unable to think of anything to say, finally decided to ask Remus something, "What do I need to know about the transformation?" Remus sighed again, "You'll find yourself becoming very moody as the full moon comes close you may snap at people more than you usually do or become more protective of your friends and loved ones. You'll also get a strong craving for flesh blood these will help with that." Remus held out a handful of the blood-flavored lollipops Harry had seen at Honeydukes. Harry took them and grimaced thinking that he would never actually eat them.

"What about my senses of hearing and smell?" Remus sighed, "I'm afraid you'll just have to get used to it Harry try to avoid large groups of people until you're body has adjusted properly to the changes you are going through."

Harry felt tears prickling at his eyes and the next thing he knew he was crying, "Why me? Why do things like this keep happening to me? I just don't know if I can handle this." Remus had stood up form his chair; He walked over to Harry and pulled him into a loose hug. "Harry I know this is hard for you and right now it seems overwhelming and impossible to deal with your condition, but you will. It will be hard at first but with a little help you will be able to deal with this."

Harry clutched onto Remus's robe with his one good hand and started to sob they sat there like that for several minutes Remus gently rubbed Harry's back and whispered to him to "let it all out." Remus knew how hard this was to accept what had happened he just hoped that Harry was strong enough to handle it.

After a while Harry sat up and whipped his eyes, "thanks I needed that." Remus nodded, "I know Harry just remember that no matter what is going on you can always come and talk to me okay." Harry nodded still feeling a little out of it. Remus shook his head and said, "Now of course you're going to have to start taking the wolfsbane potion and we're going to have to get you a familiar."

Harry looked up and asked, "A, what?" Remus smiled, "A familiar Harry and animal companion or companions that will share the transformation with you. If you have one it makes the transformation easier on you since werewolves are actually social beings." Harry was confused, "But I have Hedwig. "Remus smiled, "You need something a bit bigger a cat or dog." Harry nodded to show he understood, "So why don't you have a familiar?"

Remus gave a small laugh that made Harry grin, "My parents tried to buy me one, but I didn't connect with any of the animals I was exposed to and then when I came here I knew why. I didn't need a familiar because I had your father and the others. And before you ask me no I won't teach your friends how to become animagus' it was wrong for us to do is then and it would be even more wrong now."

Harry felt a little disappointed by this but he decided to let it go Remus reached into his desk and pulled out a familiar looking piece of paper, "However, since I am no longer your teacher I can give you this back." Harry gave a full smile when Remus handed him the Marauder's map, "Thank you professor." Remus shook his head, "Harry I told you I'm not your professor anymore you may call me Remus or Moony if you like, which reminds me we should figure out a nick name for you as well." Harry blushed nodded again maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all, "Okay, Moony. But what'll I do during the holidays?"

Remus looked upset, "Professor Snape will owl you the wolfsbane potion and then he will spend the full moon with you." Harry felt his temper rise, "He will WHAT! Why Snape we hate each other?" Remus sighed, "Because professor Snape is an animagus, the incident in the shrieking shack scared him badly and he wanted to make sure he could keep himself safe in case it ever happened again so he learned to be an animagus. Like your father and the rest of us Snape kept it a secret but he can turn into a grizzly bear. So if he is with you when you transform and something goes wrong he will be able to stop you from hurting someone else or yourself understand."

Harry pouted slightly but said, "Yeah I guess I understand, so what's my nick name going to be?" Remus smiled and ruffled his hair, "How about Lych?" Harry's eyebrows creased. "Lych?" Remus nodded yes there is a certain kind of snake, that makes a barking like noise when it hisses it's called the African wolf snake and its scientific name is Lychophidion (litch-oh-fid-eon) since you area werewolf that speaks parseltongue that names seems perfect for you." Harry thought about it for a moment, "Lych, I think I like it."

Remus nodded, "Good, I know this is a lot for you to take in all at once, but you're going to be all right Harry. I know you will." Harry smiled and left the office not really sure where he was going. But feeling as though getting there would be easier now, talking to Remus made him feel more confident about himself and calmed him down a bit as well. Harry wondered if Remus had this effect on him because Remus was his sire or just because Remus had understood him and offered comfort.

Chap 2. The first transformation

The next morning was a Saturday and Harry was escorted to Hogsmead by Remus and professor McGonagall to get a familiar. They went to a magical creature shop that was just past the three broomsticks. Inside it looked just like the magical menagerie in Diagon Alley. Harry wasn't sure what to do so he turned to ask Remus, "Just start walking around looking into the cages Harry you'll know which one is for you." Harry nodded and started looking around.

Harry checked the snake cages first figuring that he would have a strong connection to a snake because he was a parselmouth. But none of the snakes seemed to really reach out to him in any way. Harry continued to look, but nothing really jumped out at him. Then Harry saw something in the back of the store Harry didn't even need to see what it was to know that this was the one when Harry walked back he found that the this was a these.

In two cages side by side were a fox and a baby snow leopard the two animals seemed to have no problem being so close to each other. Harry bent down, looked the two animals in the eye then reached into their cage and gave them both a pat on the head. Harry called to Remus and professor McGonagall, "Over here, I've found them." Harry heard Remus shout, "Them!" When Remus and McGonagall came to the back of the store and saw what Harry had found they looked shocked McGonagall seemed to recover her wits first and said, "Well Potter I must say that this is not what I expected two familiars and their both a different species of animal this is very rare. Only about ten werewolves throughout history have had multiple familiars that differed like this. Usually if a werewolf bonds with two animals it is two of the same species this shows that you area very powerful wizard indeed Harry."

Harry felt his face turn bright red, he always got so embarrassed when people talked about how powerful or famous he was. Remus seemed to sense this so he changed the subject, "Well Let's get these two paid for. What are you going to name them Harry?" Harry thought for a moment then it came to him, "Well I'll name the fox Sly and the leopard, Shakira. What do you think?" Remus nodded, "I like it Harry they're very nice names." Remus waved his wand and levitated the two cages to the counter, they paid for the animals and the store clerk also gave them collars for the animals as well as food and some toys.

Over the next few weeks Harry slowly got used to his condition, like Remus had said he eventually adjusted, but it did take time. At first Harry couldn't enter the great hall without feeling sick to his stomach and studying was almost impossible with the sounds of the students in the halls, didn't they realize how loud they were? But since Harry had taken all his tests he didn't have too much to worry about. Ron and Hermione had stuck by Harry the whole time he didn't think that he would've been able to handle it all without them. The other Griffindor's did of course notice Harry's change in appearance but he told them that he had simply had a growth spurt and gotten Madame Pomfrey to fix his eyes.

All in all things were going o.k. until a week before the full moon. Harry went to Snape's office after class for his first dose of the wolfsbane potion. Harry knocked on the door and heard Snape shout, "Come in." Harry winced at the tone in Snape's voice, ever since that night Snape had acted even worse towards him then usual. Harry really couldn't blame him, but still the avid hostility was not helping his mood, Harry had been cranky all morning and his head was hurting as well.

Harry entered the office to find Remus all ready there waiting for him; Snape thrust a goblet into Harry's hand and ordered, "Drink." Harry drank the potion down and nearly gagged, it was even worse than the skelo grow he had had in second year. The potion tasted like Neville's socks smelled.

Remus nodded, "Yes Harry, I know, but you will get used to it." Harry nodded unable to speak from the nasty stuff he had just taken, "Geese, Remus how do you stand this?" Remus shook his head, "like I said you will get used to it." Harry spent the rest of the night talking to Remus about what the actual transformation would be like, "It is going to hurt obviously. And even with the potion you find it necessary to bite either yourself or someone else. As I said before the first transformation is the worst and to insure that neither of us does any damage to the school or the other students professor Snape will also be coming with us. Harry groaned but he didn't bother arguing, he knew better by now.

Harry took the potion every day for the rest of the week and then the day came, Harry had put on old shirt and pants that had belonged to his cousin then donned his invisibility cloak and headed down to the Whomping willow where Remus and professor Snape were waiting for him (he didn't bring his animals with because he wasn't certain how this transformation would effect him and he didn't want to hurt them accidentally). Harry arrived at the willow and took off his cloak, he grinned at Remus and nodded at Snape who scowled and said "All right let's get this over with." Remus pushed the knot in the tree with a long branch and then they headed in Remus first with Snape taking up the rear. Harry was sure he heard Snape shudder as they entered the tunnel but he didn't say anything.

Harry left his cloak in the tunnel where it wouldn't be damaged then made his way up to the room he had first meet Sirius in, had it really been only a month? Remus looked at Snape and said, "Severus the moon will be rising soon you should transform now." Snape nodded to show he understood then he got down on all fours and shifted, Harry gasped at the sight. Snape was a huge and gorgeous brown grizzly bear with a strange black mark that looked like a skull on his right front paw.

Harry was just about to mention it when he felt a sharp pain in his stomach Harry groaned and doubled over. Remus grabbed his shoulder and Harry could see that he was also in pain, "Just relax Harry and try to breathe through it. Remember what I told you don't fight it." Harry nodded then the moon rose and all other thoughts fled form his mind Harry screamed as he felt his joints and muscles all tense of his body began to lengthen. His bones broke and then reformed themselves, black fur sprouted over his body and his eyes turned completely amber.

The next thing Harry knew he was lying on the floor and Moony was standing above him, the older wolf snarled and Harry/Lych seemed to understand what he wanted he rolled over on his back and gave a submissive whine. The older wolf studied the younger one for a moment then bent over and clamped Harry's neck lightly in his jaws to show his dominance. Moony held on for a minute or two then let go. Lych stood up and walked around the house enjoying the unusual sounds and smells of the old house. Lych noticed the bear in the corner and tried to get past it so he could se the rest of the house but the bear would not move.

Lych growled and then the bear turned and gave him a scowl which caused Lych to laugh, he never knew bears could scowl. Moony seamed to sense the other animals annoyance and pulled the other wolf to the opposite end of the room. The two of them began to chase each other back and forth lightly nipping and each others paws and tails.

All in all things were going well until about midnight Lych felt a sudden rush of rage and he wanted to hurt something. He wouldn't hurt a member of his own pack so he started making his way towards the bear that was sleeping in the doorway. However, before he could get there Moony rushed forward and pinned them to the ground leaving him there until the rage passed. Which unfortunately didn't happen until Lych bit into his own paw, he snarled then yelped when this happened. But then he settled down and enjoyed the rest of the night with Moony.

At dawn the change came again Harry howled in pain as his bones snapped and then reformed once more. Once Harry had changed back he was too weak to move, he lay on the floor naked his whole body was throbbing and his arm was bleeding. Snape walked over and muttered a healing charm to seal the wound. Harry could see Remus walking towards him, Remus bent down and helped him to stand Harry's legs were weak and shaky but he managed to keep his balance.

Remus wrapped and extra cloak around Harry and slowly helped him up to the castle, Harry had been expecting Remus to take him to the tower, but instead Remus lead Harry to his own office (Snape left them at the entry way).

Remus's quarters were sparse because he was leaving very soon; he took Harry into a spare room and placed him on the bed. Remus gave Harry a potion to help with his pain and told him to sleep. It had been very long night and Harry was going to need all the rest he could get if he wanted to go home on the express with his friends in two days.

1 These paragraphs were taken directly from pages 380 and 381 0f The Prisoner of Azkaban

2 From pages 384 and 385

3 Ibid