Wolves of Hogwarts Chapter 3: Signs, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter 3

Signs

It had been years since the Dursleys woke to find their nephew on the front doorstep, yet nothing had changed about Privet Drive. The lawns were still cut, the houses still identical, and the mail always delivered on time, excepts on Sundays. If it was not so boring, Privet Drive would feel like a museum exhibit, a preserved piece, never changing or shifting.

However, despite the sickening common plainness of Privet Drive, as Harry Potter walked home, he could not stop and think about how much his life was about to change. In the past few hours, he had learnt that not only does a magical world existed right under his nose, and that he is a part of this new world as well. He was a wizard, like his parents, his godparents, and his best friend.

His feelings were mixed on the topic. On the one hand, it was refreshing to hear the truth at last, and he felt a sense of awe and wonder at the thought that there were powers at work greater than him. On the other hand, there was the helpless sense these greater powers brought, mixed with the knowledge of the dangerous forces that took his parents and the fact he was famous because they died.

His godparents eased his fears and reassured him that he would never be alone in facing the harsh realities ahead. Indeed Harry felt his morale lift at the reminder that he would not be alone. Cassie explained about all the wonderful things she had seen, the magical German Christmas Market, flying around the Sphinx on a magic carpet in Egypt and briefly explained quidditch. Only briefly because Severina chose that exact moment to send her out for a fish and chips dinner. Sirius explained what they both did for a living to Harry's intense interest.

Sirius was something called an Auror, which he described as a magical detective of sorts within the Ministry of Magic, the government of magical Britain. Severina was a potions mistress, and a well-off and established one at that. She promised to show him how to brew a potion in due time. She had written three successful books on potion making, Sirius told him that she was celebrated by inventing the Wolfsbane potion which werewolves used to keep safe during the full moon, Severina blushed at his praise and pushed him off his chair and would be taking a teaching position at Hogwarts next year. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was a prominent topic of discussion and the one topic that interested Harry the most.

Harry spent the remainder of the day, all on the same topic, magic. Cassie taught him wizarding games like gobstones and exploding snap and he was entranced by the hopping chocolate frogs.

"Bloody Dumbledore again. I swear he has cursed me so I only get his cards. I'm not interested in bowling!" Cassie groused.

However, the hour was drawing late and now the time that he dreaded was upon him, he had to return to the Dursleys.

Still, Harry walked with a continuous smile on his face. This smile faltered when the sight of Number Four, Privet Drive appeared like the entrance to a gothic castle. Taking in a deep breath, he walked forward and opened the door.

He braced himself, expecting shouts, yelling, accusations, maybe even a spout of violence or threats from Uncle Vernon. However, the house of Number Four was uncomfortably silent, like the calm before the storm. Well, not entirely silent. Uncle Vernon was rereading his issue of the Daily Mail, Aunt Petunia had begun her ritual of wiping the countertops, and Dudley was staring blankly at the telly. On the surface, they looked like a regular family. Until Harry entered.

They all glared at him but said nothing. The tension could melt the iceberg that sank the Titanic. Now here it was, now they were all going to lay into him. Harry waited for the explosion, but it never came, though judging by how Uncle Vernon's face kept changing shades, Harry knew he wanted to say something. After a long moment, the three Dursleys all returned to their selected activities. Harry could see the all-too-familiar hate, anger, and resentment in their eyes, but upon close examination, Harry thought he saw another emotion there, fear. He could sense it as they started looking at him and followed him across the room. He honestly couldn't leave fast enough, scurrying up to his room and closing the door quietly.

He threw himself onto his bed, even though he was wide awake, and it was only in the afternoon. He had no plans to sleep, he needed to think; his mind was racing. Magic. Hogwarts. The Boy Who Lived.

Over the course of the week, this new treatment by the Dursleys did not change. They still insulted him and gave him chores, but there was a newly found restraint in their attitude, mixed with a clear resentment and of course, fear. For the most part, they actively tried to ignore him. Even if he was in the same room as Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, or Dudley, they'd act as if he wasn't there. Strangely, Harry soon found that this was how he preferred the Dursleys, and it gave him plenty of time to slip away to the Blacks.

For their part, the Black family had dropped all presence, and were now actively displaying magic at any opportunity. After a while, the spells, moving objects, and people appearing from the fireplace had become commonplace to him. Despite the slight observant glances Auntie Sev would give him from time-to-time Harry's excitement grew with each new thing the Blacks taught him. Uncle Sirius was ecstatic to finally be able to divulge every detail about Harry's parents and had even taken to calling Harry his little marauder or Prongslet, which Cassie had of course made fun of him for. Cassie had talked in length on her favorite bands and Quidditch teams. Auntie Sev had gone hours talking on the brilliance of his mother, and how no mind has ever been able to match hers.

Soon, Sirius came to Harry, asking if he wished to accompany him and Cassie to the Ministry's annual, Take Your Child to Work Day. His god parents debated if exposing him now was a good idea but Sirius had said they would have to take him to the magical world eventually. Better in a controlled environment at the ministry where there was no press and he and Cassie could watch him. Harry was excited to go and agreed on the spot, even though he had to clear with the Dursleys. Who of course, did not care?

The day they were to be at the Ministry was a nice Saturday, and Harry was practically jumping with how excited he was. "Settle down," laughed Cassie.

"But I'm too excited," replied Harry.

"Harry, I've gone to these things before, they are not as adventurous as you think," said Cassie.

"Leave him alone, Cassie, he's allowed to be happy," Auntie Sev mildly scolded.

"At least it's nice to have one kid excited to go to work with me," said Uncle Sirius. "However, I must remind you both to stay on you best behavior."

Harry calmed down when he saw the serious expressions on his godparent's faces as they looked right at him.

"No, Harry, I don't need to remind you to be on your best behavior, this is a privilege after all," said Severina firmly.

"Yes, Auntie Sev," Harry agreed.

"The same goes for you, young lady. I don't want a repeat of what happened last year," Severina addressed her daughter.

"That Toad Lady has it in for me," Cassie said defensively. "Besides, with what dad has said about her, I'm sure anyone could have put thumbtacks on her chair. Didn't think she'd scream it to the entire Ministry."

It was taking every ounce of will power Sirius had not to laugh at the memory of his daughter's prank. Even his wife, who often took the role of disciplinarian in their parenting style, had to suppress a smile.

"She is a high-ranking member of the Ministry, young lady, and you will show her respect," said Severina.

"Listen to your mother," Sirius said to Cassie before turning to Harry.

"Harry," Severina's expression was mixed, part stern and part worried. "This is important."

"Remember when we told you that you were famous in the Wizarding World," Sirius began. "There will be well-wishers who are thankful you did what you did, there will be staring and whispers. Human nature unfortunately Harry, there are people who will not wish you well."

"We were hoping to delay the conversation, but we also feel it is important to reintroduce you to the magical world sooner than later," Severina said.

"I'm gonna have to ask you to stay with me or Cassie at all times, and don't talk to people I don't introduce you too. Some of the people at the Ministry are not exactly, friendly," said Sirius.

"Like Toad Lady," said Cassie.

Oddly, neither Sirius nor Severina disagreed with their daughter's rude statement. Harry nodded.

"Good, but we're not saying don't try to have fun," said Sirius smiling.

"But we are cautious," warned Severina. "I have to stay and work on the syllabus for next year."

"Still trying to convince Dumbledore that Wolfsbane Potion isn't too complicated for first years," said Sirius cheekily.

"He seems to think that I'd be overloading them," replied Severina.

Harry was enthralled with the playful argument. Every word was just something else he needed to learn about. Soon, Sirius brought them into the living room, followed by Severina, who was holding a container of some kind of powder. Waving his wand, the fireplace expanded to able to fit all three of them.

"Stay close, Harry," said Sirius.

Severina approached, kissing Sirius on the cheek and kissing Harry and Cassie on the head.

"Be careful," she said to all three of them, while holding out the container.

"We will," said Sirius taking a hand full of the powder. "Love you."

"Love you too," Severina said. "Love you, Harry and Cassie. Stay close to each other and listen to your father. Be safe."

"We will," said Cassie.

"Love you too," said Harry.

"Don't worry, Sev, they'll be with me," reassured Sirius. With a loud a clear throat, he spoke. "THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC!"

Soon, the trio was engulfed in emerald flames, as the last thing Harry saw of the Living Room at the Black House was Auntie Sev's worried face. Harry didn't have time to think or move, as within seconds, he was away from Privet Drive and at what he assumed was the Ministry of Magic. He had been amazed before with all the books, explanations but now he was truly awed.

A spectacular to rival any spectacular, the Ministry was massive, with an array of office, statues, even building, all underground. But what Harry was most amazed by was the presence of other wizards, witches, and a whole menagerie of magical beings. The atrium was filled to capacity by men and women in robes and pointed hats, what Harry took as goblins and little ugly creatures Cassie whispered were house elves. They wore robes of varying styles, colors, and shapes, and pointed hat like the ones worn by witches in old movies and cartoons. Harry also noticed a number of children walking alongside the populous of the Ministry on this day, no doubt visiting with their parents.

Harry was so lost in his own world; he had not realized Sirius was trying to talk to him. "Harry, Harry."

"Yes," replied Harry.

"Follow me, we're heading to the Auror Offices," said Sirius. "Oh, and almost forgot."

Sirius reached into his pocket and took out two badges, handing one to Harry and the other to Cassie. Harry saw it was a visitor badge and placed it on the left side of his crest. When he looked around again, he saw that all the children were wearing the same badge as him.

"Now follow me," said Sirius directing them to a lift.

The lift took them to the second level, were a number of offices and headquarters were located. Sirius walked them to a door with the reading Auror Headquarters and directed them in. The Auror Headquarters was a wide-open area of clutter, cubicles and offices filled with laughter and chatter. Along the long way was a large bulletin board with maps, wanted posters, memos, and even a few crudely drawn cartoons.

Sirius brought them to his own cubicle, which was no better than the others, although this one had more personal memorabilia. Some Muggle items like a bobblehead, a Batman action figure, a Muppets calendar. Moving photos of his loved ones, like a pair of pictures of when Cassie and Harry were babies, one of Lily and James, and a little scandalous picture of Severina on the beach in a bikini blowing him a kiss, which he quickly put away. The rest of his desk was littered memos, papers, and reports.

"Well, this is where I work," Sirius told Harry.

"What is it an Auror does?" asked Harry. He knew what an Auror did but liked the idea of a visual description.

"Well, Harry, it is pretty much like how I explained. I act as a magical law enforcement, or detective really. I'm given cases, go on missions," explained Sirius.

"Are you going on a mission today?" asked Harry.

"No, and even if I was, your Auntie Sev would never let me hear the end of his if I took you both in the field," joked Sirius.

"Believe me, I've tried," said Cassie.

"Can I look around?" asked Harry.

"Of course you can," said Sirius. "But stay with Cassie and in this office."

"Got it," replied Harry.

"Cassie, go keep an eye on him," reminded Sirius to his daughter.

"Of course, dad," said Cassie.

The two were off. Although there was not much to do in Headquarters, Harry was still entranced by the whole place by the simple fact he was in a building control, operated, and withheld by magic. There were even a few moments when one of the aurors would perform a spell, much to the wonder and curiosity of Harry. He even got a glimpses into some of the other cubicles, which seemed similar to Sirius' cubicle, but had enough difference to stand out on its own.

Cassie was glad to follow Harry around and explain things to him, but she was disappointed there weren't many children her own age to see. Actually, there weren't many children in the Auror Headquarters. Sirius said the aurors do have children, but many were unwilling to bring them today. The ones who did come gladly met Harry and Cassie, although no one mentioned the scar on his head.

When they went back to Sirius, they saw he was talking to a balding man with glasses, bright red hair, and that by his side were two girls and a taller boy with horn-rimmed glasses. The man seemed pleasant, as Sirius smiled when they were talking. Harry approached with caution, though all worries were pushed aside when Cassie got up to the man.

"While, if it isn't little Cassie Black," the man said.

"Hello, Mr. Weasley," greeted Cassie. "Are Fred and George here?' she asked looking around.

"Sadly, after last year, Molly wanted them to stay home. Don't think I've forgotten who helped them sneak into Umbridge's Office," said Mr. Weasley, though there was no anger in his voice.

"They should consider themselves lucky Undersecretary Umbridge didn't find out," the boy with horn-rimmed glasses said pompously.

"I thought it was amazing," one of the red-headed girls said.

The horn-rimmed glasses boy sighed. "See father, this is the influence Fred and George-"

"Percy, please," said Mr. Weasley sternly, silencing his son.

"It's nice to meet you, Cassie," said one of the other girls.

"You too," replied Cassie earning a smile from the girl.

"Oh, and who is this?" asked Mr. Weasley of Harry.

It was then that a protectiveness took over Sirius, as before either Harry or Cassie could answer, he moved forward. "Arthur," he said, "this is my godson, Harry."

"You mean as in Harry Potter," said Arthur in stunned whisper

The mood of the red-headed family shifted to that of shock and surprise. Arthur Weasley was staring at Sirius, Percy and one of the girls were trying to look at his scar, while the second girl's face grew scarlet as she sunk back towards her father, her concentration on Harry never breaking. Suddenly, Harry felt very uncomfortable.

"Sorry," apologized Arthur. "Just a little surprised to see you, though with everything Sirius has told me about you, can't say I should be. Only a matter of time until he brought you. Arthur Weasley."

Arthur reached out a hand, and Harry, recovering from his embarrassment, took it. "Harry, Harry Potter."

"Arthur is a friend of mine here at the Ministry, Harry," Sirius said. "He's the head of his own department, the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office."

"It's really nothing extraordinary. It's only me and Perkins there," replied Arthur.

"I'd rather work with you and Perkins than Dawlish or Yaxley, though Moody, Kingsley, and Proudfoot are worth the time," said Sirius.

Arthur then noticed one of his daughters clung to his leg. "Oh, almost forgot," he turned to Harry and Cassie. "Harry, Cassie, these of three of my children. Percy, and my twin daughters, Ronnie and Ginny."

"Nice to meet ya," said Ronnie reaching out her hand for Harry to shake.

"Nice to meet you too," replied Harry.

"Did you really put thumbtacks on Umbridge's chair," said Ronnie to Cassie. "Do you have anything planned today."

"Ronnie," said Arthur.

"Come on, Cassie, we talked about this," said Sirius. "Besides, I hear Umbridge has locked herself in her office for the day."

Cassie gave herself a proud smile, which she hid from her father.

"Hello, I'm Harry," Harry said to Ginny.

Meekly, Ginny stepped forward and waved. "Ginny," she said.

"Nice to meet you," Harry said.

"Oh, come on Gin. He's a boy, not some starlet," joked Ronnie.

Ginny shot her the nastiest of looks and looked like she was about to start an argument, then her father stepped in. "Sirius, why don't I take the children for a tour around the ministry," Arthur offered.

Sirius looked unsure for a moment, before deciding. "Why not," he said. "I've got some work to do, and Harry has been so excited to see more wizarding places. We're trying to keep him from the attentions of certain individuals."

"You are looking at the man who raised Fred and George Weasley, I think we'll be fine," replied Arthur.

"Cassie, look after Harry, and behave," said Sirius.

"Will do," said Cassie.

Mr. Weasley and the kids toured the Ministry for most of the day. Harry was take back by all the departments, headquarters, offices, and rooms. They even passed the office belonging to this infamous Umbridge they all kept speaking about. However, most of the day spent was getting to know these two girls, Ronnie and Ginny. After a bit of time, Ginny soon became more open with Harry.

While it was clear that the two were sisters, it was not clear they were twins. Ronnie was taller and lankier than Ginny, with long hair. Ginny was shorter, but pretty, with short pixie hair. Both girls had freckles with fiery red hair.

"So you really come from a that big a family," asked Harry when Ronnie told them how many children her parents had.

"Yep," she said. "Bill has already left the house, and Charlie is not far behind. Just me, Ginny, Percy, and the twins."

"And the ghoul in the attic," said Ginny. "Ronnie named him Stumpy."

"I named him that when I was three," said Ronnie. "Better than your name."

"What's wrong with Pippengale," said Ginny.

"Everything. Everything is wrong with it."

"I guess I can relate. Cassie has always been like a sister," Harry said. "More so then my cousin, Dudley, who I actually live with."

"I thought you lived with Sirius and Cassie?" asked Ginny.

"Nah, Harry has to live in a zoo with a giraffe and walrus," joked Cassie.

"What?" said Ronnie confused.

"She means my aunt and uncle," corrected Harry.

"You don't seem that insulted," said Ginny.

"Well, they aren't my favorite people. I'd rather live with Cassie but I've got to stay with them. They don't like magic much," said Harry.

"Or at all," muttered Cassie causing Arthur look at her askance.

Harry was surprised at how much he had shared of his home life. Cassie did too and gave him a concerned look.

"How do they feel about you?" asked Ginny worried.

"We don't get along too well, but I have Cassie, Uncle Sirius, and Auntie Sev to watch my back," replied Harry.

"That's nice, our dad can't stop talking about Sirius. Always tells him about the Muggle world. Surprised he hasn't asked you any questions yet," said Ronnie.

"Probably doesn't want to overwhelm him. Besides, mum gets upset when he asks too many questions," said Cassie.

Truth be told, Arthur did have a few questions to ask young Harry, but he restrained himself was not to overwhelm the poor lad, Sirius had mentioned it as a possibility that he would bring Harry and asked him to be gentle. However, another reason was simply that he wanted to be a silent observer. He was happy to see Ronnie and Ginny making a friend, albeit a famous friend. Arthur smiled, proud of his youngest willing to include the boy who seemed so out of his depth. This new development in his children's life warranted consideration and conversation with his wife. Arthur made a mental note to ask Sirius if they could bring him to the Burrow.

As the saying goes, time flies when you are having fun, and soon Arthur saw that the hour was drawing late. "My, my. Look at the time. We better get back to Sirius, it's almost time to go home."

Arthur escorted the children back to Auror Headquarters, where Sirius was chatting to a bald, dark skinned auror.

"You should have brought Leighla, she and Cassie could have gotten along," said Sirius.

"Leighla's grounded. Enchanting the books in the Muggle library to say crude words," Kingsley said. "Besides, do you really want my daughter and yours in the same building."

"Or your daughters and my sons," said Arthur approaching.

The three older men shared a laugh. "I'm not that bad," complained Cassie.

"Cassie, I was worse," Sirius said. "Did you two have fun."

"Yes," said Harry at once. "And we didn't get lost once."

"We saw Message paper planes. We tried to catch them but was told off by a house elf," said Ginny.

"And we taught Harry about all our favorite stuff," said Ronnie.

"Like Quidditch…."

"And the Weird Sisters…."

"And the ghoul in the attic…."

"And Hogwarts…."

"And…."

Arthur Weasley stopped his daughters from going on some kind of rant. "Okay, okay girls. I don't think-" Ginny interrupted her father.

"Can Harry visit one of these days?" asked Ginny. "Please," she added.

"Can he, oh please, daddy, please," said Ronnie, adding daddy and giving him puppy dog eyes, knowing he couldn't resist.

"Actually," Arthur said with a smile. "I was going to ask Sirius if he, Severina, Cassie and Harry would be interested having dinner at the Burrow on Friday."

"Can we, dad?" asked Cassie.

Harry and the two Weasley girl's faces lit up in excitement. Hope and excitement was reflected in their eyes, and Harry turned to Sirius, pleading for him to accept. Even Cassie appeared happy at the prospect of seeing Fred and George again. Sirius, Arthur, and Kingsley all exchanged amused expressions.

"If it's alright with Severina, I don't see why not," answered Sirius.

The twin Weasley girls were jumping with enthusiasm and giddiness. Harry's face lit up with a grin so wide, he looked like the Cheshire Cat. Ronnie and Ginny were so excited, that in a careless moment, they simultaneously hugged Harry, a boy they'd met today, who responded by blushing crimson. The three adults stared at the children, could barely restrain their laughter.

"Would you, Wren, and Leighla care to come as well, Kingsley?" offered Arthur to Kingsley.

"Unfortunately, Wren's folks are visiting that weekend, not this Friday, but defiantly next," said Kingsley.

"The offer stands if anything changed. You can invite Remus if you wish, Molly and I would enjoy the company," said Arthur.

"I'll ask, but you know Remus. Her prefers a book to a houseful," replied Sirius.

"I understand, Molly and I are always looking for company beyond our children."

"I resent that," said Ronnie.

"We are excellent company," said Ginny. "Well, excellent compared to others."

Percy got the implication and rolled his eyes at the blatant insult. His father only smiled. He placed a hand on Ginny's head affectionately, before doing the same to Ronnie. This seemed like something he had done to all his children, though both Ronnie and Ginny took offense at the act as it made them appear like they were boys, and they didn't even like that.

"I can ensure you two, you are good company," said Harry.

Her early shyness had returned in full force and Ginny's cheeks flared up and turned a bright crimson and she looked down at her trainers. Her sister just smiled and shot her father a smug look.

ONE HOUR LATER

They left and returned to their home, where Auntie Sev was waiting on the couch, reading a large leather bound tome, trying to ignore her worry. When the familiar emerald flames emerged from the fireplace, her face lit up and she pushed to the three of them, placing the book back on the sofa behind her.

"You're back," she said giving her husband a kiss. "Was everything alright?"

"Everything was fine, only a few recognized him and thankfully they were people we could trust," replied Sirius, alleviating his wife's concern.

"Auntie Sev, I made friends," said Harry, something he clearly wanted to say at once.

"You made friends," said Severina happily. "That's amazing. What are your friend's names?"

"Ronnie and Ginny Weasley," said Harry. "They are very nice and fun, and they invited us to dinner on Friday."

"Weasley, as in Arthur and Molly Weasley's daughters," said Severina.

"The same, and they did invite us to dinner on Friday," answered Sirius.

"Then I don't see why we can't," said Severina.

Harry hugged his surrogate aunt in full, squeezing her with all his strength, Severina couldn't decide if he was stronger than normal or if he was just excited. She should really start writing this down.

FRIDAY

"They're here," cheered Ginny, running towards the fireplace along with Ronnie.

"They're early," said Arthur, setting the table.

"I bet it's because the children are excited. After all, look at Ronnie and Ginny, they've been anxious to see Harry again all day," said Molly just finishing the final touches on dinner, half expecting them to be early. Remus unfortunately could not attend as he had to tutor a very bratty girl for her Spanish exam.

Arthur wandered over to his own fireplace, the guests were being greeted by four of his children, Fred, George, Ronnie and Ginny. Fred and George shared a mischievous grin with Cassie, while Ronnie and Ginny were crowding around Harry, ushering him into the kitchen. Arthur noted that both girls, who hated dressing up, even for weddings and funerals, wholeheartedly agreed to wear their finest dresses, though Ronnie refused to allow her mother to straighten her hair.

"Well, well, well Gred," said George. "If it isn't one of our partners in crime."

"Yes, Forge," said Fred quickly. "Do pray tell, what unfortunate fate did befall our dear Undersecretary in our absence?"

"Glue her butt to her seat?"

"Leave Farting Fudge as a gift."

"Burping Powder in her tea."

The male twins went off, quietly as so not to draw the attention to their father. Little did they know, Arthur had heard every word but would not say anything. While he'd never confess it to Molly, he was glad Fred, George, and Cassie had made Umbridge a target. Lord only knew the woman deserved it.

"She's ten, I would never do something so vile," Cassie whispered back. "At least, not near my parents."

On the other side of the room, Ronnie and Ginny were practically jumping around Harry.

"We're so glad you're here," said Ginny.

"Yes, we've been wanting to show you our house all week," said Ronnie. "Come on, let us show you our room, it's just upstairs."

Before Harry, or anyone else for that matter could say anything, Ginny took his hand and rushed him upstairs to the room the girls shared. Harry was half expecting the room to appear more magical, yet Harry thought this was no different than Cassie's room.

The floor was littered with disorganized and discarded cloths, magazines, and trash, while the beds were unmade, and the walls were plastered with posters of a band of female Quidditch players called the Holyhead Harpies. All in all, Harry thought it was a girl's room, but that wasn't to say he was not unimpressed.

"Wow," Harry said.

"It's not much, but it's home," said Ronnie.

"I think it's great," said Harry.

"What's yours like?" said Ginny.

Downstairs, the adults were a more refined conversation, with Arthur and Sirius gossiping about an ex-colleague stealing from work, while Molly and Severina conveyed on a variety of topic, mostly family. Severina was giving Molly tips on household potion preservation. It was something the Weasley matriarch struggled with and discussing the difference between raising girls and boys. It didn't compare favorably to Fred and George or Cassie.

"Percy's hair was blue for a whole week. I'm still trying to figure out how Fred and George did it," explained Molly.

"Cassie's the same. Though the problem is the people she usually pranks are Muggles who have no idea how to prove she did it," said Severina.

"She pranks Muggles," Arthur said partially scandalized.

"Like Fred and George, she never goes too far," said Severina. "I'm still trying to understand how you handle seven children, when I and Sirius can barely handle the two we have."

"Time, patience, and a shot of Fire whisky or two," joked Arthur.

This was how the hour before dinner was spent. In conversation, and many stories and off-color jokes abound. The Burrow was alive with chatter and every member of the Weasley family, even Percy, was entranced by the Black family.

Molly Weasley had planned ahead and as the weather that night would be calm and warm she flicked her wand and prepared the long garden furniture for eleven. Dozens of firefly lanterns hung from the Oak tree and bunting strung up overhead. The spread of food was simple but filling and well cooked. Three whole chickens roasted in their juices, roast, boiled and mash potatoes and a ridiculous number of vegetable tureens and gravy boats.

"Why so many Molly,". Sirius asked mystified.

"You haven't seen my brood eat have you Sirius?" Can the amused reply, "this might be enough actually?"

The age groups gravitated together. All the adults clustered around one end the youngsters in the middle and at the other end the terrible trio sneaking glances at the adults. Percy had been the exception and had joined the adults, monopolizing Severina with question after question, some were even intelligent. Molly had said earlier that's this has been a possibility as Percy had been nursing a crush on the potions mistress and had read each of her books numerous times.

"Let's not stand on ceremony here, we're all amongst friends." Molly declared and plates rapidly filled.

Severina's kept a weary eye on her charges and noticed the speed with which their food was being eaten was too fast for their digestion.

"Slow down kids, it's not a race and if you get tummy aches I'll be taking you home early." She called with a smirk. "No ones going to steal your food."

"Well, excepts Ronnie," smirked Ginny.

"That was one time," argued Ronnie.

"Girls, no arguing at the table," snapped Molly at her daughters.

"We're not at the table, we're outside," said Ronnie.

"She does have a point, mum," added Fred.

"Children, just relax and enjoy dinner," said Arthur.

While Harry and Cassie did slow down, Severina kept a close eye on them, from the main course to desert. After the children had all eaten, Molly and Severina granted them permission to roam around the grounds close to the Burrow, long as they promised to remain where they could see the chatting group of adults. Not that Molly and Severina did not keep an eye on the at all times.

The children did as all children do, ran, chased, and climbed as if all the cares and worries of the world were absent and they had eternity to play. Caught between a melancholy moment and genuine pleasure that the children were having so much fun a tear rolled down Severina's cheek.

"I know," she told Severina kindly. "You can't keep them from growing up no matter how much you try. You want them to be yo7ung and safe forever.

"It's not that. Well, it's partially that, but.…" Severina was at a loss for words. More tears fell, and Molly wrapped a comforting arm around her.

"There, there dear. Sometimes I see my brothers in my children," said Molly.

In a moment of kinship, Severina knew exactly what she meant and what she felt. "Sometimes he's like James, other times he's like Lily. A perfect mix."

The two watched their children. Catching light bugs, climbing trees, and daring the night to draw to a close. Beyond the clear sentimentality of the scene, Severina noticed other occurrences. Harry and Cassie were strong for their age, faster and more agile too. Climbing trees with ease, out pacing the rest of the Weasley children, Severina took every note of it and a familiar feeling came over.

The moon rose a little after seven and all the running quickly stopped. Severina sensed the change and saw Cassie and Harry staring at the moon. She herself felt the gentle pull but was able to resist it. Her Pups were changing.

It was soon time to leave, Fred and George wearily sat at the kitchen table, Ushered his daughters to sit also, heads resting on the tabletop. Harry and Cassie however were still full of energy, wide eyed and excited.

"They didn't have that much sugar did they?" Severina asked her husband.

"Not more than the others," said Sirius.

"Into the floo, children. Thank the Weasleys," said Severina to both Harry and Cassie.

"Oh, thank you for having us," said Harry.

"Yes, we can't wait to see you again," said Cassie, who then turned to Fred and George, who were half asleep. Her voice turned to a whisper. "Next year, we do the Toad Lady's Office."

"I heard that, young lady," her mother said sternly.

"Her office, I was thinking her home," said Fred in hushed whisper.

"See ya, soon, partner," said George as the two climbed the stairs.

Despite being in the parent's arms and being partially asleep, Ronnie and Ginny leap out of their chairs and went straight for Harry. Both girls engulfed him in a group hug, the contact causing Harry to tense before reminded himself that these were his friends.

"Please write to us," Ginny said.

"And visit, when you have a chance," replied Ronnie.

"Okay, girls," said Molly ushering her daughters away. "It's beginning to get late and Harry and his family have to go home."

"I had a great time," said Harry.

Both girls smiled at him, Ginny's more radiant and caring, though at the time, Harry had not known why that is.

Another round of thanks followed before the floo roared and the Burrow was empty.

"Well Molly," Arthur addressed his wife, "we might just have to do that again."

After returning home, Severina ordered the children to bed, groans and complaints followed but she remained firm.

"If you want to gaze at the moon do it from your beds after brushing your teeth." She had commanded.

The Dursley's had been informed the previous day that Harry would be staying the night. The Vernon hadn't cared he took the day off work and drove the family to Blackpool for a day of fun without Harry.

"Harry, Cassie, you sure you two don't want to go upstairs. It's almost your bedtime?" asked Severina.

"Can we just up a little longer?" replied Cassie.

"Yeah, the moon is pretty beautiful tonight?" said Harry, his sight not turning from the window or from the moon.

Sirius and Severina exchanged a meaningful glance. They both had their suspicions. Both Lily and Severina had spent hours at school gazing at the moon. They both knew the signs.

"You guys can stay up a little bit longer, but no longer than ten minutes," she said. The children didn't respond, they just continued to gaze upwards. "Did you hear me."

"Yes, we heard you, Auntie Sev," said Harry, not looking away.

"Loud and clear," replied Cassie not turning to her mother either.

Sirius sat on the sofa next to his wife and wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her into him.

"Well," he sighed.

"Hmmm," she responded distractedly. "It's a nice night."

THE NEXT DAY

The following morning found Severina in the small study scanning the bookshelf for a particular diary. One she had not read for years. It was a combination of Muggle and magical books. It was an odd mix, since all the Muggle books were personal fiction, adventure, fantasy, and romance novels, even a few comic-books, though Sirius insisted they were called graphic novels. All the magical literature, including the one she wrote, was practical and educational. There on the top shelf, in between a horrendous effort by Gilderoy Lockhart kept coming back no matter how Many times she had thrown it away, and a muggle fantasy hardback who's Sirius was obsessed over was a thin black book.

Pulling the book out carefully so as not to disturb anything else she opened the cover and could bot restrain a sad smile. Tears threatened to fall again, Lily was the only thing that cauldron cause this reaction in her.

A Study on Therions: Notes and Observations on Therions, Creatures Once thought as Myths

By Lily Evans and Severina Snape

A faint laugh Escaped her as she saw the childish wolves Lily had drawn on the first page. Drawing was one thing Lily had never been good at. Harry had taken after James in that regard.

Therions, once considered myths are real. While certain aspects of the myth are true, others are as false as garlic to fend off vampires. Therions are forced into a wolf form during the full moon, but unlike the standard lycanthrope, they change into a full wolf and not the more monstrous appearance of the half wolf, half human that haunts my dear friend Remus. His is truly a curse as he loses all rational thought, whereas Therions are of rational thought and have full control over their actions in their wolf form.

Severina scanned through the book into the found what she was looking for.

We have begun to notice other effects of being a Therion. It has affected our bodies to the point that we appear older, as well as increased our strength, and, according to James and Sirius, made us more attractive.

Severina rolled her eyes at that last part. Had they really written that.

However, we have begun to believe they made also increased our magical core size and potential. Despite our age, being fourth years, we have been able to perform some wandless magic. We have already been able to cast basic spells without much effort or practice when it had been impossible before. This is something we are approaching with caution as there are many cautionary tales of wizards and witches dying from overuse or lacking control. We have considered approaching professor Dumbledore with this he is rarely in the castle these days. The war is getting worse.

That is something she should watch out for. A flood of warm memories washed over her, of the times Lily and her jotted down notes, observed each other's behavior, even took and studied samples of their own blood. She wiped away a tear at the thought. God did she miss her. Looking over her shoulder, she saw a certain moving picture on her desk. One of herself, Lily, James, and Sirius graduating from Hogwarts, James lounged in a chair clutching Lily around the middle. She squirmed trying to free herself silently laughing all the while. A very young Sirius and Severina embracing while watching on in good humor. while Sirius held Severina. Beside it, was a picture of a man she had not thought of in years, despite him being her earliest friend.

"Oh, Regulus," she sighed to herself.

She turned to the last page. The last page Lily had written on, the very last thing Lily had ever written.

Severina and I have long suspected that being a Therion may effect our magical cores and power levels. We have regularly performed complex power-hungry spells with ease, spells that James and Sirius still struggle with. I performed an extension charm on my trunk today, far beyond what the charm was thought capable of. I suspect that our potential have continued to grow. Albus and Newt Scamander have both told me that there is so little known about Therions that this could be completely normal or something to be worried about. It doesn't really help.

Severina considered what Lily had written. Reaching out her hand, she aimed for one of the pictures at the door. "Accio picture," she said, and the picture instantly flew to her outstretched hand. Going to the next page, Severina placed the book on the desk, took a pen, and began to write.

How does being a Therion effect children? Better yet, how does being the child of a Therion effect their life. This is shown in my godson and Lily's child, Harry, as well as my own daughter, Cassie. While there is no concrete evidence that either Harry or Cassie are Therions, they have already begun to show signs that indicate they have side effects of having a parent who is a Therion. A large appetite, speed and stamina, and a draw towards the moon. I shall observe them further for any new signs.

When she was done writing, she placed the book down and turned to the window. Outside, Cassie and Harry were playing, seeing who could climb the tree in the backyard first. She smiled at this. At least they'll have each other, she thought warmly, just like how I had Lily and Sirius.

Next Chapter: The Moon, the Boy, and the School.

Well, there's chapter 3.

Sorry for the wait, I was hoping this would be done a month ago, but life happens. I went away for the Fourth of July, had to babysit a family member, and I was called into work a lot. I also understand my style of writing maybe to blame, as I develop a story and then write as I go along.

For clarification, yes, like how Severina is a gender bent Snape, Ronnie Weasley is a gender bent Ron. Another major change is Ginny and Luna are the same ages as Harry, Ronnie and Hermione and Ginny and Ronnie are twins. While I understand I could be hitting the fanfiction button hard here and leaving plot holes with the Diary and the Prophecy, I actually have a plan to address that.

Don't worry, unless something happens, this is the last genderswap I will do. Interestingly, one plot line I dropped pretty early in development was a genderbent Draco, who would have been named Drea Malfoy. Drea was supposed to appear in this chapter, where she would spot Harry and cause reporters and others to notice him. She would become a romantic rival to Harry's girls and be followed by her lackies, Pansy and Millicent. I had a plan for her, but I realized Pansy could fill that role.

I have to give a special shout out to FedererRex for Beta Testing this for me and making some great suggestions, you the best dude. I hope I'll be able to get chapter 4 out soon, but I think you should all keep this thing by ear.