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The next morning school resumed as if they had never left. Professor Snape handed out the timetables giving an especially venomous glare to Luka who just smiled it off before she and Lucy had a look through what they had. To Luka's happiness the first lesson was Potions. As they tucked into breakfast the two girls could hear Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins mocking Harry Potter. Rolling her eyes Luka bewitched a piece of toast so that it acted like a boomerang constantly flying at the blonde boy's head.

Potions class was relatively uneventful with no major explosions and History of Magic was the usual soporific bore. It wasn't until lunch that Luka, the twins and Colin found something of interest. As they mooched past the Forbidden Forest they spied a paddock filled with strange creatures.

"Hippogriffs!" Luka cried and jogged over to the fence, behind her she heard the sound of a camera flash and Lucy's squeals of excitement.

"What are hippogriffs?" asked Peter nervously.

"They are the progeny of griffins and horses. It's said as horses are enemies of the griffin that when the species mate their offspring will more wondrous than their progenitors," replied Luka as she watched the animals.

"Hey, yer be careful!" came a booming voice.

The children turned around to see the newly promoted Professor Hagrid coming towards them.

"Yer have to be careful around 'ippogriffs, very proud 'n' easy to offend. What are yer doing here anyway? Shouldn't yer be 'avin' your lunch?" he asked as he neared them.

"We just had it. Can we pet the hippogriffs?" asked Colin excitedly.

"Not at the moment, yer'll need to be gettin' back to the castle. Class will be startin' soon," Hagrid replied and the disappointed children made their way back to the castle.

"What's next?" Luka asked Lucy.

"Charms,"

"That's good,"

That evening Luka sat down on her bed to get an early start on her homework. Her evening had already been busy as she had transfigured her t-shirts from their plain state to their original prints. Now instead of being several blank black, navy and purple bits of cloth they now displayed pictures of skeletons, big cats and Luka's personal favourite which she was now wearing ; a horror film werewolf complete with the caption 'Half man, half beast: The terror of mankind'. It was turning out to be good day, she'd found the dates for the Quidditch try outs and with the exception of History of Magic the day's lessons hadn't been too bad. Though she had to admit the day's events had been marred by one thing; the supposed attack on Malfoy by a hippogriff. No doubt the version making its way around the Slytherin common room was a greatly biased and distorted version of events but it made Luka worry. The professor was a nice man and it was only his first day, not to mention she didn't want an animal to be destroyed over a brat's foolishness. Sighing she returned to her history essay.

XXX

The next morning Luka was pleased to see Elise, she'd sent the owl off to Sebastian for her things as soon as she had arrived. It came as a welcome diversion from the nightmares she had been receiving of late and her constant sneezing. Elise was heavily laden with both a package in her talons and a letter in her beak. After relieving her of her burden and petting her Luka turned her attention to the letter. The envelope was of black parchment and addressed 'Mea ancilla' (My maid/slave girl). Since Luka didn't want the letter to be exposed to the scrutiny of her peers Luka excused herself and with Elise on her shoulder made her way to the entrance hall. Placing the package on a window ledge she quickly glanced around her before opening the letter.

'Dear Luka,

I hope this sees you well, Elise says that you came across some Dementors on the train, I trust that they gave you no trouble. Now to the matter of why I have penned this; despite your studies at Hogwarts it is necessary that you continue your other education. As I have told you a number of times a lady at court requires a large set of skills and your two year hiatus has hindered your progress. I plan to address this immediately. In the package you will find as well as your books and school things, your pocket trumpet, violin and a mirror. The mirror is bewitched to allow me tutor you in absentia. You will be having lessons every other day at eight o'clock sharp, if you can't attend I expect you to notify me in advance. With luck, and dedication on your part, you should have mastered Bach's Chaconne by the end of next week. I know you will complain but this your own fault. If you had chosen something more feminine like the flute instead of the trumpet you would only have two instruments to learn. Count yourself lucky that I did not make you pick the harp.

Forever yours,

Sebastian.'

Luka's eyes narrowed. Bach's chaconne? The git was as sadistic as ever. She had heard Ciel complain about Sebastian's ridiculous demands but so far she had yet to see it for herself. How the hell was she going to manage this? It had been hard for Ciel and he'd had tutoring since he was little. Cursing the demon she opened the package. It was an intricately carved wooden box whose contents looked perfect for a doll's house. Tiny books, a miniscule violin and its bow which was thinner than a matchstick. Just as she was looking over the items she was rudely interrupted.

"Yoink!" squeeked Peeves as he snatched the box out Luka's hands.

"Give that back you bastard," hissed Luka as she chased after the poltergeist firing magic blasts, unfortunately Elise had left as she was opening the package so she was alone against the poltergeist.

"Peeves do give that box back, it's not yours," came quiet voice, it was Professor Lupin.

Instead of doing as he was told Peeves started singing a rude song. The professor merely sighed before summoning the box, at this Peeves made a rude gesture and was off.

"Here you go. Luka isn't it?" asked Professor Lupin.

"Thanks professor and yes, that's my name," replied Luka beginning to feel a little awkward.

Seeming pleased that he'd got her name right the professor pressed on, "I do believe you're in my first class today," he checked his watch, "which is in a couple of minutes," he motioned for her to follow as he turned and lead the way.

Tucking her box away Luka groaned to herself, walking to class with the teacher. This would push her swat reading through the roof.

As they entered the classroom Luka hurried over to Lucy and Peter who were looking at her questioningly. When she was seated Luka explained what had happened, or at least a version of events that didn't include Sebastian. The lesson began soon and Professor Lupin explained the syllabus of low level Dark creatures and defensive spells.

"Aren't we going to learn about werewolves?" asked a lad from Slytherin whose name Luka didn't know.

"No, not just yet," replied Professor Lupin gently.

"Why not? Those flea bitten half breeds have been agitating recently. There'll probably be violence soon," retorted the boy.

"Oh for crying out loud will you pack those stupid prejudices in. No wonder they've 'agitating' as you call it given their treatment by the Ministry of Magic. Yes there are some evil gits with fur but no more than you get with any other people and as for the transformation the Wolfsbane Potion has the capacity to end that," snarled Luka as she turned around but before the boy could respond...

"Enough. The pair of you. Now since you're so vocal you can help me with a shield charm demonstration Luka," Professor Lupin said firmly as Luka rose from her seat wand in hand to stand at the front of the class.

"Now Luka, I want you to fire a hex as powerfully as you can at me. I will use a shield charm to block it. Any questions?"

"Are you sure you really want me to use the most powerful hex I have sir?" asked Luka timidly.

"Yes, now on a count of three. One, two, three-"

After momentarily steeling herself Luka fired a whispered, but none the less powerful, reducto at the professor. Evidently he was not expecting such an assault from a second year because he failed to defend himself adequately and he was consequently thrown to the end of the classroom landing with a thud. He lay there for a moment gasping for air before slowly standing.

"Very good, I certainly didn't expect that. You may return to your seat now," he said still sounding a little winded and shocked.

Once Luka had resumed her seat next to a stunned Lucy Professor Lupin ran the class through the theory of a basic shield charm. After that he paired them up and as there was an odd number he partnered with Luka.

"Now Luka, this time I will fir the hex, nothing damaging of course, and you will shield yourself," he said as if his trip through the air had never happened.

This however didn't put an end to Luka's fears. She knew that a good protego could knock the opponent back as easily as any hex and she said as much. Professor Lupin just smiled and said he wouldn't be caught off guard twice. At the end of his class he gave them the assignment of an essay on shield charms; their uses and shortcomings to be handed in by Friday.

XXX

It was morning break and Professor Lupin was striding to the staff room. He wanted to talk to Severus again . As he entered the staff room he noticed the Potions Master in an armchair with his back to room. Walking forwards he greeted Professors Flitwick and McGonagall before turning his attention to the head of Slytherin.

"Severus I would like a word,"

"What about?" came the terse reply.

"Luka Pearson,"

Professor Snape sighed as he put his book down. It hadn't even been a week and the little chit was getting into trouble.

"What has she done this time?" he asked exasperatedly.

"She hasn't done anything wrong. It's just we were practicing shield charms today," a look passed between the older professors, "and I asked her to help with the demonstration-"

"And no doubt she performed the charm with ease. The answer to your trivial question Lupin is that she used that charm often last year," snapped Professor Snape who swiftly returned to his book.

"That wasn't what I was going to ask but now that you mention it, why did she use the charm last year? Did Lockhart teach it?"

"He didn't. The students taught themselves to use it," replied Professor McGonagall sadly, "during the attacks last year students of Slytherin were targeted by the rest if the school as a means of reprisal. Miss Pearson and a group of friends caught the brunt of it,"

Professor Lupin considered this a moment.

"So what did you want to ask Lupin?" sneered Professor Snape.

"It doesn't matter, what happened last year explains it," he replied as the other wizard snorted, Luka had probably learned the curse as a questionable method of self defence.

XXX

Elsewhere in the castle Luka regarding her options in the solitude of the library. Having lessons with Sebastian every other night meant that Quidditch was out of the question, she would never have enough time for her studies. She would have to try and set up the chamber during lunch time. Luka had had a look at the entrance earlier and to her relief no one had bothered to block it. Looking over the contents of the box once more before putting it away she headed to class. Lucy had been quite angry with Luka over what had happened to Professor Lupin, this was then exacerbated by Colin who unwisely said that he'd wished he'd been there to take a photograph. He really needed to channel his obsession. Perhaps she should suggest to the others that they start a newspaper, the 'Hogwarts Herald' maybe?

Later that evening Luka surveyed the partially refurbished Chamber of Secrets. She had had to undergo the laborious procedure of shoring up the tunnel entrance before levitating some of the stone into the main chamber to form a rough desk and stool. Tiring as it was it was also quite satisfying. Now with everything set out around her she waited for the eighth hour to see if Sebastian had meant that his lessons would begin tonight. It turned out that they did and it wasn't until a few minutes before curfew that Luka made it back to common room exhausted and cursing her master. He'd been strict as usual with the Latin translations, her arm ached from holding the violin bow and the duelling mannequin had beaten her nearly into unconsciousness. Luka winced as she thought of all the healing potions she would need to brew if she were to keep up the appearance of a normal, carefree student. Still muttering she showered before collapsing into her bed.

XXX

As usual when one is quite occupied time quickly slips by like leaves in a wind and the fortnight deadline for Bach's chaconne was now upon her. It was Saturday morning and Luka was once again playing the violin on the edge of the Forbidden Forest as far from the school as possible. She had initially been playing in the chamber but Sebastian had said that the echo would blind her to her mistakes, it was fine for lessons with him as he was unaffected by the acoustics but she would had to practice elsewhere. Luka would have chosen her dormitory but apparently the enclosed space of her bed with a silencing charm wouldn't do. She had tried to explain to Sebastian that the space didn't matter when she played her guitar or trumpet but he had remained steadfast. The knock on effect of the practice was Luka having to become a lark in order to play in solitude. Quietly she took out her violin from the box along with its bow and sheet music and enlarged the lot. Then after a bit of shuffling she began to play.

A bit closer to the school Professor Lupin was strolling through the grounds savouring being able to walk unaided as he had but a week until the full moon. Moving along he heard music and decided to investigate. After a little while he came to the source to see Luka Pearson alone with a violin. Under normal circumstances he would have been able to identify her from scent alone at a greater distance but unfortunately he was upwind. As if sensing his presence the girl turned swiftly to face him.

It had been a little while since Luka had started playing and she faintly pleased with her progress. She could now produce a passable version of the piece but she wasn't sure whether it would match Sebastian's exacting standards. She hoped it would, despite their distance he was still capable of making his displeasure known. Quickly ridding herself of doubt she began to play again until she caught a scent- werewolf. Paranoid of attack she turned to see Professor Lupin. Blinking in surprise she regarded him warily, he seemed to be a kind man but by virtue of his race he still merited the application of caution. The capabilities of werewolves were not to be taken lightly.

"I did not know you played the violin, you're quite skilled," said he as the silence became awkward.

"Um, thank you professor," Luka checked her watch," I will have to be off now, breakfast and all," she replied nervously before packing up and scuttling off. Despite having belief in her abilities she always hated to play in front of others. Professor Lupin watched her departure wondering what he had said to make her take off.

XXX

It was the night of the full moon and Luka was cursing herself. Professor Lupin had asked for the essay to be handed in by Friday and she'd gotten side tracked. She only had five minutes until it was Saturday and she wasn't sure if he would accept the essay, not that he'd be in his office of course. Given that the moon was now high he would probably be curled up on his bed. Luka sighed, she was getting stitch in her side from running. She was on the full moon shift tonight at the bar and it was her lunch break so instead of eating in the relative peace of the staff room she had had to make another journey past the Dementors and Filch. Gasping for breath she reached the steps to his office and scuttled up them. His office was warded but the spells weren't particularly powerful so it took only a little while for Luka to deactivate them. Checking her watch to see that it was just before midnight Luka turned the door knob and entered. To her surprise she was faced with a furry Professor Lupin. He was crouched in the corner of his office looking at her with what appeared to be an equal amount of surprise. Luka considered him a moment, werewolves came in all forms so he wasn't particularly strange it was just that his limbs seemed too spindly to support his body.

"Evening professor, sorry I didn't hand in my work in earlier. Is it ok for me to submit it now?" she asked, since she received no reply but a blank stare she put the parchment on his desk and stepped forwards, "Are you alright professor?"

Nothing, she knew that the Wolfsbane Potion could go terribly wrong so she cast a diagnosis charm. He was physically fine apart from a small grave on his foreleg that Luka assumed he received during his transformation. In his current state the office was a little cramped for him and he might have fallen over whilst he changed. Rummaging in the pockets of her cloak she found the healing potion spray she'd made. Luka didn't know how he would react if she got closer, his stare wasn't inhuman but still slightly unnerving. She sprayed a bit of the potion into the air and moved it onto his graze with simple telekinesis. The skin swiftly re-grew although the fact that he had had such a small cut for a while was unusual. Werewolf healing ability was normally without equal. Perhaps it was side effect of the potion he was on.

"Erm, I'll be off now. I'll put the wards up so you needn't worry. Enjoy the rest of your evening sir," said Luka as she exited the office, it was as if she was just talking to herself for he gave no sign he heard her.

As the wards reworked themselves behind Luka checked her watch. She had a few minutes of her break left, if she used her broom again when she got out of the building. Sighing she broke into a run once more.

Back in his office Professor Lupin started to move. He had been too shocked to do so before. Not only had a student got through the wards on his office but she hadn't seemed too surprised or repulsed to see him. She'd even healed him. But what on Earth was she doing wandering the castle at this hour in a travelling cloak and what looked like a maid outfit? Furthermore, why did she reek of blood and death? He was going to need to talk to Severus straight away in the morning. The professor turned to see the moon, she was nearly past her zenith now so he curled up to snatch some sleep. The pain of transforming back into a man would be on him soon.