Hello everyone, thanks for the kind we get started I have to say that updates will be a little slow (2-4 weeks) for the next couple for months as my university exams are coming up. Also, I've looked at previous chapters and I know I said that the arc would be over in a few chapters but the word count keeps going up more than anticipated so it's going to be a little longer. As usual I own nothing (the pactio's from Negima, I should have mentioned that before, that and his quill resembles that used by Undertaker to annotate people's doomsday books).
As soon as he had arrived Professor Lupin had sent patroni to Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. He waited by the stone gates for his colleague and student, there was no way he could wait at the school building as if everything was alright. He turned swiftly as he heard the crack of apparition juts beyond the gates.
"Severus what happened?" he asked as the potions master dragged a struggling Luka through the gates, the wards shutting behind them.
"Nothing, why haven't you gone for the headmaster?" snapped Professor Snape in response.
"I sent my patronus," replied the werewolf huffily.
As Professor Snape continued to pull her towards the school Luka gave up resisting. In addition to her injuries the restrictions on her magic usage were taking their toll. She'd had to use a mild petrification spell on her body so that the convulsions from the weak Cruciatus weren't visible and as for her nose bleeds, well, there wasn't enough blood so it was all being kept in the viscera as opposed to the extremities so that was one less thing to worry about. That and she just felt so tired. As she trudged wearily behind them she missed the worried looks the professors were sending her, Sebastian was going to be so angry she thought to herself. As the thought slowly made its way through her mind a deafening crash was heard and magical energy flowed across the school's wards lighting up the sky like fireworks. The three of them turned to see Sebastian illuminated by swirls of flowing energy his eyes crimson with slitted pupils and canines elongated.
"Sebastian!" cried Luka as she ran to him only to be stopped by Professor Lupin who wrapped his arms around her protectively as Professor Snape raised his wand to the demon.
"Return Luka this instant," snarled the demon.
"No, she deserves a better life than the company of wolves or mixing drinks," replied Professor Snape.
"Oh, and I suppose what she has here is better?" asked Sebastian as he tried to regain a grip on rational thought, he'd known they would take her back at the end of the night but the fact they'd touched her galled him, he would have to win them over with persuasion, "You can't let her go back to them. You don't know what they'll do!"
"I know enough to see that letting you have her is out of the question. You toy with her life and even arrange it so that she forms a contract by kissing you," replied the professor, from what he had read he knew that demons lured their prey with kind and reasonable words. He wouldn't allow Michaelis to sway him.
"Professor you've got it wrong, the only other way to form that contract would have been with blood and I had none to spare," Luka stated, she wanted to delay her return to her foster parent's care for as long as possible.
Professor Lupin stood stunned for a moment, his colleague had kissed a student? He looked to the man in question who just glared in response.
"Is it alright to pass Luka her things?" enquired Sebastian, perhaps if he changed the subject they might let her go, although that was extremely unlikely.
"No, leave them on the ground so that we can summon them," replied the werewolf his eyes never leaving the 'man' in front of him.
The imperiousness of the professor's tone irked Sebastian but he couldn't allow himself to be riled up any further so he set the guitar upon the ground along with a flask. Before either of the professors could cast the incantation Luka had summoned the items through the wards and she immediately noticed the flask whilst the professors had not. Lunging out of Professor Lupin's grip she opened the top and immediately caught scent of the chocolatey goodness within before quickly gulping some of the treat down before Professor Lupin could stop her. However before she could have a second gulp the vessel was taken. The older werewolf sniffed the concoction before taking a sip himself, rich, velvety chocolate entered his mouth followed by a hint of spice. Professor Lupin narrowed his eyes.
"Why are you giving her alcohol whilst she is in this state?" he asked as he identified the taste as rum.
"It's the best changing cure," Luka interrupted, seeing the confused looks on the professors' faces and the smirk on that of Sebastian Luka continued, "lycanthropy is like a bad cold. All you can really do during the change is take some painkillers followed by a little bit of alcohol and sleep it off. When Jim and Mike got bitten they both thought they were coming down with the flu so they took a load of paracetamol chased down by half a bottle of vodka. In comparison a thimble full of rum isn't that much,"
"They were both attacked, I thought since they were siblings they were born werewolves," said Professor Lupin.
Sebastian chuckled, he just couldn't help it. These wizards professed to know about Dark creatures but their ignorance was startling clear.
"Of course they're not born werewolves those are incredibly rare. For some reason lycanthropy causes a wide range of birth defects, few are carried for the full term or are stillborn. Timothy is the only known born were in the pack. People put his vulgarity down to his parentage," he smiled before turning his attention back to his servant, "Luka, I need you to be careful, you are excused from your shifts until I see you again. My father has forbidden me from helping you until I have regained the last ounce of my former strength, it will take a month at the most. Then I will call you and we will bring an end to this. The land will run red with the blood of our enemies,"
As the professors looked on a heartfelt smile spread on Luka's features and Sebastian's eyes shone crimson with fervour.
"I can't wait Sebastian, I have dreamt for so long about their screams of agony. They will rue the day they marked us as their foes. We failed the first time but this time we will destroy all of them, they have no more cards to play,"
"Then wait for me little one and endure this charade just a little longer, the next few days will be tough. Those monsters won't take kindly to you becoming a werewolf,"
"Speaking of werewolves, whilst I am gone, will you take care of the rest of them?" Luka asked nervously.
Sebastian huffed but he had anticipated this, "I took care of those idiots before but I will be adding to your tab,"
Luka smiled, "Thanks Sebastian,"
Sebastian nodded and turned to depart into the night. His next few weeks weren't to be idle ones, he had plenty of preparations to make.
Luka turned back to her professors and shouldered her guitar.
"Well, I suppose I'd best be getting back to the dormitories then," she said brightly as she slowly made to walk back to the castle.
"Stop right there Pearson," Professor Snape spat, "you will tell me about this contract of ours,"
"It is a standard magical contract for the exchange of power and a magical item. Don't worry sir, you won't become a magical girl,"
At that remark Professor Snape's eyebrow arched in ire as his colleague had to turn away to contain his mirth. Mahou shoujo Snape? Well, perhaps he wouldn't mind if the sailor suit was black...
"What sort of item?" snarled the potions master as he saw Professor Lupin begin to shake from the corner of his eye.
"It should display it on the contract card, just say adeat (come) to summon it and abeat (go) when you're finished," replied Luka as she resumed walking just as Professor Lupin finally succumbed to laughter.
When the older werewolf had composed himself he looked up to see the murderous glare being sent to him by his colleague and Luka edging towards the castle. His blue eyes narrowed as he caught sight of her sheathed sword by her side. How in the name of Merlin had she got that back again? It must be attuned to her will he reasoned.
"Luka, kindly hand over your sword, you don't need it any longer," said the professor.
Sighing Luka handed over her sword. It had felt so nice to wield it once more. As she handed it to the older werewolf Professor Snape found that his eyes were drawn to the blade. He must be getting tired, he could have sworn he heard the blade grumble as it changed hands.
Professor Lupin looked over the girl as she neared him to hand over her sword. She looked awful, in addition to the swathes of bandages her skin was deathly pale and clammy and her movement was slightly off. It was like a puppet on strings, stiff and slightly mechanical. He knew she was probably using magic to move but he had thought that she would move a little better. Chiding himself he swiftly removed his jacket and transfigured it into a thick cloak before wrapping it around the girl. The fact that she flinched back and swayed as a result did not go unnoticed.
"Are you alright to walk?" he asked, as soon as the words left his mouth he felt like a fool.
"Of course she isn't Lupin," snapped Professor Snape as he conjured a stretcher before gesturing for Luka to hop on.
"Erm, no thanks professor. I'm fine with walking," replied Luka as she backed.
"I never said you had a choice Pearson, now get on the stretcher," he ground out as the girl flattened her ears and grumpily obeyed.
The journey to the castle was relatively quiet with each of the three occupied by their own thoughts. Luka was mainly tasked with keeping herself awake, and hence alive, by thinking of all the ways she could kill someone whilst Professor Lupin looked back over the last few hours to try and see how the current circumstances could have been avoided. Professor Snape on the other hand was contemplating what possible plans Michaelis could have and what a contract with the young girl meant. It had to be more than an item since the demon was evidently extremely powerful in his own right. The professor sighed, they'd had very few answers that night compared to the number of questions it had thrown up.
The not quite companionable silence was finally shattered by Madam Pomfrey's gasp of horror as she mistook the meaning of the stretcher as the trio entered the castle to find a welcoming party had been assembled. The matron was dressed in a pale blue nightgown and was standing next to Professor McGonagall and the headmaster. In his mind Professor Snape groaned, he was in for it now. Not only was the medi-shrew here but the head of Gryffindor to boot. They would never let him hear the last of this. To make matters worse Luka chose that moment to get off the stretcher to show that she was alright.
"There's no need to worry Madam Pomfrey, I'm really quite alright," chirped the girl but the smile didn't reach her golden eyes.
This time a gasp was elicited from each member of staff, even Professor Dumbledore was shocked at the girl's appearance. From the fluffy ears to the ripped tights she looked quite inhuman. The adults' eyes darted from the unusually sharp and large teeth to the clawed hands peaked out of the cloak.
"What happened Severus?" asked Professor Dumbledore as he eyed the girl with pity.
"Pearson got into a fight and was heavily wounded. In addition to two broken arms and leg wound she was also partially eviscerated," replied the potions master as Professor Lupin lowered his eyes to the marble floor, he really didn't want to have to remember the details.
"It's not that bad..." started Luka before she was cut off by a suddenly galvanised Madam Pomfrey.
"Miss Pearson get back on that stretcher immediately," barked the matron.
"I'm fine really, werewolves heal fast," said Luka as she hesitated but a glare from Madam Pomfrey sent her scuttling back to the stretcher.
"Lycanthropy or no, you're still going to the hospital wing. There's no way you can heal those injuries on your own,"
"Actually, a were who has their throat torn out can return to work the next day so my injuries should be healing nicely now," chirped Luka from the stretcher.
Madam Pomfrey snorted in reply and led the small party to the hospital wing.
"Severus, how could you let her get into this state?" hissed Professor McGonagall.
"Firstly Minerva, she was locked inside a set of magical cancelling wards, secondly, I was not the only member of staff present so don't try and pin this all on me. Thirdly, exactly what are you doing here?" snapped Professor Snape in reply.
"For your information Severus I was playing chess with Poppy when Remus' patronus got here. And as for 'pinning it all on you' you're her head of house!"
"He's right Minerva, I should take some responsibility too. We both let her run ahead of us into danger," Professor Lupin said calmly.
Professor Snape narrowed his eyes, the wolf was trying to worm himself out of this through charm and knowing him it would probably work too. The small group entered the hospital wing and Madam Pomfrey ushered Luka into a curtained off bed despite the girl's protestations. After removing the drip, the matron cursing Muggle medicine as she withdrew the needle, and bandages Madam Pomfrey began setting the girl up for the night. Her bloodied clothes were exchanged for a clean pair of pyjamas, her wounds retreated and numerous healing potions imbibed.
"Now dear, do you really want to keep that necklace on?" asked Madam Pomfrey once she was done.
"Necklace?" asked Luka before her eyes widened and she grasped at the Phantomhive crest necklace her master had given her, undoing the catch she held it up to see the back, "It's silver," the matron stood confused so Luka continued, "I should be allergic to silver now. I'm expressing every other were trait so just holding it should burn me,"
"Well, perhaps your magic protects you," smiled the matron, the child was so confused, "now get some sleep, you have a lot of healing to do,"
"Only a few hours' worth," replied Luka sleepily as she closed her eyes,necklace still enclosed in her fist.
Madam Pomfrey exited the curtains making sure to tidy them once she was out. The four other staff members waited patiently for her statement.
"Both arms are broken, the left being severely mangled as well, her left leg has been partially shredded, her four lowest left ribs are missing along with a large portion of her spleen and she has a fractured skull. However she is healing at an incredible rate, the skull fracture is nearly repaired as is her left leg. It was still knitting itself together as I bandaged it. How was it she managed to survive?" concluded the matron.
"It was her master's order, to survive. By her contract she will do anything he asks of her, no matter the cost," stated Professor Dumbledore, the junior professors had explained the night's events as they waited for Madam Pomfrey to finish.
"That and her type of lycanthropy seems to be particularly virulent and the wizard who conjured the wards said she was one of the highest class of werewolf," added Professor Lupin.
"She reversed the other were's transformation," gasped Professor Snape, he hadn't thought about it at the time, he'd been too shocked by everything else.
Professor Lupin nodded in response, Luka would certainly need to be well trained. If she was left to her own devices she would be far too much of a loose cannon.
"I think, boys, that we'll have to discuss this more later this morning after I have written to the girl's foster parents," stated the headmaster as he turned to leave along with Professor McGonagall.
XXX
Later that morning the two younger professors went to the headmaster's office. Earlier that morning Professor Snape had made a discovery of a contract card in the pocket of his robes. It was to be one of the numerous points they would have to discuss with regards to the wayward girl. As he entered the office he saw that the headmaster was seated behind his desk looking quite weary but still remarkably well for his age.
"We will have to be quick gentlemen, the Pearsons were most insistent about coming to discuss their foster daughter as early as possible," said Professor Dumbledore as his former pupils took their seats in front of him.
"I don't think we'll get through all of it before they arrive," commented Professor Lupin.
"In that case I suggest we cut to the chase; what are we to do with her on the full moon?" began Professor Snape.
"I believe this is your area Remus,"
"She said that her type of werewolf could keep their minds but only with training. She will need to be confined for the first few moons and monitored carefully in between as she can turn at any time," replied the werewolf.
"What of Sebastian Michaelis? Did he indicate if he was going to compel her to return on the night of the moon?" asked the headmaster.
"He said nothing to us but he spoke in a foreign language to the girl. He could have issued his orders then," stated Professor Snape.
"Very well, onto the next order of business. What is this contract that has been formed between yourself and the young lady?"
"I confess I know little I about it all I have is the swift ritual and this card I found in my suit pocket this morning," drawled Professor Snape as he placed the card on Professor Dumbledore's desk for examination.
It was about the size of a standard trading card and depicted both Luka and the professor. They were standing side by side with Luka's right arm looped around Professor Snape's left. He was dressed in his usual suit and robe with a large book in his hands along with a quill. Luka on the other hand wore a cloak in a manner similar to that of Lockhart in the previous year's duelling club over what appeared to be her normal clothes. It also appeared that she had a small shield strapped to her left arm and the Shattered Soul was sheathed at her side. Beneath the professor was the inscription Magus fidelus (loyal wizard) where as Luka was described as Gladiatrix ultrix (vengeful swordswoman). Professor Dumbledore's eyes widened as he read the description, what did one so young have to avenge (ultrix can also be translated as avenging)?
"That's a pactio card from Negima," commented Professor Lupin, seeing the others' blank expressions he continued, "the spell is from one of the manga she had called Negima. The contract allows the wizard, the magister (master) to transfer power to the ministra (follower) so that the latter will protect the wizard. In addition to increased physical strength and speed the ministra receives a special item depending on their individual qualities. Though I don't know why both of you are on the card, the spell should have recognised one of you as being the magister,"
"Perhaps it is because we are both magic users. Well I may as well try what the girl said; adeat," said Professor Snape and a large black book appeared in place of the card as well as a black and pink quill.
The book was entitled Bibliotheque magnus (the great library) and the golden letters shone brightly on the leather and metal binding. The potions master edged closer and flipped through the tome, to his great disappointment it was all blank but the inside of the front cover was quite odd. The inside appeared to be a thin pane of glass illuminated from within. Picking up the quill the professor did a test swipe on the book's front page. Surprisingly despite the lack of ink it wrote quite clearly. Frowning he dismissed the item for later contemplation. At that point Professor Dumbledore's office wards signalled that someone was outside the door. The three staff members turned to see the Pearsons as the headmaster called for them to enter. Professor Snape's eyes narrowed at the arrogant pair who had bound him whilst his two colleagues regarded them neutrally. The girl's foster parents said the usual pleasantries before seating themselves in the chairs that the headmaster had conjured out of thin air. When they were told about the events of the night prior they looked suitably shocked but the looks of utter disgust that flitted over their features at the mention of what Luka had become did not go unnoticed.
"So why was she allowed to go to this 'job' if you knew she would be in danger and without our permission?" squawked Jacob Pearson who was playing the outraged father figure.
"I trust you know of the demon Sebastian Michaelis," continued Professor Dumbledore calmly.
The looks on the faces of the girl's 'guardians' was priceless as their masks crumbled for a second. Knowing that they had betrayed themselves Rose Pearson offered a reply.
"We know of him yes, but we have been fortunate enough to have never met him,"
"Then I take it you know of the consequences of a Faustian contract. Luka was going to that club regardless of whatever we did. It was therefore deemed best that two members of staff accompanied her. What I am curious about, and since you know of the demon you might be able to enlighten me, is why has he allowed her to remain in your custody?"
The two Aurors sat silently for a moment before Rose ventured forth an explanation.
"The girl's parents exchanged her soul for a boon so she was removed from them. Since then we have used special wards to keep the demon at bay," she said with a slight shake in her voice.
"So her parents were the Reginolds that were given the Dementor's kiss. Also, why has her memory been tampered with?" enquired Professor Dumbledore, he knew they were feeding him lies but with legitimate paperwork it was hard to argue.
In front of the headmaster Professor Snape was suppressing the urge to smirk. The Pearsons knew they were trapped, it would be amusing to see how they would wriggle out of this one.
"Yes, her parents received the Dementor's kiss. After they were sentenced it was believed that Luka would have a best chance with a blank slate. She had been brought up with Dark wizards and demons so it was unlikely she would know right from wrong. Luka was placed with us and here at Hogwarts so that she could have a normal life," replied Rose her statement ending in a sweet smile.
"But she has regained her memories," postulated the headmaster.
"Alas yes but with some work I'm sure she'll find her new life far more agreeable than her old one, now you must excuse we have to pick up our foster daughter and take her to the Werewolf Registry Office," said Rose.
"I'm afraid not, she is still in too poor a condition to leave. Perhaps if you picked her up this afternoon,"
"Of course, we will also be ending Luka's boarding here, after all no parent would probably let their children near her now," replied Jacob.
"I am sure we can keep it a secret," began Professor Lupin.
"Perhaps, but I think it best all round if she stays with us at night now," answered Jacob as the Pearsons left.
Once they were gone Professor Lupin spoke again.
"I don't like this Albus. They may be Aurors but having her registered so hurriedly isn't normal, that and they're very keen to take her home,"
"For once I agree with Lupin headmaster. Their behaviour is odd and even Moody has said they are extremists," added Professor Snape.
"I also agree but we have no way of contesting their judgement. All we can do is help her as much as we can during school hours. Remus, I believe your experience with your own lycanthropy can be of great use here, try and establish a better relationship with the girl. You too Severus as you are her head of house after all. Now I think we had better go to Madam Pomfrey to see how Luka is getting on," replied the elderly wizard.
XXX
As the three wizards entered the hospital wing Professor Snape got the distinct feeling that the young werewolf wasn't present but he brushed off the feeling as paranoia. How wrong he was.
"Oh headmaster that girl creates all sorts of trouble. She's just gone and left, apparently she needed to go to the library," stated Madam Pomfrey as she bustled towards them.
"When did she leave Poppy?" asked Professor Dumbledore.
"I'm not sure but a few minutes ago I went to change her bandages. It looked just like her but it must have been a paper golem. For some reason when I touched it it exploded and this is all that's left," muttered the matron as she handed Professor Dumbledore a piece of paper that was vaguely cut in the shape if a person. On one side was her name whilst the other had a note scribbled over it.
'To whom it may concern,
If this golem exploded on contact do not worry as this is perfectly normal. I have just popped to the library and I should be back soon.
Yours sincerely,
Luka'
The three professors read the note before the headmaster spoke again.
"Well I suppose we may as well wait for a little while since she will probably be back quite soon,"
"In that case you can use my office, you'll be able to see when she gets back from there," replied Madam Pomfrey as she led the wizards to room on the side of the ward.
It didn't take long for the young witch to reappear. Professor Snape first felt as if they were being watched and this time he paid attention to his instincts. He allowed himself to focus on the feeling, she was close by. He could feel her magic weakly as if it were an extension of his own. Looking out onto the ward he thought he saw the shadows around the windows shift. The others had seen it as well as all eyes were now trained on the window sill. For a moment the air shimmered before Luka appeared on the sill. A Disillusionment charm and a good one at that thought the potions master as he looked over the girl. Instead of pyjamas or her maid uniform she was now clad a baggy black t-shirt with a picture of tiger on it, navy jeans and her usual black work boots. In addition she wore over sized gloves, a Slytherin scarf and a bobble hat to conceal her less than human features. The werewolf remained perched for a moment as she looked around before silently stepping onto the floorboards. The professors waited for her to rummage through her stuffed rucksack before stepping out of the office, as the oaks boards creaked Luka's head shot up to regard them warily.
"Well Luka, I see you have recuperated well enough to wander the castle. I think we had better have a discussion about last night's events in my office," said Professor Dumbledore calmly.
"Not yet headmaster, I have to examine her first to see how she has healed," interjected Madam Pomfrey as she walked over to the young lycanthrope leaving the wizards to look over the scrap of paper.
After a few minutes the matron returned looking worried.
"What is it Poppy?" asked Professor Lupin as he and Professor Snape ceased their inspection of the golem.
"She's completely healed. Not a scratch," sighed the matron, "she mentioned that lycanthropy would increase her healing speed but I never imagined that it would be to this degree,"
"It is surprising at first but one soon becomes accustomed to it," added Luka as she walked towards the group, Professor Snape couldn't help but notice that her gate was quite different to how it had been the night before. Now it was more graceful and nearly silent.
"Now you've decided to reappear Pearson you can explain your little paper trick," drawled the potions master as he held up the piece of paper.
"I just needed to get some things from my dormitory and the library so I left the golem in my place," replied the girl calmly.
"How did you make it?" snapped the potions master, he was becoming quite fed up with all the odd magic she was using.
"I simply cut it, wrote my name on it, infused it with a piece of my aura and left it. It's really quite simple, although with these types of golems you have to give the proper order pretty quickly or they just accept the first notion they hear,"
The professor cocked an eyebrow as he scrawled his name beneath hers. He tried to rationalise his actions as an experiment to test her methods but he had an ulterior motive. The brat needed to learn that she wasn't the only one with power.
"Paper golems, they're from 'Negima!?' aren't they? I've just reached the volume where the main character uses these as a replacement so he can go out on patrol but they get out of control," said Professor Lupin as he finally remembered where he had seen the golems before, it had been nagging him since he had laid eyes on the slip of paper.
"Out of control how?" asked the potions master as he finished infusing some of his magic in the golem.
"The golems end up kissing people,"
"Kissing?"
At that moment Double-Snape appeared to the right of the real one and Luka facepalmed. She had told them that the golems follow the first order and they had been utterly careless. All she could do was remain out of the way and hope the golem didn't see her. It was bad enough finding out that she had accidentally kissed her teacher but getting molested by a paper Snape that exploded after kissing was even worse. Ah well, let them reap what they have sown she would be getting the blame anyway...
"Why would they end up kissing people?" asked Madam Pomfrey and Luka groaned, the target was acquired.
The young werewolf removed her hand to see Double-Snape look around before striding towards the matron. This wasn't going to end well.
"Kiss?" it repeated silkily before grabbing Madam Pomfrey.
At this point Luka decided to look at her watch, the way the strap attached was just so interesting... Well, that and the sounds and the looks of pure shock on the professors' faces was more than enough information. She turned her attention to the LCD display, twenty seconds and counting. True Double-Snape didn't need air but if it kept it up Madam Pomfrey was going to die. After what seemed an age the golem finally released the matron before exploding with a puff of smoke, the slip of paper slowly drifting to the floor. Luka looked up from her watch to see a pair of black eyes glaring at her and the possibility of a lecture coming on, so she decided a pre-emptive strike was required.
"No professor, I am not going to take the blame for this," Luka snapped at a surprised potions master as the headmaster went to over to help Madam Pomfrey who had collapsed in a dead faint, "I told you that the golem would accept the first order it heard and you sir were careless enough to mention kissing,"
"Silence Pearson! You are in enough trouble as it is without speaking back to me," retorted Professor Snape.
Before Luka could snarl a response Madam Pomfrey awoke and the headmaster decided it was time for them to discuss the morning's events in his office so that the matron could recuperate in peace.
When they were all sat comfortably in the elderly wizard's office and Luka had managed to turn down the near-compulsory lemon drop she was asked to explain the events of her eventful shift. The professors were surprised at how calm she seemed about everything.
"Do you not mind becoming a werewolf at all? You will have to constantly hide it from the wizarding world," asked Professor Lupin for he knew all too well the social repercussions of the condition.
"Not really professor, to be honest I'm more annoyed at losing my job as an Executioner, it was quite lucrative. Apart from that I feel the situation to be to my advantage," she replied, her cold yellow eyes not leaving those of the professor.
Professor Lupin was struck momentarily dumb by her words, she was to be an eternal outcast and she worried about not being able to kill for money?
"How in the name of Merlin can this be to your advantage?" he rasped.
The younger werewolf eyed him quizzically, "Of course it's advantageous. I have enhanced healing, strength and speed. If I had retained my post my efficiency would have been greatly improved, not that it was wanting initially..."
"Is that is?" the professor asked disbelievingly.
"Well some of the symptoms of lycanthropy are irritating such as a really short attention span, a near psychotic love of squeaky toys, the desire to eat people and the possibility of turning furry at any moment. The last two I should be able to control fairly quickly though," Luka replied.
Squeaky toys eh? Well at least she had revealed one weakness thought Professor Snape although the short attention span would be potentially dangerous in his class.
"Well since we have mentioned your condition do you think you could return your appearance to normal?" asked the headmaster as he looked over the golden eyed girl who was currently fidgeting with some paper in her claws
Said lycanthrope looked up seeming to contemplate the notion before nodding. It was strange to see her furry ears shrink and shift down her skull as her eyes changed colour. Looking down the professors saw her fingers return to human proportions and the claws exchanged for nails, the colour however remained black.
"Change back completely Pearson, we can't have the other students thinking you've been allowed nail polish charms when they're banned outside the weekends," growled Professor Snape.
Luka sighed before acquiescing, she liked black nails. They reminded her of Sebastian.
"Now that is taken care of kindly enlighten us about this contract that is between yourself and Professor Snape," said the headmaster kindly trying to coax as much information from the girl as possible.
"It was to be a power exchange contract between Sebastian and I but Professor Snape interrupted it. I doubt it works," Luka replied, she'd given them all the necessary information earlier whys should she repeat it?
"It does work, or at least the card is functional," commented Professor Lupin as Professor Snape pulled the card from is robes and handed it to the girl.
As Luka touched the card it divided in two and Luka picked up the copy. She glanced over the product of the contract, strange, the pactio must have realised they were both mages so they could both become the other's minister. She looked at the drawing of the professor, the loyal wizard? Loyal to whom? His artefact seemed to suit him though, it would have probably been a sort of weapon had she completed the ritual with Sebastian but Professor Snape always seemed a bit bookish. Luka's eyes flitted to herself and she smirked a little at her title. Her artefact was a little odd though, it was the Shattered Soul or according to this Anima Elisus (Shattered Soul). She had always thought that the contract would give the user a new item rather than recycling a current one though it did seemed to have an upgrade of two defending items.
"Adeat," said Luka and she smiled as she felt the reassuring weight of her sword by her side although the shield and cloak felt a little odd.
By her side Professor Snape was more than a little disgruntled. The brat got her weaponry back whilst he got a seemingly useless book and quill. It just wasn't fair!
"A most curious form of magic, if you are up for it professor I think that you and Miss Pearson should, give a demonstration tomorrow after her foster parents bring her back," said the headmaster.
"Bring me back?" asked Luka after she had returned her items to card form.
"Yes, your foster parents came by for a meeting earlier today and they thought it best if you spend your nights at their house rather than here at Hogwarts. They were also good enough to enlighten us as to what happened to your memories and why you are here. Now let me say this; at Hogwarts help is here for anyone who asks for it and your professors will be more than happy to assist in your rehabilitation. Especially since your master has decided to retain his grip on you," said the elderly wizard amiably as his eyes twinkled behind his glasses.
Luka could only nod in shock as she was dismissed. Once she reached her dormitory the feeling of numb disbelief had been replaced by seething rage. They knew about what was going on and weren't even lifting finger to stop it! Not only that but to speak to her with such false sincerity! If that bold git wasn't careful he was going to find his boiled sweets dusted with arsenic! She hopped on her bed and hastily drew the curtains. It was dangerous for anyone to be near her now, she longed for someone to lash out at, to release all her pent up rage and hate. After some deep breathing and Occlumency exercises Luka began packing. Her bastard handlers would be there soon.
XXX
As late afternoon approached the Pearsons returned to pick up their dear foster daughter. After shrinking and pocketing her belongings and apparated directlt to the ministry of magic. There their looks of care and affection turned loathing and disgust.
"This way beast!" snapped Jacob as he yanked her hair to pull her in the same direction as he and Rose were walking.
Luka looked upon the vile man with disgust, he was so abhorrent it was almost amusing. Humans set themselves up as the most caring race who fought hard to keep all the bloodthirsty magical creatures in line when really the most inhuman, the most despicable creatures were the humans themselves. That and they were breath takingly arrogant, seriously, did they really believe that all creatures looked up to them like in the stupid statue that the ministry had? Luka's irritation grew as she was shoved and kicked into the Beast Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures but she held her head high in defiance. The trio then entered a small, untidy office occupied by numerous filing cabinets and a single man sitting at a rather battered desk. Evidently the Werewolf Registry wasn't given much priority in funding much like its sister division the Werewolf Capture Unit if its ability to capture werewolves was anything to go by. That said, perhaps it was to the ministry's advantage to have such cretins as Greyback running around? It certainly made it easier to pass draconian legislation.
"Hello Amos, I didn't know you worked in this bit of the department," chirped Rose genially as she went back into character as the concerned but loving foster mother.
"I don't usually Rose but Greg's off with the flu. So, I take it this is the girl that the letter was about," he replied equally cheerily, "well Luka we had better get you signed up quickly since the Unspeakables want to see you too,"
Amos Diggory's smile quickly faded. Luka glared at the overly cheery man with malice before flipping him a one fingered salute, her obsidian claws elongating before his eyes for dramatic effect. She heard his heart rate speed up and the aroma of adrenaline drifted to her nostrils. It felt so good to inspire fear.