Yay, its finally finished, it really felt like this chapter was never going to end so sorry for the wait. Special thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favourite and followed this story. As usual I own nothing. Some of the spells in this chapter are from Negima?! and Bleach. The extract at the end is from 'Si deus me reliniquit' off the Kuroshitsuji OST and the translation can be found easily on You Tube, I didn't include it because I thought it would ruin the flow. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
When Luka returned the next day she looked a little tired but otherwise fine. For this the staff of Hogwarts were quite grateful, they had been told about what the girl had become and that she would now be arriving via Floo every morning rather than boarding at the school. Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall had made the most vociferous objections to the arrangement on the grounds that she would need to recover away from potentially mentally unstable Aurors. Their argument had been countered by a weary Professor Dumbledore who reassured them that she would still be spending the majority of her time in the school so they would be able to help her should she require it. The headmaster knew that that wouldn't fully placate them but at least they didn't try to rally a full staff mutiny against him, if they did they would probably win since the rest of the staff were pretty sympathetic to the cause. They just didn't understand the position he was in. Ah well, at least the girl was back in good condition and they would get to see the effects of the pactio after classes.
Luka glanced at the staff table as she sat down for breakfast, she'd come early specifically for food since her guardians had seen fit not to feed her at 'home'. As she helped herself to bacon she went through her 'To kill slowly and painfully' list once more. Professor- no, she wouldn't use that title with regards to him anymore- just Dumbledore, the lying, complicit, smiling like there's nothing going on old goat and Lupin the gutless, or at least he would be when she'd finished, werewolf. Now, the question was who else to add to the list. She had initially considered Professor Snape but the fact that her guardians had bound him stayed her hand, as for the rest of the staff she'd bide her time and watch them like a small, irate hawk. As breakfast ended Luka got up slowly, her body hurt all over thanks to the attentions of the Unspeakables but she made sure that Lucy had no cause to think anything was up. The girl had been concerned enough as it was due to Luka's removal just after the Howler. Even Colin had shot her worried glances that she'd had to return with a smile. Ah well, off to class...
After classes had finished and dinner was over Luka walked sedately to the headmaster's office. She had received a note summoning her there during Charms. That class, along with all others, had now jumped in difficulty due to her shortened attention span and poor impulse control. Instead of following her desire to run around the classroom every five minutes she settled for doodling. The professors may disapprove if they found out but it was the lesser of the two evils. Then there were the smells assaulting her nostrils every second. Living with a castle full of stressed, aggressive and sometimes lusty teenagers was giving her a headache so she had tried to stay out of the buildings. That hadn't gone as planned as it seemed that she now had a desire to chase after anything furry that moved. Most notably rabbits and she'd barely managed to control the urge to chase after she saw a plump grey one crossing the grounds just in front of her. At least no one had a squeaky toy and unlike feline weres werewolves couldn't be drugged by catnip. Still looking on the bright side Luka dawdled up to the griffin statue knowing full well she was bordering on late though to be honest she could no longer care what that weirdie beardie thought of her. Muttering the password she stepped onto the stairs as they began their ascent.
Luka strode through the doorway as soon as she was called. In the office in front of her were Dumbledore, Lupin and Professor Snape. Taking her time Luka walked up to the dais before taking the seat offered to her. Once again she was offered one of the old man's loathsome sweets and once more she declined.
"Well Luka I'm glad to see you look healthy considering recent circumstances," in her mind Luka snorted, the old git knew full well what was going on behind closed doors, "now you've been called here so we can discuss the other arrangements we've had to make because of your condition," smiled the headmaster as the child continued to look upon him coldly.
"There is more besides my living arrangements?" questioned the girl, her green eyes unwavering in their gaze.
"Yes, your detentions will now incorporate an element of training," Luka's eyebrow quirked, "as well as punishment so that you can get your more bloodthirsty urges under control. Also you were called here so that along with Professor Snape you can give a demonstration of your pactio. Professor Snape and yourself will be in a mock duel against Professor Lupin and myself," explained the elderly wizard.
"So the dogs are to snap at each other whilst their masters duel," Luak replied as she got the jist of what was going on, she'd need to be careful not to reveal the true power of the contract, it might prove troublesome if Dumbledore informed the Unspeakables about another of her powers. Then again it was a possibility that Professor Snape's magic might break the restrictions on her. If that were the case old man Dumbles and his pet were in fro quite the shock. It wasn't every day one saw an ex-Executioner at the peak of her powers.
From beside her Professor Lupin watched the girl warily. He didn't like her demeanour or how she had referred to him as a dog. True the girl had seemed strange on the train but now she had changed considerably, it was if she didn't care anymore. This couldn't be just lycanthropy, there must be something else at work.
After a swift agreement of the rules; no lethal spells etcetera the wizards and werewolves relocated themselves to a secluded section of the grounds. Professor Lupin handed Professor Snape the incantation from Negima!? and as the duel got under way the potions master uttered it, half believing that it wouldn't work.
"Sis mea pars per 360 secundas. Magister Severus Snape, ministra Luka Pearson (contract executed for 360 seconds. Master Severus Snape, minister Luka Pearson),"
As he finished the incantation Luka began to glow as her aura became incandescent with magic. Wordlessly she summoned her artefact, the engravings on the shield filling with scarlet light and Luka inwardly groaned. It was too similar to magical girl shows, the previously near invisible engravings turned out to be a musical score with a large treble clef in the centre of the shield. The ministra shook her head, Professor Snape thought he had it bad with a pink quill. A second look at it changed her mind hwoever, she recognised the music as an extract from the brass section of Holst's 'Mars:Bringer of war', it was quite fitting really given her natural inclinations and the fact that she was an aries. Raising her blade in a swift salute Luka gave Professor Lupin little time to reciprocate before firing her first spell.
"Shakuho!"
The red cannon ball zoomed towards the hapless professor with far more power than that of its predecessor that destroyed his office. In the face of such an attack the professor had little option but to dodge, however that was to no avail. As the ball exploded it unleashed a flaming shockwave that sent Professor Lupin flying forwards. He eventually landed on his knees, his forehead connecting with the grass as he clutched his roasted rump.
"Hmph,"
The professor looked up to see sulphur eyes filled with hatred and contempt. A sliver of fear making its way up his spine as he saw the malice in the girl's expression. However instead of the anticipated attack the girl turned and walked away. Once she had deemed that she had retreated enough Luka faced him once more as she sheathed her sword. The professor looked at her questioningly.
"I do not require my sword,"
The rest of the derisive comment went unsaid as Luka struggled to control the pent up rage she felt. Sebastian had told her to behave and it was becoming increasingly difficult. To think that she being held captive by mages too weak to block a simple spell like the Red Flame cannon and she didn't use her power to its full extent either as per her orders. The girl watched with disdain as the professor sprung to his feet and fired a hex at her. It was easily blocked and only served to further increase her ire. She wanted to rip the wretch in front of her limb from limb glorying in his screams of agony and the smell of blood. To Luka there were few sounds more wonderful than the shredding of muscle, tendon and sinew and the staccato snap of bone. The wolf within her howled at its confines, it was so hungry and had been denied so long. The changes must have shown on her face as Professor Lupin was now eyeing her warily and was now utilising more powerful spells. However they were to no avail, even without the contract with Professor Snape in effect her defensive abilities would have dealt with his attacks easily. Once she was within range Luka once again reverted back to hand to hand combat. Her first few kicks met the professor's shield so she increased both her power and speed. As the charm fell Luka's left shin connected with Professor Lupin's right thigh. Smiling Luka felt the leg give way as the bone broke and the professor fell on his side, his face blanched with pain. Luka snorted, for such a minor injury to be classed as painful...
"Heal yourself and get up professor," she said quietly as her yellow eyes bored into the blue ones of the older werewolf.
The professor lay unmoving for a moment as he tried to will away the pain. It was hard to think coherently let alone do what she asked and cast a healing spell.
Across from the werewolves the wizards duelled. It was clear for both to see that the headmaster had the upper hand and Professor Snape was being pushed onto the defensive. The contract wasn't helping his situation either. Not only was there a slight drain on his power but he could feel the girl's consciousness pushing in on his own despite his Occlumency shields. From what he could feel the girl was quite unhinged. His mind was slowly being flooded by waves of hatred, anger and, quite surprisingly, utter despair. The professor twitched as the urge to rip and tear ran through his body. The girl had never mentioned this about the contract! He counted himself lucky that he couldn't pick up on exact thoughts although he could feel a mantra of sorts run through his head but it was too faint for him to make out the words. Pushing the alien feelings to one side Professor Snape focused on the duel once more.
Yellow eyes narrowed in disgust as she realised the limits of the wizard in front of her. Impatiently she cast the healing spell herself. Professor Lupin's eyes widened as a glowing circlet of runes wrapped around him leg knitting the bone together. Pulling himself unsteadily to his feet he levelled his wand once more at his opponent. This time he wouldn't hold back. Alas his comeback did not last. As he was set to cast his fifth spell Luka lunged forwards in a blink of an eye and grabbed his wrist. His magic nullified effortlessly the professor looked down at the younger werewolf in shock.
"Despite your ability to use nonverbal magic your speed and wand movements leave a lot to be desired. Imperio restriction per 180 secundas (power restriction for 180 seconds)," said the young witch, a smirk gracing her lips as she saw the worry flash across the professor's face. The fool had thought she was going to use the Imperius curse. Now, it seemed that Professor Snape was having a little trouble with the old buzzard...
Indeed the potions master was having more than a little difficulty in dealing with the headmaster. He was constantly on the back foot and he felt quite irked, the older wizard was playing with him he was sure. Breathless he caught a movement from the corner of his eye. Professor Snape was not alone in his observation as Professor Dumbledore put up a shield as a precaution. His actions proved to be most wise as the assailant's attack landed upon the charm just as it was created. Luka snorted and retreated slightly as she felt her sword blocked by the shield. Professor Snape narrowed his eyes, just when did the second year from hell get out of her fight with Lupin? Black eyes narrowed further as they found the beast in question who at this moment time seemed to be split in watching his former opponent and flailing his wand around like a Muggle magician. Fool. The professor turned his attention back to the skirmish in front of him. The girl was alternating between magical and non-magical attacks when she wasn't dodging the headmaster's spells. Even those that found her were deflected with a clang off her shield. As he watched he felt the alien intrusion into his consciousness grow stronger. Anger and hatred mixed with pride and pain. Those were the sources of her power it seemed. In addition at the closer distance he could observe that her aura, once white with the power of the pactio, was now scarlet and encompassed her sword which seemed to screech with the desire to bite into flesh.
"Getsuga tenshou (moon fang heaven piercer)!" Luka shouted, a beam of scarlet light erupted from the tip of her sword cleaving the ground and air as it raced towards the headmaster.
Much to disappointment he side stepped it neatly smiling at her. That would not do at all. The young witch redoubled her efforts conscious of the increasing pain coming from her restrictions. She momentarily flicked her attention to her magister. What she saw nearly make her gawp in shock. Professor Snape was just standing there on the sidelines doing nothing. Tsking she decided to remind him that they were both supposed to be fighting.
"Professor Snape, can you hear me?"
The professor gasped in shock as heard the voice that slipped past his Occlumency barriers with such ease and he narrowed his eyes as he glared at the source.
"Yes," he replied as caustically as possible, she was going to pay for not telling him about this bit of the contract.
"In that case please help sir. I know that –edia- fighting the headmaster would have been –cru- tiring with the pactio in effect –onat- but the point of the contract is for me to be the first line of attack and for you to act as the –Mitter- artillery,"
Snarling at the little chit's audacity to tell him what to do the professor hesitated as he once again raised his wand. As he began to aim hexes at the headmaster once more he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Lupin was edging towards him looking quite distressed. Smiling slightly at his enemy's obvious discomfort he lunged forwards into the fray.
Luka noticed Professor Snaoe hesitate before commencing his attack, at least with the two of them it would be easier to keep up with the old man. Contract or no she was still slightly weakened from the lycanthropic change and the Ministry's attentions. Smiling as the old coot turned from her to Professor Snape she unleashed one of her more Slytherinesque weapons. Her patronus. The cockerels flew at speed at the headmaster and penetrating his shield with ease before solidifying and exploding. As expected the older wizard managed to block the ones from the air but those that emerged from the ground knocked him backwards. It was only one step but it was a start and it gave her enough time to begin the next phase of her plan as Professor Snape continued to distract the headmaster. Disillusioning herself in a blink of an eye Luka simultaneously summoned wind spirit replicas of herself and ordered them towards Professor Dumbledore as she launched herself upwards into the air above her enemy. Eyes narrowed with murderous intent Luka gritted her teeth with effort, even though she constantly repeated what used to be her release key over and over in her head her restrictions and fatigue wore her down. She couldn't give up now. If all went as planned she would have that pitiful excuse for a person on his knees. Luka was now above the headmaster, her body suspended upside down as her forwards momentum continued to propel her, lowering her left arm she fired a cero (doom blast) from her index finger as she transferred the invisibility charm from herself to the attack. Her power had gotten too low for her to maintain both and it was best that the attack wasn't seen until the last second. The cone of destructive energy cascaded downwards onto the target. Alas her grand scheme was not to be, sensing a powerful magical presence above him the headmaster looked up pulling his shields in the direction of his gaze. The cero connected with his charm, its sheer power forcing him to stumble slightly. Seeing an opening Professor Snape made another attack only for it to be parried and countered as the sky above the duellists lit up.
As soon as she had unleashed the cero Luka knew something had gone wrong, the old man had reacted too fast and suddenly she was violently shunted from behind. Looking over her shoulder as she plunged to earth Luka saw that the school wards were now visible. Circles of ancient runes were now ablaze with near blindingly white energy, a tendril of which had attacked her and was now looped around her body. As she ploughed into the ground she was thankful that she still had enough power to reinforce her body. Spitting out some soil the witch made to get up only to realise she was pinned down. The tendril wrapped itself tighter around her body as if to suffocate her. The magic invaded her tissues crushing her magic and soul. As if sensing a like presence her restrictions intensified, the Cruciatus became stronger and the collar she had worn for so long threatened to choke her. Her vision growing blurry and Luka could feel herself beginning to lose consciousness. Luka had hoped to fulfil Sebastian's request and keep her head down but it was just that; a request. She would never be free if her magic and soul were ground into powder by the wards. Resolving herself she pulled her remaining power into one last spell uncaring of the consequences.
Staring in shock the professors watched as the wards encapsulated the girl. Professor Snape looked to the headmaster for guidance but he only saw surprise that mirrored his own. Looking back at the girl he could feel a crushing sensation in his chest and the presence in his mind grew steadily weaker. Acting on instinct he rushed forwards only to stop as he felt a power surge from his student and his eyes widened in shock at the incantation he heard screamed.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Somehow Luka had managed to rotate her shoulders so that she lay slightly on her side, just enough for her to fire the curse at the wards in the hope that if no spell could block it then it could take down wards as well.
Professor Snape was almost floored as he saw the eruption of emerald flames engulf the child before spiralling upwards consuming the tendrils and runes of the wards as it went. The potions master then nearly had a heart attack as a figure erupted from the mass of the Killing Curse. Enrobed in verdant energy that made all other colours except white appear black Pearson looked like a revenant servant of Slytherin himself.
Luka landed in front of the headmaster as the remnants of the curse dissipated and executed a fencing lunge. With the last of her magic now gone all she had was Muggle combat methods.
With a flick of his wrist the headmaster sent her flying, the Shattered Soul falling from Luka's limp hand as she sailed through the air. Sighing in defeat Luka resigned herself to the pain of the restrictions, the obvious extra punishments she was going to have to endure and the fact that she was now ground to hit the ground unprotected as the time of the pactio was up. The magic of her professor would support her no more. Therefore, it was with great surprise that she felt herself connect softly with a soft body and a cool, if slightly clammy, hand caressed her brow. Opening her eyes Luka was met by quite an unnerving sight. She had been caught by one of the Dementors and as she glanced around her she noticed that quite a few were in the immediate area which was at odds with their usual more dispersed positions around the castle. Turning her attention once more to the Dementor Luka's eyes widened as the scabbed mouth quickly came closer.
"Mmph," Luka struggled, her little legs kicking and arms flailing as she felt the Dementor's energy flow into her and inside she felt something click like a chain link snapping. As she was allowed to breathe Luka checked her contracts, both were intact but something else was off. She just didn't know what it was.
Once at ground level the Dementor let her down and another brought her her dropped sword. Bobbing her head in thanks despite the lingering taste of rotten soul she then turned to look at the professors. All three were looking on in a mixture of shock and disgust at the girl.
"Begone you vile creatures!" shouted the headmaster for the Dementors had yet to move back to their posts instead the pair favoured hovering close to Luka whilst a large number of their fellows loomed around the school boundary.
For a moment the Dark creatures remained impassively still but the threat of the headmaster's patronus and a nod of consent from the young witch sent them slowly on their way. Ruffling her hair as they passed the Dementors made their way back to their posts flicking the odd rude gesture now and then to the professors, these actions were echoed among their colleagues. Apparently the time Peeves had spent mocking them had not been entirely wasted. Wanting to get the inevitable Luka made her way back to the teachers. After sheathing Shattered Soul who had been muttering about the defeat she dispensed with her tattered cloak and tarnished shield. Hopefully when she called on them again they would all be repaired.
As she approached Professor Snape eyed the girl cautiously, not only was she not dead from the Killing Curse but she seemed to be on good terms with some of the foulest creatures on Earth.
"Why aren't you dead?"
Luka cocked her eyebrow at the unusually tactless question before replying, "A Faustian contract has many perks, one being immunity to the Killing Curse,"
The professors continued to stare at the girl. It was difficult not to, everything else aside her appearance was awful as she was caked in soil and blood, the majority of the latter having been shed from her nose.
"On that note, why did you deem it necessary to use an Unforgiveable curse?" enquired the headmaster.
"The school's wards were crushing the life out of me. Without my magic I would never have been able to repair let alone reanimate this body if it were fatally damaged. The choice between Dark magic and the possibility death was obvious," Luka replied calmly though despite her efforts her voice still shook slightly from the Cruciatus.
"And the Dementors?" continued Professor Dumbledore.
"I have kept on their good side,"
"How?"
"I've been feeding them, it's just like with pigeons only these guys are a bit uglier. Not that one should judge on looks alone..."
"Why... and how?" gasped Professor Lupin incredulously as he stood beside Professor Snape who had now opted for silent observation.
"They have had their hunting rights severely curtailed and whilst they can't starve to death their tempers are beginning to fray. It's only a matter of time before they rebel and attack someone. As for the method, it is somewhat similar to a patronus but I don't drive them away,"
"Very well, your use of Dark magic will be overlooked this once but your foster parents will still be informed. Now clean yourself up and follow Professor Lupin to your detention," said Professor Dumbledore, he wanted to return office as soon as possible, the fact that he didn't know such wards existed until the young witch had fallen foul of them had him on edge.
In response Luka quickly scourigified herself and walked over to the older werewolf. As she passed Professor Snape hissed at her;
"We will discuss our little 'agreement' tomorrow Pearson,"
The statement was met by a nod and... Occlumency barriers. The professor had taken the opportunity to see if the mental link existed even when the contract wasn't in effect and what he found unnerved him. He could easily see the situation was deteriorating; the Faustian contract, secretive and odd foster parents, werewolves, a sudden change in behaviour and now the Dementors and powerful Dark magic seemingly under her command made for a most potent toxic cocktail. He would have to retire to his quarters and think on the situation, perhaps his artefact would also merit another look.
XXX
"Tonight you will be writing lines whilst at the same time resisting the temptation of this piece of meat," said Professor Lupin as he indicated the raw steak that was on his desk.
After the younger werewolf had taken the seat he offered and began writing Professor Lupin took out some papers to mark. Every now and then his glance lifted to the witch in front of him. She would twitch on occasion but apart from that and her slightly messy hair one would have no idea that she had participated in a duel and wielded magic far more powerful than most adult wizards. He was going to have to watch her carefully, she had bound his magic with what had appeared to be ease. True she had been supplied with power by Severus but still, he could not overlook the fact she had still done it. On the overhand she appeared to have less power over herself than others. As he watched he noted her constant glances to the meat and the near white knuckled grip on her quill. At least she had a weakness, one which he would have to remember.
XXX
Sitting at his desk with his artefact before Professor Sanpe sat deep in thought. The book was open and the quill in his hand, the nib of which was touching the paper. After a few minutes the professor broke himself out of his reverie and his gaze returned to the book once more. Blinking and rubbing his eyes to make sure it wasn't just a trick of the light he looked down again. The page remained the same, instead of its previous blank parchment the page was now covered in text with a large picture at the top. At closer inspection the page appeared to depict what Professor Snape had been contemplating. The picture was a curious one, it was Muggle style as it didn't move and it was of the earlier duel. The grey bar running beneath it was sectioned into squares, each with a symbol; a triangle, two parallel vertical lines, a square and an odd shape which seemed to be a joined square and semicircle with curved lines to its right. The symbols reminded him of something but for the moment he couldn't remember what they were. The professor turned his attention to the text beneath. It appeared to be a description of the day's events with his thoughts on the matter as italic annotations. To test the theory that the quill and book acted as a conduit for his thoughts Professor Snape lowered the quill to the page.
My classes are full of ignorant dunderheads.
The ink flowed from the quill to form his thoughts on the page. With his theory proved the professor scowled as he realised he now had no idea on how to erase the comment. The stupid artefact didn't exactly come with instructions. It was just like those Muggle bit and bobs that Charity expected him to know about just because he was a halfblood. Professor Snape's eyes widened, now he remembered where he'd seen those symbols before. They were on the cassette players the more wealthy Muggle children had had in his neighbourhood. Now if he remembered correctly that triangle meant play...
XXX
Meanwhile back in Professor Lupin's office the silence was becoming oppressive however it was difficult to pick a topic of conversation that would alleviate it. Professor Lupin pondered the possibilities before acting. With a wave of his wand he vanished the steak.
"I think we will finish that part of your training for tonight. Now I would like to discuss today's events in more detail," said the professor as green eyes bored into him, "Starting with why you altered your appearance and why you thought you would bind my magic,"
"Given the nature of combat my more wolfish tendencies tend to take over therefore I shifted slightly. As for the binding I found our duel to be, for want of a better word, slightly boring," replied Luka as she continued to stare at the older werewolf.
Professor Lupin felt his eyebrow quirk in irritation, not to mention he felt slightly hurt by the comment. The girl's attitude was clearly becoming worse and she evidently quite ruthless.
"You do realise that in the Wizarding world you will need to control your impulses,"
Luka's jaw tightened noticeably, "I assure you professor, if I graduate from here I have no intention what so ever of staying in the Wizarding world,"
"Why not?" asked the professor who was clearly taken aback.
"It is not to my tastes to have my actions dictated by laws introduced by an overly bureaucratic and unaccountable farce of a government," came the blunt reply.
"Whilst I agree that anti-werewolf legislation is harsh you have to balance it with the fact that there are individuals such as Greyback-"
"Greyback is an amateur. His methods are crude, slow and rather detrimental to his cause," Luka snapped.
For a moment Professor Lupin just gawped, surely the girl couldn't be serious?
"What?"
"He relies on a few turnings a year and those are carried out poorly. Whilst he does have the sense to change children who would adapt better than adults the trauma from his methods probably produces slightly disturbed adults. The fact that he leaves the child with their parents rather than taking them means that the cub will raised in a world that loathes their kind. Furthermore he doesn't seem to be thinking tactically with regards to whom he picks. He neither attempts to sway ministry officials by turning them or keeping his activities low profile. At present he plays perfectly into the ministry's hands as a propaganda tool. It will be amusing however should he succeed for I wonder whether he actually has any idea on how to run a large administration such as the Ministry,"
"You find it amusing that the monster is going around maiming children and attempting to bring down the ministry?" hissed Professor Lupin, the girl was truly warped!
"I find the struggle and the chaos that would ensue should Greyback succeed quite entertaining. That and the Ministry has it coming. For all their grand standing and suppression of Dark creatures in the name of the Light they fail to recognise the fact that monsters occur in every race,"
"You have truly lost all sense of morality," replied Professor Lupin.
"I'm sure the Ministry's explanation for that is that I'm not human, and neither are you professor. Can you honestly say as a werewolf you don't believe that the Ministry's laws are ridiculously punitive and it would be good to get rid of them along with those who created them?"
"Unlike you I have retained my humanity and I believe in the rule of law,"
"I have no use for such an unbecoming trait and as for the law, doesn't it state that registered werewolves are not to work with children?" enquired Luka, her green eyes smouldering with suppressed triumph.
Professor Lupin's jaw tightened as he glared at the creature in front of him. What had occurred to precipitate the change from a kind student to a clearly malevolent werewolf.
"Do you intend to expose me to the student body or your foster parents?"
"No," smiled Luka, "to do so would be pointless. I was not threatening you, I was simply highlighting your hypocrisy. You attempt the impossible, emulating humans will never make you one. In life there are some things that can't be regained no matter how hard one struggles,"
The chime of the clock saved Professor Lupin from having to think of a smart reply as the fire turned green he waved at Luka to go. As Luka gathered her possessions and left he didn't spare her a glance. He would have to discuss their conversation with the headmaster. It was evident that she didn't fear punishment and her grasp on the Light was failing. Even with his compassionate nature Professor Lupin wondered whether it was possible to save her.
The next day Professors Lupin and Snape found themselves sitting in the headmaster's office once more.
"How were your evenings my boys?" asked the old wizard as he pushed a dish of sweets towards them.
"Not good," replied Professor Lupin to the others' surprise, "Luka has few human traits left and those that remain are not pleasant. She even finds Greyback's attempts to over throw the Ministry amusing. I find it difficult to see how we can help her now, she is far too corrupted,"
"I agree headmaster. When the pactio as in effect it formed a mental link between the girl and I. Her whole being is consumed with hatred and malice. That and the utter despair I felt emanating from her suggest that she is quite unhinged," added Professor Snape.
The headmaster nodded thoughtfully, "Sadly I must concur with both of you. I spent a large portion of the night researching those wards that were activated. They were put in place centuries ago to protect the headmaster. For her to have roused them from their dormancy Miss Pearson must have had unyielding killing intent towards myself and the necessary power to sustain the threat,"
"What are we to do? She doesn't fear getting punished and her abilities are still growing" asked Professor Lupin.
"I must admit my boy, I am rather at a loss in that regard. It could be disastrous to expel her as she would spend all her time as the charge of Pearsons and I doubt that would be beneficial to her development. At worst it could send her further into Darkness. I'm afraid all we can do is attempt to mitigate the damage by providing a stable environment here," replied Professor Dumbledore.
"Surely now she shows some instability we can use it to remove her from those 'guardians' and have her put with someone more suitable," started the potions master.
"No, we cannot go against the will of the Ministry with something so little,"
"Why not? I am sure we can get Madam Pomfrey to attest to the girl's need for a stable home in her condition," snapped Professor Snape. He was fed up with the headmaster's feeble attempts to justify his inaction, if the old man had listened to him in the first place he wouldn't be gagged and the whole thing may have been averted.
"We cannot just blunder in Severus. Now if that is all we have to discuss I think we should all get back to the day's work," replied the headmaster.
Professor Snape swept out in a huff muttering under his breath as he went. He had considered telling the headmaster he had gotten closer to mastering his artefact but if the old wizard was just going to brush him off he couldn't be bothered.
Later that day Luka was making her way to Defence Against the Dark Arts along with Lucy and Peter. Luka was still brooding over the night before as when she got 'home' she had found that her handlers had already been informed of her actions. Their ire had been great indeed. As a result of her punishment Luka found herself in quite a bad mood and it must have showed as everyone except her friends had kept their distance. Now sitting down the trio looked at the battered wardrobe that stood in the front of the classroom. After hearing about the amount of fun the third years had had with the boggart the second year class had moithered Professor Lupin for the same opportunity. In response the professor had put forth a deal that if the pupils achieved high scores in a recent class test they could have a go at dealing with the creature and only half the lesson would be devoted to the boggart. As Professor Lupin explained the incantation the class listened in rapt attention. After that they eagerly formed a line and the first of the students was called up to face the boggart. Lucy, Luka and Peter found themselves about halfway through the line and they were quietly discussing how to make their boggart form amusing. Lucy came up with a giant rat being turned into a squeaky toy mouse and Peter had a dragon that could only cough up pink bubbles. Luka on the other hand had nothing. She knew what she feared but it was a concept rather than an actual thing so the form itself could vary tremendously. Was it possible to force the boggart to assume a particular body before the incantation? There was only one way to find out. After her friends' lauded success Luka stepped forwards. Summoning her will to dominate the boggart she looked the giant fluffy mouse in its beady eyes. The boggart remained for a second before zooming back to the wardrobe as a twirling mass of shapes the door slamming behind it. Luka blinked in surprise before looking at Professor Lupin uncertainly. The professor returned the gaze warily for a moment before striding up to the wardrobe and stepping inside. Once inside he found himself in a very unique position, that of consoling a clearly terrified full moon. Outside the wardrobe the class waited wondering whether to continue standing around or to try and help their professor. Their wait was short however as Professor Lupin quickly came out and told them to go back to their desks. Apparently the boggart was refusing to come out. Moaning and groaning the students resumed their seats as the lesson went back to original plan.
Later that day Professor Lupin mentioned the incident to Professor Snape. The latter acknowledged that it was strange but so was everything else when dealing with the girl and since the headmaster was telling them to do nothing all they could do was think on it.
As the week and its successor passed the staff noticed that Luka's demeanour continued to change. She became quieter and seemed to become more tired as the days wore on, her once elegant and proud gait had been reduced to a slow foot dragging walk typical of reluctant students. The concerns of the staff, most notably Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey, were brushed aside by the headmaster who simply replied that it was to be expected since it was her first full moon. Even Professor Lupin who knew the effects if the moon first hand disputed the headmaster's claims but was dismissed nonchalantly.
As Luka walked in on Friday, the day of the full moon, she could barely keep herself in a straight line. The pain was constant and now even holding a pen and writing was an effort. Over and over she repeated her thoughts of revenge, it was the only thing keeping her going now, Sebastian's promise seemed so distant and a month such a long period of time indeed. Things got even worse though as she was summoned to the headmaster's office during lunch time. After knocking she dragged herself through the doorway she noted the presence of Professors Dumbledore, Lupin and Snape along with her handlers and strangers she assumed to be ministry personnel.
"Miss Pearson please take a seat," said a nervous looking Amos Diggory.
Luka sat down and eyed the adults cautiously, Professor Dumbledore didn't look as at ease as usual for some reason.
"As I said before your foster daughter joined us Mr Pearson that this is most irregular. Here at Hogwarts we are capable with containing a young werewolf without the aid of the Ministry," said he.
"Be that as it may but the situation has to be assessed, the last thing we want is a rabid beast running around the corridors of the school," replied Jacob Pearson smoothly.
"To bring in Amos to assess the situation is one thing but to bring in representatives the Werewolf Capture Unit and an executioner from the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures is quite another. I fail to see the reason for all of this,"
"Amos is indeed here for the assessment. Daniels is the head of the Werewolf Capture unit and he's here to gain a further understanding of his enemy as its seldom one sees a werewolf transform. McNair is just here as insurance should the worst occur," Rose said sweetly with a smile to match.
"Yeah, they always to know your enemy. Lately works been gettin' slow so I need to keep my edge," said Daniels as he ran a hand through his spiky hair.
Luka flicked her gaze over him for a second before piping up, "Have you ever fought a werewolf before Mr Daniels? Those scars on your face aren't cursed so you didn't get them off one of my kind and you certainly would be scarred if you went up against a werewolf. If you wanted to know more all you need to do is talk to Professor Lupin. He knows a lot about fighting werewolves, don't you sir?" asked Luka as she twisted around to face the professor her voice remaining innocent but her eyes shone with malice. If she was going down she may as well stir the pot.
"Regardless of those details I refuse to allow this to take place without a member of staff present. Severus, you will watch over the proceedings," stated the headmaster.
"Of course, now if you will excuse us we need to begin preparing the room and wards," replied Rose in her saccharine voice as the other males just nodded with the exception of Diggory who tried an amiable smile.
"Very well, Miss Pearson you are dismissed," said Professor Dumbledore, Luka didn't waste any time in leaving and the three staff members were left alone.
"Albus something isn't right. Why would they bring Daniels and McNair here if it a mere observation of the lycanthropic condition," hissed Professor Snape.
"I agree Severus, that is why you are going to watch them for me," replied the older wizard wearily.
"But why are they here in the first place?" asked Professor Lupin.
Professor Dumbledore sighed, "Originally they wanted to take her back to the Ministry for the night but I convinced them that familiar surroundings would be better for her. They conceded that point but never mentioned that they would be bringing reinforcements. What was I supposed to say Remus? That we have taken care of afflicted students before? That would have led to too many questions,"
Professor Lupin paled slightly as he nodded in agreement.
"Now all we can do is make her comfortable as possible and hope for the best, and Remus try not to worry too much. Tonight will be trying for you too," said the headmaster gently as he waved the younger professors out of his office.
Later, as she stood in Herbology Luka could feel herself grow weaker still. The plant pots which would have been light to even a feeble human felt as if they were cast from solid lead and when she turned too fast the world oscillated before her eyes. Luka slowly stooped to reach for compost and another classmate knocked her head with his elbow as he rushed past. Luka stumbled back as the world tilted worse than ever. Blinking she noticed the world beginning to fade and the floor seemed to be getting closer.
Lucy whirled around as soon as she saw her friend knocked only to see her stumble and fall. Calling for Professor Sprout she and Colin rushed over to Luka. As they leaned over her they noticed her pallid and clammy complexion, her breathing didn't sound too good either.
"Did either of you see her sniff one of the plants? I did mention the sleepweed at the beginning of the year," said the professor as she bent over the prone student.
"No she just stumbled and fell after Alfie bumped into her," replied Lucy nervously as she pulled at one of her pig tails.
The professor knelt next to Luka and felt her brow, it was fevered and clammy. Sighing she rested a hand on Luka's shoulder. Professor Sprout's eyes widened in horror as she increased her grip to feel the girl's shoulder joint that seemed to jut sharply through the cloth of her robe. Running her hand down Luka's arm she realised the girl was far too skinny and underweight. Straightening up she conjured a stretcher and levitated the motionless form onto it. Looking at the girl's worried friends the professor instructed them to take their friend to the hospital wing.
XXX
"Ah Poppy, you sent for me I believe?" twinkled the headmaster as he walked into the hospital wing.
"Yes, Luka was just brought in by two of her friends. It appeared she collapsed during Herbology. The poor girl is quite feverish and somewhat underweight," replied the matron in a concerned voice.
"Remus did say that some symptoms were to be expected..."
"Yes I remember how the poor boy was ill for days but she isn't supposed to have symptoms and it doesn't explain her being far too skinny," snapped Madam Pomfrey, she had already heard from Severus about the Ministry's presence in the school and she wasn't happy.
"It's probably because it's her first moon and a child's weight does tend to go up and down a bit. Her forthcoming transformation has probably just exaggerated it a bit," seeing that he was about to be interrupted he continued quickly, "never the less I will discuss this with both her guardians and I will inform Severus-"
"I already have, he's on his way," replied the matron as the potions master walked in looking as grumpy as ever.
"What is wrong with the brat this time?" he drawled.
"Severus! For your information your student collapsed in class and she appears to have a fever and is quite underweight,"
The younger professor frowned and stalked over to the girl to assess her for himself. Against his will a small knot of worry formed in his stomach, she didn't look fit to transform tonight especially not in the presence of those who undoubtedly hated her.
"I think we need to cancel her Ministry assessment," he said quietly and Madam Pomfrey puffed herself up as she was vindicated.
"That is not an option Severus. The Ministry perceives her to a Dark creature, they will analyse her whether she is ill or well, all we can do is make sure they don't hurt her. That is why you are going with to watch them,"
"So that's it? The Ministry just walks over all of us? We have a duty to our students!" squawked the matron.
"The alternative Poppy is that she goes to the Ministry and we are powerless to help her," said the headmaster as he turned to leave.
By Luka's bedside Professor Snape shook his head as he heard Madam Pomfrey bustle off muttering to herself. Was the headmaster being wilfully blind? The potion master knew that he would never act so negligently if perfect Potter was in here with a fever. He sighed, it would be down to him alone to help her this evening. Perhaps he could enlist the help of Amos Diggory but he doubted that the spineless Hufflepuff would stand up against Aurors and his own nastier colleagues.
XXX
That evening as the moon began to rise the potions master made his way to the disused tower room that was going to be used for the assessment. As he walked in what he saw surprised him. The girl was huddled in the corner behind a set of visible wards. As far as he could tell she was naked except for her school robe and he turned his attention to the Ministry personnel. McNair was sitting on an old wooden chair with a sadistic grin on his ugly face whilst Daniels watched the girl with eager anticipation and her foster parents' faces were alight with self righteousness and hatred. The cretins made him sick but where was Diggory?
As if sensing his question Rose Pearson replied, "He popped to the kitchens to get some tea and snacks seeing as it's going to be a long night,"
Barely acknowledging what the vile woman had said Professor Snape returned his attention to his student. She returned his gaze but her gaze was one of pure hatred rather than neutral curiosity. As he watched the moon revealed herself and her cold light flowed through the window. The professor looked back at Luka, he blinked, she wasn't changing. He looked to the others to see if they were seeing the same thing as he was. Her foster parents were frowning slightly and McNair and Daniels were looking a little crestfallen. Apparently they had been waiting for the brutal change with more relish than the professor had previously thought. After ten minutes and Diggory's final arrival the only thing that had changed was the girl's eye colour and the Ministry personnel were getting impatient. Another ten minutes later Rose Pearson's patience finally snapped.
"Hurry up and change you beast!" she hissed as she hit the child with a whipping hex.
Professor Snape flipped around to face the woman as he heard Diggory gasp and drop the digestive biscuit he had been dunking into his tea.
"You foul-"
"Oh Sevy, calm down will you. It's only a beast and it'll be just like old times. Get that stick out of your ass for once," chuckled McNair as he got out of his chair.
"So it's open season on Dark creatures then?" asked Daniels as he drew his wand.
Jacob Pearson nodded as he fired a stinging hex at the huddled form in front of them. Professor Snape stole a glance at Diggory, the fool was just sitting there in shock doing nothing at all. Well, he was not going to stand by and watch this, she may be an annoying brat but she was still his student. As Daniels raised his wand he was knocked to the ground by Professor Snape's stupefy. As the Ministry louts turned to face him an eerie chuckling was heard from behind them.
"Why bother keeping up the act now professor? You are among colleagues whom you were told to help, after all Professor Dumbledore was informed of my background and he knows everything that happens in this school," Luka hissed as her sulphur eyes bored into obsidian ones with hatred and resentment.
Professor Snape held her hateful gaze and noting that her Occlumency barriers were weakened he snatched glimpses from her mind. The Ministry, probably the Department of Ministries most likely, a single bed set with restraints, curious instruments lined the wall, dark cells full of filth, red eyes shining from the darkness and pain oh the pain. Physical wounds and the Cruciatus. As searing anger flowed through his veins the reason for the girl's sudden change in behaviour hit him. She had believed that the staff were complicit in the disgraceful treatment she received. Curling his lip he whirled to face the Aurors with his wand raised.
"Stop," commanded Rose and the professor felt his body freeze in response. Damn it! The Compulsion curse always came back to bite him.
"Good boy, now why don't you join in with our fun?" asked Rose sweetly.
Professor Snape felt himself turning and his wand was grudgingly pointed at the young girl. Luka looked confused, it was clear that the professor was acting against his will just like when he had attempted to Obliviate her. She flinched back against the wall as she felt the whipping hex cut into her cheek and warm blood seep down her face. Ignoring the sting and pain in body in general she flipped the wizards the age old gesture that dated back to the English archers at Agincourt.
"Piss off the lot of you," she growled as she fought the need to change. She wasn't going to be their entertainment tonight.
"Oh ho! It's changing, just look at its hands and mouth," crowed Daniels who had since recovered from Professor Snape's spell.
"About time the beast showed its true form," snarled Jacob as he rained hexes upon the girl.
Laughing and smiling the others joined in. After a while Rose noticed that the professor's first curse had been his last.
"Now professor, your reticence is most unbecoming for one of your history. We need the beast to change so you will have to help us," she smiled, "the beast must be cursed constantly,"
The professor glared at the vile creature that was far worse than any werewolf. He had been able to hold off the continued effect of the curse because without direct instruction or infringement of the gagging order it was quite weak. He turned to the girl, she was huddled against the wall rocking back and forth, she seemed to be mumbling but her face was obscured by clawed and increasingly furry hands. As he raised his wand once more the professor wished for the first time in his life that he was under the Imperius curse. Under that Unforgiveable one was in a happy daydream completely unaware of what was going on but with this... he was quite aware of what was happening. With a heavy heart he spoke.
"Sectumsempra,"
XXX
"Bones?" asked Professor Dumbledore incredulously.
"Yes along with some of her internal organs a number of bones have been repeatedly removed. That was why she was so underweight, her body was cannibalizing itself to regenerate body parts," replied Madam Pomfrey shaking her head sadly, "in addition she has been poisoned with what appears to be a constant low dose of aconite,"
"Wolfsbane. Why didn't you mention this earlier Poppy?" enquired the headmaster solemly.
At that near accusation the matron puffed herself up angrily, "Because Albus, the girl had so many glamour charms on her that I only manage to fully decipher my charm readings a few minutes ago. As soon as I had double checked them I immediately sent for you and Minerva so don't try and imply that my incompetence led to this situation,"
"You sent a message to Minerva?"
"You called Poppy?" asked Professor McGonagall as she strode into Madam Pomfrey's office with Professor Flitwick at her heels.
"Yes Minerva, it seems that Miss Pearson is being abused by those foul creatures called her foster parents," stated the matron before telling the rest of the tale.
"Well Albus I think we finally have enough information to take on those swines, Ministry employees or not," snapped the transfiguration mistress.
"I agree we have to check on them," squeaked Professor Flitwick who had accompanied his Gryffindor friend as their chess game had been interrupted by the matron's patronus.
"I am sure Severus is taking care of her and we shouldn't act too hastily..."
"What if they have stunned him or bound him? Pearson will be at their mercy!" retorted Professor McGonagall.
"Amos Diggory is there as well, he is a good man,"
"And with about as much backbone as a flobberworm," hissed Madam Pomfrey.
"Perhaps I could have a look at your readings, it is possible they may have hidden something else," suggested Professor Flitwick trying to calm the situation.
"Of course Filius," replied Madam Pomfrey as she handed him her wand.
The charms master touched the wand with his own and analysed the information it contained. After a minute his brows furrowed and he set his jaw grimly.
"They've set a collar in her flesh too. The glamour charm was carefully woven amongst others to prevent detection. The collar is exuding magic but from these readings I can't tell what kind," said the diminutive wizard as he handed back the wand.
"Well that settles it! We are going up now and dealing with those loathsome people," stated Professor McGonagall and began to leave with the other two mages behind her.
The headmaster sighed, he couldn't stand by anymore. If things were really as bad as they seemed he would never forgive himself for letting a student suffer. Even his standing in the Ministry and Wizengamot wasn't worth that.
They strode up the stairs swiftly reaching the tower in record time. The door was locked but no match for the headmaster, it gave way with a crash and a flash of light.
Inside the room everyone turned in shock as the door burst open. Taking advantage of the distraction Luka jumped to her feet and propelled herself out of the window for the fools had failed to ward it, it felt so good to be able to move as before even the slightest movement caused a change but now those claws of hers would come in handy for climbing down the wall to freedom.
Professor Dumbledore was shocked and disgusted by what he saw, not only was the girl still fairly human in appearance but the floor and walls were splattered with blood. As fury rose within him he turned to the adults in the room and he was dismayed to see Professor Snape with his wand out, an aura of Dark magic surrounded him yet his eyes were full of sorrow. Behind the headmaster the three other staff members levelled their own wands at the errant mages.
"Accio wands," growled Professor Dumbledore and he swiftly pocketed the wands as he continued to watch his spy. It was strange to see an attacker look relieved when disarmed. Meeting the younger wizard's eyes the headmaster was dismayed to find not only Occlumency shields but binding magic.
"My boy, I'm so sorry... As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot I revoke any and all legal binding magic on you; Severus Snape,"
The potions master closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief as he felt the gagging order along with the supporting Compulsion curse fall away into nothing.
"Severus what have these creatures been doing?" asked Professor McGonagall curiously.
"These swines have been for the past few hours torturing Miss Pearson with hexes and curses that included the Cruciatus to make her change. In addition they pelted the girl with pieces of raw meat. As for that" he pointed to Diggory who was still seated with his cold tea," he just sat there and watched," he replied in disgust.
The staff turned to the hapless Hufflepuff.
"What was I to do? It was horrible to watch, I couldn't move and you cursed her yourself Snape!" the man cried.
"Only because of the Compulsion curse! If I had had my free will I would have hexed the lot of you into oblivion," hissed the potions master who had become deathly pale, oh they would pay for making him their pawn...
"What have you to say for yourselves?" snarled Professor McGonagall as she handed the potions master his wand back.
Rose Pearson who had been nervously fiddling with her wedding ring piped up in response whilst the others just glared.
"We had to see the beast transform for further research. It had told us it could stave off the change, we didn't believe it at first but we were wrong. So we punished it for its reticence," she said proudly as there was no way out of it but to state that little truth and hope that they were the right type of wizards. After all who cares about a werewolf? Certainly no right minded witch or wizard and even if they were race traitors the wolf was now bound even tighter than before. Her wedding band, along with that of her husband, was the controller for the collar that the bitch wore around its neck. For its disobedience it would be lucky to survive the night and if it did it would be a mindless husk. A perfect toy for the Unspeakables, not to mention a fitting revenge for its crimes.
"My office, all of you," spat the headmaster in disgust, "Severus try and find the young girl," he added as he turned to leave with the Ministry employees behind him with the wands of the other staff members at their backs.
Making her way to the Forbidden forest Luka fell to the ground as she felt the weight of the new restrictions. The Cruciatus, a number of Mind Crushers and Breakers on top of the usual pain. Drawing in shuddering breath that was released as a choked sob she felt another layer of torture. As she had escaped she had allowed the change to gradually occur. Now looking at her claws that were slowly changing back into hands she felt her bones and tissues bending and snapping as her body fought the reversion. Those bastards had crowed and gloated about their greatest achievement; the caging of the wolf, but she had not believed it at the time. Feeling tears run down her cheeks Luka felt into the pockets of her robe and withdrew a small plastic rectangle. Lifting her shaking hand to her face she looked at the illuminated screen and depressed the 1 button, devil bless speed dial. Smiling Luka let her arm drop to the muddy ground. She Luka Reginold, Executioner and a mage feared throughout many counties and the Ministry was facing her defeat at last it appeared. The torture curses could be lived with but no more mind magic. She had fought so hard against all the other mentally damaging curses that the last fragments of her sanity were being painfully crumbled by the latest assault and that filled her with dread. To not die but to become a pitiful parody of herself like her friends was what she had always feared. Looking up to the sky she wished she could see Sebastian one more time before she went. As she looked a silhouette moved closer, it was Elise. Her demonic eyes now red as she nuzzled her fallen mistress. Moving her fingers slightly Luka stroked the owl as tears made their way down her face and the precipice loomed closer.
"Si deus me relinquit... ego deum relinquo," she whispered to the owl, " omnias ianus praecludo. Sic omnias precationes obsigno. Sed, qui me defendet? Ab me... teribilissimo..."
Oblivion at last.