Hello all, thanks for the review and shout out to the new and old favourites. I've taken quite a chunk from the actual book in this chapter, I tried to limit it to the part that would be most augmented by Luka being there and it's in bold to make it clear that I don't own it. Wideye potion's from Pottermore.

Important: This chapter is one of the few where I will actively mess around with the timing of the book. In PoA everyone wakes up in the hospital wing at around midnight, I've shifted this to about quarter to four in the morning. Let's just say the expelliarmus on Snape and the Dementors did a really good job of knocking everyone out. As everyone was found later Fudge had left and so had to be brought back with Aurors to deal with Black hence the massive delay.

As exams approached it was amusing to see the students finally take studying to heart as they began to panic due to the inevitable tests. Luka on the other hand was feeling quietly confident, she'd been through this sort of tests for years and here at Hogwarts her handwriting wasn't as badly criticised as it had been in her Muggle schools. In the exams she would appear to the students as another invigilator sitting at her desk watching for possible cheaters whilst in reality she would be bent over her parchment scratching away at the same questions as the students. The rest of miscellaneous school related paper work was also up to date. When the forms for the OWL options had come round Luka hadn't taken long to decide which ones to pick; Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. She wasn't sure what she thought of Divination but from what Professor McGonagall had said and the occasional appearance of the aging hippy Professor Trelawney had convinced her it wouldn't be her thing. If she wanted to pursue it she would dabble in her own time. Muggle Studies was also out on account of her being an ex-Muggle and writing out lifting diagrams had been irksome enough as a teacher. In addition to the coming exams the patrol workload was being further increased. The headmaster surmised that as the school year was nearing the end Black would be becoming more desperate in his attempts to get to Potter. Now Luka was at her desk, she had just finished her latest mock paper, taking a look at her watch she saw that she was well within time. Smiling she took a look at her latest healing potions plant, a gift from Lupin it had crocus like flowers that were electric blue with black speckles. Fortunately for her if kept in good condition it would flower all year round and she had already found that if added as a supplement to potions that didn't call for it it gave them a pearlescent glow as well as extra potency.

A week later Luka found herself in the stifling heat of the History of Magic classroom, the questions were of no difficulty but having to concentrate in the sultry atmosphere was far from pleasant. Ah well, everyone taking the exam was in the same boat. Fortunately this was her last exam. Charms and Transfiguration had been easy although Luka had made sure to make the magic using proper spell theory rather than the brute force of will she was used to. Odds are if she got lazy it would cost her later when dealing with more complex spells in a similar way weight lifting without proper form led to injuries when one had progressed to heavier weights. Defence had been interesting as Lupin had constructed obstacle courses for all the years except those sitting their OWLs and NEWTS that were dealt with by Ministry invigilators. Astronomy had been the usual 'where the hell is the star?' affair but Luka thought she had made up for the lacking practical work with the written theory. Potions had also been challenging as she had to brew her second year burn salve and at the same time make the third year Confusing Concoction. It had been a bit dicey when two stirring and adding stages had coincided but telekinesis had come to her rescue and both brews came out fine.

As the day came to an end Luka sat down for dinner with the rest of the staff. Looking over at the opposite end of the table she could see Hagrid. The normally cheerful man was unusually downcast, regardless of tomorrow's 'appeal' Buckbeak's fate was a foregone conclusion. Naturally a number of staff, Luka included, had urged the headmaster to have the hippogriff's sentence commuted but apparently the Supreme Mugwump and Head of the Wizengamot was powerless in this matter.

"I'm sure it will all work out somehow, not even the Ministry can be that unjust," came a confident voice from Luka's left.

"Don't be ridiculous Lupin, Lucius Malfoy has doubtlessly bribed the entire committee. It doesn't matter what historical precedents have been gathered by the school paper even if Hagrid does manage to hold himself together long enough to present them," sneered Professor Snape before Luka could reply.

"We know that Severus, although it would be nice to be able to be hopeful for once. It's a shame there's no way of letting Buckbeak escape without Hagrid being implicated," sighed Luka.

The three lapsed into silence once more with Luka casting the odd glance to her left. Lupin was putting away less than his usual amount of food due to the morrow's full moon.

The next afternoon Luka was heartened despite the coming execution and bar shift. Fudge was here at Hogwarts to discuss the Black problem. The nephilim watched the cretin from a distance, he was walking with a cane, clearly in some discomfort, with sweat bedecking his brow. Luka smiled, the Dementors were proving to be useful allies. As the headmaster approached Luka made a retreat lest she be spotted and questions asked. Her promise was being pushed to the maximum as it was without adding lies. Moving temporarily back to her quarters she flicked through one of the third year spell books she had bought in Diagon Alley over Easter. Tea was a quick affair as she had to leave for shift, on her way out she smiled to Lupin who was bent over his map.

XXX

"So that's why Snape doesn't like you," said Potter slowly, "because he thought you were in on the joke,"

"That's right," sneered a cold voice from the wall behind Lupin.

Professor Snape pulled off the Invisibility Cloak maintaining his aim on the werewolf. As he revealed himself Hermione screamed in shock whilst Black sprang to his feet and Harry jumped back. Ron Weasley settled for a frightened squeak like his pet rat.

"I found this at the bottom of the Whomping Willow," said the professor as he threw the Cloak aside, his wand remained steadily pointed at Lupin's chest, "very useful Potter, I thank you..."

The Potions master felt breathless from both the sprint from the beast's office and the triumph of finally getting hold of Black.

"You're wondering, perhaps, how I knew you were here?" he said, eyes glittering, "I've just been to your office, Lupin. You forgot to take your Potion tonight, so I took a gobletful along. And very lucky I did... lucky for me, I mean. Lying on your desk was a certain map. One glance told me all I needed to know. I saw you running along this passageway and out of sight,"

"Severus-," Lupin began, but Snape overrode him.

"I've told the Headmaster again and again that you've been helping your old friend Black into the castle, Lupin, and here's the proof. I knew full well your little confession of your 'youthful indiscretions' was a mere diversion from your true tactics. However, not even I thought you would have the nerve to use this old place as your hideout. Not after Reginold tracked Black here the last time-,"

"Severus, you're making a mistake," said Lupin urgently, "you haven't heard everything- I can explain - Sirius isn't here to kill Harry-,"

"Two more for Azkaban tonight," said Snape, his eyes now gleaming fanatically, "I shall be interested to see how Dumbledore takes this... he was quite convinced you were harmless, you know, Lupin... a tame werewolf. Not to mention Reginold... she's stood with you so far... will she still be by your side after this?"

"You fool," said Lupin softly, "is a schoolboy grudge worth putting an innocent man back inside Azkaban?"

BANG! Professor Snape had the cursed beast bound and he fell to the ground as the professor looked on in hatred. The prefect, always playing along with his friends rather than doing his duty. The cur hadn't changed in years. In all honesty Professor Snape had a hard time picking the Marauder he hated most, only Pettigrew was discounted on account of him being a snivelling lackey, was it the ringleader who had publicly shamed him into pushing away his only true friend, the sadist who had laughed in Dumbledore's office as he made excuses for his near lethal 'joke' or the boy who had just sat back and let it all happen, never stepping in even when he was honour bound to do so?

Unable to merely stand around Black roared in anger at the binding of his friend and made a move forward. Professor Snape flicked his wand to point straight between Black's eyes.

"Give me a reason," he whispered, "give me a reason to do it, and I swear I will,"

Black stopped dead. It was impossible to tell which face showed more hatred. The children stood stock still until Hermione gathered the courage to edge forwards.

"Professor Snape- it- wouldn't hurt to hear what they've got to say, w-would it?" she asked breathless with nerves.

"Miss Granger, you are already facing suspension from this school," Professor Snape spat, "you, Potter and Weasley are out of bounds, in the company of a convicted murderer and a werewolf. For once in your life, hold your tongue,"

"But if-if there was a mistake-,"

"KEEP QUIET, YUO STUPID GIRL!" Professor Snape shouted, "DON'T TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" Lily's dead body flashing before his eyes. A few sparks shot out of his wand in his fury and the girl fell silent.

"Vengeance will be very sweet," Professor Snape breathed, oh yes, the man who delivered his beloved friend to the Dark Lord would finally pay, "how I hoped I would be the one to catch you..."

"The joke's on you again, Severus," snarled Black, "as long as this boy brings his rat up to the castle I'll come quietly..."

"Up to the castle?" said the professor silkily, "I don't think we need to go that far. All I have to do is call the Dementors once we get out of the Willow. They'll be very pleased to see you, Black... pleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresay..."

What little colour there was in Black's face left it and Snape smiled grimly in pleasure seeing his old tormentor begin to stutter in fear. He knew his number was up.

"You-you've got to hear me out," he croaked, "the rat- look at the rat-,"

"Come on, all of you," said the professor, he wouldn't be swayed by the craven pleadings of a murderer.

Clicking his fingers the ropes binding Lupin flew into his hands.

"I'll drag the werewolf. Perhaps the Dementors will have a kiss for him too-,"

However before the professor could grab him Potter had moved to block the door.

"Get out of the way, Potter, you're in enough trouble already," snarled Professor Snape, how dare the ungrateful brat impede him in his hour of victory, "if I hadn't been here to save your skin-,"

"Professor Lupin could have killed me a hundred times this year," Harry said, "I've been alone with him loads of times, having lessons against the Dementors. If he was helping Black, why didn't he finish me off then?"

"Don't ask me to fathom how a werewolf's mind works," hissed the professor, "get out of the way, Potter,"

"YOU'RE PATHETIC!" Harry yelled causing Professor Snape to draw himself to his full height in ire, "JUST BECAUSE THEY MADE A FOOL OF YOU AT SCHOOL YOU WIN'T EVEN LISTEN-,"

"SILENCE! I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT," Professor Snape shrieked. How dare the brat speak to him so! This wasn't even about what had happened at school, "like father, like son, Potter! I have just saved your neck, you should be thanking me on bended knee! You would have been well served tonight if he had killed you! You'd have died like your father, too arrogant to believe you might be mistaken in Black – now get out of the way, or I will make you. GET OUT OF THE WAY, POTTER!"

"Expelliarmus!"

Too shocked to parry the blows the professor was knocked back as his vision blackened.

XXX

The night's shift had been interesting for Luka, knowing that she could put off her transformation Sebastian was now trying to train her to shift back earlier than normal. Half an hour before the end she had finally managed it although she had to go back to her true form and her skin felt itchy. When she had exited the toilets Luka noticed the senior pack members watching her appraisingly, earlier they had informed her that the referendum would take place late July. Since she was part werewolf she was still allowed to vote. The nephilim had been pleased with the news, the 'yes' box would be receiving her tick. Any way of irritating the Ministry was worth her time.

Now as her shift ended she headed for the door as the next shift filed in, due to nocturnal clientele the bar was a twenty four hour operation. After a moments deliberation Luka decided it would be nice to use sky shadow gates. Under her command a black portal appeared in the night sky like a giant ink spillage. Slipping through Luka headed to Hogsmeade, it would be interesting to see the area from above. Lazily winging her way towards Hogwarts her ears flicked forwards in attention as she heard a distant howl. It was coming from the Forbidden Forest, perhaps it was the feral werewolves Filch liked to tell children about or maybe even Black in dog form. Driven by curiosity Luka picked up speed and banked in the direction of the howl. Should she answer with one of her own? No, best to have a look around first. Nearing the source Luka cursed as the surprisingly dense forest canopy forced her to land gracelessly in the branches rather than on the ground. Folding her wings she stayed in the tree a moment taking in the sounds and smells of the forest. To her surprise what she smelt felt quite familiar, it smelt like Remus but that was impossible. He was stuck in his quarters for the night. Hearing twigs crack Luka swivelled around. A lanky magical werewolf was snuffling around what looked like an entrance to a badger set. Dropping down to the ground Luka approached cautiously. Whoever it was they smelt exactly like Lupin, had he been let out for the night? Sensing her approach the werewolf flicked around smelling the air and growling before beginning to lope over. Luka ran a swift eye over their features. Scent, check. Lanky with a slight case of what looked like mange, check. Curiously retained side parting on the head, check. It was Lupin for sure.

"Remus, what's going on? Aren't you supposed to be inside?" she asked as he came closer.

She was answered by another howl as he reared onto his hind legs before dropping back down onto all fours. Looking into his eyes Luka saw none of the intelligence that marked Lupin's intellect in a lupine body. Ah, it was Moony she was dealing with, not Remus. Luka watched as the wolf circled her sniffing the air constantly before approaching to lick her face. He recognised her? Or was it just because she smelt like another werewolf, one of the few beings he wouldn't attack without provocation. Running her hand over his coat Luka pondered her next move as he began nuzzling her gently. Legilemency was dangerous on an animal but she needed to know what had happened. If he had inadvertently attacked anyone it was best to find them now, especially if they were villagers. The last thing she needed to deal with was a lynch mob. Cupping the wolf's face taking care to dodge the flicking tongue Luka cast the spell.

"Legilemens,"

Moony's mind was a complete jumble, after a brief search she finally got back to when he was in his office before moving forwards in time. The map, Peter Pettigrew. Wasn't he dead? Lupin sprinting to the Shrieking Shack. Black with the children and Professor Snape's arrival. Pettigrew was Weasley's rat and the traitor to boot? Exiting the Willow, the transformation. Luka withdrew from his mind. She hadn't seen it but it was possible that Pettigrew had escaped in the confusion and since Severus hadn't seen him he'd still think Black was guilty. It was possible that Black had been recaptured and was on route to the Dementor's dinner table. But this was all conjecture, she had no way of knowing what was going on and bringing in Moony in furry form was out of question. If that executioner from the Committee was still hanging around she would have to fend him off and in her condition she could easily go overboard.

"Moony, I need you to hold still for a little while ok?" Luka said as she kissed him on the muzzle and unfurled her wings as her power flowed outwards.

It really was a little too early to force him to change back, but she had no choice, he couldn't go back as he was. As gently as she could she urged his bones to bend and the tissues to remodel themselves, Luka was pleased that only a slight whimper was heard. Opening her eyes she saw Lupin kneeling before her, his head lolling slightly in her hands. Bending down she kissed him on the forehead.

"I'm sorry Remus, I had no choice, not with the Ministry poking around Hogworts,"

As she watched Lupin opened his eyes. Luka gasped, the reversion was incomplete, his eyes were still yellow.

"My mate," smiled he as he pulled Luka down by her tie into a rough kiss before rolling them onto the ground.

Luka flapped her wings in a futile attempt to right herself as she went down. Connecting with the ground hard she managed to push Lupin's head away.

"Remus, what's gotten into you?" asked Luka a little annoyed at the state her feathers would no doubt be in.

Lupin stroked her cheek, Luka could see his fingers were tipped with dull black claws.

"That's not my name, whilst the moon reigns, so do I," said the wolf softly tracing his bite with a finger.

Luka cocked an eyebrow in surprise, she had expected Lupin's human mind to return with his body.

"Do you remember what happened after you transformed? Did Pettigrew get away?" Luka asked trying to get Moony's mind off its one track.

The werewolf cocked his head as he considered the question.

"I was busy fighting, but...yes I think he escaped. There was one less human when I left," he said carefully.

"Then we have to go to the castle in case Black's been recaptured. You do remember Black?" asked Luka, she didn't know how much Moony recognised in terms of personal relationships.

"Of course, Padfoot's my friend," replied the wolf sounding slightly offended.

Luka wiggled out from under Moony and got to her feet, much to the Moony's obvious displeasure.

"In that case come with me, as soon as we step onto school grounds I can open a shadow gate to our quarters. We can see what's going on once you've gotten dressed,"

"I'll need my wand,"

"Ok," replied Luka as she set off in the direction of the school, once within the boundaries she honed in on the shadows, "Back in a moment,"

She slipped though a shadow by a tree to near to the exit of the tunnel under the Whomping Willow. Glancing around she quickly gathered Lupin's belongings before flitting back.

"I think your clothes are beyond reparo," she said sadly as she handed the bundle of rags and the wand over.

The werewolf had a brief look over the articles before discarding them.

"If you take my hand I can take us straight to our quarters," said the nephilim holding out her hand, Lupin quickly grasped it and they were instantly back in their quarters, "get dressed, I'm going to get hold of a Wideye potion,"

Going into her room Luka rooted for the light blue potion, she was already feeling the beginning of a headache and if Black had been recaptured she would need to be at the top of her game. After taking a swig she pocketed the remainder before giving Elise and Mel a shortened account of what was going on. Moving back into the living room she found Moony just doing up his shirt. He watched her as she came in and seemed to slow down even more.

"Moony, we don't have all day. If the Black has been captured it's only a matter of time before the Dementors kiss him," Luka sighed.

Moony stalked over to her, reaching out to stroke her shoulders.

"There is no guarantee that Padfoot has been captured, and I don't have much time left," the wolf replied.

"A gate to the Hospital wing and a gate back won't take long," said Luka as she led him to the wall.

"Headmaster, I must insist-,"

"My apologies, Poppy, but I need a word with Mr Potter and Miss Granger," said Professor Dumbledore calmly, "I have just been talking with Sirius Black-,"

"I suppose he's told you the same fairy tale he's planted in Potter's mind?" spat Professor Snape, "something about a rat, and Pettigrew being alive-,"

"It's no fairy tale, the little traitor is still alive and Sirius is innocent," said Moony as the pair exited the gate before he turned to the Professor Snape with a smile, "nice to see you again Severus,"

The Potions master blanched at the purred words, he knew that wasn't Lupin. One look in his feral yellow eyes told him all he needed to know, he swiftly reached for his wand. He wouldn't be caught unawares again by the werewolf.

"Ah, Remus, my boy. Perhaps you can shed light on this matter," smiled the Headmaster.

"As I have just said Sirius is innocent. He convinced Lily and James to make Peter the Secret Keeper using himself as a diversion. Peter gave up the Potters to prove himself to Voldemort. When his master was defeated he killed a street full of Muggles to implicate Sirius and to make his own get away," replied Moony, "where is Sirius being held?"

"Filius' office," replied Professor Dumbledore.

"See! Professor Lupin was there too! You have to let Sirius go now," shouted Harry to Fudge and his two Auror attendants now that he had recovered from the shock of seeing his professor and the oddly transfigured student teacher materialise out of the wall.

The Minister looked over the new 'witness'. Another werewolf thought he in disgust, but how was it in human form?

"The testimony of a Dark creature counts for nothing. Black's sentence will be carried out once the Dementors are brought into the castle," he said coldly as he leant on his walking stick, this case had cost him dearly in terms publicity. Merlin, the stress had even taken a toll on his health!

"His sentence is to be carried out despite new evidence, how just of you Minister," drawled Luka sarcastically before continuing in a more clipped tone, "well then, let me expedite matters,"

The children gasped in shock at her words as she sent off multiple Patroni and stepped through the shadow gate she had used to enter the hospital wing. Black was unguarded in the office Luka noted with an eye roll. The Ministry was acting as arrogant as usual.

"Mr Black, your presence is required in the hospital wing," she said to the man whose nose was pressed up against the window as he gazed outside.

He jumped at her words before turning around. Luka took in the haggard visage of the man she had tried to hunt down. He reminded her of the men who had served on the World War ll U-boats, the main differences were the over grown hair and prisoner's robes.

"What are you?" he asked as he looked her over. He'd never seen a stranger creature.

"A friend of Remus'," Luka replied, "now if you would follow me..."

Cautiously Black edged over, she didn't look like an Auror. Once he had come close enough Luka grabbed his arm, she hated to be so close to someone so alien to hygiene but unfortunately it was required, and pulled him through the gate. As he looked around wildly she pushed him into the Moony's waiting arms. Black looked at his friend in surprise.

"Moony... but how?" he asked.

"My mate has many talents," smiled the werewolf indicating in the direction of the nephilim causing Luka to blush.

"Sirius," squealed Harry as he and Hermione ran towards him, if the Dementors were coming they'd have to get through them. Harry was sure he could get his Patronus right this time.

"Reginold, what do you think you're doing?" hissed Fudge as the Aurors took out their wands.

"As I said, expediting the rule of law, adeat," Luka replied as she summoned her weapons and opened a shadow gate in the floor of the hospital wing.

As ordered the Dementors drifted out of it. Twenty in total, seven of them from the upper class and this time they brought their scythes. Oblivious to the falling temperature, outrage from the matron and the scared ramblings of Black Luka continued.

"Severus, I trust you keep Veritaserum handy?" the wizard nodded, "And Headmaster, you have a pensieve do you not?" another nod, "Well in that case we will examine the new evidence provided. I am sure with the application of truth serums and the observation of the memories of everyone involved we can get to the bottom of the matter. Until proven guilty by a proper trial the prisoner will not be harmed!

As she finished her barked command Luka's aura began to glow an angry red. Behind her, to the astonishment of all concerned, the Dementors formed a defensive formation around Black and the children. Glowing an eerie midnight blue the Dark creatures allowed their full power to be felt, the temperature dropped further still adding to the oppressive atmosphere created by Luka's magic.

I figured if I tried to do everything with Sirius in one chapter it may drag on too long so I've stopped here ^w^. Please read and review.