Lesson 6: Giant's Dance is the original name for Stonehenge
Lupe Grieves was reading the pamphlet, the whole flight from Paris to Heathrow. Then in the cab to the hotel, she taken to reading aloud all the places she was interested in seeing. "Cerne Abbas, Y'all ever go there Fen?"
Mainly her interests lay in pre-christian boring fields with rocks in them. She'd never been anywhere with real 'honest-to-god' ancient ruins.
"Near Dorchester, Dorset, A 200 foot high figure of a man bearing a club, incised into the chalk of the hillside. The giant has been variously identified as Roman, Celtic, and Iron Age... Isn't that wonderful?"
Fen Grieves sighed somehow this was wonderful to her, English major nerd. He put his fingers on the window. Lupe somehow managed to swat them off the window without looking up
"Says here His err... hoohas have made him the source of fertility practices over the centuries; it is said that if an infertile woman spends the night within the figure, she will then be able to bear a child. "
Fen realized she was reading that much too loudly for his taste. Their constant exposure after the May Moon in Italy had irked him a little. Italy was a perfect place to spend the spring. It was pure romance. Already he was wondering if this expedition back home to England would be planned earlier in May, when Lupe was in a better mood and the couple couldn't get enough of each other.
"Stonehenge" Lupe's thick Texan accent made it seem like another word "Stone haynge" "also referred to as the Giant's Dance is on of the World's most spiritually powerful places. Wiccas and Neo Pagans through out the world celebrate- Hey Thare Fen. You think any of your folk any special knowledge about Stone Henge."
"I've seen it so many times. I've never fancied that kind of magick. Too many hippies and tree huggers and diviners."
"I took to you to see the Alamo. Twice."
"All right."
"Oi Ma'am you from America right? Might I suggest-"
"Don't try to stiff us on the cab. I'm here with my husband and he grew up on the West End. I wouldn't mess with him neither. He works for the Ministry."
"Ease up old gel. I was just wondering."
Lupe settled, "Oh I'm sorry. Have you ever been here 'old chap'?" She approximated Fen's elegant West End accent. She showed the cabby the picture of the chalk giant. "Oh yeah I remember that place the giant was incredible. Wendel was his name he had the biggest..."
Chatty warm friendly Lupe, if anybody asked her two questions she could win anyone over. Of course she was very defensive, and most people would be too afraid to ask her two. Sure she was very shy and defensive. You learned that when you were different. But she was also the warmest friendliest person you could ever meet.
A few moments later they got out of the cab.
"Do you think it's true about the chalk giant? Shug." Lupe kissed his ear. Her hands were always warm. She was so vital and wonderful and Fen was once again convinced that he was the luckiest husband in the entire world. He and Lupe were a perfect match. Damn his mood changes. He wanted to be cross with her.
Fen purred "Hmmmmm. I don't know we certainly don't need a giant here. Let's go drop off the bags Lovie."
"What about the rest of the day?"
"Oh come on, Wendel would want it that way."
"You are incorrigible Mr. Grieves."
"It's either that or schlepping down to King's Cross." Fen said
"'Schlepping.'" Lupe asked.
"Yes."
"Then let's drop off the bags." Lupe smiled as Fen bent down so she could kiss him.
Lesson 7: 'Finger quotes' are annoying.
It was that Tuesday that Remus Lupin walked down the hall perfectly healthy. He whistled a happy tune and seemed to skip down the halls.
The teachers all saw Remus and stared. They hadn't seen him look so happy in… well ever. He was glowing with healthy energy.
Harry ran up to him "Professor Lupin. You look great."
"Thank you Harry." Remus said, "Your mother was right." He winked at Hagrid.
"Where you going to keep the rabbit now?" Hagrid said
"Hagrid." McGonagall chuckled. "He must of…"
"Oh right." Hagrid said "Put me foot in me mouth.
"What happened to the rabbit?" Harry said.
"I let it
go." Lupin blushed and coughed.
"I'm glad you're better."
"I'm just feeling better. But I don't think my problems are over."
Snape's potions class was letting out.
"Snape. Fancy running into you here?"
Snape stared at the werewolf. No it was a surprise; it was his classroom. But the fact that Remus Lupin was trying to make mindless chatter. Didn't he understand that he didn't like him? He was too nice, sunny.
"Lupin might I ask what you are doing down here? I think the wolfsbane is on the boil for tonight, other than that."
"Snape. It is not that."
Snape looked around; there was something odd. The Code of Salazar Slytherin stated 'One person's Secret is another Person's opportunity.' He didn't pay heed to the old thing, but he noticed vulnerability in Lupin. Could it be a secret? If Lupin would admit to being a werewolf what kind of horrible secret would he actually hide? Would it be enough to get him fired? Then he could close into the open Professor of the Dark Arts position.
"Lupin, is there something you are hiding?"
"Snape I… I can depend on you. You're a stand up chap. And even if you don't like someone, you wouldn't torture them…" Lupin paused. "At least not anymore."
Snape wondered if it was a good idea acknowledging his existence. Lupin might start thinking of him as a friend. He might intend to expand their friendship. Oh gods he hoped the werewolf didn't want to be friends. He'd die.
"You might even get a kick out of being the better man. Having a secret on me…" Lupin smiled, "We both know Dumbledore, but, but…"
"You can't tell Dumbledore?" What could have Lupin done? Ate Fawkes? Dumbledore was the most generous and forgiving men he had ever met.
"No. He would be so angry." Lupin shook his head. The werewolf motioned him over "I can't tell anyone. I've tried to put it out of my mind. It's making me strange. I just… I need to tell someone. I can't live with it. I'm going crazy just thinking about it."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Snape said a little irritated at all the fuss "What about McGonagall or Flitwick?"
"I can't… I couldn't tell Dumbledore, and what would Harry say? He was in class anyway."
Snape felt as if he had been slapped on the wrist. "You'd rather ask a 14 year old for help than me? What am I, the bottom of the barrel?"
"I just..."
"You'll tell me what it is."
"I don't-"
"Mr. Lupin. You will tell me your secret now."
Lupin shook his head.
"I can keep a secret. I certainly haven't any told anyone why your doggie is gone."
"But you hate Sirius?"
"As much I hate your little boyfriend, I made a promise much deeper than you can imagine. Besides, it will be so much more satisfying to turn him in myself."
"You'll help me?"
"Yes. I swear I won't hold it against you." Snape muttered "I can't believe you'd ask Potter for help before me. I make you Wolfsbane every month and this is the thanks I get? I'm not going to spread it about." Snape bristled "Who am I going to tell it too anyway?"
"Well, you know some of it… you can guess, maybe, but… I'm so tired of lying."
"Yes, maybe if you *said it to me* I could help."
"I-"
"Just open your mouth and it can't be that bad." Snape grabbed Lupin's chin and forced open his jaw, "Now what is the secret."
Lupin sniffed "I'm pregnant."
"WHAT!?"
"I am pregnant. I didn't know where else I could turn."
"You came to me to tell me you are *pregnant*? What do you think I am? Do you think this is some kind of joke? I offer to help you and *this* is what you tell me."
"Snape. Don't laugh."
"You have a *marvelous* sense of humor." Snape shook his head laughing.
"It's strange but I've been reading up on it. The case is almost textbook pregnancy. I can't sleep at night. I'm nervous. I'm nauseous."
"Oh, you're the most nauseous person I know, Lupin." Snape said, "You can't even eat bread because-"
Lupin turned green "Stop it, you're making me sick."
"We wouldn't want to hurt the baby." Snape laughed.
"I'm pregnant. I can feel her growing inside of me. I feel it's already begun. I'm not far along… I don't know what to do."
Snape turned around. Lupin was knotting his hands, his golden eyes panicked and swirling. Oh dear. This couldn't possibly be… This couldn't be serious. He was acting like… Snape stopped laughing.
"Her, growing inside?… You *are* serious. You think you are pregnant." Snape sat dumbfounded.
Lupin plunked down in fear, he sat on the floor on the verge of tears. He curled up in the corner. "I don't know what to do."
"No but you're—" Snape put it together in his head.
I'm already such a burden to this school with my lycanthropy. How are they going to react when I have a baby?"
Snape sat Remus down in the chair "Look." He clutched Lupin's shoulders "This is Lycanthropus nervosa. You're not going to have a baby. What Balderdash and nonsense."
"I know it's unusual, but it's true."
Snape looked at him. He got right in his face and shouted, "Listen you git, you are NOT PREGNANT!"
Remus Lupin's face, often the pinnacle of angelic and beatific composure, collapsed in on itself.
"DON'T YELL AT ME…"
A huge mournful howl knocked Snape off his feet. He clutched his ears.
"Oh, Snape, I'm sorry."
Snape pulled himself off the ground dusted himself off and slicked back his hair. "I can't wait to tell McGonagall; you've just cracked. This is going to be so enjoyable. At last I can finally be rid of you…"
****
Snape practically skipped into McGonagall's office. "I think it's time to call the men at St. Mungos. He's got more cracks in his head then Longbottom's cauldron." He knocked on her desk for luck.
"Snape." McGonagall continued writing. I'll have none of your petty stupid vengeance on the behalf of that poor man. He is a fine teacher and my friend."
Snape sniffed "Well, he told me the reason he's been acting so bizarre."
"Oh, and what is that? This better be the truth."
"Oh I couldn't lie about something like this."
McGonagall continued her writing, "Shut the door so no one else can hear."
Snape shut the door.
"He's pregnant."
"He impregnated?" lowered her quill "Oh dear. And he's not married." McGonagall removed her glasses and clutched the side of her face. "Who is the young lady he impregnated? Who's the mother?"
"No, no, no, Miss McGonagall. Remus Lupin is with child. He is the one who will deliver a bundle of joy, bun in the oven, pregnant."
McGonagall chewed the inside of her cheek.
"Pregnant." Snape insisted.
"Pregnant? Nonsense, there has been only one male pregnancy in the last 300 years."
"If it is Lycanthropus Nervosa I suggest we contact the appropriate authorities. He would want it too." Snape said.
"The ministry of Magic is the only one with the power to make that decision. We'll never get it through before the next full moon.
"It so happens I came in contact with a werewolf at a Potions convention in Cheddar. He is a top official at the LOLLIPOP. The party is huge in America. The English LOLLIPOP is still in its grassroots stage, mind you. There bringing to PAC leaders from America. They are even bringing back Fen Grieves I heard.
"Fen Grieves the Auror?"
"No Fen Grieves the pastry chef. Of course the Auror."
Fen Grieves was a well-known Auror who left England in a huff. It was he who said the most famous "There can be no justice for a Werewolf in England. He was a fabulous writer and probably the most threatening orator seen in the Ministry for a long time. It probably didn't hurt that he was big enough to eat Fudge and had a tendency to silence his critics with an icy timberwolf stare.
"With any luck there will be a Werewolf Prime Minister before there is a female American President."
"You voted for the LOLLIPOP."
"Of course. Don't you ever read the Magus? That Daily Prophet is a rag. It's written so 11 year olds can understand it."
"Well, we'll contact him if you can contact him"
"After the full moon."
"Well, we'll have to deal with him ourselves until his moon. I'll tell Dumbledore right away. You go get Remus, he'll want to see him."
Remus was on pins and needles. Snape awaited the arrival of Dumbledore, trying to fantasize about what it would be like when he finally axed Lupin. It was good to finally be in the right classroom. He wondered if there were any decent candidates for a new potions master, actually there weren't. Snape began thinking about getting new stationary when he heard them approach.
Dumbledore shook his head; Snape could hear the old Headmaster whispering to McGonagall outside the door, "Oh my word. We must see him at once. If he's gotten a young lady pregnant--"
"But, Master Dumbledore, it's not-" McGonagall was interrupted.
"I can't believe he didn't tell me." Dumbledore was so worked up. He did care about all his professors, deeply.
Dumbledore entered the room. Remus darted up the second he saw Dumbledore.
"Remus is their something you want to tell me?"
"I've… I've been so silly. So reckless" Remus was weeping.
"Well why didn't you tell me it's gotten so bad. You poor boy." Dumbledore opened his arms. "Come here.
Remus fell to his knees weeping. Dumbledore sat him down and petted his head.
"There there, Remus."
"Master Dumbledore, I have to say that it's unusual and-" McGonagall said.
Remus wept demonstratively.
Filch and Hagrid were having a discussion about where to house the new tengu goblins when they heard a wail coming out of Master Dumbledore's office.
"Oi Remus. Why is he crying?" Hagrid said entering the room, "McGonagall what's going on?
Dumbledore dried his eyes for him.
"Now, my boy. You made an honest mistake. It was good that you told Snape. He came down here and told me right away. We're you're friends."
"I've brought shame to the school. It will be a scandal." Lupin whimpered.
"Oh." Filch smiled and licked his chops "Scandal?"
Harry Potter appeared at the door "Professor Lupin you wanted to see me after classes."
"Yes, You had better sit down."
"Did Ron make you cry again?"
"No. I have something shocking to tell you." Remus said.
"Now tell us Remus. Who's the mother? Who is pregnant?"
Argus Filch approached "What kind off profligate and preevert are you? You aren't married."
"A baby, that's wonderful." Hagrid said. "Who's the Mummy?"
Remus looked up puzzled "But McGonagall told you."
"Master Dumbledore, I was trying to say..." McGonagall said.
"She didn't." Dumbledore said.
Remus lowered his head.
"It's me."
Dumbledore blinked twice.
"Professor Dumbledore, I'm going to have a baby." Remus began crying.
"What?"
The whole room was silent except for Lupin's cries. A hesitant cough rose. .
It was Harry. He held up his finger "Can wizards have babies?" Harry said.
"I see. You're not just a preevert, you're a floozy too. Well I don't cotton to those kind of loose morals." Filch hit Remus with the bottom of his push broom.
"Filch, leave immediately." McGonagall said.
"You think you are pregnant?" Dumbledore clutched his forehead.
"I found out in the Semester break. From my mating season this May, Early summer. It's perfect timing. I must be in my first quarter of pregnancy. A werewolf is pregnant for a year before…"
Hagrid shook his head "Remus, you silly boy. A bloke can't have a baby. Unless you're a seahorse. Y'aren't part seahorse are ya?"
"I couldn't tell anyone. I was so frightened. It's not safe in this world. If I can't do magic how can I protect myself? Protect my baby?"
Hagrid ruffled his hair "No wonder ye were going all white over those werewolf essays. If you thought you were in danger, why not come to yer friends?"
"Because. There's more to the story. I couldn't betray a confidence, I don't want you involved in this mess, Hagrid or you, Minerva. Dumbledore knows, and Harry, oh Harry I'm sorry."
Dumbledore was still speechless.
"I couldn't tell Harry because it would be too much of a shock and…I couldn't even tell you Master Dumbledore. I thought you'd be ashamed of me. And my behavior."
Harry ruffled his hair panicked "What could be more shocking then having a baby when you're a man?" Harry squealed.
"The Father."
Argus Filch broke his broom.
"Filch get out of here." McGonagall shouted.
"The Father." Hagrid gulped.
"And who is the Father, Remus?" Snape grinned with bitter glee "Give us a thrill. Who needs the Daily Prophet when we have this happening?"
"Oh my… Oh dear. Is it…" Dumbledore just looked thirty years older something bizarre occurred to him.
"Well I should tell Harry." Remus looked at the small green-eyed boy in the corner. Harry held his hand.
"Sirius Black is the father."
Harry jumped a foot in the air in shock "WHAT!!!!!"
Hagrid held up his finger, fainted, toppled over onto McGonagall and Snape with a thud.
"Hagrid." Snape howled, "Get off of me you lummox."
Harry sunk back into his chair dragging his fingers through his hair. "Unc… Unc…. Sirius!?" He began hyperventilating. He stuck his head between his knees trying to breath.
"Oh my word. You, Lupin! How could you even? He betrayed Harry's parents. How dare you bring up that name"? McGonagall shouted from under Hagrid. Her finger wagged furiously from beneath the giant. The Deputy Headmistress had not been a witness to the events on the Night of the Shrieking Shack.
"Up we go, Hagrid." Snape tried to push him off.
"Sirius Black." McGonagall shook her head.
"No… No." Harry shook his head "Sirius Black, but…"
Harry paced around.
"Sirius Black." Hagrid muttered as he came too.
"You and Sirius Black did… well… and he made you pregnant?" Harry said.
"Yes." Remus Lupin seemed to curl in on himself.
Harry looked like a flying mackerel trout had just hit him. Harry tried to catch his breath again, putting his head between his knees.
Snape got an odd look in his eye he looked at Harry. He winked at Harry once. Harry was surprised. What was Snape doing over there? Snape walked over behind the werewolf, frail like a wilted flower, frowning as if he was going to wither into dust.
"Oh, of course. It makes perfect sense."
"No. Snape you can't-" Harry growled.
"Yes. Sirius Black. They even met once, when he tried to kill Potter. Oh yes. It makes perfect sense. They are in some conspiracy. I can't believe I didn't see it that night."
Harry hadn't seen anything like that. They were just talking. They were proving Black innocent. But why was Snape betraying him? Making Remus look evil."
"You can't." Harry shook his head.
"The passion between their eyes, their furtive touches, their long romantic glances. I was there… I should have known."
Remus shivered in fear. His eyes were haunted with shame. Harry wanted to hold him. Snape stood behind Remus. Harry had never hated the vile Potions teacher so much. Not for all the points, not for all the abuse. How could he betray Sirius Black? How could he betray Dumbledore? How could he be so cruel to Remus? Harry's fist balled up.
Snape clapped his hands on Lupin's shoulders
"Of course they were 'lovers'"
Harry paused.
Snape smiled "Oh, right, yes 'Sirius Black' is the 'father' of the 'baby.'"
McGonagall froze and Hagrid looked closer.
Remus nodded mutely.
"And the 'godfather' is Voldemort. And whom should we call to be the godmother? Why I think I have Father Christmas's phone number. Let's call the North Pole and see if he's free."
Lupin looked up at Snape "You don't believe me? I-I-"
"'I, I, I' You are headed for St. Mungos. My god, you're crazy." Snape said.
"But I'm telling the truth." Remus said.
"Well, Sirius Black… I just can't believe it."
"I thought he was a ladies man." Hagrid said.
"Actually, he was." McGonagall said.
"He didn't strike me as all that particular." Filch said "Perfect for the Floozy."
Snape said, "But no, he's madly in love with our Professor Lupin now… Don't you see?"
"You're mocking me. I can't…"
"'You're mocking me.'" Snape whined, "Don't make sick."
Harry Potter stood up, "You leave him alone, Snape. You nasty old BUZZARD!"
Snape turned his head.
"He is very delicate. He's going to have a baby." Harry clenched his jaw.
"You actually believe him, Potter? Oh well, I suppose your brains are overrated. He is either lying to get a headline in the Daily Prophet or simply out of his mind."
"You leave him alone. If Remus Lupin says, he is pregnant. He doesn't lie. And you don't talk bad about Sirius Black either, none of you. He's an innocent man. And we all know Remus. He's the nicest sweetest... And if Remus says that he is the father than he is."
"Harry, you're not angry?" Remus said.
Harry held his hand, "I believe you. But it's just a little shocking."
McGonagall shook her head. She whispered in Harry's ear. "It is a little farfetched, Harry. But it's kind of you to humor him."
"But I don't even understand, blokes can't *have* babies." Hagrid clutched his aching head as he walked out.
"In my day if a bloke got himself pregnant we weren't all so easy going." Filch scowled.
McGonagall took to leave "I'm going to my next class. You take care, Remus. I'm sure Sirius Black is the father. You just sit here and we'll go find Sirius Black and tell him. I'll bet he'll be surprised. Happy even." McGonagall straightened his robes and left the room.
Snape nodded at his handiwork, "That worked out well."
Harry put his hands on his hips "You…. How could you be so cruel?"
Snape rolled his eyes "You have to ask? I hate you." Snape shook the boy off "By the way 10 points from Gryffindor. I would have added a 't' somewhere in the word 'buzzard.' But you always had a polite tongue didn't you? I think that I was worthy of that, for my wonderful performance."
Harry scowled "Why did you say all those horrible things to Remus?"
"Well I thought you wanted to keep your godfather alive, seeing as how he's the father of the 'baby.' If we try to hide it they'll just find out. It's not a very believable story."
"Of course… You're protecting Sirius." Remus clutched his stomach "If anyone found out that we were lovers they could use me as bait. Now I'm going to have his child…"
"You're certainly quicker on your feet than I am." Dumbledore said "We confuse them with the truth."
"If we tell everyone who asks that Sirius Black is the father they'll think I'm lying." Remus said.
"You are lying." Snape said.
Remus sat down and grumbled, "I'm not."
"You did like the dramatic turn I added. Just made it all the more nasty when I ripped him apart." Snape grinned.
Remus looked up.
"From what I take of the way Lupin was mooning after that stupid Black mutt, he's one x chromosome away from being the father of his child.[1] I thank God for small favors. Now at least that vile little twit can't spread on his genetic material to the next generation."
"You can't talk that way about the father of my child."
"Look, I am a mean grouchy pathetic man. I can speak in whatever manner I choose. But as for all that business, I don't give a fig." Snape brushed it off, "I care nothing about what 12 years in prison will do to the male libido and why he queered up in there. In fact I might just take a Dementor's kiss and suck that thought out of my brain."
Snape grimaced at the thought of Sirius Black. "Black is a disgusting, wretched, filthy, buggering… well there must be a reason why his parents saw fit to name him Sirius Orion Black." Snape emphasized the first letter in each word.
"You could have betrayed Remus."
"I don't care about Remus and Sirius's love life. Besides. The thought of turning in Black on my own is intoxicating."
Remus Lupin threw himself at Dumbledore's feet.
"I know Harry can understand but please. Don't cast me out. Please. Please Forgive me."
"What? Remus Lupin." Dumbledore said, "You are my friend. I would never betray you. I couldn't abandon you in your hour of need."
"You won't."
"Well it might be hard to negotiate time for your maternity. First we will have to prove to everyone you are pregnant."
"No needles, no blood."
Dumbledore shook his head "We'll just call some experts. They can tell you if your pregnant or not."
"Well then. You just go back to your room and relax. We'll get someone right away."
Remus left the room.
Dumbledore crossed his arms, and shook his head.
"Well what are our options?"
"He's not dangerous." Snape said.
"We've been working on it. Snape knows a chap in the LOLLIPOP who can send in some experts right away." McGonagall said.
"Hmmm. Yes. I do know a… Calliope. Yes charming woman. She's a very powerful werewolf from the old days. Likes ballroom dancing. I'll contact Mrs. Lightfoot, immediately. You better owl your friend, Severus."
"Well let's get to it then…" McGonagall said.
"That crafty old man. You're better at this then you let on Master Dumbledore." Snape said.
"I've had some practice."
Lesson 6a: The further you keep away from Andrew Diggory the better…
The couple did make it to King's Cross only it was the next day. Fenrir Grieves looked at the many cars unloading into King's Cross. Only he could see the man, a handsome blond chap with a blond moustache. He wore a bowler derby, but his clothes were so fussy he had to be a wizard, either that or a rent boy from the 1880's.
"Lupe, Lovie I think I see someone."
"What's wrong Fen?"
"I'll be right back."
"okay Fen."
"You're the Wet Blanket."
"Pardon?"
"That's what Lukas calls the Iris."
"Ah at least it's not as bad as some monikers." The man pulled a rainbow scarf out of his sleeve, the calling card of the Iris. They were as the rainbow, the message seen by all, to be touched by none. Under the Department of Muggle Misinformation, it was the worst job in the ministry. Only the brightest and the best went into it. Their duty was to give messages and live. One of the only groups in the Ministry who actually managed this. There were only two deaths anyone could think of, but Peter Pettigrew had only been a Junior Iris on the All Saints Day incident. James Potter had been the only Iris to die in the line of duty in 700 years.
Fen shook himself. He was home in England and it was nearing Halloween. He couldn't be helped for dark thoughts.
"Andrew Diggory." The wizard shook his hand.
"Fen Grieves."
"I have two messages. One from Gwydion Yard, the other from Madame Lightfoot."
"What would they want?"
"It didn't seem important. I'd open Mrs. Lightfoot's. Charming woman, gave me ginger snaps. I nearly missed my 4:00 appointment to brush my teeth."
"Oh, kay." Fen had picked up a few useful Americanisms.
Andrew continued, "She couldn't contact you at home, and saw fit to conscript the Iris. She hasn't done that since well I think 1979. But since Mrs. Greisel the Werewolf Iris, has since retired to America, I was conscripted."
"Oh that's nice.
"You wouldn't know where Key West is?"
"Yeah it's in Florida, very sunny like Greece." Fen said
"Sunny of course." Andrew smiled "I can't help wishing I was closer to retirement. But the ministry would fall apart. I couldn't imagine what Fudge would do without his Iris. Eye of the Pyramid, what? All of us Aurors and Iris do all the work. But you don't need to hear that."
Fen said "Cheer up. They'll be election soon enough."
Andrew grumbled, "With Lucius Malfoy in the pocket of every parliament. The BAp has been on the mend. People are tried of Minister Fudge. How the WAp chose him to be it. They couldn't pick someone with brains. Barty Crouch might have been a bafter but he would find a way to out maneuver the Malfoy fortune. We need someone with brains." Andrew was probably the best person to ask about what was happening in the world of English politics. He was extremely intelligent. It was the one thing preventing him from being the most powerful man in the ministry.
Fen looked up at the London sky.
"Feel free to read the other on the train. I'm not used to giving out two messages. Besides. I think the sooner you open it they sooner you'll be expected to deal with it."
"It can't be that bad."
"You're going to have a rotten vacation Grieves. That's more than a simple divination." Andrew Diggory walked behind a billboard and disapparated.
"Who was that?"
"Iris."
"They have them here to. God. You're not in the Aurors anymore. You're on vacation."
"I still am a wizard."
"If y'all such a ladidah wizard why can't you just take out the trash with yer magic wand." Lupe straightened his jacket out, "Why didn't they call you on your cell phone? Or on the scrying bowl?"
"None about." Fen said.
"Yeah they need to learn to use your cell phone." Lupe patted his chest.
"This was too important for Owl post." Fen said "Owls. You really have owls?"
"Yeah."
"You mean like in that movie we saw with Richard Burton, with that hoot owl. Robes long pointy hats. Yer a regular Merlin are you."
He opened the seal.
"There is a chap werewolf who might have Lycanthropy Nervosa. She wants us to come along and help out."
"Poor guy. Well Stonehenge can wait."
"But you've been babbling… talking all day about Stonehenge
"This could be serious." Lupe said, "It's been there for 5000 years. It can wait another day for me to see it."
He opened the Letter from Mrs. Lightfoot.
"Oh my word. Look Lovie."
"Hogwarts Express, straight to Hogsmeade."
"Where is Hogsmeade? You seem excited."
"Come on. I want to show you something. These are the genuine article. We couldn't pay a million dollars for tickets to Hogsmeade in America. I thought we'd have to steal a broom."
"What could ever be so great about a town named after a pig?"
"You want to see the heart of the Wizard's England, we've got to go to Hogsmeade."
"So that's where he's at?"
"No he is not. He's at Hogwarts."
Lupe began to get a heavy feeling of annoyance "Hogwarts?" Fen grabbed her wrist winked and began dragging her along. "This isn't turn into one of your fixations."
"I just want you to see what I'm talking about. It's the best school in the world. If they hadn't have burned my letter for being an outed werewolf…"
"Fen you were eleven years old. You're head of your own PAC, you drive a Lexus and own a speedboat. You're in the English Ministry of Magic. Honey you're just never getting into Hogwarts."
"Do you want to help? This is what we're here for. Helping all the English chaps who never got a fair shake." Fen shook his head "Lupe you don't know what it's like for a werewolf growing up in a place like this. The prejudice, the snide little cuts, the slayers. There is more hate towards werewolves in this puny island. That poor man is sitting there. Us English werewolves have to stick together-"
"Now you're puttin words in my mouth." She straightened her gypsy skirt and silver bangles. "Fen, I'm sorry."
"Yes it's just a bad time of year… It brings back too many memories. Before I met you. Before Voldemort was dead. I'm not even sure this was a good idea."
Lupe scruffed the back of his head "We don't have time to think like that right now Fen. We got to get to Hogsmeade."
Fen smiled "Lupe."
"Well what platform is the train to Hogwarts on then?" she asked.
[1] Or some kind of mental problem, actually.
