CHAPTER 8
The Hogwarts teachers and a few members of the order were enjoying a nice lunch. They were chatting in small groups, discussing order business and other subjects. Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, a puma, a tiger, a cat and a falcon came rushing into the Great Hall.
Before anyone could move, the puma had jumped on the table and was devouring Bill's dish, which was full of chicken wings while the tiger sank his teeth in a steak Remus had been eating. The falcon landed in the middle of Dumbledore's plate and started ripping the meat in it with its beak while the cat licked the entire milk contained in McGonagall's goblet.
"What are these animals doing here?" asked Molly as she tried to prevent the cat from moving on to her goblet.
Dumbledore, who had simply been watching the falcon eat in his plate with amusement, looked up with a smile.
"I will take care of this."
He took out his wand and muttered something. Suddenly, a blue beam shot out of his wand toward the puma. However, the animal was faster and jumped out of the way, causing the beam to hit Bill's dish. Suddenly, the dish was imprisoned in a glowing blue bubble which was floating in the air.
"He's a fast one." Commented Dumbledore, although he looked like having a lot of fun.
Seeing the threat, the four animals scrambled from the table and rushed toward the door, obviously trying to flee from the room and its occupants.
"I think not. Colloportus." Said McGonagall, sending a beam on the doors which suddenly closed and locked.
Cornered, but not defeated, the animals spread in all direction, hiding under the tables, running everywhere as everyone present, starting firing spells like Dumbledore's. However, the animals didn't seem to be keen to be captured. After some times, chairs, portraits, tables and dishes were floating around the room stuck in bubbles. Bill, Charlie, Mr. Arthur, Dumbledore, Tonks, the twins and Remus seemed to be having a lot fun as they dared each other to be the first to capture one of the animals.
Finally, after fives minutes of chasing, the cat was captured by Bill and the falcon, almost immediately after by Charlie. The tiger and puma were harder to catch, but Dumbledore managed to trap them in a corner.
"Well, this was quite amusing." Said Dumbledore a huge grin on his features.
"Headmaster, with all due respect, sometimes, I find you more childish than you're students." Reproached Molly, a stern look on her face.
"Thank you very much, Molly. I try as hard as I can to act young." Replied Dumbledore with a smile.
"Albus, you're hopeless." Continued Molly, although she was smiling.
"Now, I'll take these four to my office. Minerva, would you please follow me. You too Remus. The rest of you, please take care of all those floating bubbles and release what's inside them."
With that, Dumbledore left with McGonagall and Lupin at his side, leading the four floating bubbles carrying the animals with his wand. They walked quietly to Dumbledore's office while the four animals tried to get to their feet, but failed and rolled around in their bubble prison. Finally, they reached the stone gargoyle.
"Skiving Snackboxes." Said the headmaster.
The gargoyle moved upwards, revealing a circular staircase. Finally, they were all seated in the headmaster's office.
"Well, I think it's time the lot of you, become normal again." Declared Dumbledore as he looked at the animals.
McGonagall and Lupin looked at the older wizard with confusion. To their astonishment, the creatures seemed to nod before starting to transform. The bubbles suddenly popped and Harry, Hermione, Ron and Nathaniel crashed to the ground, groaning.
"By Merlin, my entire body is aching." Groaned Nathaniel as he lay flat of his back.
"Mine too. Is that normal ?" complained Ron.
"If it's your first transformation like I suspect, it is normal. Your body isn't fully accustomed to the transformation. As you start transforming more often, the pain will disappear and the use of meditation will be unnecessary.
"Albus, you knew they were training to become animagi ?" asked Lupin.
"I had my suspicions, but I was only sure when they entered the Great Hall today. Minerva, are you alright ?"
"I'm simply... they... Albus...it's the first time some of my students achieve such advance transfiguration since the marauders." Said McGonagall, in tears.
McGonagall may seem like a very strict person and professor, and it was true, but she was also a very caring and protective person. She took great pride in her Gryffindors and loved her students. To know that her students had managed to become animagi without any help filled her with more pride then she could bear. It proved to her that she was a good teacher and all her efforts to teach them transfiguration weren't in vain.
"I know Minerva. Now, blow your nose while Remus and I help the children in some seats. "
Dumbledore conjured four cozy chairs and along with Remus, they lifted the teens and placed them into seats. The four youngsters could hardly move a muscle, much less seat by themselves. Once everyone was seated and McGonagall had regained her composure, the Headmaster continued.
"Now, I have brought all of you here for a reason. First, we must discuss your new animagi status." Began Dumbledore.
"What is there to discuss ? I mean, we transformed and that's great. It could prove to be useful." Replied Ron.
"Yes, it is useful, but that's not what I wanted to discuss. I wish that you don't register as animagi."
"What ? Albus, you can't be serious. We would be breaking the law." Protested McGonagall.
"I am well aware of this. However, I am also aware that Voldemort must never learn of Harry's ability. We have to keep this a secret. Maybe it will save Harry's life in the future. This applies also to his friends. They could be able to save him with their animagus form."
Everyone stayed silent. McGonagall knew this was the most sensible thing to do, but she still couldn't help but disapprove. However, she stayed quiet. In her years of teaching with Dumbledore, she came to realize the powerful wizard was hardly ever wrong.
"Now, this must also be kept a secret for the order and the teachers in case they are captured and interrogated. The only persons who will know about this are currently here. Now, on another subject. Remus, I would like you to fill once again the position of defense teacher."
"What ? Albus, as much as I would love it, you know I won't be able to. The parents will send letters. They won't allow a werewolf to teach their children."
"I know they wouldn't allow Remus Lupin to teach, but they will allow someone else." Said the headmaster, with a twinkle in his eyes.
Everyone was now confused and looking at Dumbledore. One minute he was asking Lupin to be the DADA teacher, the next he was saying he couldn't. Ron even though the old man had finally lost it.
"You will be in disguise. I have something here that will disguise you from everyone." Said Dumbledore as he opened a drawer and took out a ring. It was gold and on it were engraved some runes.
"I have acquired it not long ago during a visit to Egypt with Bill Weasley in a search for possible allies. I brought it here for examination and discovered it had the ability to disguise someone. Remus, I give it to you so you can teach again. Since I became headmaster, I have never seen a better defense teacher. You deserve that job."
"Albus, I'm really flattered, but there are risks. What if I transform and attack a student ? You're going to ask Severus to make a Wolfbane's potion ?"
"No, I'm afraid we will have to keep Severus in the dark. He might let something slip again and I don't want that to happen...again. I will make the potion myself and add some extra ones to lessen the symptoms. You won't have to be absent once a month like last time which will minimize the chances of someone figuring you out."
"Professor, I think we should do something more. Last time, that plan didn't work out that well." Interrupted Harry.
"What do you suggest, Harry ?"asked Dumbledore.
"I think the four of us should be with Remus when he transforms. We know the presence of other animals helps to control a werewolf. Besides, if for any reason Remus should not take his potion, we would be here to keep an eye on him and to restrain him in case he gets out of control. It'll help us master our transformation too."
"No Harry. I don't want you to be near me when I'm in that state and I don't want you to watch me." Said Lupin.
"Remus, I already saw you transform and you know me enough to know you being a werewolf doesn't change anything about my opinion about you." Said Harry with a fierce glint in his eyes.
"But, what if what you said happened. What if I transform without having taken the potion. You said you'd restrain me. I could hurt you badly. Remember two years ago, I hurt Sirius when I transformed. I don't want that to happen to you."
"Remus, I won't be alone. Nathaniel, Hermione and Ron will be there too. Four of us, one of you."
"Maybe Nathaniel and you could do something, but Hermione is a cat and Ron a bird. What could they do ?" "Ron is a falcon, a hunter. His beak and talons are strong enough to rip flesh. I think he has even more chances to restrain you than us. Besides, as an animagus, he's bigger than normal falcons, he could very well lift you in the air. Hermione could claw you very well and although she's bigger than most cats, she's still smaller than you which would allow her to dodge your attacks."
Remus stayed silent, unable to find something to reply. He didn't have any valuable reply to contradict Harry. He was trapped. Finally, with a deep sigh of resignation, he nodded.
"Than, it is settled. Once a month, you will leave the Gryffindor tower after classes are over under the invisibility cloak and make your way to Remus's office where you will make sure he takes the potion I will have prepared for him. I will give each of you some of the potion in a bottle in case something happens to the one I would have given Remus."
"Professor, I have learned to perform disillusionment spell. Maybe, it would be more convenient than the cloak. I mean it's very useful when you're alone inside, but with four of us inside, we're taken some risks."
"Well then, Harry, teach your friends to perform it too. Minerva, as Head of Gryffindor house, I believe you will make sure they don't get in trouble for being out of their common room after dark."
"Of course, Albus."
"Then, it is settled. Remus, I will show you how to work the ring and then the children will help you choose a good disguise and get settled in your old office. Meanwhile, Minerva and I will officialize your arrival."
*** One hour later, Remus along with the four teenagers had moved all of Lupin's stuff into his old office. They had then asked the house-elves to give them some of the leftovers from lunch, but the elves had insisted to prepare something new and by the time, the five of them had reached the deserted great hall, food had already been served. The teenagers had immediately threw themselves at the food, having missed lunch and lost a lot of energy because of their first transformation.
"Now, we need to find you a disguise." Began Harry.
"One moment, please." Interrupted Lupin.
He got up and went straight for the wall behind the teachers' table. He touched some bricks with his wand which suddenly glowed. Immediately, the doors closed and locked, the windows grew bricks to block them and blue glow surrounded the room before vanishing.
"It's a security system Dumbledore installed in case we're attacked. Now, no one can spy on us."
"Good idea. Now, let's get started."
Remus took out the ring and put it on. He then held up his hand with the ring on it in front of him and recited the spell Dumbledore told him would activate the ring. Suddenly, Remus had lost all of his features. He looked like one of those dolls found in clothing shops that were used to show the products.
"Wow, this feels weird." Said Remus through shapeless lips.
"Okay. I say we start with Remus usual appearance and change some things because like that, we won't risk forgetting about something and leave a empty spot on him." Suggested Hermione.
Suddenly, the doll changed into Remus.
"Okay, first things first. Blue eyes and short jet-black hair."
"Then, a more pointy nose."
"A more pronounced jaw."
"More muscles. We could pretend you're an old auror."
"Good idea. Some scars to prove you have fought battles."
The next hour was spent with the teens giving suggestions and Remus following them. They changed and rearranged features of Remus until there wasn't any way to link him to Remus Lupin. Afterwards, they moved on to his past. Dumbledore had asked them to find a cover story which he would then insert in the Ministry's files.
When they were finished, Remus was now named Viktor Philigan. He was born in London from muggle parents and had studied at Hogwarts. He had graduated with honors before integrating the auror. After years of training and work as an auror, he moved to the Arabian Desert to work on some mysterious disappearances. Years later, he moved back to England and was asked to teach at Hogwarts.
Harry was thrilled to know Remus would be back as defense teacher. In his opinion and the one of almost all the school, Remus had been the best DADA teacher they had ever had. Besides that, Harry was glad to have Remus near him. Now, he was the last link he had to Sirius and his parents. However, Harry wasn't fooled. Dumbledore had asked Remus to take the position so he could help him go through with the loss of Sirius. Dumbledore wanted Harry to have someone he could talk to freely.
The Hogwarts teachers and a few members of the order were enjoying a nice lunch. They were chatting in small groups, discussing order business and other subjects. Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, a puma, a tiger, a cat and a falcon came rushing into the Great Hall.
Before anyone could move, the puma had jumped on the table and was devouring Bill's dish, which was full of chicken wings while the tiger sank his teeth in a steak Remus had been eating. The falcon landed in the middle of Dumbledore's plate and started ripping the meat in it with its beak while the cat licked the entire milk contained in McGonagall's goblet.
"What are these animals doing here?" asked Molly as she tried to prevent the cat from moving on to her goblet.
Dumbledore, who had simply been watching the falcon eat in his plate with amusement, looked up with a smile.
"I will take care of this."
He took out his wand and muttered something. Suddenly, a blue beam shot out of his wand toward the puma. However, the animal was faster and jumped out of the way, causing the beam to hit Bill's dish. Suddenly, the dish was imprisoned in a glowing blue bubble which was floating in the air.
"He's a fast one." Commented Dumbledore, although he looked like having a lot of fun.
Seeing the threat, the four animals scrambled from the table and rushed toward the door, obviously trying to flee from the room and its occupants.
"I think not. Colloportus." Said McGonagall, sending a beam on the doors which suddenly closed and locked.
Cornered, but not defeated, the animals spread in all direction, hiding under the tables, running everywhere as everyone present, starting firing spells like Dumbledore's. However, the animals didn't seem to be keen to be captured. After some times, chairs, portraits, tables and dishes were floating around the room stuck in bubbles. Bill, Charlie, Mr. Arthur, Dumbledore, Tonks, the twins and Remus seemed to be having a lot fun as they dared each other to be the first to capture one of the animals.
Finally, after fives minutes of chasing, the cat was captured by Bill and the falcon, almost immediately after by Charlie. The tiger and puma were harder to catch, but Dumbledore managed to trap them in a corner.
"Well, this was quite amusing." Said Dumbledore a huge grin on his features.
"Headmaster, with all due respect, sometimes, I find you more childish than you're students." Reproached Molly, a stern look on her face.
"Thank you very much, Molly. I try as hard as I can to act young." Replied Dumbledore with a smile.
"Albus, you're hopeless." Continued Molly, although she was smiling.
"Now, I'll take these four to my office. Minerva, would you please follow me. You too Remus. The rest of you, please take care of all those floating bubbles and release what's inside them."
With that, Dumbledore left with McGonagall and Lupin at his side, leading the four floating bubbles carrying the animals with his wand. They walked quietly to Dumbledore's office while the four animals tried to get to their feet, but failed and rolled around in their bubble prison. Finally, they reached the stone gargoyle.
"Skiving Snackboxes." Said the headmaster.
The gargoyle moved upwards, revealing a circular staircase. Finally, they were all seated in the headmaster's office.
"Well, I think it's time the lot of you, become normal again." Declared Dumbledore as he looked at the animals.
McGonagall and Lupin looked at the older wizard with confusion. To their astonishment, the creatures seemed to nod before starting to transform. The bubbles suddenly popped and Harry, Hermione, Ron and Nathaniel crashed to the ground, groaning.
"By Merlin, my entire body is aching." Groaned Nathaniel as he lay flat of his back.
"Mine too. Is that normal ?" complained Ron.
"If it's your first transformation like I suspect, it is normal. Your body isn't fully accustomed to the transformation. As you start transforming more often, the pain will disappear and the use of meditation will be unnecessary.
"Albus, you knew they were training to become animagi ?" asked Lupin.
"I had my suspicions, but I was only sure when they entered the Great Hall today. Minerva, are you alright ?"
"I'm simply... they... Albus...it's the first time some of my students achieve such advance transfiguration since the marauders." Said McGonagall, in tears.
McGonagall may seem like a very strict person and professor, and it was true, but she was also a very caring and protective person. She took great pride in her Gryffindors and loved her students. To know that her students had managed to become animagi without any help filled her with more pride then she could bear. It proved to her that she was a good teacher and all her efforts to teach them transfiguration weren't in vain.
"I know Minerva. Now, blow your nose while Remus and I help the children in some seats. "
Dumbledore conjured four cozy chairs and along with Remus, they lifted the teens and placed them into seats. The four youngsters could hardly move a muscle, much less seat by themselves. Once everyone was seated and McGonagall had regained her composure, the Headmaster continued.
"Now, I have brought all of you here for a reason. First, we must discuss your new animagi status." Began Dumbledore.
"What is there to discuss ? I mean, we transformed and that's great. It could prove to be useful." Replied Ron.
"Yes, it is useful, but that's not what I wanted to discuss. I wish that you don't register as animagi."
"What ? Albus, you can't be serious. We would be breaking the law." Protested McGonagall.
"I am well aware of this. However, I am also aware that Voldemort must never learn of Harry's ability. We have to keep this a secret. Maybe it will save Harry's life in the future. This applies also to his friends. They could be able to save him with their animagus form."
Everyone stayed silent. McGonagall knew this was the most sensible thing to do, but she still couldn't help but disapprove. However, she stayed quiet. In her years of teaching with Dumbledore, she came to realize the powerful wizard was hardly ever wrong.
"Now, this must also be kept a secret for the order and the teachers in case they are captured and interrogated. The only persons who will know about this are currently here. Now, on another subject. Remus, I would like you to fill once again the position of defense teacher."
"What ? Albus, as much as I would love it, you know I won't be able to. The parents will send letters. They won't allow a werewolf to teach their children."
"I know they wouldn't allow Remus Lupin to teach, but they will allow someone else." Said the headmaster, with a twinkle in his eyes.
Everyone was now confused and looking at Dumbledore. One minute he was asking Lupin to be the DADA teacher, the next he was saying he couldn't. Ron even though the old man had finally lost it.
"You will be in disguise. I have something here that will disguise you from everyone." Said Dumbledore as he opened a drawer and took out a ring. It was gold and on it were engraved some runes.
"I have acquired it not long ago during a visit to Egypt with Bill Weasley in a search for possible allies. I brought it here for examination and discovered it had the ability to disguise someone. Remus, I give it to you so you can teach again. Since I became headmaster, I have never seen a better defense teacher. You deserve that job."
"Albus, I'm really flattered, but there are risks. What if I transform and attack a student ? You're going to ask Severus to make a Wolfbane's potion ?"
"No, I'm afraid we will have to keep Severus in the dark. He might let something slip again and I don't want that to happen...again. I will make the potion myself and add some extra ones to lessen the symptoms. You won't have to be absent once a month like last time which will minimize the chances of someone figuring you out."
"Professor, I think we should do something more. Last time, that plan didn't work out that well." Interrupted Harry.
"What do you suggest, Harry ?"asked Dumbledore.
"I think the four of us should be with Remus when he transforms. We know the presence of other animals helps to control a werewolf. Besides, if for any reason Remus should not take his potion, we would be here to keep an eye on him and to restrain him in case he gets out of control. It'll help us master our transformation too."
"No Harry. I don't want you to be near me when I'm in that state and I don't want you to watch me." Said Lupin.
"Remus, I already saw you transform and you know me enough to know you being a werewolf doesn't change anything about my opinion about you." Said Harry with a fierce glint in his eyes.
"But, what if what you said happened. What if I transform without having taken the potion. You said you'd restrain me. I could hurt you badly. Remember two years ago, I hurt Sirius when I transformed. I don't want that to happen to you."
"Remus, I won't be alone. Nathaniel, Hermione and Ron will be there too. Four of us, one of you."
"Maybe Nathaniel and you could do something, but Hermione is a cat and Ron a bird. What could they do ?" "Ron is a falcon, a hunter. His beak and talons are strong enough to rip flesh. I think he has even more chances to restrain you than us. Besides, as an animagus, he's bigger than normal falcons, he could very well lift you in the air. Hermione could claw you very well and although she's bigger than most cats, she's still smaller than you which would allow her to dodge your attacks."
Remus stayed silent, unable to find something to reply. He didn't have any valuable reply to contradict Harry. He was trapped. Finally, with a deep sigh of resignation, he nodded.
"Than, it is settled. Once a month, you will leave the Gryffindor tower after classes are over under the invisibility cloak and make your way to Remus's office where you will make sure he takes the potion I will have prepared for him. I will give each of you some of the potion in a bottle in case something happens to the one I would have given Remus."
"Professor, I have learned to perform disillusionment spell. Maybe, it would be more convenient than the cloak. I mean it's very useful when you're alone inside, but with four of us inside, we're taken some risks."
"Well then, Harry, teach your friends to perform it too. Minerva, as Head of Gryffindor house, I believe you will make sure they don't get in trouble for being out of their common room after dark."
"Of course, Albus."
"Then, it is settled. Remus, I will show you how to work the ring and then the children will help you choose a good disguise and get settled in your old office. Meanwhile, Minerva and I will officialize your arrival."
*** One hour later, Remus along with the four teenagers had moved all of Lupin's stuff into his old office. They had then asked the house-elves to give them some of the leftovers from lunch, but the elves had insisted to prepare something new and by the time, the five of them had reached the deserted great hall, food had already been served. The teenagers had immediately threw themselves at the food, having missed lunch and lost a lot of energy because of their first transformation.
"Now, we need to find you a disguise." Began Harry.
"One moment, please." Interrupted Lupin.
He got up and went straight for the wall behind the teachers' table. He touched some bricks with his wand which suddenly glowed. Immediately, the doors closed and locked, the windows grew bricks to block them and blue glow surrounded the room before vanishing.
"It's a security system Dumbledore installed in case we're attacked. Now, no one can spy on us."
"Good idea. Now, let's get started."
Remus took out the ring and put it on. He then held up his hand with the ring on it in front of him and recited the spell Dumbledore told him would activate the ring. Suddenly, Remus had lost all of his features. He looked like one of those dolls found in clothing shops that were used to show the products.
"Wow, this feels weird." Said Remus through shapeless lips.
"Okay. I say we start with Remus usual appearance and change some things because like that, we won't risk forgetting about something and leave a empty spot on him." Suggested Hermione.
Suddenly, the doll changed into Remus.
"Okay, first things first. Blue eyes and short jet-black hair."
"Then, a more pointy nose."
"A more pronounced jaw."
"More muscles. We could pretend you're an old auror."
"Good idea. Some scars to prove you have fought battles."
The next hour was spent with the teens giving suggestions and Remus following them. They changed and rearranged features of Remus until there wasn't any way to link him to Remus Lupin. Afterwards, they moved on to his past. Dumbledore had asked them to find a cover story which he would then insert in the Ministry's files.
When they were finished, Remus was now named Viktor Philigan. He was born in London from muggle parents and had studied at Hogwarts. He had graduated with honors before integrating the auror. After years of training and work as an auror, he moved to the Arabian Desert to work on some mysterious disappearances. Years later, he moved back to England and was asked to teach at Hogwarts.
Harry was thrilled to know Remus would be back as defense teacher. In his opinion and the one of almost all the school, Remus had been the best DADA teacher they had ever had. Besides that, Harry was glad to have Remus near him. Now, he was the last link he had to Sirius and his parents. However, Harry wasn't fooled. Dumbledore had asked Remus to take the position so he could help him go through with the loss of Sirius. Dumbledore wanted Harry to have someone he could talk to freely.