Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Moon Child
Chapter 4
The first thing Harry noticed upon waking the next morning was the pain he'd felt was finally gone, all that remained was a dull ache that reminded him of a pulled tooth.
It was also with some surprise that for the first time in his short life he felt better than he had in a long time.
The feeling of well-being was so overwhelming he found it hard to believe that last night had been real, was he really attacked by a werewolf last night or was it some bizarre dream.
Of course nothing short of a confundus charm could make him forget the dreadful encounter that changed his life for the worse, his new life as a werewolf. It was usually later in the school year that the curse his life seemed to be under went in live mode, but for Harry life had never dealt a more horrible round. It was with a sense of dread that he thought of what the school year would hold for him.
He was a werewolf! No amount of denials could change that he was now a monster, a dark CREATURE!
Looking back on his last school year he remembered how the school behaved towards him, how they shunned him. He recalled how students he'd known for all his years at Hogwarts had mocked him, called him a liar. The thought that there would be no Quibbler article to save him this time made him groan in frustration, nothing he could do would change how people would see him. It wouldn't matter how many people he saved, how many times he fought Voldemort. The wizarding world would not accept a dark creature as their savior. All he had to do was recall how the world had treat Lupin and Hagrid because of what they were. How many lives had Professor Snape saved only to be called a filthy Deatheater.
He'd been used as the world's whipping boy too many times to think they would react different in his case, he had thought of Fudge as a friend in his third year only to have him turn on him when he brought news of Voldemort's return.
Last summer having just saved his cousin from dementers he'd been brought to court like he'd murdered an entire neighborhood.
Would a world that was too quick to crucify their so-called hero accept that same hero as a non-human?
With these thoughts searing his mind it was with a bitter young man that opened his eyes.
The sight that greeted him was a scene Harry thought he would never have expected in his wildest dreams, beside his be sat his headmaster, Professor Snape and Professor Lupin.
They both had such worried looks on their faces that Harry couldn't help the burst of hysterical laughter that passed his lips, this in turn made them look so puzzled that Harry had to close his eyes to gain his composure.
Opening his eyes again he couldn't help the smile that the laughter had left, it felt good to laugh.
With a bit of regret he thought of the reason why he hadn't laughed in so long.
It was with a lighter heart that he noticed that the twinkle was back in Dumbledore's eyes, although the speculative look on Snapes face made him wonder if he was going mad.
Casting his gaze back to the headmaster a hundred questions sprung to mind and the only one he managed was a sullen 'what now'.
Dumbledore sat back before answering "well as you've finally regained consciousness we will be able to move you to headquarters till we find a more permanent solution, as with you're new condition it would be impossible for you to return to the Dursley's".
Harry could only gape at the man 'finally something good has come out of this'.
After a short pause the headmaster continued "Remus as kindly offered to help you come to terms with your new status as well as to help you through the first transformations. Luckily you were given a private room here at St Mungo's so no one as been alerted of your identity, but unfortunately you will have to register with the ministry as a werewolf. They will be paying you a visit this afternoon." At this the headmaster had to pause to let the entire horror sink in.
It didn't take long for the true consequences of last night to make them known and Harry finally understood.
After Harry nodded his acceptance of the situation the old man continued to explain his plans "Due to unforeseen changes we have to tread carefully, there is something you need to be made aware of". With that said the headmaster slowly took a mirror from a side table and presented it to Harry.
Dumbledore's attitude setting of alarm bells in his mind and not sure what they led to Harry lifted the mirror to his face.
Expecting to see his usual reflection of short unruly black hair and the face many likened to James Potter, it was with shock that he saw something he never expected.
His confidence of who he was and his battered psyche finally gave in to the panic he felt upon waking, and without a sound he quickly gave into oblivion with the headmasters final words speeding him away.
Turning to Snape the headmaster quietly told him that it was easier than the last time he'd revealed a secret to Harry.
A/N: I would just like to thank all those that reviewed. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Meilyr is pronounced as mee-lee-er.
It's the name of a real wizard that lived in 1300 something, and he came from wales.
Please enjoy and all reviews will be greatly welcomed, L.L.L.
