DISCLAIMER: OF COURSE YOU KNOW IT ALREADY I AM GETTING TIRED OF REPEATING MYSELF.
A/n: I put a little reference from Werewolf the Apocalypse and Blood and Chocolate just to let you know.
Reviewers I need reviewers but no flamers PLEASE! You don't have to read the story if you don't like it so no flames. No slash in this story either though I personally don't care for slash I will not write any at all. Nor can't I stand some of the pairings.
By the way thank you my one reviewer you know who you are for your lovely input.
BETA'S I NEED BETA'S WITH A DECENT EMAIL THAT WOULD GET BACK TO ME ASAP! THANK YOU
THE MASTER OF BEASTS
Chapter 11: Close Encounters with Werewolves
It was the following morning that found Ron up before the others. He dressed and hunted for himself and the others as they were still asleep, "Hey Weasley you up early," said Draco as he too was awake by the time Ron returned with food. Draco at least got the fire going as Ron got the meat ready to cook. When he placed them over the fire he and Draco hesitated, "Um…." They would both say, "Sorry I called you slow," Draco said, "Sorry I called you all those dirty names," Ron said and Draco shrugged. A cry from the skies gave them fair warning as Sheroc soared overhead. It is about time you got up he said, we have a lot to do today for we have a guest tonight with that he landed on an overhead branch. "A guest what guest?" Draco asked, "Tonight is the full moon a night where creatures only seen by its light come to mingle," Sheroc replied as he projected his human shape.
After waking Hermione and Harry they all sat as their teacher began, "I have already talked with Dumbledore and it was alright with him if a friend of yours comes for a visit. Since he only comes like this once a month it will show you that even the wolves acknowledge your presence…" Sheroc began until someone nearly squeaked, "You mean to tell us that Professor Lupin is coming here?" Harry asked, "Why yes," "But Sir Professor Lupin is a Werewolf!" Draco said, "Why thank you for your reasoning of course he is a were and that is why I asked if he could come here," Sheroc said, "But aren't you afraid that he would kill us?" Hermione asked, "No for you are no longer human your scent tells him so. As a beastmaster you may appear human but you are animal true and true. Your thinking makes you on the level with humans but you have been changed. A werewolf attacks humans but not a beastmaster. They will acknowledge you like any other creature of the forest. All you have to do is get the wolf to realize that he and the human side of himself are one in the same. If you do that then your professor will be cured of his curse," explained Sheroc and the group stood in shock, "You mean we have the power to……" the sentence was left there, "Yes you have the power to cure him only if you can convince both sides to merge as one," Sheroc replied.
The others listened inventively as the eagle explained what a werewolf curse truly is. "Wow who would have thought that it was two personalities into one body," Hermione said, "Yes well everyone has a balance and to become a true Loup Garou one has to except the wolf side. True Garou are born not bitten or are converted when they accept the wolf side. It is their animagus form but they also have different parts to it. True Garou are still out there and the best way to find one is in a role playing game…." "Wait I know that one!" Hermione shouted, "I played it once oh! Sorry!" she said, "No go ahead and say what you have to say," Sheroc said pleased that someone was listening, "Well I remember playing this role playing game once called Werewolf the Apocalypse. It was really fun to pretend to be a wolf from one of the thirteen tribes that is till I actually me one besides Professor Lupin." She said blushing, "You actually met another werewolf?" Ron asked, "Well yes and it was they who made up the game to sort of blend in," Hermione replied.
"Good at least you paid attention Ms. Granger now kindly tell us the differences between your friend and our guest?" Sheroc asked, "Well a true Garou like my friend can change at will without the full moon. They like in the game think of the moon as a bringer of fortune. A person born under each phase of the moon has a different trait such as those born under the full moon are considered warriors and those born under the new moon are considered scholars and mystery workers, or detectives. My friend told me after I told him that I was a witch. He seemed glad to finally tell someone other then his own kind. I told him of the professor of course and he said that a cursed one can be a lot of danger but no one remembers how it started," she said thinking, "I do I'm afraid," Sheroc said, "Continue your story and then I will explain about the origins of the werewolf," Sheroc then let Hermione continue.
"Anyway my friend said that true Garou has five forms ending with a true wolf form. They can be born as either human or wolf and thus must breed with one or the other. If they breed with each other then the results could be disastrous because of the high birth defects that happen when Garou do breed with each other." Hermione said, "While some is all bull like the part of the thirteen tribes they only did it to organize themselves much more fully. The Garou has five forms in total the Homid or true human form the Glabro or the wolf man form, the Crinos or the halfway and most dangerous form, the Hispo or gigantic wolf form that makes it look ancient and the Lupine form or the true wolf form. They look a lot like ordinary wolves but are far more intelligent. They live among us and are more hidden then the wizarding world," with that Hermione ended her lecture with Sheroc's approval, "Very well done Hermione and she is right by the way very few Wizards know of the true Garou. The werewolves you know are known among them as 'the cursed ones,'" Sheroc said and the group then turned his attention to him when he waved his hand and an image appeared of a werewolf.
"The werewolf you know is known as the 'Cursed Ones,' these weres appeared around my time when a madness overtook the land. That madness was created by an evil demon known as Ketzwayo. Ketzwayo only wanted to reap his revenge upon the demon of the earth Curapira. The only way he could do it was to make the animals go mad and during this madness they sought to kill one another. Raping and killing was evident in the world as Ketzwayo nearly destroyed the world. The demon nearly succeeded until Dar stopped him." The eagle then showed an image of a woman who was bitten by a wolf a Garou, "I saw this when a pack of Garou attacked a village and killed nearly everyone but a woman. That woman was pregnant when she was bitten. The wolf whose magic was out of control turned her and her child into the first cursed ones. Her beast side her darkness emerged and she nearly killed her baby. Luckily for her the baby escaped into the forest where he was adopted by a pack of wolves. That baby on the full moon night became the first werewolf. That baby was as wild as it came and he passed on the curse to which ever he bit. Until recently that curse was out of control and those who had the curse were killed by the Muggles in order to protect their loved ones. Even thought the human side the light side was innocent the dark side or the wolf was the reason that many had gone into madness. It was discovered among the Garou that whom ever excepts deep down the darkness within them without resistance can turn that curse into a blessing making them a true Garou."
"When they turn into a true Garou their form becomes like that of an animagus enabling them to transform at will a true Garou can control their transformation so they don't get inconvenienced at a full moon. Though the pull of the moon is strongest then one can still control the transformation. When they do become the beast a true Garou is able to run faster then a normal human would of course. But they tend to keep to themselves. They are those born to wolves and those born to humans, those born to wolves tend to have a dislike for humans because of what humanity did to their ancestors. Those born to humans are more open towards things and accept them a lot quicker then their lupine counterparts."
"So what you are saying Master is that when Professor Lupin comes here then we treat him like any other Garou?" Draco asked, "Yes speak to the wolf he will understand you," Sheroc said, "Now I believe it is time to get a few lessons in," Sheroc said and the illusion is gone leaving his true form the eagle behind. Flapping his wings he took to the skies once again and the group groaned as they got up to stiff legs and body.
It was around dusk that the group gathered back at the clearing with Sheroc high in the sky waiting for the arrival of Fawkes. Hedwig returned after a hard day's training. She held a mouse in her talon along with a very gassy Pigwigdeon who kept burping the whole way and an occasional fart. What happened to him? Sheroc asked he ate a mouse that ate something that would fill an owl up with gas Hedwig replied with amusement in her voice. All three circled around the clearing as Nightshade returned as well from another direction. She was lazily gliding around with the rest. Are you sure this will work my lord? Asked Hedwig and the eagle nodded as he glided in and landed on the highest branch of a tree.
The last of the sun's rays left leaving the forest eerie quiet as the moon began to make its ascent into the sky. The cat Crookshanks sat near Hermione as the shadows grew on the forest. The silver light of the moon replaced the golden rays of the sun. The four washed up in the river and were once again dressed in their tattered robes but felt that they needed all that much to say. They waited till the silver completely dominated the forest as the first howls could be heard. There was more then just one howl tonight and the four instantly grew afraid. Fear now my students they will not harm you that is just the local pack, Sheroc reassured them as he took to the air again. With his age he has gained the ability to see both night and day and not need sleep though he sleeps out of habit. Flying around he noticed the dark shapes roaming the woods Garou.
This pack had heard of the Beastmasters from far and they are joined by something else entirely. Flying with one of the Garou was a Hippogriff a very large hippogriff. He was quiet surprise when the hippogriff bellowed a greeting to the eagle. Sheroc answered in kind with a shrill of his own. Both soared over the forest, so you are the famous Sheroc I have heard so much about said the Hippogriff, indeed and whom am I speaking to my fine fellow Sheroc replied, I am Buckbeak former fugitive and he, the hippogriff pointed with his foreleg is Remus Lupin my new master he said and Sheroc did indeed see a light brownish grey wolf running through the woods. Sheroc swooped low over the trees to keep an eye on the wolf as he ran through the forest. Buckbeak was not too far behind as well as a familiar phoenix, owls and raven.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and Draco waited as they heard the approach of something as Crookshanks was perched on Hermione's shoulder. The cat gave a nervous mew as the witch stroked her familiar. The shuffling is getting louder along with the sniffing noises of something approaching. Harry in particular was nervous as he remembered the last time he met with the wolf-side of Remus. Suddenly he could see a pair of yellow eyes watching them as padded feet slowly made their way towards them. An elongated shape slowly came from the woods and into the clearing. Brownish grey fur glowed silver in the moonlight as the wolf came from the trees. He was huge about the size of a monster as he slowly approached. Harry noticed that he looked rather thin and unhealthy as he slowly approached the group of teens, speak to him Crookshanks nudged Hermione and the witch glared at her cat. Slowly the wolf was really close and sniffed each and every one of the Beastmasters.
Harry was very nervous when Lupin approached him and carefully sniffed him getting his scent. "Hi Remus," he whispered and the wolf stopped, speak to him in the beast's tongue Crookshanks urged, um hi Remus Harry tried this time and the wolf looked at him with one golden eye. Who is it that speaks to me? The wolf demanded, I am Harry, Harry Potter Harry replied as the wolf turned to him, well Harry Potter give me a reason why I shouldn't rip you to shreds? The wolf said, because I am speaking to you now like an equal and not a human Harry replied, you speak the wolf's tongue you can but how is it that you do not smell a human yet you look like one? The wolf replied as he growled softly, we are Beastmasters surely you've heard of us? Harry asked knowing the wolf knows but the human does not. Beastmasters? I have heard of you from my brethren those with the ability to speak to our kind the wolf said smoothly as he walked around them slowly. You are not of their kind said Hermione, what do you mean I am not! The wolf growled, she means it wolf you are a cursed one only appearing at the full moon the wolf then snapped his jaws at Draco but he did not flinch.
What makes you think that I would let that human get what he wishes! The wolf announced angry at the assembly before him. We believe that you are slowly killing him Ron took up the chat now, and so what if I do! He is human and deserves to die! The wolf readied to attack, you attack and you kill not only the human but yourself as well said Hermione as she stood in front of the group her poise like that of an animal and for the first time the others gave her a new respect.
Hermione stood tall amongst her peers as she glared daggers into the golden eyes of a wolf and glare she did giving none to weakness. You will let professor Lupin be bound to you! You will not hate him for what he is! He may be human true but he is apart of you the part of you that you will never know. You will never know because you discriminate him so! She said with such malice that put even Draco to shame. The witch stepped up to the plate her hair flowing behind her, because of the hatred you put for your human he has to suffer every full moon! He suffered more then you ever will and it was because of you that he has to suffer. The wolf was clearly whimpering now as Hermione approached her hair flowing behind her and the wind clearly began to howl and moan through the trees.
Sheroc watched from the skies with Buckbeak clearly amused as the witch continued to tell the wolf off as she walked up to him. He tried to nip and take a few bites out of her but Hermione was having none of it. She used the moves that Sheroc taught her and easily punched the wolf in the face and gave him a good kick. The eagle was more pleased when he read her lips as she clearly stated "Sorry Professor," evident in it. Both creatures nearly laughed when the wolf got what was coming to him. Well good for that sorry piece of shit! Buckbeak stated, he was a pain in the arse and I am just glad someone has the guts to tell it to his face! The hippogriff was reeling in the fact that Hermione was doing just that.
Speaking of whom
Hermione was seething with anger now that the wolf refused to fuse with Remus. Harry, Ron and Draco could only watch as Hermione growled at the wolf making it back away her stare was intense and burned through the wolf causing it to whimper in shame. You dare to say that about Remus huh wolf! She growled, Remus was a good friend of mine and you dare to treat him this way Hermione stepped closer and closer to the wolf and it whimpered under her gaze. You DARE! She then saw something that she never knew the wolf would do he rolled over on his back exposing his belly, please no more he begged, I apologize just don't rip out my belly the wolf pleaded, you must understand that Remus is apart of you Harry said speaking for the first time, he is apart of you as anyone of us he was a good friend of my fathers and a friend of mine. You have caused him enough torment so it would be appropriate to let him go and the wolf whimpered I can't I don't know how the wolf replied, you must merge with your human side, Draco now stepped up, you are Remus's dark side his animalistic side while he himself is his human side. You must stop fighting yourselves and become as one only then will you both find peace, with that the wolf looked down, I will try he said, will I become a true wolf if I do? He asked, you can Hermione replied and the wolf moved away from the group.
He was stopped when a group of other wolves emerged from the woods and Remus rolled over exposing his belly. The largest of the wolves a large dark brown male with light golden eyes walked over to where the whimpering wolf now begs for his life. Sniffing he then turned to the Beastmasters before letting his head roll back and howled long and deep. The others of his pack started to howl as well.
Remus the wolf began to feel something happen to him as the howls intensified as his body started to glow and a shimmering form of a human and a wolf appeared and both began to merge. The Beastmasters watched in awe as both came together into a single wolf form. The wolf looked like a true wolf as it gave a long howl. From the skies other wolves came from the moon as they too added their song while dancing around Remus. The alpha wolf then turned towards the beastmaster and bowed his head low before turning and running into the woods his pack following.
The wolf on the ground began to shrink and as it did its form began to shift as well. His paws began to shrink so they no longer look like a bear paws but true paws. His fur became less shaggy and more defined as he shrank and his tail became bushier and body sleeker. When the transformation was complete a new wolf stood no longer looking like a monster but a true wolf, well done, well done a voice said from above and a hippogriff landed in front of them, well I don't have to hear his infernal moaning once a month and get some good sleep eh, the group stood stunned, "Buckbeak?" they all said in chorus, yeah well I tagged along to keep him company while I watched your progress said another voice and Sheroc followed by Hedwig, Pigwigdeon and Nightshade joined him. The hippogriff eyed Draco wearily, I remember you, you insulted me a few years back the hippogriff said and Draco paled, "I am sorry, I really am!" he said and bowing to the hippogriff and Buckbeak then lowered himself as well, well apology excepted young beastmaster but I give you fair warning now so that you may remember it and Buckbeak walked closer towards the blonde his blazing yellow eyes locked onto his icy blue.
Insult me like that again boy and you will not only be a female for the rest of your life but you will be placed on a platter and your very body fed to the most vile of creatures ever to exist for eternity he said and Draco nodded profusely. Backing away the Hippogriff only nodded to the eagle and spread his wings to ruffle his feathers. When he placed them back into their folded position Draco nearly fainted.
While all this happy chatter was going out a lone whimper made Harry turn his head to notice the werewolf starting to wake. Walking closer he could see the confusion on his face as Harry slowly walked towards the wolf. The wolf's ears perked up as he whirled around to face Harry. He was on the verge of attacking when he instantly recognized who it was. Harry? An all too familiar voice ran in his head and the wolf looked at him, "Remus?" Harry replied, Harry it is you! What are you doing here and why am I not attacking you? Remus said noticing for the first time he was still in his wolf form, "You have been cured Remus," Harry said cured? If I am cured then why am I still a wolf? Harry then smiled, "You are a true Lycanthrope Remus you can control your transformations without fear of the moon anymore," Harry replied and the wolf looked up at the moon then at Harry, I can? The wolf asked whimpering, "Yes try transform back into your human form," Harry said and Remus began to change.
By this time the others noticed the conversation as they all turned to watch Remus's body stretch and form as he back arched and reshaped itself to stand upright along with his back legs. His tail sucked back into his body and his hands and feet formed from paws. His snout and ears shifted as fur retreated back into his body till a human face was remaining. Most of his bodily hair returned to inside his skin and he stood naked for only a few seconds till Sheroc conjured clothes. Remus was dressed in plain robes but all in all he was human again. He turned around in circles and gazed at the light of the moon his heart soaring when he saw the silver orb through human eyes once more. "I am truly cured how?" he asked, "We convinced the wolf to let you be," said Hermione, "Actually Granger shouted at the wolf," Draco said smirking at her and that earned a playful punch to the arm. Remus stared at the group before him and saw how much they have changed, "Harry if I did not say any better I would say that you were James himself." He said, "But alas that is where the similarities end you are more like Lily then James any day," he said with a soft smile.
Remus then turned to his surprise at Buckbeak whom looked at him with approval, well now you look a lot happier now yes? He said and Remus looked in confusion, "He said that you look happier now," Harry replied with a smile.
TBC
