Updated: Friday 11th March 2005

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

Chapter Forty Five: The Consequences

"Lupin. I should have guessed you were behind this!" Severus growled as the bane of his existence made his presence known.

"Ah, good evening, Severus." Remus said politely, as though they were bumping into each other while out for a leisurely stroll. "It appears I forgot you frequent these parts this time of year."

"Evidently." Severus sneered. "I'm still waiting for an explanation."

Together, Estella and Remus gave Severus a condensed version of what they had pulled off that night, and why those boys deserved the humiliation.

"No real harm done, Severus." Remus said good naturedly. "They got what they deserved."

Severus gave Remus a dark look. "In light of what they appear to have done to my niece to bring about such resolve, I won't argue you that, Lupin." He intoned. "However, I will not tolerate the use of pranks as mediative forms. Estella you are above such juvenile behaviour. You shouldn't feel you have to react at all."

Estella and Remus exchanged a knowing look as Severus continued. "Those that resort to schoolyard bullying…" at this he looked at Remus. "… are themselves bereft of moral fibre and are hiding something about themselves; supplementing their extremely inflated egos by attacking those that are better than them. Reaction only perpetuates the cycle…"

Severus could continue no more. His voice was drowned out by the sound of a child… and an obscenely overgrown child… failing to control their laughter. "What?" Severus snapped.

"N-n-n-othing, Uncle Sev." Estella said, between gasps of laughter. "We're not laughing at you, really, honest."

Severus gave Estella a hard look. "I give up." He said finally before leaving. "Go and get morally corrupted by that delinquent Godfather of yours! I'll see you Sunday."

Estella gaped in her Uncle's wake in shock and turned to Remus. "Did… did we… did he… I got away with it?"

"Oh no." Remus said lightly. "I am sure your Uncle has left it to me as your weekend guardian to ensure you get the appropriate… punishment."

The pair erupted into peals of laughter.

"You did what?" Harry asked for the fifth time, absolutely beside himself in disbelief as he joined Estella and Hermione at the study table in the library.

"Had my schoolyard nemesis transfigured as Pinocchio and convinced him my Uncle was a Boggart that needed hexing." Estella said, gleefully showing her highly detailed, newly animated photos to the pair. "See?"

"Oh my God!" Hermione said, stifling her laugh in her Transfiguration text. "What on earth did Professor Snape do?"

"Oh he lectured me a bit," Estella said flippantly. "But I don't think his heart was in it. I didn't even get into trouble! Either he's still trying to make up for Christmas or he was secretly laughing his arse off at my brilliance! I mean look, he developed the photos for me even! Found them by my bed this morning!"

"How did you manage to transfigure them with such detail without them noticing?" Harry asked, chuckling at what it would be like to do that to Dudley.

"Ah, that's where my brilliant accomplice has to take the credit!" Estella admitted. "My Godfather sat in a tree and hexed to his heart's delight. I simply stood with them and convinced them that it was the magical instability of the area playing off their emotions. They're purebloods. They had no idea of the Muggle influence. Nor were they too pleased when I showed them the storybooks their makeovers were inspired from."

Hermione and Harry sniggered.

"They never saw my Godfather there." Estella continued. "I bet they still think it was a 'magical disturbance' causing them to change. They are so dumb. It's no wonder they didn't get accepted to Hogwarts."

"What?" Harry asked, looking up with tears of mirth in his eyes, pouting. "I'm not going to get the chance to rub this in their faces next year? Denied!"

"Oh it's so unfair!" Hermione sighed melodramatically. "Remind me never to cross you though."

"Yeah, Ron had better watch out." Harry said jokingly.

"mmm… he's pureblood hey?" Estella asked, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. "No, don't worry. Ron's been a bit of a git to me but I wouldn't mess with your friend. He has his reasons."

Flashback

"Black!" Ron called after Estella as she arrived in the entrance hall after school earlier that day.

Estella turned to face Ron warily. "What do you want, Ron." She asked.

"Stay away from my friends." He warned. "I know the real reason you're living with your Uncle and if you don't want me to tell them you will not take them away from me."

"That was never my intent, Weasley." Estella said sadly, walking past Ron. "But I will heed your warning and hold you to your word as a Gryffindor."

"Just so we're clear then." Ron said gruffly.

"As an elephant's rememberall." Estella said over her shoulder as she headed towards the library to meet Harry and Hermione. Telling them about her weekend would undoubtedly cheer her up some.

End flashback

End Chapter: The Consequences