This chapter is a little angsty, and definitely qualifies for the rating! Look at the title and you can pretty much guess why.
Chapter 4: Transformation
By dinner that evening, rumours were flying about Professor Potter. They all had a distinct similarity – he was cool, a good teacher and fair. Other rumours, however, passed from him being trained in the depths of the Amazon by native witch doctors to him being Voldemort's secret son who rebelled against him and his reign. Harry snorted at that, struggling to suppress the urge to laugh himself sick.
"He's definitely something, isn't he?" Sirius mentioned as he helped himself to chips. (A/N: Fries to anyone who's confused!)
"Who?" James asked.
"Professor Potter!" Sirius grinned.
"Are you still on about him, Black? Anyone would think you were obsessed." Lily groaned.
"I thought we were on first name terms now?" Sirius raised a brow.
"No, you were mistaken. I've always called Remus by his first name because he's the only one of you I could tolerate. James is my fellow Head, so I have to be tolerant of him." Lily explained.
"I love you too, Lily." James rolled his eyes.
Lily poked her tongue out at him childishly. He just laughed. She grinned. 'He's nice when he's not being an idiot...' she thought, then crossed the thought from her mind. 'Urgh! No, Potter's a cheating, bullying toerag, remember? He hexes people for fun!'
At the teacher's table, Videl spoke to Harry.
"You seem to be a hot topic of conversation." She commented dryly.
"Alas, when will it end?" Harry asked dramatically, then shrugged. "They'll be tired of it in a day or two when they realise exactly how hard the homework I set them is."
Videl raised a brow. "Oh, what is that? Are my students going to be mentally scarred? I heard Nott complaining about you taking points for simple sayings."
"Nott referred to one of the other students with coarse and uneducated terms." Harry scowled.
"What?"
"Mudblood." Harry spat the word out. "It's sick! The entire lot of them are just praying for Voldemort to come and brand them like cattle. Those that aren't already branded that is."
Videl frowned. "I would appreciate it if you kept accusations away from my students."
"Then tell your students to use polite terminology in referring to others. I will not tolerate sectarianist, bigoted behaviour." Harry told her vehemently.
Her eyes narrowed. He was definitely unusual. "Understood."
"Good. And in answer to your earlier question, no the students shouldn't be scarred. However, the homework for those in Fifth and Seventh year is to write out all the spells they know and a practical application for them in duelling." Harry explained.
"How do you mean?"
"Anything they have learnt. A Cheering Charm for distraction. Or use a Switching Spell to exchange a sword for a stick. Anything of the sort. I dare say I'm looking forward to reading some of the homework."
"You are aware that they will not be able to remember everything from five or seven years at Hogwarts?"
"Yes. That's why I want to know. Go over some of the spells, hexes, curses, charms, jinxes that they don't know. As well as train them further in other ones as well. It will also give me an idea of the level each student is working at, not to mention I'll enjoy seeing what spells they know that aren't on the curriculum." Harry gave a half-smile.
Videl sighed. "I'm going to have some complaints."
"Good. That means they're thinking about it. Besides, it's only a few lists. And they've got a month to do so, along with any smaller essays or other homework I assign. They've got some serious work to do for their exams. I want my students to get the best grades possible."
# # #
In all, Harry was a certified hit among the students. Well, there were a number of Slytherins who disliked him, but the rest thought he was great. After a week, he was a 'qualified' Hogwarts teacher. Meaning: he'd been pranked and approved by the Marauders. In fact, his response to the prank had been extremely poignant.
It had been his third day of teaching – fifth day there – when it struck him. He found himself speaking in rhyme for the entire lesson, wearing a James Bond-inspired outfit. Apparently, this was an accolade to the time he had spent with the Aurors. His only response had been to laugh as he taught the entire lesson while speaking in rhyme.
At the end, he had grinned.
"Well, I guess the Marauders have had their fun,
But I'd ask for this spell to be undone.
Detention would involve duelling with me,
I'm a little out of practise you see.
So long as you undo this at once,
I'll tell you 'bout the time Ron was a ponce.
I ask the Marauders, am I approved?
To be pranked so well, I'm truly moved." He grinned.
James and Sirius did the counter-curse.
Harry grinned. "Thank you, Potter, Black."
"You have our approval, sir." James told him.
"That's nice to know. I've got the approval of the Head Boy and the top pranksters in the school. Anyway, class dismissed." He told the class.
Everyone was surprised. Almost all the previous teachers had been furious with the pranks performed on them. Though, admittedly, this had been funny. Even Lily could find no fault with it.
"That was good, James." She smiled.
James' eyes widened. "Beware, everyone! Lily Evans just condoned a prank!"
Lily rolled her eyes, placing her book back in her bag. "It's not that unusual, Potter." She always called him Potter when she was irritated, though part of it was just slipping into old habits. "Some of your pranks really hurt people. This was well thought out and funny. Harmless, except maybe to Professor Potter's ego."
James grinned, slinging an arm around Lily's shoulders as they left the classroom. "Ah, we finally gained the Fair Flower's approval! And we don't try to intentionally hurt people with pranks anymore. It was just a stupid phase."
"Well, we mustn't forget Snivellus." Sirius snickered.
"Well, that's personal." James' eyes darkened.
A voice called out, "Oh, Potter, Black?"
The three friends turned, sticking their heads back over the classroom door. "Yes sir?" James asked.
"Take ten points each for the successful use of the Rhyme-tongue and Costume Charms." Professor Potter replied. "And don't forget to include them in your essays."
"We won't." Lily replied. "C'mon, James, we've got to see Dumbledore at half-past."
"Lily, d'you think I don't know that?" James asked as he followed his fellow Head Girl out.
Sirius grinned at the teacher, rolling his eyes. "Lovers' spat. Even if they're not lovers yet. I'm making it my plan to get them together. D'you want to help?"
Harry laughed. "Why would a teacher get messed up in students' love lives?"
"Because if you're their son from the future, you'll want them to get together."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Are you still harping on about that? It doesn't matter. Fate will get them together if she sees fit. Now go. Do some homework. And offer my congratulations to Lupin on his part of the prank as well."
# # #
Remus Lupin was all too aware of the full moon coming up in the second week of term. He was becoming more irritable and more tired. But his senses, though heightened above average normally, became even more acute.
And he sensed that there was definitely something wrong about the new DADA teacher.
"What?" James asked when he approached him.
"I'm telling you, Prongs, there's something up with him. He's not normal." Remus insisted.
"Course not. No normal wizard can duel like that." James grinned good- naturedly.
"No, James, not that. There's something about him. In his scent. He's not a normal wizard. He's not entirely wizard!" Remus explained.
"What?" James asked, suddenly serious. "What can you smell?" He knew better than to doubt his friend when the full moon was coming nearer.
"His own scent. It's different to that of say you, or Sirius, there's something feral in it. Much more animalistic. Wizards and witches smell unique, along with the scents of the day's activities, but his, while it has the scent of magic, also has that of... Well, it smells somewhat like blood." Remus frowned.
"Part of his personal scent is blood? Aren't people's scents usually more plant-like? I mean, other than the pheromones? Most are connected to a plant through their personality?" James checked. Remus had told him a lot about this subject over the years. Werewolves had much better senses, which could be advantageous at times.
"Yes. I mean, he's got the scent of magic, because he's a wizard. Then his scent is like blood mixed with... mint. He's light, but there's darkness. He's not fully human." Remus explained.
James nodded. "And he's been acting a bit weird this week. I mean, I've seen him on a number of occasions, and he seems far more irritable than last week. And I swear I saw him check out Videl this morning, which was freaky to say the least."
"Technically, she would be seen as attractive." Remus pointed out. "She's only twenty-five or something."
"She's also a teacher."
"So's Professor Potter, but that doesn't stop half the girls in our year lusting after him. Some of the girls in other years as well." Remus pointed out.
"Moony, you're scaring me. So, we watch Professor Potter. If he's not as fully human as he appears, we'll find out what he is. He's gotta be safe though. Dumbledore wouldn't allow someone who's out to kill us into the school." James pointed out.
"Even Dumbledore can make mistakes." Remus sighed. "Anyway, I'm going to bed."
"Full moon?" James asked.
"Tomorrow. I'm going to need my rest tonight." Remus nodded, and left.
James stared into the fire, wondering what was so different about Professor Potter, and why his scent was different.
# # #
"What?" Harry snapped as he heard Dumbledore call his name.
"I was wondering if there was something wrong." Dumbledore told him mildly.
"Well done, top marks for observation." Harry replied sarcastically, surprising his colleagues.
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry calmed down by taking a number of deep breaths. He had to ask his question normally. "Nothing. It... It doesn't matter, it'll pass." He took a spoonful of soup and nearly spat it out. His taste buds were already preparing for blood. It was another sign of a Moonlight Vampire. The near-intolerance for vegetables just prior to the full moon. Instead, he attacked a portion of lamb. "I heard Lupin is in the Hospital Wing?"
Dumbledore suddenly understood. "Yes, he's not feeling well. Flare up of a previous disease."
Harry nodded. "I know the feeling." He muttered.
Harry rose from his place early. The sky was showing the colours of sunset becoming dusk, and he couldn't afford to be outside of his room for too much longer.
When he got to his rooms, he found a much younger Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore waiting for him. They followed him to his private rooms, and the room where he would transform.
"She knows?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore nodded. "I have heard tales of the transformation. She needed to in case there is trouble tomorrow morn."
Harry smiled. He'd be able to rely on Madam Pomfrey whatever the decade. She was one of the least-prejudiced witches (or wizards) he knew, probably coming from her work as a medi-witch.
She gave a wry smile. "Now I have two of you to care for after the full moon." She clucked. "The professor told you of poor Remus?"
"Yes. Being a werewolf is worse, I feel." Harry told her truthfully. "At least the transformations are less painful."
"Well, you don't change bones or body-structures. During the transformation, you need blood, do you not?"
Harry nodded. "If you have some rats or something, they will do. I do not intend to feed off students. However, if they follow Voldemort, I may make an exception. After all, it's his fault I'm like this." His eyes narrowed.
Dumbledore shook his head. "No students. Blood will be supplied. I suggest you enter, dusk will soon be upon us."
Harry nodded, removing his robe and slinging it over the back of a chair. He entered his bedroom and reappeared, wearing old clothes. He looked at the other two. "It's safer on my wardrobe. Sometimes the rage can become uncontrollable." He didn't need to add that the rage was for his inability to sate his lust.
His wand was locked in its box by his bedside. They could hardly risk his escape since he was kept in the castle.
He entered the room. It was bare. There were the manacles he had fastened to one wall. A bucket in one corner. A large window would let the moonlight flood in. The transformation was worse if the moonlight did not touch his skin. The glass was unbreakable and the window did not open. The walls were the rough stone of the castle. The door was magically strengthened oak, heavy and unbreakable. The hinges were hidden and the locks entirely on the outside. Not even a door handle on the inside.
Harry looked at it. It was suitable.
"Thank you." He told Professor Dumbledore.
"Not at all. We'll return at sunrise when you are finished." Dumbledore smiled.
"Good luck." Madam Pomfrey smiled.
Harry nodded and swallowed. The door closed and locked with an audible click.
Now began the wait. He paced the room. It was a good size. He wanted to run off as much energy as he could before the transformation.
He used to do that with Ginny – they'd duel in as many ways as they could. It would be tiring and keep the lust more controllable. Since he was always at Hogwarts for the transformation, it was alright, because Ginny was still studying. She was not the ideal student, though, and would frequently sneak out to Hogsmeade in the evening, often telling Harry to meet her there first. Other times, she'd call everyone and persuade Dumbledore to give her permission as Head Girl. She'd been especially good at persuading people. Of course, the advances made against him had been subtler, until she left school. Without her brothers there, she had been fully able to be herself. She had dated, pranked and genuinely enjoyed herself. Harry was the one she had seen most, for their regular training schedules, which they kept up, despite Voldemort's demise. She had even greater confidence, and this had given her the boost she needed. She flirted openly with Harry. While he felt flustered, he'd responded in the only way he could nowadays – flirt back. And he couldn't deny that he found the young Ginevra Weasley exceptionally attractive.
Damn! He punched a wall in frustration. He had to stop thinking about her. Funnily enough, it was she he seemed to miss most. He missed Ron and Hermione, and the others, sure, but Ginny... She understood him better than most. She had been possessed by Voldemort, just as he had. She was one that Voldemort wanted dead, for he remembered the situation with the diary. He knew she was powerful, and when it became clear that he wasn't going to get rid of Harry easily, he offered them both the same option – join him and become his most powerful followers. Harry's reply had been less than polite, and had suggested that Voldemort's mother had actually done something highly unlikely with a slug. Ginny had commented that that was just being nice. Both of them had had the same intensive training when it became clear who were the three top-most people on Voldemort's hit list. Snape had been bewildered when he reported that Dumbledore had been relegated to third place behind Harry and Ginny respectively. Snape hadn't realised how powerful Ginny was.
Harry couldn't help thinking about her now. She was so powerful. She was strong, fast, supple... She was sharp-minded, witty, funny. She was a lot more like the twins than Harry had realised until his Sixth-year, but she wasn't as brash. Her pranks were subtler. And often more embarrassing. She put a lot of thought into them. One time, when Harry had annoyed her, she had pranked him by turning his towel into a portkey. After he got out of a shower, it had activated, putting him straight into the centre of the Great Hall with only a towel wrapped round him. Of course, that had somewhat backfired, since Harry had gained a lot more muscle by the time he was in Seventh-year, and had nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, most of the girls were thanking her for weeks afterwards for giving them the chance to get an eyeful of his... assets. Ginny had flushed at that. Harry was more impressed by the fact that she had managed to do this to his towel, when he was Head Boy, and thus slept in the Head Rooms. It had been one of the House Elves, she had explained. He rolled his eyes at the memory.
Ginny was smart. She was powerful. She had an insatiable lust for life that had inspired him to keep on fighting. She had helped him get out of the hole of depression and guilt he had had after Sirius' death and hearing the prophecy. She had inadvertently given him someone to fight for. And of course, there was no denying that she was attractive...
Alright, so who was he kidding, she was gorgeous. At eighteen, Ginevra Weasley was a sight to behold, and many men enjoyed doing so. Harry included.
'Stop thinking about her!' Harry ordered himself. 'No wonder Minerva thinks you have a crush on her!'
And he was getting himself worked up just thinking about her.
But then all thought stopped. He felt a sudden change. Moonlight streamed through the window. He fell to the floor.
Deep breaths sucked in air as his body changed. His top canines grew longer, became fangs. His eyes burned as they ignited with the red flame of lust. His senses grew even sharper, his nose searching for the slightest hint of blood. His nails sharpened to a razor-sharpness. He felt himself flood with the need for blood, his mouth salivating, his stomach churning. And the need for satisfaction, for sex. His body filled with the carnal need for a female, a woman. He felt himself harden, but knew it was pointless.
He was locked up. There was none in sight. Nothing to abate his needs, the two-toned lust that flooded his veins, setting every nerve on fire. He grew angry. How dare they lock him away! How dare they forbid him his needs! He was above them, above them all! He was more powerful! His eyes scoured the room for any sign, his nose flared, desperately sucking in any scent, searching for blood.
Unable to find what he desired, he roared furiously. It was pure rage, tearing his throat, lungs and diaphragm. He pummelled at the door, demanding to let free. Punches rained on the wood. But it was to no avail. It was simply too strong. It barely shuddered under his strength, let alone splintered.
The windows. He rammed a hand through the glass... But no! This exit was blocked too! How could this be done to him? He was powerful! He was supreme! How dare they deny him his satisfaction!
Then suddenly, he detected blood. The lifeblood of a warm creature flowed nearby. His eyes searched the room. He sneered. A rat? They would feed him only a rat? Blood that was tainted, spoiled, disgusting? Why not the pure blood of a human? A girl? His lips would kiss her neck tenderly, he would enter her, sate his need, then his teeth would bite into her soft neck, drawing the blood away from her, she would shudder under him, unable to fight back, and her sweet blood would sate him...
No! All they spared was a rat! Blood was blood, though, he would not refuse this meagre offering. In seconds, he had scooped the rat from the ground. He bit savagely into it, draining its foul-tasting blood. Then he flung its wasted body to the ground, and resumed his pummelling on the only exits available.
He needed freedom. He needed the night air, the moonlight on his skin, nature around him. He needed blood and satisfaction. He needed to quench his lust. He needed a woman. A woman would fill his needs. Witch or Muggle, it mattered not. While the blood of a witch was intoxicating, the magic would fill his veins and make him powerful, the blood of a Muggle was fresh and pure, sweetness in itself. Virgins were preferred, it slaked desires so much more readily.
Fury began flowing through him again, and now desperation. He needed blood. Frantic, he scratched at his own skin, tasting his own blood, but it hardly filled his want. He tore at his clothes, fury seeping through every vein, artery and capillary.
He was alone. He was desperate. He was hungry. He was deprived.
Utterly alone, the Moonlight Vampire known as Harry Potter roared his upset and fury to the world, not realising that nothing he did would be heard.
# # #
The moon set and the sun rose.
The door to a near empty chamber opened, and the School Matron rushed in. She clucked over the prone figure, and shook him lightly to see if he was unconscious or sleeping.
He moved and licked his lips. "Hey, Madam Pomfrey." The young man gave a harsh grin. "Now you know why I wear old clothing."
A blush rose in her cheeks as she realised he wore nothing, his clothing in shreds around the room. She swiftly left and re-entered with a robe.
"Put that on, Professor Potter." She told him. "You're coming to the Hospital Wing. You're in terrible shape!"
"It'll heal quickly..." He began.
"I don't care!" She told him. "I am Matron here, and you will do as I say!"
"Yes, Madam." He replied meekly, standing slowly and pulling on the robe.
She literally dragged him to the Hospital Wing, where she ordered him to sit in a bed and be silent. He hated the Hospital Wing. Too much white and he'd spent too much time. He noticed with a wry smile that he was in the bed she would one day put a sign over, saying 'Property of Harry Potter'. It was an exaggeration, but it did seem like the bed was his.
He looked around as the woman gathered potions. He observed Remus Lupin in the next bed.
"Rough night?" He asked.
Remus looked at him, startled. "Ye-es, sir."
Harry smiled warmly. "Don't worry, one day it will get better. And you're strong. You can't let it defeat you."
"You know?" Remus looked puzzled.
"Of course I do! What kind of DADA teacher do you take me for?" Harry asked, grinning. "Dumbledore explained to me when I told him you were a werewolf. I seem to have a sixth sense for these things. Don't go biting anyone and you're safe."
"Yes sir. What happened to you?" Remus asked. It was odd that his teacher would turn up in the Hospital Wing on the morning after the full moon. He wasn't a werewolf, he knew. So what was he? Could it have anything to do with his unusual scent?
"Accident with some magical creatures I was sorting last night. Nothing to worry about." Harry replied. "Madam Pomfrey'll have me right as rain in a few minutes, won't you?" He asked as the Matron came near.
"Don't you go wearing the poor boy out, professor!" Madam Pomfrey scolded. "He's had a hard night, hard as yours, more likely than not!"
"Yes, Madam." Harry replied meekly again. "Call me Harry, would you? I thought colleagues did that!"
"Very well. Then I'm sure you know my name is Poppy. Drink this. It'll replenish your blood." She ordered.
Harry did so, wincing at the taste of the Blood-Replenishing Potion.
"This. It will heal the cuts. You'll have no trace of most of them in an hour." She informed him.
The Laceration-Healing Potion tasted even worse, but Harry drank it.
"Can I go?"
"This. I want you to take this tonight and get a good night's sleep." She told him, handing him a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion.
"Yes, ma'am." He saluted.
"I thought we were on first-name terms, now?" She asked, amused.
Harry stood and grinned at Remus, approaching the door.
"Oh, Harry?" Madam Pomfrey called out again.
"Yes?" Harry asked.
"I'd put on some more clothes, if I were you." She smirked.
He rolled his eyes. Trust the Matron to have an evil sense of humour.
# # #
That evening, Harry was tired, but happy. The day's lessons had gone well, though he'd deducted twenty points in total from Slytherin for use of the word 'Mudblood'. It seemed they'd take a little longer to get used to being polite than he thought.
It was just as they were finishing dessert. A wind seemed to sweep through the Great Hall, and the doors flew open. A black-cloaked figure appeared, hood disguising their identity.
Harry stepped forward automatically from the table.
"Who are you?" He asked, wand in hand.
"Who am I? I'll tell you who I am, Harry James Potter!" The voice was angry.
The students stared as they saw their Defence teacher visibly shrink back, and heard him say one word.
"Shit."
"That'd sum it up, wouldn't it, Harry?" The figure scolded. Whoever it was approached him, and without warning, a delicate, pale, well-manicured hand appeared and slapped him around the face. "How do you think everyone felt? You just disappeared, with a letter to all of us? That's all? You didn't even say goodbye properly! How could you do that? How could Hedwig let you do that?"
"Well, I didn't have much time or choice..." Harry began.
"Sod your time and choice, you could've at least called, you damned bastard!" The voice was definitely female and raising in height. "How could you leave us? How could you leave me? I thought what we had was special!"
Now Harry knew exactly who it was, and what she was doing. Dramatic entrances always were her thing.
"You call trying to beat the crap out of each other special?" He asked.
"You..." She began, her hand raised again.
He caught it, and threw her back, forcing her hood off.
A beautiful redheaded woman appeared from under it. Her hair was deep red, long and wavy. The skin was fair and delicate, with a light smattering of freckles. The eyes were large, brown and innocent-seeming, but mischief was hinted by the lightly tip-tilted nose. A stubborn chin suggested she was just that and the figure was tall, but slender, but there was a hidden strength.
"Harry!" She yelled, annoyed.
"Hi Ginny. How long're you planning on staying?" Harry Potter asked, conversationally.
# # #
Ha ha! There you have it! Ginny's dramatic entrance! She had to appear soon, just for fun. I hope no one is offended by the transformation description, but it needed to be done. Just to show the difference between the transformation of Moonlight Vampire and werewolf. And the change from human to Vampire. I was trying to get in the primal instincts bit there, but in a different form to a werewolf. Okay?
I can't believe I've got so many reviews already! I've had so many, I can't reply to all of them individually. I mean, I've got a total of 59 reviews! That's an average of about twenty per chapter! Which is way more than for my other HP fic, which, might I add, has now been updated! Yes, chapter 32 of 'Curses, Prophecies and the Elemental Guardians' has now been posted up! And I only get an average of about five per chapter there. Though some have more than others. So, those of you who love me (if there are any of you, you might well hate me, but so long as you review and tell me why, I don't care) please! Read my other story! Review it! It is apparently very good! Read the latest review I got from meenyrocks on that fic and see why you should review from a reviewer's point of view! (And she's really going to swell my head. I mean, really swell it!)
Okay, to everyone who reviewed, thanks!
Individually:
IceSugarHigh: I don't even want to know what you thought of! Might have to check and see if you use it though! Here's the meeting. More in the next chapter. That'll be funny. Thanks.
sea-my-eyes: Nope, Harry didn't lie. He doesn't. He just doesn't say he's right. He points the finger in a different direction. Anyway, thank you.
Shitza: Thanks a lot. That means so much to me! Enjoy!
Joeyperson: Glad you like Videl. Yeah, she is kind of spiffy. Thanks for the definition of rawkin'. As for your questions, well... That'd be telling, wouldn't it? Glad you liked how I portrayed Professor McGonagall, she definitely showed some wickedness in the fifth book, so I played on that a bit.
Susire: No, anything but the wagging finger! You know, having typed that, it just sounds wrong. Oh well! Yep, here's Ginny. And McGonagall, people like how I've written her, isn't that cool? Yep, playing on what the fifth books shows. I like writing evilness, especially if I can embarrass my characters!
mrsmunkee: Oh, someone liked the pervy painting! Hooray! I just felt evil. Again. I couldn't resist. And the Moaning Myrtle reference, yep, another I couldn't resist things. I was in a funny mood when I wrote the chapter! Yep, Harry's being very coy about Sirius' answer, doesn't lie, but makes it seem like it's not the truth anyway. And I'm glad you liked the Deadly Curses and everything. I just felt Harry had to have some lasting problem from Voldemort, and since his scar's inactive, a curse sufficed. And this one, well, you see what it puts the recipient through in this chapter, don't you?
rebekah1: Sorry, I only update on Fridays (usually). And if I update sooner, you'd have to wait longer between updates, since I try to keep a couple of chapters ahead of what I'm posting. Yep, that was one of my favourite lines in OotP as well. Glad you like McGonagall. And Harry and Snape, well, I hadn't actually thought that far ahead yet! Weird, no? But thanks!
Silver Warrior: Perfect? Wow. Glad you think Harry's act was so good. I'm trying to get humour into this story, though this chapter's more angsty. And Ginny's showed! Hope it was up to expectations! As for Denara Videl, well, the first name is something I either made up or heard somewhere and I figured it sounded witchy. As for Videl... It's an anagram of something. Guess what!
Lunawolf: A lot of people seem to like Harry's reply to Sirius' (correct) stipulation. And Ginny's appeared. We heard a bit more about her in this chapter. And she gets into everything in the next!
Callista Macleod: Thanks! I love it when people I've reviewed read my stories, especially if they like it, because it means someone who I think is a good writer, rates my own work! Or something like that. Yeah, I figured if I was going to embrace a cliché, turn it into something very un- cliché. Make it original. It's fun, actually.
And thank you Mikito, Ghostly-Talon, specialpastry, Iluvatar, sunny smiles, Nathan Postmark, rayvern, Song Gift, Lenorathetrekkie, elvengoddess696, and lilkat92.
Thank you all! Love you all and please keep reviewing! Trying not to sound desperate and begging! Cookies if you do. Miserably failing.
Lol, Tanydwr
Chapter 4: Transformation
By dinner that evening, rumours were flying about Professor Potter. They all had a distinct similarity – he was cool, a good teacher and fair. Other rumours, however, passed from him being trained in the depths of the Amazon by native witch doctors to him being Voldemort's secret son who rebelled against him and his reign. Harry snorted at that, struggling to suppress the urge to laugh himself sick.
"He's definitely something, isn't he?" Sirius mentioned as he helped himself to chips. (A/N: Fries to anyone who's confused!)
"Who?" James asked.
"Professor Potter!" Sirius grinned.
"Are you still on about him, Black? Anyone would think you were obsessed." Lily groaned.
"I thought we were on first name terms now?" Sirius raised a brow.
"No, you were mistaken. I've always called Remus by his first name because he's the only one of you I could tolerate. James is my fellow Head, so I have to be tolerant of him." Lily explained.
"I love you too, Lily." James rolled his eyes.
Lily poked her tongue out at him childishly. He just laughed. She grinned. 'He's nice when he's not being an idiot...' she thought, then crossed the thought from her mind. 'Urgh! No, Potter's a cheating, bullying toerag, remember? He hexes people for fun!'
At the teacher's table, Videl spoke to Harry.
"You seem to be a hot topic of conversation." She commented dryly.
"Alas, when will it end?" Harry asked dramatically, then shrugged. "They'll be tired of it in a day or two when they realise exactly how hard the homework I set them is."
Videl raised a brow. "Oh, what is that? Are my students going to be mentally scarred? I heard Nott complaining about you taking points for simple sayings."
"Nott referred to one of the other students with coarse and uneducated terms." Harry scowled.
"What?"
"Mudblood." Harry spat the word out. "It's sick! The entire lot of them are just praying for Voldemort to come and brand them like cattle. Those that aren't already branded that is."
Videl frowned. "I would appreciate it if you kept accusations away from my students."
"Then tell your students to use polite terminology in referring to others. I will not tolerate sectarianist, bigoted behaviour." Harry told her vehemently.
Her eyes narrowed. He was definitely unusual. "Understood."
"Good. And in answer to your earlier question, no the students shouldn't be scarred. However, the homework for those in Fifth and Seventh year is to write out all the spells they know and a practical application for them in duelling." Harry explained.
"How do you mean?"
"Anything they have learnt. A Cheering Charm for distraction. Or use a Switching Spell to exchange a sword for a stick. Anything of the sort. I dare say I'm looking forward to reading some of the homework."
"You are aware that they will not be able to remember everything from five or seven years at Hogwarts?"
"Yes. That's why I want to know. Go over some of the spells, hexes, curses, charms, jinxes that they don't know. As well as train them further in other ones as well. It will also give me an idea of the level each student is working at, not to mention I'll enjoy seeing what spells they know that aren't on the curriculum." Harry gave a half-smile.
Videl sighed. "I'm going to have some complaints."
"Good. That means they're thinking about it. Besides, it's only a few lists. And they've got a month to do so, along with any smaller essays or other homework I assign. They've got some serious work to do for their exams. I want my students to get the best grades possible."
# # #
In all, Harry was a certified hit among the students. Well, there were a number of Slytherins who disliked him, but the rest thought he was great. After a week, he was a 'qualified' Hogwarts teacher. Meaning: he'd been pranked and approved by the Marauders. In fact, his response to the prank had been extremely poignant.
It had been his third day of teaching – fifth day there – when it struck him. He found himself speaking in rhyme for the entire lesson, wearing a James Bond-inspired outfit. Apparently, this was an accolade to the time he had spent with the Aurors. His only response had been to laugh as he taught the entire lesson while speaking in rhyme.
At the end, he had grinned.
"Well, I guess the Marauders have had their fun,
But I'd ask for this spell to be undone.
Detention would involve duelling with me,
I'm a little out of practise you see.
So long as you undo this at once,
I'll tell you 'bout the time Ron was a ponce.
I ask the Marauders, am I approved?
To be pranked so well, I'm truly moved." He grinned.
James and Sirius did the counter-curse.
Harry grinned. "Thank you, Potter, Black."
"You have our approval, sir." James told him.
"That's nice to know. I've got the approval of the Head Boy and the top pranksters in the school. Anyway, class dismissed." He told the class.
Everyone was surprised. Almost all the previous teachers had been furious with the pranks performed on them. Though, admittedly, this had been funny. Even Lily could find no fault with it.
"That was good, James." She smiled.
James' eyes widened. "Beware, everyone! Lily Evans just condoned a prank!"
Lily rolled her eyes, placing her book back in her bag. "It's not that unusual, Potter." She always called him Potter when she was irritated, though part of it was just slipping into old habits. "Some of your pranks really hurt people. This was well thought out and funny. Harmless, except maybe to Professor Potter's ego."
James grinned, slinging an arm around Lily's shoulders as they left the classroom. "Ah, we finally gained the Fair Flower's approval! And we don't try to intentionally hurt people with pranks anymore. It was just a stupid phase."
"Well, we mustn't forget Snivellus." Sirius snickered.
"Well, that's personal." James' eyes darkened.
A voice called out, "Oh, Potter, Black?"
The three friends turned, sticking their heads back over the classroom door. "Yes sir?" James asked.
"Take ten points each for the successful use of the Rhyme-tongue and Costume Charms." Professor Potter replied. "And don't forget to include them in your essays."
"We won't." Lily replied. "C'mon, James, we've got to see Dumbledore at half-past."
"Lily, d'you think I don't know that?" James asked as he followed his fellow Head Girl out.
Sirius grinned at the teacher, rolling his eyes. "Lovers' spat. Even if they're not lovers yet. I'm making it my plan to get them together. D'you want to help?"
Harry laughed. "Why would a teacher get messed up in students' love lives?"
"Because if you're their son from the future, you'll want them to get together."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Are you still harping on about that? It doesn't matter. Fate will get them together if she sees fit. Now go. Do some homework. And offer my congratulations to Lupin on his part of the prank as well."
# # #
Remus Lupin was all too aware of the full moon coming up in the second week of term. He was becoming more irritable and more tired. But his senses, though heightened above average normally, became even more acute.
And he sensed that there was definitely something wrong about the new DADA teacher.
"What?" James asked when he approached him.
"I'm telling you, Prongs, there's something up with him. He's not normal." Remus insisted.
"Course not. No normal wizard can duel like that." James grinned good- naturedly.
"No, James, not that. There's something about him. In his scent. He's not a normal wizard. He's not entirely wizard!" Remus explained.
"What?" James asked, suddenly serious. "What can you smell?" He knew better than to doubt his friend when the full moon was coming nearer.
"His own scent. It's different to that of say you, or Sirius, there's something feral in it. Much more animalistic. Wizards and witches smell unique, along with the scents of the day's activities, but his, while it has the scent of magic, also has that of... Well, it smells somewhat like blood." Remus frowned.
"Part of his personal scent is blood? Aren't people's scents usually more plant-like? I mean, other than the pheromones? Most are connected to a plant through their personality?" James checked. Remus had told him a lot about this subject over the years. Werewolves had much better senses, which could be advantageous at times.
"Yes. I mean, he's got the scent of magic, because he's a wizard. Then his scent is like blood mixed with... mint. He's light, but there's darkness. He's not fully human." Remus explained.
James nodded. "And he's been acting a bit weird this week. I mean, I've seen him on a number of occasions, and he seems far more irritable than last week. And I swear I saw him check out Videl this morning, which was freaky to say the least."
"Technically, she would be seen as attractive." Remus pointed out. "She's only twenty-five or something."
"She's also a teacher."
"So's Professor Potter, but that doesn't stop half the girls in our year lusting after him. Some of the girls in other years as well." Remus pointed out.
"Moony, you're scaring me. So, we watch Professor Potter. If he's not as fully human as he appears, we'll find out what he is. He's gotta be safe though. Dumbledore wouldn't allow someone who's out to kill us into the school." James pointed out.
"Even Dumbledore can make mistakes." Remus sighed. "Anyway, I'm going to bed."
"Full moon?" James asked.
"Tomorrow. I'm going to need my rest tonight." Remus nodded, and left.
James stared into the fire, wondering what was so different about Professor Potter, and why his scent was different.
# # #
"What?" Harry snapped as he heard Dumbledore call his name.
"I was wondering if there was something wrong." Dumbledore told him mildly.
"Well done, top marks for observation." Harry replied sarcastically, surprising his colleagues.
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry calmed down by taking a number of deep breaths. He had to ask his question normally. "Nothing. It... It doesn't matter, it'll pass." He took a spoonful of soup and nearly spat it out. His taste buds were already preparing for blood. It was another sign of a Moonlight Vampire. The near-intolerance for vegetables just prior to the full moon. Instead, he attacked a portion of lamb. "I heard Lupin is in the Hospital Wing?"
Dumbledore suddenly understood. "Yes, he's not feeling well. Flare up of a previous disease."
Harry nodded. "I know the feeling." He muttered.
Harry rose from his place early. The sky was showing the colours of sunset becoming dusk, and he couldn't afford to be outside of his room for too much longer.
When he got to his rooms, he found a much younger Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore waiting for him. They followed him to his private rooms, and the room where he would transform.
"She knows?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore nodded. "I have heard tales of the transformation. She needed to in case there is trouble tomorrow morn."
Harry smiled. He'd be able to rely on Madam Pomfrey whatever the decade. She was one of the least-prejudiced witches (or wizards) he knew, probably coming from her work as a medi-witch.
She gave a wry smile. "Now I have two of you to care for after the full moon." She clucked. "The professor told you of poor Remus?"
"Yes. Being a werewolf is worse, I feel." Harry told her truthfully. "At least the transformations are less painful."
"Well, you don't change bones or body-structures. During the transformation, you need blood, do you not?"
Harry nodded. "If you have some rats or something, they will do. I do not intend to feed off students. However, if they follow Voldemort, I may make an exception. After all, it's his fault I'm like this." His eyes narrowed.
Dumbledore shook his head. "No students. Blood will be supplied. I suggest you enter, dusk will soon be upon us."
Harry nodded, removing his robe and slinging it over the back of a chair. He entered his bedroom and reappeared, wearing old clothes. He looked at the other two. "It's safer on my wardrobe. Sometimes the rage can become uncontrollable." He didn't need to add that the rage was for his inability to sate his lust.
His wand was locked in its box by his bedside. They could hardly risk his escape since he was kept in the castle.
He entered the room. It was bare. There were the manacles he had fastened to one wall. A bucket in one corner. A large window would let the moonlight flood in. The transformation was worse if the moonlight did not touch his skin. The glass was unbreakable and the window did not open. The walls were the rough stone of the castle. The door was magically strengthened oak, heavy and unbreakable. The hinges were hidden and the locks entirely on the outside. Not even a door handle on the inside.
Harry looked at it. It was suitable.
"Thank you." He told Professor Dumbledore.
"Not at all. We'll return at sunrise when you are finished." Dumbledore smiled.
"Good luck." Madam Pomfrey smiled.
Harry nodded and swallowed. The door closed and locked with an audible click.
Now began the wait. He paced the room. It was a good size. He wanted to run off as much energy as he could before the transformation.
He used to do that with Ginny – they'd duel in as many ways as they could. It would be tiring and keep the lust more controllable. Since he was always at Hogwarts for the transformation, it was alright, because Ginny was still studying. She was not the ideal student, though, and would frequently sneak out to Hogsmeade in the evening, often telling Harry to meet her there first. Other times, she'd call everyone and persuade Dumbledore to give her permission as Head Girl. She'd been especially good at persuading people. Of course, the advances made against him had been subtler, until she left school. Without her brothers there, she had been fully able to be herself. She had dated, pranked and genuinely enjoyed herself. Harry was the one she had seen most, for their regular training schedules, which they kept up, despite Voldemort's demise. She had even greater confidence, and this had given her the boost she needed. She flirted openly with Harry. While he felt flustered, he'd responded in the only way he could nowadays – flirt back. And he couldn't deny that he found the young Ginevra Weasley exceptionally attractive.
Damn! He punched a wall in frustration. He had to stop thinking about her. Funnily enough, it was she he seemed to miss most. He missed Ron and Hermione, and the others, sure, but Ginny... She understood him better than most. She had been possessed by Voldemort, just as he had. She was one that Voldemort wanted dead, for he remembered the situation with the diary. He knew she was powerful, and when it became clear that he wasn't going to get rid of Harry easily, he offered them both the same option – join him and become his most powerful followers. Harry's reply had been less than polite, and had suggested that Voldemort's mother had actually done something highly unlikely with a slug. Ginny had commented that that was just being nice. Both of them had had the same intensive training when it became clear who were the three top-most people on Voldemort's hit list. Snape had been bewildered when he reported that Dumbledore had been relegated to third place behind Harry and Ginny respectively. Snape hadn't realised how powerful Ginny was.
Harry couldn't help thinking about her now. She was so powerful. She was strong, fast, supple... She was sharp-minded, witty, funny. She was a lot more like the twins than Harry had realised until his Sixth-year, but she wasn't as brash. Her pranks were subtler. And often more embarrassing. She put a lot of thought into them. One time, when Harry had annoyed her, she had pranked him by turning his towel into a portkey. After he got out of a shower, it had activated, putting him straight into the centre of the Great Hall with only a towel wrapped round him. Of course, that had somewhat backfired, since Harry had gained a lot more muscle by the time he was in Seventh-year, and had nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, most of the girls were thanking her for weeks afterwards for giving them the chance to get an eyeful of his... assets. Ginny had flushed at that. Harry was more impressed by the fact that she had managed to do this to his towel, when he was Head Boy, and thus slept in the Head Rooms. It had been one of the House Elves, she had explained. He rolled his eyes at the memory.
Ginny was smart. She was powerful. She had an insatiable lust for life that had inspired him to keep on fighting. She had helped him get out of the hole of depression and guilt he had had after Sirius' death and hearing the prophecy. She had inadvertently given him someone to fight for. And of course, there was no denying that she was attractive...
Alright, so who was he kidding, she was gorgeous. At eighteen, Ginevra Weasley was a sight to behold, and many men enjoyed doing so. Harry included.
'Stop thinking about her!' Harry ordered himself. 'No wonder Minerva thinks you have a crush on her!'
And he was getting himself worked up just thinking about her.
But then all thought stopped. He felt a sudden change. Moonlight streamed through the window. He fell to the floor.
Deep breaths sucked in air as his body changed. His top canines grew longer, became fangs. His eyes burned as they ignited with the red flame of lust. His senses grew even sharper, his nose searching for the slightest hint of blood. His nails sharpened to a razor-sharpness. He felt himself flood with the need for blood, his mouth salivating, his stomach churning. And the need for satisfaction, for sex. His body filled with the carnal need for a female, a woman. He felt himself harden, but knew it was pointless.
He was locked up. There was none in sight. Nothing to abate his needs, the two-toned lust that flooded his veins, setting every nerve on fire. He grew angry. How dare they lock him away! How dare they forbid him his needs! He was above them, above them all! He was more powerful! His eyes scoured the room for any sign, his nose flared, desperately sucking in any scent, searching for blood.
Unable to find what he desired, he roared furiously. It was pure rage, tearing his throat, lungs and diaphragm. He pummelled at the door, demanding to let free. Punches rained on the wood. But it was to no avail. It was simply too strong. It barely shuddered under his strength, let alone splintered.
The windows. He rammed a hand through the glass... But no! This exit was blocked too! How could this be done to him? He was powerful! He was supreme! How dare they deny him his satisfaction!
Then suddenly, he detected blood. The lifeblood of a warm creature flowed nearby. His eyes searched the room. He sneered. A rat? They would feed him only a rat? Blood that was tainted, spoiled, disgusting? Why not the pure blood of a human? A girl? His lips would kiss her neck tenderly, he would enter her, sate his need, then his teeth would bite into her soft neck, drawing the blood away from her, she would shudder under him, unable to fight back, and her sweet blood would sate him...
No! All they spared was a rat! Blood was blood, though, he would not refuse this meagre offering. In seconds, he had scooped the rat from the ground. He bit savagely into it, draining its foul-tasting blood. Then he flung its wasted body to the ground, and resumed his pummelling on the only exits available.
He needed freedom. He needed the night air, the moonlight on his skin, nature around him. He needed blood and satisfaction. He needed to quench his lust. He needed a woman. A woman would fill his needs. Witch or Muggle, it mattered not. While the blood of a witch was intoxicating, the magic would fill his veins and make him powerful, the blood of a Muggle was fresh and pure, sweetness in itself. Virgins were preferred, it slaked desires so much more readily.
Fury began flowing through him again, and now desperation. He needed blood. Frantic, he scratched at his own skin, tasting his own blood, but it hardly filled his want. He tore at his clothes, fury seeping through every vein, artery and capillary.
He was alone. He was desperate. He was hungry. He was deprived.
Utterly alone, the Moonlight Vampire known as Harry Potter roared his upset and fury to the world, not realising that nothing he did would be heard.
# # #
The moon set and the sun rose.
The door to a near empty chamber opened, and the School Matron rushed in. She clucked over the prone figure, and shook him lightly to see if he was unconscious or sleeping.
He moved and licked his lips. "Hey, Madam Pomfrey." The young man gave a harsh grin. "Now you know why I wear old clothing."
A blush rose in her cheeks as she realised he wore nothing, his clothing in shreds around the room. She swiftly left and re-entered with a robe.
"Put that on, Professor Potter." She told him. "You're coming to the Hospital Wing. You're in terrible shape!"
"It'll heal quickly..." He began.
"I don't care!" She told him. "I am Matron here, and you will do as I say!"
"Yes, Madam." He replied meekly, standing slowly and pulling on the robe.
She literally dragged him to the Hospital Wing, where she ordered him to sit in a bed and be silent. He hated the Hospital Wing. Too much white and he'd spent too much time. He noticed with a wry smile that he was in the bed she would one day put a sign over, saying 'Property of Harry Potter'. It was an exaggeration, but it did seem like the bed was his.
He looked around as the woman gathered potions. He observed Remus Lupin in the next bed.
"Rough night?" He asked.
Remus looked at him, startled. "Ye-es, sir."
Harry smiled warmly. "Don't worry, one day it will get better. And you're strong. You can't let it defeat you."
"You know?" Remus looked puzzled.
"Of course I do! What kind of DADA teacher do you take me for?" Harry asked, grinning. "Dumbledore explained to me when I told him you were a werewolf. I seem to have a sixth sense for these things. Don't go biting anyone and you're safe."
"Yes sir. What happened to you?" Remus asked. It was odd that his teacher would turn up in the Hospital Wing on the morning after the full moon. He wasn't a werewolf, he knew. So what was he? Could it have anything to do with his unusual scent?
"Accident with some magical creatures I was sorting last night. Nothing to worry about." Harry replied. "Madam Pomfrey'll have me right as rain in a few minutes, won't you?" He asked as the Matron came near.
"Don't you go wearing the poor boy out, professor!" Madam Pomfrey scolded. "He's had a hard night, hard as yours, more likely than not!"
"Yes, Madam." Harry replied meekly again. "Call me Harry, would you? I thought colleagues did that!"
"Very well. Then I'm sure you know my name is Poppy. Drink this. It'll replenish your blood." She ordered.
Harry did so, wincing at the taste of the Blood-Replenishing Potion.
"This. It will heal the cuts. You'll have no trace of most of them in an hour." She informed him.
The Laceration-Healing Potion tasted even worse, but Harry drank it.
"Can I go?"
"This. I want you to take this tonight and get a good night's sleep." She told him, handing him a vial of Dreamless Sleep Potion.
"Yes, ma'am." He saluted.
"I thought we were on first-name terms, now?" She asked, amused.
Harry stood and grinned at Remus, approaching the door.
"Oh, Harry?" Madam Pomfrey called out again.
"Yes?" Harry asked.
"I'd put on some more clothes, if I were you." She smirked.
He rolled his eyes. Trust the Matron to have an evil sense of humour.
# # #
That evening, Harry was tired, but happy. The day's lessons had gone well, though he'd deducted twenty points in total from Slytherin for use of the word 'Mudblood'. It seemed they'd take a little longer to get used to being polite than he thought.
It was just as they were finishing dessert. A wind seemed to sweep through the Great Hall, and the doors flew open. A black-cloaked figure appeared, hood disguising their identity.
Harry stepped forward automatically from the table.
"Who are you?" He asked, wand in hand.
"Who am I? I'll tell you who I am, Harry James Potter!" The voice was angry.
The students stared as they saw their Defence teacher visibly shrink back, and heard him say one word.
"Shit."
"That'd sum it up, wouldn't it, Harry?" The figure scolded. Whoever it was approached him, and without warning, a delicate, pale, well-manicured hand appeared and slapped him around the face. "How do you think everyone felt? You just disappeared, with a letter to all of us? That's all? You didn't even say goodbye properly! How could you do that? How could Hedwig let you do that?"
"Well, I didn't have much time or choice..." Harry began.
"Sod your time and choice, you could've at least called, you damned bastard!" The voice was definitely female and raising in height. "How could you leave us? How could you leave me? I thought what we had was special!"
Now Harry knew exactly who it was, and what she was doing. Dramatic entrances always were her thing.
"You call trying to beat the crap out of each other special?" He asked.
"You..." She began, her hand raised again.
He caught it, and threw her back, forcing her hood off.
A beautiful redheaded woman appeared from under it. Her hair was deep red, long and wavy. The skin was fair and delicate, with a light smattering of freckles. The eyes were large, brown and innocent-seeming, but mischief was hinted by the lightly tip-tilted nose. A stubborn chin suggested she was just that and the figure was tall, but slender, but there was a hidden strength.
"Harry!" She yelled, annoyed.
"Hi Ginny. How long're you planning on staying?" Harry Potter asked, conversationally.
# # #
Ha ha! There you have it! Ginny's dramatic entrance! She had to appear soon, just for fun. I hope no one is offended by the transformation description, but it needed to be done. Just to show the difference between the transformation of Moonlight Vampire and werewolf. And the change from human to Vampire. I was trying to get in the primal instincts bit there, but in a different form to a werewolf. Okay?
I can't believe I've got so many reviews already! I've had so many, I can't reply to all of them individually. I mean, I've got a total of 59 reviews! That's an average of about twenty per chapter! Which is way more than for my other HP fic, which, might I add, has now been updated! Yes, chapter 32 of 'Curses, Prophecies and the Elemental Guardians' has now been posted up! And I only get an average of about five per chapter there. Though some have more than others. So, those of you who love me (if there are any of you, you might well hate me, but so long as you review and tell me why, I don't care) please! Read my other story! Review it! It is apparently very good! Read the latest review I got from meenyrocks on that fic and see why you should review from a reviewer's point of view! (And she's really going to swell my head. I mean, really swell it!)
Okay, to everyone who reviewed, thanks!
Individually:
IceSugarHigh: I don't even want to know what you thought of! Might have to check and see if you use it though! Here's the meeting. More in the next chapter. That'll be funny. Thanks.
sea-my-eyes: Nope, Harry didn't lie. He doesn't. He just doesn't say he's right. He points the finger in a different direction. Anyway, thank you.
Shitza: Thanks a lot. That means so much to me! Enjoy!
Joeyperson: Glad you like Videl. Yeah, she is kind of spiffy. Thanks for the definition of rawkin'. As for your questions, well... That'd be telling, wouldn't it? Glad you liked how I portrayed Professor McGonagall, she definitely showed some wickedness in the fifth book, so I played on that a bit.
Susire: No, anything but the wagging finger! You know, having typed that, it just sounds wrong. Oh well! Yep, here's Ginny. And McGonagall, people like how I've written her, isn't that cool? Yep, playing on what the fifth books shows. I like writing evilness, especially if I can embarrass my characters!
mrsmunkee: Oh, someone liked the pervy painting! Hooray! I just felt evil. Again. I couldn't resist. And the Moaning Myrtle reference, yep, another I couldn't resist things. I was in a funny mood when I wrote the chapter! Yep, Harry's being very coy about Sirius' answer, doesn't lie, but makes it seem like it's not the truth anyway. And I'm glad you liked the Deadly Curses and everything. I just felt Harry had to have some lasting problem from Voldemort, and since his scar's inactive, a curse sufficed. And this one, well, you see what it puts the recipient through in this chapter, don't you?
rebekah1: Sorry, I only update on Fridays (usually). And if I update sooner, you'd have to wait longer between updates, since I try to keep a couple of chapters ahead of what I'm posting. Yep, that was one of my favourite lines in OotP as well. Glad you like McGonagall. And Harry and Snape, well, I hadn't actually thought that far ahead yet! Weird, no? But thanks!
Silver Warrior: Perfect? Wow. Glad you think Harry's act was so good. I'm trying to get humour into this story, though this chapter's more angsty. And Ginny's showed! Hope it was up to expectations! As for Denara Videl, well, the first name is something I either made up or heard somewhere and I figured it sounded witchy. As for Videl... It's an anagram of something. Guess what!
Lunawolf: A lot of people seem to like Harry's reply to Sirius' (correct) stipulation. And Ginny's appeared. We heard a bit more about her in this chapter. And she gets into everything in the next!
Callista Macleod: Thanks! I love it when people I've reviewed read my stories, especially if they like it, because it means someone who I think is a good writer, rates my own work! Or something like that. Yeah, I figured if I was going to embrace a cliché, turn it into something very un- cliché. Make it original. It's fun, actually.
And thank you Mikito, Ghostly-Talon, specialpastry, Iluvatar, sunny smiles, Nathan Postmark, rayvern, Song Gift, Lenorathetrekkie, elvengoddess696, and lilkat92.
Thank you all! Love you all and please keep reviewing! Trying not to sound desperate and begging! Cookies if you do. Miserably failing.
Lol, Tanydwr