Black Fox, Raising Moon
Chapter 1: The Kitsune at The End of The Tunnel
LI CRUZ
Harry eyed Dudley warily. Dudley to willing to appoarch him alone meant only trouble. And Harry would prefer to work so to forget about Sirius for a while. Dudley was looking around nervously before he straightened up as if he decided something. Dudley grabbed Harry by the arm and started dragging out of the house. Harry yelped in surprise. Dudley silenced him with a glare and a tightening of his hand. Harry cursed mentally the fact that he was still smaller and thinner than most teens his age. That and the fact that the Order was in the middle of changing guard if the crack of apparation was any indication.
Dudley dragged Harry to the park his gang often frequented. Peirs and the other lounged around near the lake. There was also another in the shadows. Harry expected Dudley to let go but he dragged Harry into the bushes near the lake. Peirs and the rest followed behind. They came to a large hole under one of the larger trees in the area. Peirs and the others formed a loose half circle around the pair. Dudley let Harry go. Harry stepped as far back as he could without entering the hole. His instincts were going crazy. Under the emotionless mask he had donned on, he was panicking. Something in the hole wasn't right.
Dudley with an odd look of glee rushes Harry. Harry barely manages to avoid Dudley, trips over the roots near the hole. His arms gyro as he tries not to fall into the hole. He regains his balance to see Dudley shove him in the hole. He falls face first and his glasses go flying. There was the crinkle of glass breaking. He winces when he tried to sit up. He could hears as Dudley and his gang move something and the sunlight on the floor begans to disappear. Harry stupidly stared at the receding light in shock.
"Goodbye, freak." He could hear Dudley and his little gang laugh.
He squinted into the darkness as he felt around. Maybe his glasses at least had one lense more or less intact. He cursed loudly, realizing his wand was not with him. His hand brushed metal. He picked up the thin metal frame just to drop it again. He cut himself on it. He gingerly stuck his finger in his mouth. He mentally sighed. He leaner against the wall of the hole and fell asleep for once without dreams. He felt as if he was losing something.
A while later, he woke to the feeling of sudden warmth. Something unheard was calling him deeper into the hole. He resisted, fearing whatever was at the end of the hole. It could be Voldemort or something worse. The pull faded slowly. Harry was shivering from both the cold and fear. He stayed in the same spot stubbornly refusing to move for anything.
Harry spent the next few waking periods fighting off the pull. He was unfortunately was losing the battle. A while without water had left him extremely tired and thirsty. His mind was fuzzy. The nightmares he was having, the pain of his twist ankle and his scar wasn't helping either. He knew dimmly Voldemort was angry with someone or something. But soon he began wondering who or what is a Voldemort.
The next pull overwehlemed Harry. He couldn't fight it any longer. He began crawling towards the dark end of the hole. His instincts no longer screamed danger, it was a mild prick.
The hole opened up suddenly and Harry fell to the sandy ground below. He could smell water just mere inches in front of his face. He pulled himself into the water and drank deeply. When he felt he was quenched, he pulled himself back to dry land and fell asleep.
He woke up later, realizing what had just happened. He let out a long moan. The pull came again, strong. Harry managed to not walk immedaitely to it. He silently despaired as his body despise his mindset started to crawl to it.
Soon he found himself on some sort of smooth flooring of a temple-like area. There was a brillaint light that called to him seducively. He finally regained control over his body and forced himself flat on his stomach. He glared at the light. The light flickered between colors as if deciding something. It surprised Harry when it surged at him. It hit him and pushed him into a column of stone. He opened his mouth to yell out in pain and it entered him.
He felt as if several types of energy was fighting within him and ripping him up inside. He screamed in complete pain, unable to keep it in. The pain and the energy receded as he slide down the stone column. He passed out.
He was unaware of how much time had passed in the darkness or why he was there. A dull pain ran up and down his spine. He moved, actitavating the pain. It began to burn all over his body. He felt himself shrink at least a foot and a half. He moaned in pain as he laid down again. The pain faded away. He realized the floor through his tattered shirt wasn't quite as cold anymore. He realized he was thristy again. He pushed himself up again, ignoring the pain that was pounding up and down his body. He began cupping water up to drink, his muscles complaining. Upon drinking, some of the pain faded away. He yawned again. He leaned against another column near the edge of the water. He didn't realize he fell asleep again.
By time he woke again, it was no longer as dark as it was when he first entered and he could smell the age of the place, not to mention he felt like he was sitting on something bunched in his pants. His eyesight had improved and he could hear air rushing close by. He bolted up in realization of these odd things and landed in the shallow water. He sputtered in the two foot deep water. He felt something twitch on his backside. his ears twitched slightly too. He deperately wished for light.
'Lumos is for light.' He thought tentatively, trying to remembering how he knew that.
A dim blue light suddenly illuminated the area. He stared for a moment before brushing it off. It felt right.
Harry looked at his reflection and yelped at the sight. He looked like across between a human and fox. His green eyes were framed by long black hair, hiding his scar. His ears now were perked were now long, white tipped, black-furred, and point but still were where his ears were orginally. One of them twitch when he heard the sound of air rushing by changed slightly. He also has elongated canines. He was definitely shorter. Through the tatters of his shirt, Harry could see skin-color fur lightly covering his body. He looked at his hands. They were looked normal until he accidently unshethed his claws. He looked over his sholder. A long black tail floated on the water, also white tipped.
He frowned as he moved his long bangs out of his face. He gave a gasp of surprise. The scar was gone. The air rushing into the cave now carried human voices on it. He stood up, tentively. He'd worry about the transformation later. He had to get out of here first. If those people found him now, he shuddered at the thought. He readjusted his pants to allow for his new tail and waded out of the water. The light orb followed him like a faithful pet. He wringed out his tail and clothes the best he could, keeping an ear trained on the entrance he came into the cave from. He finally extinushed the light as the voices came closer. He redressed quickly after clawing a hole for his tail in his pants. He had lost his shoes when he had fallen in.
"Hey, there's a hole here." The first man said.
"Brilliant, now can we leave?" Came a familiar drawl.
"Wait, there's something in there and it looks like something dragged itself in there."
The second man sighed. Harry tensed and pushed himself against the wall of the cave. A beam of light came into the cave. Harry blessed whoever was watching over him that he was close enough for the light not to hit on him.
"Hey, there's a pool of water in there.
"What? Let me see." The other man was creulous.
Harry prayed that they would leave so he could get out. The men began talking to each other, then the hole exploded. Harry barely kept a yelp from slipping out. Two man stepped out of the enlarged hole.
"Bloody hell, look at this getup." The shorter of the two men said, flashing the torch around.
The second man didn't say anything. Harry hoped he wouldn't look back as he began to sidle towards the hole. A small stone slide out from under his bare feet. The two men whirled around and pointed sticks at him. Wands, his mind reminded him. Harry flattened himself against the wall and silently bared his teeth. He narrowed his eyes. Both of the men stared at Harry before speaking.
"What the bloody hell is that?" the short man yelled.
Harry's ears flatten back as the shout echoed in the cave. The second man, tall and wearing black, simply studied him for a good minute.
"Who are you?" The second man asked, his voice nuetral.
Harry tried to answer the man. A half yip and bark came out instead of human words. Harry looked horrorifed. He remember once he could speak with humans. He looked at his feet in shame. The second man spoke again.
"Look at me." The second man said.
Harry looked up. There were a few images of when he dragged himself and the light. Nothing else. It came to an end quickly. Harry knew there sould have been more. The tall man spoke again.
"If we put down our wands, you won't run or attack us."
The short man looked at his companion like he was crazy. Harry had a feeling it be better to do as he said. Harry nodded. He sat down as the man lowered his wand. He approached Harry and before Harry, tired as he was, could react, flipped his bangs back. The scent of the man filled with disappointment.
"It's not Potter." He muttered to his partner.
"Why would it be?" His partner asked. "And how could Harry be that?"
The last was said in some sort of disgust. His partner said nothing as he stared into Harry's eyes.
"I'm taking this creature to Dumbledore. He'll be interested in this." The tall man said.
"Whatever, Snape. I'll inform the rest of the Order that this was a dead end."
The man disappeared with a crack. Harry jumped a bit. The man pulled out something and grabbed Harry by the arm before he could move again. He felt a tug at his stomach. He passed out.
Harry woke up in a room full of golden tricket and paintings of people. Headmaster's office, his mind supplied. He asked himself how he knew that. His stomach grumbled, he looked around. A large bird sat on a tall perch. Harry, forgeting his hunger, approached the bird curiuosly. The bird looked like it was kinda made of fire thrilled reassuringly at him. He reached a hand to touch the bird. He was on his tip of his toes when the door opened. He fell on his face. He sighed since he had been so close to petting the pretty bird.
The dark man had returned with three other humans and a small house elf. He didn't brother questioning how he knew. There was a old woman that smelled like a cat. The other woman smelled of herbs and disinfincant. The old man had an long white beard and regarded Harry with amusement. The house-elf was carrying in a large tray of tea and food. The smell of fruit and bread ticked his senses more than the meat there. The elf set the tray on the low table before regarding Harry. The male elf gave a small smile before disappearing into smoke.
"Well, I see our little guest is up. Would you like something to eat?" The old man asked.
Harry nodded slowly and appoarched the table. He grabbed an apple before retreating to a chair. He remembered that humans often sat in chairs. The humans regarded him with interest.
"I never knew foxes like fruits." The old man chuckled.
He turned to the woman who smelled of herbs. She seemed to be reading a sheet of parchment.
"Mmm. Mal-nourishment. An old sprain. He's healthy for his condition." The woman replied.
"What about his age and other things?" The dark man, Snape Harry remembered, asked.
"The spell says about ten, though I can't be sure. He's rather smaller than he should be. It also lists him as 'kitsune'."
"Aren't kitsunes native to Japan, Albus?" The other woman asked.
Snape remained quiet as he watched Harry watching them as he eat. His ears twitch when he heard other voices outside the room. Harry looked to the door. There was a knock.
"Indeed, quite a curuosity." The old man called Albus answered the door. Harry caught an odd twinkle in the old man's eye.
The scent of a man who was a wolf floated as well as that of another halfbreed of some sort. Albus exited the room for a few minutes. The door muffled the sound of the voices. He turned to Snape and the other two human females.
The woman who smelled like a cat walked over and placed a hand on his lap. Harry flinched at the contact. He missed the sad expression on her face as she removed her hand. The healer woman, Harry surmised, was jolting things down on the parchment. Snape was watching him boredly.
The pretty bird flew off his perch and literally sat down next to Harry. Harry gave a small smile before stroking the bird. The old man came back.
"Well, I now know where Harry is." Albus said, looking a bit confused.
The adults turned to the old man. He continued. "
"He was visiting Godric's Hollow." The old man said. "He had traveled on foot."
"That's dangerous! Is he alright?" The cat-like lady asked.
"Madam Pomfrey, I think you're need to check him at least once over. Don't worry. I think I can handled a little kitsune by myself." The elder reassured the healer woman. The cat-like lady left with her, apparently worried over this 'Harry' boy.
"I'll proably have to go makes some potion, knowing Potter." Snape said as he too left the room.
Harry was now munching on a sandwich. The old man sat across from him. The phoniex, Harry recalled, sat with him as he ate.
"I was positive that you are Harry. Is it possible you are a part of Harry?" The old man murmured.
Harry's ears flickered foward to listen to the old man. He chuckled.
"No matter. What should I call you?" He sat back. "Mm. How about Alex?"
Harry nodded and yawned sleepily, now his stomach was full. The headmaster smiled fondly and beckoned him to his knee. Harry, now Alex, walked over and allowed Dumbledore to take him in his lap. Fawkes took to sitting on the back of Dumbledore's seat. Dumbledore simply held Alex there. Alex sighed in contentment and instinctly snuggled up to Albus. Albus smiled as he stroke Alex's head. He began to talk softly at Alex.
"Yes, part of Harry or the real Harry, no?" He chuckled. "But I won't take this second 'childhood' from you, Alex. After all you suffered, I think I own it to you. The new "Harry" I think will easily take your place yet I'm unsure of his intentions. We must watch him closely."
Alex gave a half-asleep nodded before falling completely asleep. He was just content listening to the old man breath. Even if he was the real Harry, it won't matter now.
Alex woke up when he heard someone yelling outside the room quite a distance away. It was coming closer. He sat up and rubbed his eyes sleepily. It seemed to be early morning. Albus woke up as well, having also fallen asleep. Alex perked his ears in the direction of the yelling. Soon Albus heard them as well. He scooped Alex in his arms as he stood up. Alex instinctly turned to the old man and threw his arms around Albus's neck and buried his face in the robes. He dislike yelling. It usually lead to something bad.
The door slammed opened. Alex could hear the footsteps of someone heavy. He shivered and tried pressing himself closer to Albus's body. Albus readjusted Alex in his arms, allowing him to hold Alex tighter.
"Albus, what is the meaning of this?!" The heavyset man bellowed, the rustle of paper heard. "That you want to place Potter with someone else? He is safest with his realtives."
"Fudge, would you please refrain from yelling. You are upseting young Alex here. And I will expalin." Albus said rather coldly.
There was a short silence before Alex heard the sound of someone gasping for words. He turned his head enough to see the heavy man gawking. The Minister of Magic came unbidden to his mind's voice. Alex's glanc seemed to snap the Minister out of his surprise.
"You realize you're holding a fox-child." The harsh whisper of disbelief came out of his mouth.
Alex heard the humor in Dumbledore's voice. "I realized that, Fudge. He's an orphan that Snape was so kind to bring to the castle. The poor child was stuck in a large hole with no escape."
Fudge blinked rather stupidly at the odd pair. He finally refound his voice - again.
"What do you plan to do with the fox-child, Dumbledore?" There was a note of suspicion.
"Raise the child, of course. He is as intelligent as any human child." Albus said lightly as he sat at his desk, readjusting Alex so both would be comfortable. "Beside I can't think of a family willing to take the child in."
"No one would be insane enough to take in a demon." Fudge hissed.
"There have been several cases reported of humans adopting demon children. They behave just like any normal human child."
Fudge promptly shut up and thought. Then he nodded relecently and rubbed his temple.
"Fine, Dumbledore. He's your problem. Now about this?" Alex watched Fudge fan out the parchment.
"Harry needs someone to watch him better than the Dursleys have been doing so not to repeat what happened a few days ago. It is a waste of valuable resoucres and time especailly with the return of the Dark Lord." Alex picked up a slight note of sarcasm at the words Dark Lord.
Fudge's eyes lit up as if realizing something. "Of course, you are absolutely right. I'll send this through immediately. Ex-auror Moody is an excellent choice for the job."
Albus watched as Fudge exited the room. He relaxed. Alex tilted his head to watch the headmaster. He gave a tired smile.
"Mmm. Minvera must have returned from her trip by now. I think you're due for a proper bath." He stood up, Alex instantly wrapping his arms around his neck to keep him from falling. Albus cradled Alex close as he walked towards one of the large paintings. It swung upon revealing a larger room. Minvera entered with a bag just as Albus put Alex down.
"I and Poppy managed to find clothing that'll fit him well enough."
Albus nodded as he watched Alex explore the room. Alex managed to find the bathroom. He remembered that the Headmaster wanted to give him a bath. Alex gave a small smile as he walked into the bathroom.
Minvera and Albus were surprise to hear water running. Worrying that the little kitsune had gotten into trouble, they rushed in. They were surprised to find him drawing his own bath. Albus chuckled as did Minvera after a moment.
Albus stayed with Alex, helping him by washing his back and helping him shampoo his tail. Minvera returned with clothing. Albus left the room to allow for Alex to get dress by himself. The clothes were 'muggle-type' Alex noted. He grinned to himself when he found the pants with a sort of button-able hole in back to allow for his tail.
Upon exiting the room, he found the adults sitting to breakfast. He shyly joined them. Mr. Snape and Ms. Pomfrey had joined them with another. He seemed vaguely familiar. The sandy haired man smiled at him. Feeling a little brave, he shyly smiled back before taking a seat next to the headmaster, or should he consider him to be his father. No, he was old enough to be his grandfather. Yes, grandfather fitted the headmaster better. Harry picked up his fork and dugged into the plate of eggs set before him.
"So, how's Harry?" Albus asked.
"He's being relased today. I just recently dosed him with a sleeping druaght." Pomfrey said rather primly. "He refused to sleep last night so..."
"Ah. I see. Where is Sprout and Flitwick?"
Snape answered cooly. "They're coming after breakfast. Their return back was a little rocky."
"Good. Remus, you won't mind watching Alex here for at least an hour."
Remus nearly chocked on his food. Alex thought Mr. Snape was trying not to cough either.
"I don't know what to do with a fox-child!"
"He only needs someone to keep him out of trouble. I have to go to the Ministry to help Fudge with an treaty." Albus sounded almost displeased. "Beside most of the others are busy with preparations for tonight."
"Alright." Remus said slightly unsure.
Next Chapter: Remus and The Snape
Remus is stuck with kitsitting duties. Snape continuously stops by. Soon both adults find themselves in a unusally situtation involving a potion and Alex. And all before the Sorting Feast!
Chapter 1: The Kitsune at The End of The Tunnel
LI CRUZ
Harry eyed Dudley warily. Dudley to willing to appoarch him alone meant only trouble. And Harry would prefer to work so to forget about Sirius for a while. Dudley was looking around nervously before he straightened up as if he decided something. Dudley grabbed Harry by the arm and started dragging out of the house. Harry yelped in surprise. Dudley silenced him with a glare and a tightening of his hand. Harry cursed mentally the fact that he was still smaller and thinner than most teens his age. That and the fact that the Order was in the middle of changing guard if the crack of apparation was any indication.
Dudley dragged Harry to the park his gang often frequented. Peirs and the other lounged around near the lake. There was also another in the shadows. Harry expected Dudley to let go but he dragged Harry into the bushes near the lake. Peirs and the rest followed behind. They came to a large hole under one of the larger trees in the area. Peirs and the others formed a loose half circle around the pair. Dudley let Harry go. Harry stepped as far back as he could without entering the hole. His instincts were going crazy. Under the emotionless mask he had donned on, he was panicking. Something in the hole wasn't right.
Dudley with an odd look of glee rushes Harry. Harry barely manages to avoid Dudley, trips over the roots near the hole. His arms gyro as he tries not to fall into the hole. He regains his balance to see Dudley shove him in the hole. He falls face first and his glasses go flying. There was the crinkle of glass breaking. He winces when he tried to sit up. He could hears as Dudley and his gang move something and the sunlight on the floor begans to disappear. Harry stupidly stared at the receding light in shock.
"Goodbye, freak." He could hear Dudley and his little gang laugh.
He squinted into the darkness as he felt around. Maybe his glasses at least had one lense more or less intact. He cursed loudly, realizing his wand was not with him. His hand brushed metal. He picked up the thin metal frame just to drop it again. He cut himself on it. He gingerly stuck his finger in his mouth. He mentally sighed. He leaner against the wall of the hole and fell asleep for once without dreams. He felt as if he was losing something.
A while later, he woke to the feeling of sudden warmth. Something unheard was calling him deeper into the hole. He resisted, fearing whatever was at the end of the hole. It could be Voldemort or something worse. The pull faded slowly. Harry was shivering from both the cold and fear. He stayed in the same spot stubbornly refusing to move for anything.
Harry spent the next few waking periods fighting off the pull. He was unfortunately was losing the battle. A while without water had left him extremely tired and thirsty. His mind was fuzzy. The nightmares he was having, the pain of his twist ankle and his scar wasn't helping either. He knew dimmly Voldemort was angry with someone or something. But soon he began wondering who or what is a Voldemort.
The next pull overwehlemed Harry. He couldn't fight it any longer. He began crawling towards the dark end of the hole. His instincts no longer screamed danger, it was a mild prick.
The hole opened up suddenly and Harry fell to the sandy ground below. He could smell water just mere inches in front of his face. He pulled himself into the water and drank deeply. When he felt he was quenched, he pulled himself back to dry land and fell asleep.
He woke up later, realizing what had just happened. He let out a long moan. The pull came again, strong. Harry managed to not walk immedaitely to it. He silently despaired as his body despise his mindset started to crawl to it.
Soon he found himself on some sort of smooth flooring of a temple-like area. There was a brillaint light that called to him seducively. He finally regained control over his body and forced himself flat on his stomach. He glared at the light. The light flickered between colors as if deciding something. It surprised Harry when it surged at him. It hit him and pushed him into a column of stone. He opened his mouth to yell out in pain and it entered him.
He felt as if several types of energy was fighting within him and ripping him up inside. He screamed in complete pain, unable to keep it in. The pain and the energy receded as he slide down the stone column. He passed out.
He was unaware of how much time had passed in the darkness or why he was there. A dull pain ran up and down his spine. He moved, actitavating the pain. It began to burn all over his body. He felt himself shrink at least a foot and a half. He moaned in pain as he laid down again. The pain faded away. He realized the floor through his tattered shirt wasn't quite as cold anymore. He realized he was thristy again. He pushed himself up again, ignoring the pain that was pounding up and down his body. He began cupping water up to drink, his muscles complaining. Upon drinking, some of the pain faded away. He yawned again. He leaned against another column near the edge of the water. He didn't realize he fell asleep again.
By time he woke again, it was no longer as dark as it was when he first entered and he could smell the age of the place, not to mention he felt like he was sitting on something bunched in his pants. His eyesight had improved and he could hear air rushing close by. He bolted up in realization of these odd things and landed in the shallow water. He sputtered in the two foot deep water. He felt something twitch on his backside. his ears twitched slightly too. He deperately wished for light.
'Lumos is for light.' He thought tentatively, trying to remembering how he knew that.
A dim blue light suddenly illuminated the area. He stared for a moment before brushing it off. It felt right.
Harry looked at his reflection and yelped at the sight. He looked like across between a human and fox. His green eyes were framed by long black hair, hiding his scar. His ears now were perked were now long, white tipped, black-furred, and point but still were where his ears were orginally. One of them twitch when he heard the sound of air rushing by changed slightly. He also has elongated canines. He was definitely shorter. Through the tatters of his shirt, Harry could see skin-color fur lightly covering his body. He looked at his hands. They were looked normal until he accidently unshethed his claws. He looked over his sholder. A long black tail floated on the water, also white tipped.
He frowned as he moved his long bangs out of his face. He gave a gasp of surprise. The scar was gone. The air rushing into the cave now carried human voices on it. He stood up, tentively. He'd worry about the transformation later. He had to get out of here first. If those people found him now, he shuddered at the thought. He readjusted his pants to allow for his new tail and waded out of the water. The light orb followed him like a faithful pet. He wringed out his tail and clothes the best he could, keeping an ear trained on the entrance he came into the cave from. He finally extinushed the light as the voices came closer. He redressed quickly after clawing a hole for his tail in his pants. He had lost his shoes when he had fallen in.
"Hey, there's a hole here." The first man said.
"Brilliant, now can we leave?" Came a familiar drawl.
"Wait, there's something in there and it looks like something dragged itself in there."
The second man sighed. Harry tensed and pushed himself against the wall of the cave. A beam of light came into the cave. Harry blessed whoever was watching over him that he was close enough for the light not to hit on him.
"Hey, there's a pool of water in there.
"What? Let me see." The other man was creulous.
Harry prayed that they would leave so he could get out. The men began talking to each other, then the hole exploded. Harry barely kept a yelp from slipping out. Two man stepped out of the enlarged hole.
"Bloody hell, look at this getup." The shorter of the two men said, flashing the torch around.
The second man didn't say anything. Harry hoped he wouldn't look back as he began to sidle towards the hole. A small stone slide out from under his bare feet. The two men whirled around and pointed sticks at him. Wands, his mind reminded him. Harry flattened himself against the wall and silently bared his teeth. He narrowed his eyes. Both of the men stared at Harry before speaking.
"What the bloody hell is that?" the short man yelled.
Harry's ears flatten back as the shout echoed in the cave. The second man, tall and wearing black, simply studied him for a good minute.
"Who are you?" The second man asked, his voice nuetral.
Harry tried to answer the man. A half yip and bark came out instead of human words. Harry looked horrorifed. He remember once he could speak with humans. He looked at his feet in shame. The second man spoke again.
"Look at me." The second man said.
Harry looked up. There were a few images of when he dragged himself and the light. Nothing else. It came to an end quickly. Harry knew there sould have been more. The tall man spoke again.
"If we put down our wands, you won't run or attack us."
The short man looked at his companion like he was crazy. Harry had a feeling it be better to do as he said. Harry nodded. He sat down as the man lowered his wand. He approached Harry and before Harry, tired as he was, could react, flipped his bangs back. The scent of the man filled with disappointment.
"It's not Potter." He muttered to his partner.
"Why would it be?" His partner asked. "And how could Harry be that?"
The last was said in some sort of disgust. His partner said nothing as he stared into Harry's eyes.
"I'm taking this creature to Dumbledore. He'll be interested in this." The tall man said.
"Whatever, Snape. I'll inform the rest of the Order that this was a dead end."
The man disappeared with a crack. Harry jumped a bit. The man pulled out something and grabbed Harry by the arm before he could move again. He felt a tug at his stomach. He passed out.
Harry woke up in a room full of golden tricket and paintings of people. Headmaster's office, his mind supplied. He asked himself how he knew that. His stomach grumbled, he looked around. A large bird sat on a tall perch. Harry, forgeting his hunger, approached the bird curiuosly. The bird looked like it was kinda made of fire thrilled reassuringly at him. He reached a hand to touch the bird. He was on his tip of his toes when the door opened. He fell on his face. He sighed since he had been so close to petting the pretty bird.
The dark man had returned with three other humans and a small house elf. He didn't brother questioning how he knew. There was a old woman that smelled like a cat. The other woman smelled of herbs and disinfincant. The old man had an long white beard and regarded Harry with amusement. The house-elf was carrying in a large tray of tea and food. The smell of fruit and bread ticked his senses more than the meat there. The elf set the tray on the low table before regarding Harry. The male elf gave a small smile before disappearing into smoke.
"Well, I see our little guest is up. Would you like something to eat?" The old man asked.
Harry nodded slowly and appoarched the table. He grabbed an apple before retreating to a chair. He remembered that humans often sat in chairs. The humans regarded him with interest.
"I never knew foxes like fruits." The old man chuckled.
He turned to the woman who smelled of herbs. She seemed to be reading a sheet of parchment.
"Mmm. Mal-nourishment. An old sprain. He's healthy for his condition." The woman replied.
"What about his age and other things?" The dark man, Snape Harry remembered, asked.
"The spell says about ten, though I can't be sure. He's rather smaller than he should be. It also lists him as 'kitsune'."
"Aren't kitsunes native to Japan, Albus?" The other woman asked.
Snape remained quiet as he watched Harry watching them as he eat. His ears twitch when he heard other voices outside the room. Harry looked to the door. There was a knock.
"Indeed, quite a curuosity." The old man called Albus answered the door. Harry caught an odd twinkle in the old man's eye.
The scent of a man who was a wolf floated as well as that of another halfbreed of some sort. Albus exited the room for a few minutes. The door muffled the sound of the voices. He turned to Snape and the other two human females.
The woman who smelled like a cat walked over and placed a hand on his lap. Harry flinched at the contact. He missed the sad expression on her face as she removed her hand. The healer woman, Harry surmised, was jolting things down on the parchment. Snape was watching him boredly.
The pretty bird flew off his perch and literally sat down next to Harry. Harry gave a small smile before stroking the bird. The old man came back.
"Well, I now know where Harry is." Albus said, looking a bit confused.
The adults turned to the old man. He continued. "
"He was visiting Godric's Hollow." The old man said. "He had traveled on foot."
"That's dangerous! Is he alright?" The cat-like lady asked.
"Madam Pomfrey, I think you're need to check him at least once over. Don't worry. I think I can handled a little kitsune by myself." The elder reassured the healer woman. The cat-like lady left with her, apparently worried over this 'Harry' boy.
"I'll proably have to go makes some potion, knowing Potter." Snape said as he too left the room.
Harry was now munching on a sandwich. The old man sat across from him. The phoniex, Harry recalled, sat with him as he ate.
"I was positive that you are Harry. Is it possible you are a part of Harry?" The old man murmured.
Harry's ears flickered foward to listen to the old man. He chuckled.
"No matter. What should I call you?" He sat back. "Mm. How about Alex?"
Harry nodded and yawned sleepily, now his stomach was full. The headmaster smiled fondly and beckoned him to his knee. Harry, now Alex, walked over and allowed Dumbledore to take him in his lap. Fawkes took to sitting on the back of Dumbledore's seat. Dumbledore simply held Alex there. Alex sighed in contentment and instinctly snuggled up to Albus. Albus smiled as he stroke Alex's head. He began to talk softly at Alex.
"Yes, part of Harry or the real Harry, no?" He chuckled. "But I won't take this second 'childhood' from you, Alex. After all you suffered, I think I own it to you. The new "Harry" I think will easily take your place yet I'm unsure of his intentions. We must watch him closely."
Alex gave a half-asleep nodded before falling completely asleep. He was just content listening to the old man breath. Even if he was the real Harry, it won't matter now.
Alex woke up when he heard someone yelling outside the room quite a distance away. It was coming closer. He sat up and rubbed his eyes sleepily. It seemed to be early morning. Albus woke up as well, having also fallen asleep. Alex perked his ears in the direction of the yelling. Soon Albus heard them as well. He scooped Alex in his arms as he stood up. Alex instinctly turned to the old man and threw his arms around Albus's neck and buried his face in the robes. He dislike yelling. It usually lead to something bad.
The door slammed opened. Alex could hear the footsteps of someone heavy. He shivered and tried pressing himself closer to Albus's body. Albus readjusted Alex in his arms, allowing him to hold Alex tighter.
"Albus, what is the meaning of this?!" The heavyset man bellowed, the rustle of paper heard. "That you want to place Potter with someone else? He is safest with his realtives."
"Fudge, would you please refrain from yelling. You are upseting young Alex here. And I will expalin." Albus said rather coldly.
There was a short silence before Alex heard the sound of someone gasping for words. He turned his head enough to see the heavy man gawking. The Minister of Magic came unbidden to his mind's voice. Alex's glanc seemed to snap the Minister out of his surprise.
"You realize you're holding a fox-child." The harsh whisper of disbelief came out of his mouth.
Alex heard the humor in Dumbledore's voice. "I realized that, Fudge. He's an orphan that Snape was so kind to bring to the castle. The poor child was stuck in a large hole with no escape."
Fudge blinked rather stupidly at the odd pair. He finally refound his voice - again.
"What do you plan to do with the fox-child, Dumbledore?" There was a note of suspicion.
"Raise the child, of course. He is as intelligent as any human child." Albus said lightly as he sat at his desk, readjusting Alex so both would be comfortable. "Beside I can't think of a family willing to take the child in."
"No one would be insane enough to take in a demon." Fudge hissed.
"There have been several cases reported of humans adopting demon children. They behave just like any normal human child."
Fudge promptly shut up and thought. Then he nodded relecently and rubbed his temple.
"Fine, Dumbledore. He's your problem. Now about this?" Alex watched Fudge fan out the parchment.
"Harry needs someone to watch him better than the Dursleys have been doing so not to repeat what happened a few days ago. It is a waste of valuable resoucres and time especailly with the return of the Dark Lord." Alex picked up a slight note of sarcasm at the words Dark Lord.
Fudge's eyes lit up as if realizing something. "Of course, you are absolutely right. I'll send this through immediately. Ex-auror Moody is an excellent choice for the job."
Albus watched as Fudge exited the room. He relaxed. Alex tilted his head to watch the headmaster. He gave a tired smile.
"Mmm. Minvera must have returned from her trip by now. I think you're due for a proper bath." He stood up, Alex instantly wrapping his arms around his neck to keep him from falling. Albus cradled Alex close as he walked towards one of the large paintings. It swung upon revealing a larger room. Minvera entered with a bag just as Albus put Alex down.
"I and Poppy managed to find clothing that'll fit him well enough."
Albus nodded as he watched Alex explore the room. Alex managed to find the bathroom. He remembered that the Headmaster wanted to give him a bath. Alex gave a small smile as he walked into the bathroom.
Minvera and Albus were surprise to hear water running. Worrying that the little kitsune had gotten into trouble, they rushed in. They were surprised to find him drawing his own bath. Albus chuckled as did Minvera after a moment.
Albus stayed with Alex, helping him by washing his back and helping him shampoo his tail. Minvera returned with clothing. Albus left the room to allow for Alex to get dress by himself. The clothes were 'muggle-type' Alex noted. He grinned to himself when he found the pants with a sort of button-able hole in back to allow for his tail.
Upon exiting the room, he found the adults sitting to breakfast. He shyly joined them. Mr. Snape and Ms. Pomfrey had joined them with another. He seemed vaguely familiar. The sandy haired man smiled at him. Feeling a little brave, he shyly smiled back before taking a seat next to the headmaster, or should he consider him to be his father. No, he was old enough to be his grandfather. Yes, grandfather fitted the headmaster better. Harry picked up his fork and dugged into the plate of eggs set before him.
"So, how's Harry?" Albus asked.
"He's being relased today. I just recently dosed him with a sleeping druaght." Pomfrey said rather primly. "He refused to sleep last night so..."
"Ah. I see. Where is Sprout and Flitwick?"
Snape answered cooly. "They're coming after breakfast. Their return back was a little rocky."
"Good. Remus, you won't mind watching Alex here for at least an hour."
Remus nearly chocked on his food. Alex thought Mr. Snape was trying not to cough either.
"I don't know what to do with a fox-child!"
"He only needs someone to keep him out of trouble. I have to go to the Ministry to help Fudge with an treaty." Albus sounded almost displeased. "Beside most of the others are busy with preparations for tonight."
"Alright." Remus said slightly unsure.
Next Chapter: Remus and The Snape
Remus is stuck with kitsitting duties. Snape continuously stops by. Soon both adults find themselves in a unusally situtation involving a potion and Alex. And all before the Sorting Feast!