Chapter Two
IIIII
I own nothing but my imagination.
This one is a little rougher than I'd like but I needed to get it done. Chapter three will come with significant edits but probably won't be here until Christmas.
. . . . .
Harry
. . . . .
Bright sunlight pulls me from the light doze I'd let myself fall into ever since the first vestiges of morning twilight roused me. Rolling onto my stomach, I stand and stretch, shake, then pad lightly toward the large canopied bed. Nestled inside it, in a disorganized sprawl of limbs and silver blond hair, is my young mistress.
As far as she believes, anyway. I've taken something closer to a kid-sister approach personally.
Crossed with own a pet. I think as I jump on to the bed.
Stepping carefully across the bed, I settle beside the sleeping girl, muzzle just close enough that I can still watch her sleeping face wrinkle as my breath washes across her face.
Groaning, she tries to shift away even as her hands stretch out to push against my face. "Corvus," She mutters, disgust filling her still-sleep-saturated voice. Whuffing softly, I roll, pinning her body beneath mine, my head on her chest, pinning her in place. "Stop it, Corvus," She protests, louder this time, trying to push me away.
She only succeeds in waking herself up, laughter rapidly bubbling up against her will. Giving up trying to shove me away in favor of rubbing my ears, she does her best to glare. "Beast, I've already told you it isn't polite to wake a lady like that."
I whuff and pretend to look about the room in confusion. Her eyes flash silver at the implied taunt, pulling one of my ears sharply in response. I growl at the brief pain, and we glare at each other for a moment, but her face scrunched up in anger is too much. I break. Lunging forward, I lick her face in soft kisses, sending her a sputtering mess of shrieking laughter and protests.
Jumping away, I crouch on the floor, ready to continue our game. Lyra chases me, and we spend the next few minutes rough housing until her mother comes in. "At least he manages to get you out of bed in a timely manner," She remarks, having grown accustomed to the sight in the weeks since I arrived.
Lyra only giggles and hugs me tightly one more time before letting her mother herd her into the washroom. I take the chance to escape, not wanting to get caught up in helping Lyra choose her dress for the day while she stands around all but naked. Once was enough, thank you very much. No matter how much I let my wolf take the lead, there are just somethings that I'm too human to ignore.
Following the scent of breakfast as much as the mostly memorized path throw the ostentatious house, I find my way to the family dining room. Lyra's father and uncle are already seated, tea cups steaming on the table in front of them as they read the morning paper.
I wandered over to Marius's side, resting my head on the arm of his chair, eyes scanning the paper. The man chuckles, thinking I was just looking for attention while waiting to be fed. "Morning wolf, still looking to get back into my good graces."
If my eyes could roll, they would. After coming to grips with the fact that the whole thing wasn't some dream from the coma my cousin beat me into, it made sense to learn as much as possible. Sacrificing a bit of pride to do so wasn't all that hard. Besides, I like Marius even if I have more respect for his brother.
Not particularly hard, considering one is a successful business man and politician while the other is an ex-soldier turned freeloader.
"Does the smelly creature have to be here for every meal?" A snobbish whine comes from doors I'd just come from. I look over my shoulder at the blond git Lyra calls her brother. At ten and a half, our ages match, if absolutely nothing else does. Lyra, being eight, recently outgrew her adorable baby sibling status and is now the young upstart taking everything he wants.
Then I show up and make everything worse.
Marius takes exceptional delight in riling his young nephew up, and, much to his mother's amused distress, so do I. Raising my head, I sniff, then sneeze explosively across Marius's lap. The man protests loudly, shoving my head away before glaring at Draco. "Not particularly bright to comment on the hygiene of a beast with a better nose than yours as well as an allergy to bull-"
"Brother," Lucius remarks tiredly from his place at the head of the table.
Marius only shrugs. "He's going to Hogwart's this year Lucius; he'll learn all the words by Christmas anyway." The mention of the magical school always piqued my attention.
"No, you've already done that, uncle," Draco states snidely as he sits beside his father.
Marius looks sheepish under his brother's glare, but Lucius doesn't say anything to him. Instead, he just looks too his son with a resigned expression. "Don't go teaching them to your sister." The order is as firm as I've ever heard from the man.
The conversation ends as Dobby appears by Lucius's elbow. "Masters be receiving a letter."
Lucius accepts the envelope with weary resignation.
As he reads it, I give the house elf yet another curious look. Without his ears, the critter isn't even as tall as I am with my head raised, yet he manages nearly the entire estate with an oddly quirky delight.
True to Marius's prediction, he'd been somewhat wary when we'd first been introduced. Still, he definitely doesn't look like a meal, even if he does smell like dinner more often enough.
Now he just pops over to my side and strokes my ears after leaving another letter by Narcissa's plate. "Good wolfsy, good wolfsy."
Draco grunts in disgust. "Foolish beast lets the servant pet him but won't even favor me with a look."
"All animals are sensitive to emotions, Draco," Marius's gruff tone is the only warning sign someone is testing his patience. "Even if Corvus was a regular wolf, your attitude would naturally drive him off."
Draco only grunts, but Marius isn't finished. Folding the paper and setting it in front of him, he stares fixedly at his nephew. Draco doesn't last long undery scrutiny. Raising his head, he does his best to imitate his father's natural nonchalance. "Uncle?"
"Not only is Corvus absolutely brilliant for an already naturally intelligent species, his magical talent very nearly exceeds your own, Draco," He leans over, settling his arms on the table. "But under all of that, he is still a wild animal, do not try his patience; he doesn't have any."
"Father," Draco tries to protest but goes silent when his father's gaze flicks up from the letter.
"Listen to your uncle, Draco; his knowledge and experience with such creatures rival even that oaf Hogwarts keeps as a game keeper."
The boy goes silent, head down, and Marius drops the matter in favor of his tea. "More maneuvering?" The question sounds bitter coming from the ordinarily upbeat man.
Lucius nods with equal disgust. "Yes, I never could have imagined the favor this incident would be seen as." He replies, offering the letter.
Marius accepts it with a frown, skimming it quickly before letting out a low whistle. 'You'd think the huntress gave our little eagle the beast after driving the monster off personally with this sort of flattery."
Lucius nods. "One would think the old houses would be at least a little more subtle."
The conversation ends as Narcissa steps in, Lyra happily holding her hand. The family shares a round of good mornings as the women take their seats, Lyra looking smugly at her uncle when I abandon him.
Marius only chuckles, raising his teacup in a salute to the girl, then nods to Severus as the man joins them. While the man has his own home as well as quarters at Hogwarts, he often dines with them at some point during the day.
If I like Marius and respect Lucius, then I have genuine affection for Severus. A brilliant teacher with little patience for his godson's arrogance, I've enjoyed the scant hours he's been able to dedicate to Lyra's curiosity during my time here.
"Good morning Severus; how goes the preparations for the year?" Lucius asks as Dobby fills their plates, bringing me a bowl of lightly cooked steak bits.
I dig in without complaint. It had been raw the first time, but that hadn't lasted long, thankfully. As for the bowl itself, I reasoned it's just a better choice since I don't have hands. The carpet here is rather nice, and Dobby already has enough work.
"Already finished," The man answers confidently, clearly utterly pleased with himself for once.
"With the entire year's syllabus?" It's a question, but Marius sounds more impressed than doubtful.
Severus's shoulders rise in a shrug. "The lessons never change, just the homework and ways students learn how to melt or blow up the caldrons."
Still sounds like a massive amount of work on top of being the head of this Slytherin house that keeps coming up. Mostly from Draco boasting.
Breakfast is relatively quiet for once, with the only distraction Lyra's mother when Narcissa bursts into laughter while she reads her letter. The ordinarily taciturn woman brushes aside her family's inquiries to its contents, claiming her sister had merely mentioned a moment in time best left forgotten.
Once everyone was finished, the men took off for their own pursuits, leaving Lyra and her mother to discuss their schedule. Mostly that amounts to a mother haggling amusedly with her daughter on how to divide her time between studying and playing with her fascinating new friend.
"Very well, child, you can play with Corvus for the next hour, then meet me in the main parlor so we can practice your etiquette." Narcissa pretends to give in and her daughter.
"Thanks, momma," Lyra burst from her chair to hug her mother. Narcissa returns it fondly, then looks expectantly at her daughter. Lyra blushes and curtsies with impressive grace for her age. "Thank you, mother."
Narcissa nods in approval. "Your welcome, Lyra; now off with you," she waves her daughter off airily, clearly satisfied.
Lyra obeys with a laugh, and I rise to follow her.
"Corvus," I look to Narcissa as she says my name. "My sisters will be joining us during our lesson."
Why is she telling me this?
"Marius will try and run; please stop him."
Ah,
I give a soft whuff of agreement before following Lyra from the room.
Despite the girl's naturally energetic nature, I'm not surprised to track her to the house's library. For Lyra, books are for the morning when she can appreciate them instead of falling asleep. Despite her age, she's already a voracious reader.
By the time I catch up, she's already waiting impatiently at what has become our spot in front of one of the enormous windows lining one wall of the room. With the light streaming in from behind and the room's thick rug, the two of us mutually decided it's the perfect place to read.
Settling down, I let the girl prop herself against me. Gazing over my shoulder, I listen as she starts to read.
. . . . .
Narcissa
. . . . .
The now familiar sight of my daughter leaned against her familiar as she reads to the beast while he gazes over her shoulder with unfeigned interest is enough to warm almost any mother. Possibly even mine might have been swayed by such a sight, not that I'd be making any wagers.
At the same time, Corvus's miraculous appearance alone has already sent ripples through our world. Once the families catch sight of his intelligence or, Hecate guide us, his magic starts to show itself, those ripples will become waves.
And my daughter is bound to him.
Pushing my husband to accept the wolf hadn't been an easy choice, but only because there hadn't been a choice at all. Blessed by a goddess or not, my daughter received favor beyond the reach of comprehendible magic. Refusing would deny my child a gift beyond price while simultaneously spitting in that favors eyes.
I shake my head and gently close the door to the library. There's nothing that can be done about it. I accept and head off in search of my brother-in-law.
. . . . .
Harry
. . . . .
The main parlor of the Malfoy's mansion is immaculate, almost to a fault, but still manages to hold a warmth I'm unfamiliar with. I'm a little confused by the massive fire pit at the center of the room, but I suppose it would be an impressive sight to incoming guests when fully lit.
I watch Lyra practice greeting her uncle with careful interest at the rather impressive range of etiquette expected from both of them. Properly greeting family while in public, introductions between new peers, welcoming an old business partner, the list went on and on. Many of the steps to the dance remain the same, thankfully. Better yet, Marius never lets it get too stuffy, often overselling his role to get Lyra to break and giggle.
Narcissa watches it all from a nearby couch, poised and untroubled by her brother-in-law's antics. Possibly even amused if the small smile I'd caught sight of every so often was anything to go off of.
Green fire suddenly flares in the pit with a massive roar. The blaze vanishes just as rapidly, leaving a gorgeous raven-haired woman in its place, violet eyes sparking with a fire all their own.
Her black and purple robes flow and ripple like Severus's but only the lower half. Her chest and stomach, however, is covered by a vest clearly expertly fashioned from a thick grey hide of some creature I half expect she killed herself.
Marius' eyes go wide, and he instantly makes for the door, just like his sister-in-law predicted. He only takes two strides before his eyes meet mine when he realizes I'm between him and the door. My jaw falls open in a smile as I crouch low on my front paws as if trying to play.
Disbelief momentarily takes the place of terror on his face, then Narcissa covers a laugh with one hand almost daintily. I see the puzzle pieces click into place behind his eyes in rapid succession.
The moment ends as the woman stops barely a foot behind him, arms folded across her chest. "Why did I come home from clearing a spriggan nest to a letter informing me that a wolf, a wolf of all things, saved my dear niece from a monster."
Marius favors me with one last look of hurt before turning ever so cautiously to face the woman. "I have no clue how the cursed creature got past the wards, Bellatrix, but there's no damage to the wards."
The woman glared at him in evident disgust before turning away, eyes instantly finding Lyra, who is all but bouncing in excitement. "Well, what are you waiting for, girl?"
That was all Lyra needed, throwing herself at the woman with a squeal of laughter. Bellatrix caught her easily, lifting her into a tight hug even as the emerald fire flares once more, depositing three newcomers this time.
Five, I tag on mentally when I realize the man's arms are full with a boy even younger then Lyra, and the older woman is carrying one that can't be more than a year. The girl beside them is well into her teens, and the smile she's wearing would probably raise the hairs on the back of Lucius' neck if he knew it was in his house. That it's accompanied by spiky pink hair and punk-style clothes wouldn't even contribute.
"Andromeda," Narcissa called out happily, greeting her sister with an easy warmth, hugging her lightly with one arm. The other caressed the now squirming child's cheek.
Marius greets the man with a fond hand shake and easy grin for the boy in his arms. "It's good to see you again, Ted, and with a full head of hair still, any grey, at least Leo?"
The boy shakes his head with a shy smile while Ted chuckles lightly. "None, not that I'd expect sympathy from a heartless bum like yourself, Marius."
Their easy banter loses interest when the pink-haired girl appears next to Lyra and Bellatrix, her expression just as mischievous as before. I still notice how those intense eyes do a meticulous scan before she snatches Lyra from Bellatrix's arms into a tight hug. "Hey munchkin heard you gave the old people a scare."
"Nym," Lyra pouted, much like she does when I wake her up.
At the same time, Bellatrix scoffed indignantly. "Nymphadora Tonks, I specifically recall you asking me to save you a leg at the very least when I catch the bastard."
"Bellatrix, Sister!" The duel cry of maternal dismay had the older woman cackling while her nieces giggle.
The pinkette's mouth suddenly morphed into the muzzle of some creature, its large squarish black nose tapering quickly into a black and white furred muzzle. "I smell snake thoughts," the teen whispers loudly, and Lyra squeals with laughter, trying to escape the inquisitive nose ticking her neck.
"No, Nym, stop it!" Lyra squirmed from her cousin's grasp and ran from the room, Nymphadora on her heels.
Bellatrix shook her head at the sight while the other adults all smile warmly, if some what resignedly. They follow after the sounds of laughing screams and dramatic snarls. They lead to the comfortable family room where Nymphadora had caught Lyra in a tight hug, transformed snout snuffling dramatically.
"That will be enough, Nymphadora; you can try to indoctrinate your cousin later."
The teen pouts dramatically, dragging Lyra on to her lap like a big teddy bear. Lyra seems perfectly content to let her older cousin hold her, excited grey eyes darting about the room.
I watch with envy singing softly over what I never had. Pushing the bitter tune away, I jump on to the couch beside the girls, startling the older one and sending gasps of shock and suppressed fear through the room.
Lyra's face only lights up brilliantly as she reaches out to scratch my ears. "There you are, Corvus; where were you hiding?"
What is she talking about? My thoughts must have been evident because she turns to her uncle. "Did you see him cross the room, uncle?
Marius shook his head, thoughtful bemusement coloring his usually easy-going expression. "I did not, and I didn't see him follow us either."
How, I was walking right beside you? I think. Not particularly bothered by my sudden invisibility, I lay down, resting my head on Lyra's lap.
"Maybe his magic is coming in," Narcissa commented thoughtfully. "A means of going unnoticed would be rather fortuitous in the wild."
"A valid theory, sister, but one for later discussion." Bellatrix interrupts her family's musing with all the grace of rumbling thunder. Stalking forward, she looms over her nieces and me. "This is the beast who saved you Lyra?"
I raise my head to meet her violet eyes. They're just as intense as I'd expect from a woman who can send Marius scurrying like a mouse. The strange staring match still gets boring rather quickly, and I lower my head. Lyra happily starts scratching my ears again.
Laughter, both scornful and genuine, fills the room as Bellatrix takes the seat beside her nieces. Throwing an arm across Nymphadora's shoulders, she grasps Lyra's free hand warmly. "A beast with more spine than most men I know; you've done well, little eagle." She murmurs with fond endearment even as she kisses the crown of Lyra's head.
"Thank you, aunty."
"He's definitely impressive," Nymphadora commented, arms still tightly around Lyra. "Can't say I'd want him creeping around my house, but the fun you two will have at Hogwarts will be legendary."
"I would hope not," Andromada commented firmly from where she sat.
No one else has anything to add, and a glance at Narcissa tells me she's resigned at best, while Bellatrix looks smug. If I had to side with one of the sisters, I'd go with Lyra's mom. Fortune can only smile for long after. That, and Draco will be there.
Pompous git will probably be worse, if anything. That, at least, will be fun. My tail twitches in anticipation and continues to do so through out the evening. Thankfully it never actually wags like a dog's; I'm not certain Lyra would ever let me live it down.
I enjoy learning that Nymphadora, or Nym as I've mentally shortened it to, is equally passionate about pulling Draco's tail as Marius or I could ever be. Bellatrix actually has even less patience with her eldest nephew than I do, not that I'm surprised.
As for Andromada's husband, Ted, he's pleasant enough. More importantly, he's smart enough to make sure his children, both young and old, are respectful when petting forty nearly kilos worth of muscle and fangs. Unnecessary but smart.
Nym's younger brother Leo is a little skittish but clearly utterly fascinated with his cousin's new familiar. His younger sister, little Aria, is too young to understand when Lyra introduces us. She still smiles, though, which is good enough for me.
I listen to Bellatrix chide her sister over not giving her daughter a proper name for a Black. Andromeda only brushes her off, saying she and Ted had their reasons.
Dinner is something of an event, especially when Lyra retells the story of my first dinner here, specifically emphasizing Draco's scream.
By the time the Tonks, their name I picked up from Lucius when he'd greeted Ted, are ready to leave, I'm nearly as wiped as Leo and Lyra. Chasing the pair of them and Nym around all day is exhausting. Nym didn't look much more than scuffed up as she stepped into the fire with a cheeky wave.
I notice Lucius actually sigh when she vanishes.
Once Bellatrix also takes her leave, Narcissa herds Lyra towards the girl's room to prep her for bed. I hang back for many of same reasons I'd had this morning but also because Lyra enjoys hunting for me once she's finished.
Narcissa often joins her daughter in these hunts, clearly enjoying the extra time spent with her youngest. I enjoy listening to Lyra chatter innocently with her mother as the two hunts for me.
Usually, I'll hide somewhere just clever enough for Narcissa to spot me, then let her guide Lyra me.
Not tonight, not with Lyra already half asleep on her feet. I think as I settle off to the side in the main sitting room. Tired, I drift off easily, never noticing the soft footsteps.
Suddenly I smell hair burning, and my tail flares up in pain. Snarling, I lunge to my feet, instantly spotting Draco with a candle, of all things. The wolf doesn't think, lunging at the boy without regard, knocking the candle from his grasp even as I go for his throat.
Draco screams, reeling back, trying to avoid me. Tripping over his own feet, the boy lands flat on his back even as I come down on top o him. My front paws come by his ears, a deep snarl rumbling in my chest.
Draco screams, but it's a sudden flare of light and smoke beside us that saves his life. Glancing to my left, I realize that Draco's candle landed on one of the room's couches without going out, sending the furniture up in flames. Snarling in disgust, I snag the sleeve of the boy's shirt and drag him out of the room.
Half throwing the boy with a jerk of my head, I rear back and do something Lyra's been trying to get me to do since I'd arrived.
The howl echoes harshly with in the heavy walls of the mansion, nearly hurting my ears. Cries of panic are quick to follow, and moments later I see Marius storming up the hallway. Giving the burning room a single glance, a flick of his wand ends the blaze. Two more send the smoke spiraling through a suddenly open window, leaving nothing but the charred scent of burnt fabric behind.
"What happened?" There's a chill to his voice that raises the fur on the back of my neck, my lips rising in a silent snarl.
"The beast attacked me, uncle."
A snarl rips from my throat, but I keep from lunging at the fool as Marius fixes his gaze on me. I flip my tail towards him, showing the clearly burned section near its tip.
Draco doesn't even have time to squawk before his uncle has him pinned against the wall. "How many times have I told you to leave Corvus alone, Draco? How many times?" The man snarls. "But what do you do instead of listening? You get it into your daft head to BURN his tail."
The boy quivers in fright as his uncle glares at him. Neither pays attention to Lyra and her mother as both rush toward us. Lyra quickly throws her arms around me, small hands searching for injuries. Narcissa must have heard her brother-in-law's shouts because she only watches as Marius keeps her son pinned against the wall.
"I cannot even begin to stress how lucky you are that Corvus let you go and alerted us to the fire instead."
I growl savagely enough to draw Marius's gaze, then lightly catch Lyra's sleeve lightly in my jaws. The girl in her mother look puzzled, but the ex-soldier picks up on the hint. Checking Draco's sleeves, the older man's eyes narrow at the clear puncture marks on the one I'd dragged the ponce by. "So not only did you burn his tail, prompting the attack but then were pulled away from the fire by the one you burned."
"But- I-"
Marius set the boy down, clearly too angry to trust himself with the boy. Turning, he stalks off down the hallway. "Come one wolf, let's get that tail dealt with."
I look to Lyra, who nods even as she hugs me tightly then pushes me to follow. I lean against her fondly for a heartbeat, then lope after her uncle.
Settling into a light trot beside the man to keep pace, I look up at him, examining his stony expression. Marius stops abruptly, sending me skirting ahead of him. Looking back, I watch him crouch, eyes fixed on me. Confused, I move back to his side.
"Thank you, Corvus."
What for?
My confusion must have shown through as Marius chuckles lightly. "For being you." He doesn't stay anything else as he gets back to his feet.
. . . . .
Severus
. . . . .
Fire flares in my hearth, and I glance over my shoulder to see Marius's face fashioned from the embers staring at me. "We need your help, Severus. Can you bring something for mild burns and hair restoration?"
I close my eyes, trying not to conjure all the possible reasons Marius would require either of such. Sadly, as good as my occlumency is, my imagination is better.
Not like I haven't been expecting this call or anticipated worse. I think as I grab the hair tonic from the batch destined for madam Pomfrey. With how prevalent such incidents were, she buys them in bulk on top of what I could prepare, so it won't matter. I skip the burn potions since there's no point in wasting one on something that can be healed with relative ease.
I step into my fire place, wondering just what sort of mess my godson landed himself in this time.
Stepping into Marius's study in a flash of green flame, I find my best friend and goddaughter's savior examining a distinct burn on the beast's tail. Hair and fur are irritatingly flammable and burn with impressive heat, so it wouldn't take much to do the damage I can already see.
"He didn't." I groan in annoyance, taking a knee beside the beast to get a better look.
Marius snorted loudly from his seat. "Oh, he did alright and got a right good scare for it when Corvus here jumped on him."
"Do I still have a godson?"
"Aye, for now, though the fool can only thank the old ones that his candle lit a couch on fire." I look up in surprise, not expecting the story to take such a turn. Marius nods at my rather obvious surprise. "Corvus here decided to drag him from the room by his sleeve instead of his throat, then howled loud enough to rattle the windows."
Persing my lips, I grimace sourly. "Damn, now the brat is now in debt twice over."
Corvus suddenly growls and flicks his tail up toward my face. I grin and draw my wand, healing the burn with an easy wave before applying the tonic. "I'm no going to make to high a promise on this since it's intended fo humans understood," I explain as I work it to the now bare pink skin. "Works in a pinch for cats, though, so I imagine it will do fine here as well."
"Cats?"
"Never underestimate how vindicative children can be."
Marius only shakes his head as we settle into wait. Unnecessarily so, as it turns out, as I barely have time to sit before the tail is back to normal. A quick sweep of my wand reveals that the potion had worked perfectly. "Cannot say I was expecting that."
"Never had a reason to use it on a dog before I take?"
"Not with the rules of the school, for good reason considering some breeds, still I have to wonder," I reply, mind busy with possible explanations.
"Wonder about what?"
I almost don't hear the question.
"Sev," Marius nudges my shoulder firmly, and I shake my head as if trying to clear. "It's nothing I can put my finger on, not at least without doing a couple of experiments I doubt our friend here would appreciate."
Corvus looked up from where he was chewing his tail, no doubt to settle the fiery itch that accompanied the hair restorer. He doesn't grow, but his pine-green eyes elegantly convey his opinion of the subject.
Marius chuckles and rises to open the door for the wolf. "Go on with you, Corvus; our little eagle is no doubt tired of screaming at her brother by now."
The beast stretches and trots from the room, dark form brushing against Marius's leg in unspoken affection as he goes. Closing the door with a soft click, Marius gestured towards a small collection of crystal bottles. "Care for a nightcap, brother?"
I nod tiredly. "Please," I watch him pour us both a couple of fingers of whisky. Accepting my glass, I lean back in my chair, sipping the Irish staple with fond affection. Scotland might be where my alma mater was, but I'd learned just as much in Ireland. One, stay away from Hawthorne trees; two, appreciate the option of getting drunk.
"How bad?"
"About as bad as you asking me before we're even a finger deep." The reply has all the warm sarcastic affection soldiers usually share with each other.
"Worse than a move from the old ones, then?"
I raise two fingers off the side of my glass. "Two moves, or a move and counter more accurately."
"The werewolf as well?"
"Mars was especially bright that night; it was just hard to discern over the moon."
"The stars have never been reliable Sev."
"They've never been informative; there's a difference Marius."
"Still, Mars usually has one reason to light up; even without the guise of the moon, we've never really been at peace in the first place."
"True, but when I say the moon was bright, I meant bright enough for the muggles to notice." I can see understanding dawn in my old comrade's eyes.
He open's his mouth to reply, but nothing comes out as an ancient song fills the night air beyond the offices window.
IIIII
Harry
IIIII
I move quickly through the mansion, more than pleased now that my tail no longer feels like Dudley stepped on it while carrying Vernon on his back. I almost wish I could laugh as a wolf as the image flits through my head. How the pig would manage the Walrus, I don't know, but it would be a sight, provided the two kept clear of my tail.
Shoving the thought away for later day dreams, I focus on finding my no-doubt fuming charge. Fortunately, Lyra only has one spot she likes to go to when she needs to cool off.
True to form, I find her in the sunroom directly off the back porch. She's sitting in one of the numerous chairs, chin tucked on her knees with harms clasped around her legs. Stormy eyes are glaring at the shadow-filled forest beyond as if willing it all to burst into flame.
Given her family temper she inherited in spades, it's probably a fair guess.
Jumping up on the edge of the chair with my front feet, I brush my nose against her. Her pout doesn't vanish like I expect. Instead, her expression manages to sour even further as she glares at me.
What did I do? The question comes out as a soft whine, my ears going flat.
"You howled for my stupid brother when you won't howl for me."
Oh, that. I can't help the wide grin as my jaw opens in a wide smile. If the image of Duddly carrying his father could make me laugh, this would send me to my knees at the very least.
"It's not funny." Her face, all scrunched up in anger, is so adorable I doubt I'd be able to even breath properly. As it is, I start to lick her face in pure self-defense.
She sputters and tries to shove me away. "Stop it, Corvus."
Dropping back to the ground, I grip the hem of her night dress with my teeth and gently pull. The girl gets the hint and willingly follows despite her anger. Leading her to the door leading to the patio, I look back at her expectantly. She opens it, and I run out onto the deck.
Turning to face her, I throw my head back and let my heart sing into the night sky and moon above.
I sing of everything I've gained. I sing to who or whatever granted me such a blessing
More than anything, though, I sing for the honest heart I love so dearly as she laughs with joy and excitement.
IIIII
So there's chapter two for you. This will honestly be expanded on alongside chapter three. Sadly, my life is about to be flipped on its head for the next six months, give or take. The easiest part of this will be moving back to the states.
. . . . .
SHAMELESS PLEADING
Please check out my own work on Fictionpress. I'll be editing it soon, but I really need feedback on whats good and what isn't
Crest Under the Ashes
Working for Thoth shouldn't leave a mind idle for long. After millennia, it won't idle; it'll fly off without you. Problem? It might write something like 'Why Pendragon, her kind burned our gods and nearly the galaxy to ashes,' where Athena can find it. Blasphemy and a reminder of unwelcome future events. Brilliant right? "I expect a resounding finish to this story, Julian." Huh?
Link is in my Bio
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OMAKE
Dobby's hint
I stare at the bowl for a minute, examining the raw meat for a moment, then up at the table.
I don't bother thinking too hard, lunging for my prize. Beside me, Draco shrieks as I set my front paws on the table and clamp my teeth on what had just been the boy's steak.
Taking a moment to appreciate Draco's 'scarred ferret' look, I drop back to the floor.
A moment later, Lucius speaks, voice lacking any inflection. "Dobby."
A soft crack heralds the house elf's arrival. "Master be needing something?"
"Could you fix Draco another plate and I believe Corvus would like his food at least partly cooked from now on." Butter wouldn't have melted in his mouth.