Magical Origins
Year 3: The Howling Moon
Snape gestures his arms and slowly backs away, leading Harry and the others away from the Werewolf. The Werewolf slowly advances on them.
At that moment, however, Wormtail manages to bite Harry's hand, causing him to yelp in surprise. Wormtail drops to the ground and rushes off.
"Damn it," Harry said as he attempted to grab the rat, but Snape pulled him back.
The werewolf looks at them with an open jaw, it was growling and hunch down. Ready to pounce.
At that moment, a giant black dog appeared and leaps at the Werewolf. It hits him in the shoulder, knocking the werewolf down.
The dog rolls on the ground and looks at the werewolf.
The two snarl at each other before leaping at one another.
The werewolf, since it could both run on all four and stand on its hind legs, had the advantage and quickly overpowered Padfoot.
The werewolf grabs the dog and throws him aside. The werewolf looks back at the group, and Harry steps forward.
"Potter, get back here," Snape said as he once more tried to grab Harry. Harry stood out of his reach.
"Professor Lupin, I'm really, really sorry about this," Harry said.
Lupin charges at Harry. Fangs bared to sink his teeth into him.
At that moment, Harry leaps and changes. Landing on the werewolf and pinning him down.
Lily couldn't believe her eyes. Harry was an Animagus.
It looks like some kind of tiger. However, it was dark purple and had rune markings on it. Its tail also had something sharp running down the tail. Almost like a scorpion stinger.
"Hermione," Lily said slowly. "What kind of animal is that?"
"I don't know," Hermione admitted.
The saber leaps to the side as the werewolf attempted to bite him. The werewolf stood up and looks at the Saber.
Then he charged.
Unlike the dog, which only could use its mouth to fight. The saber also had claws. The moment the Werewolf got in his face, the Saber would use its paws to scratch the werewolf face.
The werewolf double back before it looks back roaring.
The Saber slaps his claw paw into the Werewolf face, causing the werewolf to stumble and regroup away from the Saber.
The Saber roared. It's loud majestic roar echoed throughout the night.
The werewolf turn tail and fled.
Harry slowly shifts back in his human form and watches as Professor Lupin fled into the forest.
Someone stumbles forward, and Sirius looks a bit bloody.
"Sirius," Harry said as he grabs Sirius.
"I see you succeeded," Sirius said slowly.
"Come on, I'll take you to Madam Pomfrey," Harry said as he supported Sirius in standing.
The group made way to the castle until something made their blood turn cold.
The air had turned cold, and all feelings of happiness had vanished.
"Come on," Harry said, knowing as he tried hard not to hear his mother's voice once again. They were at the wooden bridge entrance when they finally saw it. Hundreds of Dementors were descending upon them.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry shouted.
Lily raised her wand and shouted the words too.
Both of them were producing silver vapor as Ron whimpered pathetically from behind them.
Harry's mind starting to go blank.
The Dementors started to close in.
The face of Lily and Artemis appeared in Harry's mind, and with a sudden burst of power, Harry cries out, "Expecto Patronum!"
A large tiger appeared that glowed in the entrance. It roars as the Dementors were push back.
Lily also shouted out her Patronus as a large lizard-like creature appeared. Together the two Patronus did what one could not. They drove back the Dementors.
After they Dementor's fled, they quickly lost all strength and fell down. Completely exhausted.
Harry slowly groans as he wakes up.
"Good to see you're awake, Mister Potter," Madam Pomfrey said.
"Sirius…"
"Relax Potter, they've captured Black. He's about to be given the Dementors Kiss…"
"What?" Harry said in shocked.
"Samuel is talking to Dumbledore as we speak," Olivia said as she enters the Healer Wing. "The Minister of Magic is here as well. As is Madam Bones."
"What is going on?" Harry asks slowly.
"Fudge wants the Dementor Kiss performed right away. Dumbledore refuses to let any Dementors inside the castle…." Olivia said but was cut off but the sound of someone speaking down the corridors.
"…Order of Merlin… First Class, I think… your actions will not be overlooked." Fudge's voice could be heard as he approaches the Healer Wing.
"Thank you Minister," said Snape.
"Nasty cut, Black's work I take it."
"Actually, it was Miss Morris…"
"No." Fudge said in horror.
"It's not her fault Minister. Black confounded them into believing he was possibly innocent." Snape, curtly replied said.
"I see, well, the Press will be pleased. We've finally cornered Black…"
Fudge and Snape enter the Healer Wing.
"Mister Potter…" Fudge said slowly. "I am the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. I have heard you've had quite an ordeal."
"It was… Minister, you're not going to question Black?" Harry asks.
"Question him… why in Merlin's name…"
"There are questions Minister. Questions that need answers." Olivia said, coldly. "Like how did he escape from Azkaban in the first place when no other witch or wizard has been able to."
Fudge takes off his hat and twirls it in his hands.
"I think that's a wonderful idea." Madam Bones said as she made her presence known with two Aurors behind her.
"Madam Bones, I believe it best, too…."
"I'm afraid… that the Dementors kiss will have to be put on hold, Cornelius." Dumbledore said as he walks in with Samuel Wynter behind him.
"Where's Sirius?" Harry asks.
"I left a squad of Aurors with him. They're watching him as we speak." Madam Bones said.
"Dumbledore, be reasonable… the man should be given the Dementor's Kiss to ensure that he…" Fudge began.
"The law clearly states that a witch and wizard must be questioned for their crimes. Also, as Samuel Wynter has pointed out… Sirius Black was never given a trial for his crimes. I'm afraid as Chief Warlock… I cannot permit nor allow the Dementor's Kiss to be given to Sirius Black. Not until he has been firmly questioned, and we discover the truth." Dumbledore said in a stern voice.
"Dumbledore be reasonable… if we waste time… Black could escape…" Fudge stuttered together.
"Exactly why he should be questioned. To discover how he managed in the first place." Samuel Wynter said in a firm voice.
"Also, Minister… we have questions about Sirius Black crimes. Where did the evidence come from that supported Sirius Black crimes?" Olivia said.
Fudge said nothing as he twirls his hat in front of him.
"I gave evidence that Sirius Black was the Potter's Secret Keeper…" Dumbledore began.
"James and Lily died with several secrets. The only person to really know these secrets is Sirius Black. Also, as Vassals under House Potter, we have been asking for some time to see Sirius Black because we needed questions answered. Are you looking to take that away, Minister?" Olivia asked, coldly.
"Of course not…" Fudge mumbles.
"Severus, fetch me the strongest Veritaserum you have," Dumbledore said.
"Surely you don't believe Black," Snape said softly. Dumbledore said nothing as he looks at Snape. Snape takes a step forward, almost as if he was pleading with Dumbledore. "Don't you remember… Black tried to kill me at sixteen…"
"My memory is as good as ever," Dumbledore said softly. "However, the law is on Black's side. He must be questioned before any judgment can be passed on him."
Snape said nothing. He slowly turns away and walks out.
"Get some rest Harry," Olivia said as she gets up.
The next morning Harry walks in the Great Hall to see Sirius Black scarfing his face down at the High Table. All the students were looking at him in shock.
"So, you're cleared," Harry said as he approaches Sirius.
"Yeah, Fudge was unhappy, but even he has to follow the law. I've also got my titles and positions back. House Black is back in power." Sirius said as he looks at Harry. He sets his plate down. "Merlin, I've missed Hogwarts cooking."
"I take it after twelve years in Azkaban, Hogwarts food must be heaven," Harry said with a grin.
"You have no idea." Sirius Black said calmly.
Harry said nothing.
"It's too bad about Peter. He got away before we could bring him in. However, the Minister of Magic has revoked his Order of Merlin. They're doing a massive manhunt. Madam Bones is also insistent that they upgrade Azkaban Wards to ensure another escape doesn't happen." Sirius shared proudly.
At that moment, the Daily Prophet arrived. Harry grabs the paper and looks at it.
'Sirius Black Innocent!
Peter Pettigrew Alive
It's the story of the century. Sirius Black was captured at Hogwarts early last night. During his questioning, the story we all believed for the past twelve years turned out to be a lie. Peter Pettigrew is alive and well… and is confirmed to be a Death Eater who sold out James and Lily Potter as well as killing off almost the entire Potter's Vassals.
Even more shocking, as to how Peter Pettigrew managed to avoid being spotted. Information is coming forward that Peter Pettigrew, better known as his alias Wormtail is an unregistered Animagus. Has been living these past twelve years as a rat… hiding in plain sight.
Pettigrew was captured by Sirius Black and Harry Potter. Before they could turn in Pettigrew to the Ministry to prove Sirius Black innocence, Pettigrew managed to escape and vanished into the night.
None the less, the Vassals of House Potter, namely the Wynter's, were insistent that Sirius Black be questioned under Veritaserum. Dumbledore, as Chief Warlock of the Wizengomat, was obligated to comply with this request as Sirius Black was never truly convicted for his crimes.
For twelve years, an innocent man stayed in Azkaban for a crime he never committed…'
Harry didn't bother reading anymore, skimming the rest of the article until he notices a large reward has been posted to any knowledge on Pettigrew's location. A five thousand galleon reward had been set up for any lead to Pettigrew's capture.
"Go, I'll pick you up when you get off the Hogwarts express. You won't believe what the Ministry of Magic is offering me in return for my conviction." Sirius Black said with a grin.
"What?"
"Tickets to the Quidditch World Cup. In the Top Box, no less."
"They're sucking up." Harry scoffed mockingly.
"They have to. I could really destroy their reputation if I speak out about their actions. It's also their way of saying sorry." Sirius said.
Harry shakes his head.
Snape walks in and eyes Sirius carefully.
"Hello, Snivellus." Sirius greeted, voice filled with smugly self-satisfied tone.
Countless students tried hard not to laugh at Snape's nickname.
Snape said nothing as he glares hard at Sirius.
After a hard stare down between the two, Snape walks past Sirius and sits down at his chair. He begins to eat his food without saying a word.
"When you told me you two hate each other, I can see exactly what you meant," Harry said as he eyes his Head of House.
"It dates back to when we first met. I was young and reckless back then. I don't really hold a grudge against him. Though I doubt we'll ever be able to be friends." Sirius said.
Harry said nothing as he turns around and sits with the Slytherin's.
"Did you hear?" Blaise said as Harry sits down.
"Hear what?" Harry asks.
"Professor Lupin is a werewolf. He resigned this morning." Daphne said.
"What?" Harry said as he gets up and quickly rushes to Professor Lupin's office.
"Hello, Harry," Lupin said as he smiles at Harry.
"Did you really resign?" Harry asks at once.
"I did. Last night was too close of a call. I nearly bit you. I also endanger others as well. The Ministry would have been after my head had I not resigned."
"Do they believe that you transformed on purpose?" Harry asks.
"No, Dumbledore managed to convince the Minister that I was trying to save your lives. It was just misfortune that the night had to be a full moon. No actions have been taken against me as I was trying to save your life. But the Ministry isn't giving me any rewards either. The fact that I endangered you at all is enough for them to want blood. Things have calmed down a bit."
"Pettigrew still escaped, though," Harry said sadly.
"Yes, there were many things I would have wanted to ask him. His betrayal is most shocking. I did not see it coming. He once adored James like no other. I never would have suspected that Peter would turn on James. I guess that's why it was easy for me to blame Sirius. But Peter made his choice."
"I also wanted to know why," Harry said.
"The truth, as you said, can be a terrible thing. Sometimes it's better not to know." Lupin said sadly.
"What will you do now?" Harry asks.
"Sirius has asked me to help him. So, I'll be working under House Black now." Lupin said with a smile.
"I bet you love that. The two of you really have to catch up." Harry said.
"Indeed. I must also make amends to Sirius, for doubting him. He'll be quick to forgive me. But my guilt will still be there." Lupin said softly.
"I wished things had worked differently. I really wanted to bring the traitor to justice." Harry said.
"I know, but we mustn't live in the past. We can only cherish what we have and move forward. Tell, how did you like the map?" Lupin asks.
"How did you know?"
"I saw you carrying it in your bag one day in class. I'm sure your father would have passed that on to you. It's why I didn't say anything. That map held the treasure of our friendship. Take good care of it." Lupin said.
Harry nods his head as Lupin grabs his bag and walks out.
Lupin turns back.
"I've looked worse. Don't worry about me, Harry, I'll be fine. Just focus on what you have to do and live the rest of your life with joy. Enjoy your youth, you won't get another chance to enjoy yourself." Lupin said.
Harry said nothing as he watches Lupin walks out.
The rest of the year was uneventful. Though it did get people talking about their next Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.
Before he left, Sirius Black gave Harry a gift. One that he handed into Dumbledore.
'I Sirius Black, Harry Potter's Godfather, and Guardian hereby grant him permission to visit the Hogsmeade Village.'
And with the last Hogsmeade trip was approaching as well, it was exceptionally well received and appreciated.
Harry smiled as he was finally able to legally walked through the Hogsmeade Village without Granger or Percy Weasley raising a fuss.
Harry enjoyed the look on Percy's face when he realized the rat he had taken care of as a boy was really a Death Eater he had had in his home.
Harry was eating a meal and drinking butterbeer with Artemis in his lap.
To anyone that looked, they appeared to be a couple.
Harry knew that what they had was only a fling, but for the moment, he was happy that he had Artemis.
Artemis really wanted a child, and she kept insisting that Harry really knock her up.
For the first time, Harry was considering it.
Harry said nothing as he looks at the Top Ten Students of the Third Year.
First Place: Harry Potter – Slytherin
Second Place: Liliana Morris – Gryffindor
Third Place: Padma Patil – Ravenclaw
Fourth Place: Su Li – Ravenclaw
Fifth Place: Daphne Greengrass – Slytherin
Sixth Place: Ernest Macmillan – Hufflepuff
Seventh Place: Hannah Abbott – Hufflepuff
Eighth Place: Draco Malfoy – Slytherin
Ninth Place: Hermione Granger – Gryffindor
Tenth Place: Blaise Zabini – Slytherin
Harry said nothing as he was once again placed first. Harry held Artemis tightly around her stomach, and she appeared to glow over the fact that she was his.
The next day came, and a surprise came to everyone at the last meal at Hogwarts.
"Guys… Harry and Lily are dueling!" A Ravenclaw student shouted.
Everyone jumps to their feet and rushes to the eastern courtyard where Harry and Lily were standing in a faceoff.
"Take your bets, place your bets… who will win... Harry Potter or Liliana Morris, plenty of time before the match starts, place your bets." Fred and George Weasley shouted. Countless students began to place bets.
"I've got Harry…"
"I'm betting on Lily…"
Harry and Lily smirk as Professor Flitwick steps forward.
"The rules are simple." Professor Flitwick said as he looks at the duo. "No lethal spells and the first one to land a disabling hit wins."
Harry and Lily said nothing as they nodded, showing they were listening. Both place their wands at the ready.
"Begin." Professor Flitwick said.
Author Notes: So ends the Third Year. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. I know many of you wanted Peter to be brought to justice, but it wasn't his time. Not yet, at least. Peter will be delivered to justice, just not today. However, I did free Sirius Black. One fault I found wrong in the books was that Dumbledore was Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot at the time. He had power over Fudge to stop the Dementor's Kiss. That's what I did here. Dumbledore used his position to get the Truth. So, Pettigrew escapes, but Sirius is Free. How do you all like that?
Quidditch World Cup is next.
Please R&R!
