Chapter 13
A rage, stronger than any fire, burns deep inside each one of us. There is no other way to put it, it burns, and it can consume us. It is our greatest weakness and it is also what gives us incredible power. You must understand, young pup, as everything magic gives us, is neither good nor evil. It just is.
The rage is frightening, both to ourselves and to those around us. The first time you swell in it is an intoxicating feeling of strength, speed, the raw magical power. But, the bloodthirsty, the need to hurt, and the lust, are also all too real. Magic creates life but also destroys it. The rage makes us magic's hunters.
Without proper guidance, we can quickly fall prisoner to the anger that burns. Its power is addictive, to let it take over us, to fight and kill without mercy, is tempting. But, contrary to what most people think, fighting against that fire is the recipe for failure and despair. Fighting it only results in death. The death of the wolf, or in most cases, the death of those around him.
One must embrace it. The rage is part of us, and only through accepting that, we may conquer it. Rage gives us the power to kill, but also to protect. Through it, we can see magic's colors. We are magic's ultimate hunters because of it. With time, as you learn how to embrace your rage, it will make you stronger, your senses sharper, your speed will increase, and magic will run through you easier.
We are magic's hunters, and we are the rage.
.oOo.
Fleur felt Harry finally calming down as the carriage stopped in front of them. The girl had this strange feeling, a little earlier she almost could feel his anger bleeding through her. Veelas were empaths, and it was easy for them to detect and read other people's feelings, but that was way more intense than anything she had sensed before. Fleur could feel his rage, like a scratch on the back of her mind, mixing with her own feelings. It was scary and exciting at the same time.
They hopped into the carriage, sitting side by side, and Fleur could see that his resolve was coming back. Harry had the gaze he usually did when trying to think ahead.
"Sorry for my little outburst back there. Sometimes it's hard to control myself, with the curse and all..." The werewolf said suddenly to her, holding her hand tightly. Fleur smiled at him.
"Who am I to lecture you about it 'Arry. I wanted to burn the bastards to the ground myself, I confess. I am not a good example…" Fleur giggled, making Harry smile and kiss her. There she felt again, the scratch on the back of her mind. So subtle Fleur almost missed it. The veela looked at him, trying to read his emotions.
The anger was still there, but under layers of caring, awe, pride, and… lust. Fleur moved a finger over Harry's lips, and licked her lips; the wolf smiled at her, and in a quick movement, captured her lips. She opened her mouth, letting his invading tongue play with her own. As before, they battled for dominance, Harry placed a hand on her waist and the other on her neck. Fleur felt his passion, all his determination running through his lips. The veela felt her arousal growing, the heat irradiating from her wet center through all her body. The veela let her allure run free, like she knew only Harry could handle, focusing entirely on the wizard in front of her, feeling his body temperature rising, his hands slowly mapping her back from top to bottom.
Fleur felt like she was drinking on their passion, feeding each other's urges, allowing herself to feel things she had repressed for a long time, The witch let herself go in her wolf's arms. Never had she felt anything like that. With a bold move, Harry moved both his hands under her firm bum and pulled her to him, and Fleur let herself be taken, running her leg over his lap, not allowing their mouths to part, kissing and biting, moving her hands over his messy hair. When their hips met, she felt the bulge of his stiff member under his trousers, pressing against her panty-clad folds; Fleur cursed the layers of fabric between them, clawing his chest, even if it was too soon. Harry's hand ran up her tights, and under her dress to find her perfect ass, caressing and pressing it with need. The girl moaned with his callous touch, his hands were rough but warm and carrying. Fleur couldn't help but start rocking back and forward in his lap, Harry's strong grab helping her move, trying to press her needy pussy against his cock. She cried and gasped for air, as the wizard attacked her neck and shoulders. The veela bit her lips, feeling the small orgasm building in her core as his hard member pressed against her clit, even under their clothes. When she looked at his face, he was smiling, the most predatory smile she had ever seen on his face, and that was enough to push her over the edge. Fleur bit his neck as she came, trying not to make too much noise.
Fleur stood there, on top of him, Panting and smiling. His hands were running through her back slowly, lovingly caressing her. Harry gave her neck small, soft kisses.
"How did you do this to me?" She asked. "I am the adult here!"
He looked at her grimly.
"Magic!" He said.
But Fleur could notice he was still hard.
.oOo.
Platform 9, ¾, five years ago.
Severus Snape stood still, looking at the sea of children in front of him with a fake air of disdain. At his side, Kingsley Shacklebolt did the same with his hawk-like eyes. Severus was actually shocked by the low number of children; he remembered when he took that ride for the first time. There must have been at least two times more children then than what he could see now. The war had really taken a heavy toll on the magic population of Britain. No wonder Hogwarts had so many unused classrooms.
"Remind me why I am here again?" Snape asked the big man on his side, not hiding the disdain in his voice.
"Because you owe your life to the old man, and forever you will do his dirty work." The man answered without looking at him, making no effort to hide the disgust in his voice. Severus sighed. As much as he hated it, Shacklebolt was right. The wizard was trapped, maybe forever, in the old man's hands. Even so, the dark-skinned man knew he deserved it, it was the price to pay for not spending the rest of his days in Azkaban, and also, he still held hope to help.
That's when he saw the boy, Lily's son, amidst the procession of red-haired kids. The first thing that struck him was how much he looked like James, but missed the arrogant air the pureblood brat had. No, his manners and walk were all Lily's. He seemed in awe, looking around, walking with his beautiful white owl. The second thing Snape noticed was how small he looked. Something was not right there. The boy was even smaller than many of the girls in his own year. Snape nodded to Shacklebolt and showed him the boy. The big man seemed sad.
"Well, I will patrol around the station; you keep an eye on the kid." Snape nodded as the man walked away.
The boy seemed lost, looking around in complete awe. He clearly hadn't any contact with the book for muggle-borns the school usually sent to new students. Once again, Severus questioned Dumbledore's idea of keeping the kid ignorant about who he was all these years. Looking closer he could see the oversized clothes he was wearing and the broken glasses. The boy who lived looked like a small, lost bun.
Then a girl approached him, with black hair, with Ivory skin. She looked very proud of her new school uniform and eager to help him. The boy smiled at her, and the girl helped him to the train. Severus' heart hurt when he saw who the girl's parents were and knew what he had to do; the headmaster had been very specific in his instructions. The slick man followed the small couple inside the train.
It broke his heart seeing them talk happily, the boy seemed to crave contact, and the pretty little girl was eager to give him. They sat in a cabin, and Snape could hear the girl talking.
"Wait here a little bit Harry, I will fetch some of my friends, Tracey and Susan will love to know you! Be right back!"
"O... ok…" The boy answered shyly. The girl came out of the cabin with a big smile on her face and stopped in front of Snape, with a jump.
"I'm sorry sir…" She said with her hands on her chest. "You scared me a little."
"No problem," Severus said in an even tone. "I am Professor Snape, you are?"
"Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass sir."
Snape sighed. "I am sorry Ms. Greengrass, I hope you forgive me someday." The cute girl looked confused, then scared when he pointed his wand at her and said. "Confundus…"
.oOo.
Harry felt like he was flying, even with his feet on the ground. His "defense club" was going well, he had his friends, his pack, around him (even if some of them didn't know about It), he was able to spend time with his beautiful girlfriend, and the next full moon would coincide with the term's end. Not even Ron's death glares or the prospect of detention with Snape over the next week were able to bring his mood down.
At first, Harry was worried about how the other girls around him would react to his new relationship. The wizard really liked Fleur, to be with her was like a dream, but he didn't want to chase the others away, but to his surprise, none of that happened. "Or maybe I am too stupid to notice anything." He thought once or twice. But everyone seemed ok with the new dynamic. Katie especially seemed thrilled about Harry and Fleur's relationship. Crazy witch.
After the carriage snog, Harry and Fleur decided to take it a little more slowly, but their more private kisses, when no one was looking, always ended up heating up, with needy hands and carefree exploration. They were not sure if it was her allure, his werewolf nature, or a combination of the two, and Harry didn't care. He actually liked it, and it seemed like Fleur did as well, but he was worried how things would go too close to the full moon, he probably would have to do it himself. But it was worth it.
Harry met with Fleur at the Beauxbatons carriage's door, and they walked hand in hand to the Great Hall where they met the others, this morning he was finally going to be able to fly with Viktor Krum. And he was stoked. It had been almost four days since the first task, and he was eager to fly again. During breakfast, Harry was surprised by Parvati, who had approached him with her sister and asked to join the club in a low voice, Luna had told Padma, and the twin sisters had decided to join.
The morning was cold, and the French girls seemed especially affected by the freezing wind. Harry had caught Fleur complaining about the Scotch weather more than once the last few days. "What's next, rain and snow at the same time?" The three girls had heavy coats and scarves around their necks. Hermione, Daphne, Blaise, Ginny, Luna, and Katie completed Harry's little Entourage to the quidditch pit. The wizard noticed Luna was carrying a camera.
"I love this smell…" Harry whispered as he entered the field, taking a deep breath, feeling the scent of the humid dirt, the wind, and the lake. The fact that he could feel so many of his friends' scents closer to him just made him feel even better. Fleur and Katie looked at each other with a knowing expression and smiled. After just a couple of minutes, Viktor Krum showed up, accompanied by Roger Davis and two other durmstrang students, a robust-looking boy and a petite dirty blond-haired.
"Hello, Harry." The champion extended his hand, which Harry gladly took. The Bulgarian seeker had a strong wood-like scent to Harry, feeling as sturdy as his build. "Let's have a good flight, shall we."
"Of course Viktor, I'm here for the fun; we both know I don't stand a chance." Harry smiled.
"Is never wise to underestimate the adversary, I did it to you once and will not do it again," Viktor said with a grin and Harry just smiled at that. Luna took a step forward with her camera in hand and a dreamy smile.
"Hello mister Krum, I am Luna Lovegood, Harry's friend, my father and I have a small publication, and we would like to publish an article about the champions, but not like the one on the prophet mind you. We want to show the true persons behind it, and their cooperation and friendship. Harry and Fleur already permitted me, but I will not do anything without yours as well."
Viktor eyed the petite girl with suspicion, then at Harry and Fleur, who nodded in approval. The Bulgarian shrugged.
"Anything is better than that terrible lying paper anyways, so, why not. But I would ask you to run it through my agent before publication, little girl, is that ok?"
"Thank you, I agree, I am pretty sure their offices are filled with snarkles, and that is why they can't write anything correctly." Viktor's wide eyes turned to Harry, who simply signed negatively with his head and shrugged, as the others around them laughed. "And there is only one way to remove snarkles, and I doubt they do it there." Harry's smile widened as he saw Viktor's mouth opening and closing, without understanding.
"And which way is that, Ms. Lovegood?" Viktor finally asked.
"Orgasms of course! They are extremely allergic to it, which is the reason you and Harry don't have any." Luna answered with the most neutral expression in the world as if she was just stating the obvious. Viktor blushed furiously, and Harry noticed Roger blushing too. "I will start by taking some pics of this recreation game if it is not a problem."
"No, not at all…" Viktor whispered, wishing to end the strange conversation as fast as possible. "Aren't you going to join us, Ms. Delacour?"
"Oh non, I much prefer my feet on the ground, mister Krum. Today I will just be a spectator." Fleur gave him a bright smile. Harry removed his jacket, getting a horrified look from Hermione.
"Harry! You are going to freeze like that!"
"No Hermione," Katie said in her ear. "That way he won't overheat. Remember?" The bushy-haired girl finally seemed to understand and nodded. Katie released the training snitches, five of them. Harry got on his Firebolt and lifted himself.
"Simple training run. The one to get the most snitches wins?" The Raven boy asked.
"Seems good to me!" The Bulgarian seeker answered, getting into his broom and ascending fast. So fast, Harry watched with awe, he knew the young man was leagues ahead of him, and that brought a predatory smile to his face. Harry quickly tailed the other seeker, studying his movements. The older wizard was precise and meticulous. Scanning the pit, pretending not to notice Harry right behind him. In less than a second, Krum disappeared from his sight. In a swift movement, Viktor was diving at dead drop speed, and Harry quickly followed, as fast as he could. "This is probably faint…" The young wizard thought.
But he loved it. The blowing wind on his hair, his hands tight around the broom handle, all his senses sharp as a knife. The wizard could feel his body temperature rising. Suddenly a golden wind exploded on the left of his head. He was not sure if it was his wolf senses or the actual snitch, he only knew it was going up. With a quick maneuver, Harry turned upside down and with a spin managed to change the direction of his fall without losing too much momentum. After a few seconds, he was rising almost as fast as he was falling, and he saw the golden movement line. Harry finally understood why werewolves couldn't play. He clearly could see the magical path of the little golden orb ahead. Rising, and rising. The wind was blowing in his ears, his roaring was the only sound he could hear. Everything else disappeared. Including Krum.
That proved to be a fatal mistake when Harry felt the older wizard's body slamming into his own. "Damn he is fast!" It was all he could think while he struggled to keep control at high speed. The Bulgarian extended his hand to the golden sphere and tried to snatch it, but thanks to Harry's own slam on his broom he came an inch short. They both smiled at each other as they pressed after the little magical object. Once again Harry tried to rotate in his own axis to get free of the other seeker, without losing sight of the snitch. But Krum turned with a rim. The older wizard realized that although Harry may be faster, he was stronger.
Suddenly the snitch changed direction again and started going perpendicular to the seekers. With a fast movement, Krum shoved Harry with his feet, away from the magic ball, and rotated one hundred and eighty degrees. Harry tried to get back on track, but with a bold move, Krum lifted himself from his broom, keeping contact with only one hand, his entire body in the air, giving him maximum reach, and snatched the snitch mid-air. Harry himself gave him a roar for the brilliant maneuver as they started descending to the field.
Only now Harry could see the gathering of students from all the three schools that had come to watch them fly, screaming and cheering. The werewolf could see Angelina, Alicia and the twins, and even Cedric amidst the watchers.
"That was amazing!" Harry told Krum as they landed. "You really are incredible."
"You too Harry, your reflexes and your speed are something else!" The Bulgarian extended his hand, which Harry gladly took. "In a year or less, you will be able to go professional, my friend. Just a little more training."
Harry felt a little sad, but the feeling was quickly pushed aside by Fleur's lips on his. "You both were great Harry! Look at all the people cheering!" the witch said with a touch of pride in her voice.
"So," Krum asked. "Which of your friends here play?"
"Katie, Blaise, and Ginny," Harry said pointing at his friends currently at the field.
"Hey, Roger, Brune," Viktor called. "What about a friendly game?" Harry saw his friends' eyes get as wide as their smiles.
"Sure." Roger Daves answered. "As long as you and Harry play keeper…" He laughed.
.oOo.
Daphne was waiting inside the room of requirement; the place looked like a perfect, even if not too big, dance floor. The wireless played a soft tune, and she got lost imagining Harry and herself dancing at the Yule Ball. The girl knew it was not going to happen, but she didn't care, not at the moment. Daphne liked him, and she even liked Fleur, but she was not one to give up. And it was fun to dream about it.
Daphne didn't really understand all of Katie's talking about the pack, inner circle, and alpha. The girl knew it was important, but right now Daphne was debating what to do with her own feelings. The girl had promised Fleur some space, but the witch also knew that Harry could change his mind, or even legally stay with both girls. But, was Daphne herself ok with it? Well, at least Fleur was beautiful. And Daphne had grown up watching Tracey's family, and they always seemed happy. "What am I thinking? I need to calm down, and I don't even know if I like him that much." Daphne snapped.
The witch then remembered all the moments they had, all her dreams, ever since the second year. "Yes… I do like him…" Then she felt the strange tug on the back of her head again. That was getting her worried. "I really need to check this up with Mom over the holidays…"
The truth was that she cared too much for them, not only Harry, but Fleur, Hermione, Tracey, Blaise, and even Katie, Ginny, and Neville, the group had cracked her emotional defenses in ways she didn't even know was possible... "My ice queen reputation will suffer, but who cares, I may not even need it anymore."
The door slowly opened, and Harry entered the room, looking confused at the configuration.
Daphne giggled at his dazed look, she liked it when the building leader, or as Fleur liked to call, the wolf, gave place to the confused and amazed boy inside him.
"Hum, Daphne… what is this?" He finally asked.
"There is a ball coming, and I will teach you how to dance," Daphne said and saw him blushing. "Before you start. I know you are taking Fleur, don't worry, I will not even be in the school at the time."
"No? Why?" Did he sound disappointed? Sad? Seemed like it.
"I have some important family matters to attend to at home Harry, as much as I would like to pass my holidays with you, with all of you." Daphne stood up and approached him and He took his now familiar deep breath, feeling her scent. She rejoiced in the knowledge that he liked it, and that made him feel calm and safe. "But the Yule ball is a fantastic opportunity for you. The new Black family heir. The Potter scion. The press will be here to see you and your veela princess. Do you understand how important a statement that is? You need to make a good impression, and I will help you with that."
"Thank you…" The wizard whispered.
"Don't mention it, and I need you to look good when I become the new lady Greengrass-Black," Daphne said casually, and Harry blushed furiously, making Daphne laugh.
"Teaser…" He said. Was she?
"You really need to grow a thicker skin, Harry. Come." Daphne extended her hand. "Come on, hold my hand." Daphne was surprised, although, with red cheeks, Harry didn't hesitate in taking her hand. Fleur was doing well to him it seemed. "Good is all about imposing yourself and looking self-confident." The girl walked with him to the edge of the floor. "Remember you are going to enter the ball with probably the most beautiful girl in the school, use that to your advantage." Harry smiled at her. "What?"
"Nothing…" The werewolf shrugged.
"Harry?"
"Just inappropriate thoughts, never mind…"
"Having sassy dreams already, are we?" Daphne teased.
"No! Ok, I just think you are just as beautiful as her." Daphne blushed. "And that is not the reason I like you both. I mean, the fact you are both gorgeous help…" Harry giggled at her red face. "But I like you both as your own persons…"
"Well, thank you, I guess… ok… first, you enter with her. At this moment, let the world see her, let them see how proud you are of being there. Probably there will be some announcements and presentations, just endure it." Daphne moved to the floor holding his hand at chest high. "When the first dance is announced, move with her to the floor. No need to hurry, this is not Quidditch."
"No, it is way more dangerous…" Harry said, and Daphne rolled her eyes. They stopped at the center of the dance floor, looking at each other. Daphne found out she couldn't contain a small smile and seemed like the wizard couldn't either. She took his other hand and placed it around her waist, feeling the tension building in the air.
"Now, I will show you how to lead, but it is your job to do so. Don't worry, and I don't expect you to get it on the first try, just relax." The witch placed her hand on his shoulder. Both teens were enjoying the closeness. "Now, try to follow my lead." Harry stumbled at first, but just like Daphne expected after watching him duel, his movements were graceful enough, and he quickly got the pace, although with some rhythm issues. "There, you are getting it…move the other foot…"
They danced to one song, then two, and three. Smiling at each other. Daphne felt right. Even the scratch on the back of her mind didn't bother her at this point. How foolish she was to believe in her prejudices, to believe in others from her house. There she was, around a complex young man, who made her feel accepted and wanted.
The music slowed down, and Harry stopped, blushing. Daphne knew she must be blushing too. Daphne now placed both her hands around his neck and approached him, to her pleasure; he also wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart was pounding as they slowly moved across the dance floor. They stay in silence, dancing.
"You are not half as bad as you said, Harry." Daphne finally got to say when the music stopped. They were so close she could feel the warmth of his body.
"Thank you, Daphne…" Harry whispered. They stayed close even after the music had stopped. His body was so warm, and he was sniffing her hair, and she loved the shiver it sent down her spine. When they finally parted she looked at his bright emerald green eyes.
"But you need more practice, Potter." She said, trying to give him a smirk. "Same time in two days?"
"You bet." The werewolf smiled.
.oOo.
Ronald walked through the echoing hallways and corridors at a precise, steady pace. At first, he was unsure, but he had already come all the way here, there was nothing more to lose. Hermione had rejected him, Seamus and Dean preferred to talk to each other, and his own family was on Harry's side all the time. And his so-called "best mate" had no problem shoving it in his face. At least the sneaking little snake saw his valor, and he was even starting to enjoy her presence.
Crabbe and Goyle were at the classroom's door, as they usually did. Ronald entered without even acknowledging them. Inside the empty room, amidst broken tables and chairs, Pansy was waiting for him. Her black hair, cut at the height of the girl's jawline, was almost glowing, reflecting the light coming from the doorway. The Slytherin gave him an evil smile when he entered. Ronald knew she was using him, and Maybe he liked it.
The Slytherin girl held a small box in her hands and gestured for Ronald to come closer to her. The girl was sitting on the old professor's desk with crossed legs, her robes open, showing the school uniform under it. Ron's gaze stood for some time on the way a big part of her tights was revealed and the boy was unapologetic about it.
"Like what you see Weasley?" Pansy asked in a sultry voice.
"Can't say I don't." He answered harshly. "Since when do the two trolls follow you?
"They want the same thing as myself, so I am letting them help me." The girl shrugged.
Ronald stopped at her side on the table, leaning on it.
"Does Draco know you are shagging his goons?" Ronald said with an evil smirk.
"Fuck you, Weasley; I shag whoever I want, and fuck Draco!" Pansy hissed, and he raised his eyebrows. "If Draco wants to suck the Dark Lord's cock like his father, that's his problem, none of us want to be dragged along. He can take that fat cow with him if he wants. But not me, nor Crable and Goyle." The look in the witch's eyes was fierce, and Ronald couldn't help but admire it. "Anyway, I have something for you, if you are willing to help me." The girl extended him the box.
Ronald could see it was addressed to Draco, and she signed for him to open it, inside there was a wand. Long and dark, different from the ones Ollivander made. "An untraceable wand, Ronald, imagine it. No shit ministry rules, no way for anyone to know who used it.
Remember what I told you about retribution?"
The boy took the wand in his hands, and his parents would kill him if they knew Ronald even touched it. The thought makes him smile.
"So, what's the catch?"
"You need to help me break Draco." Pansy gave him an evil smile.
.oOo.
Amelia Bones stepped out of the fireplace with a sigh and looked around the beautiful room, decorated in a tasteful art deco style. It had been an extenuating voyage, floo, two portkeys, and another floo from the ministry of magic in London, to the one in France, to the Delacour's residence. Very taxing of her magic. A beautiful woman was waiting for her, dressed in a sober, but very feminine Dior dress, in contrast with Amelia's auror trousers and boots, and a dark traveling coat.
"Bonjour Amelia, it has been a long time." The woman said in a very warm and welcoming voice.
"Fourteen years Apolline, you don't look a day older."
"Merci, you look very good yourself, Amelia." Amelia indeed looked well. In her late thirties, the witch was fit from her constant training, and her features, although hardened by years of service in the Auror force, were quite pleasant, adorned by shoulder-length dark red hair. "I'm happy to see you got where you want, chief of the DMLE."
Amelia smiled remembering the time she shared her dreams with the woman in front of her when she could even call her friend alongside Sarah and Lily.
"And I would never have imagined Jacques as chancellor, he hated politics if I recall, just like Sirius and James." Amelia mused.
Apolline giggled. "Life led us into strange paths. How's Susan? She must be a young woman by now."
"She is fine, and I did my best to raise her as my own daughter." Amelia sighed and looked sadly at the veela in front of her. "As much as I would like to catch up, I am here for a reason, and it has been a long trip."
"Of course…" Apolline answered in a defeated tone. "Please follow me, director Bones". The regal woman led Amelia through the house, very well decorated, but much more modest than the red-haired had initially thought. The Delacours were an old blood family in the continent, but not as wealthy as some of the British dynasties, its true power was their political connections. It made sense; most of the French's magical aristocracy had been wiped along with its non-magical counterpart, and the Delacours raised into importance during the revolution, without a single drop of noble blood. They arrived at a big wooden double door, and Apolline gestured inside. "Please, if you need something, don't hesitate to call me."
Amelia nodded and opened the door. The woman didn't know what she hoped to find inside the studio, for the first time in many years she was afraid.
And there he stood, in front of her. After more than thirteen years, the man she hated more than all, Sirius Black. The man who stole her youth, her happiness. The man she loved. He looked much older than Amelia remembered. Silver locks showed through his black hair and his goatee, he was much slimmer, almost like a shadow. But the more significant difference was in his eyes, there was still fire there, but of a different kind. In their youth, there burned a love for life, adventure, and lust, things that made Amelia shiver just to look at it. Now there was something darker, angry, vengeance. Hurt. The Raven tattoo on his neck brought her memories and tears sneak her way to her eyes.
"Hello, Amy… it's good to see you." Sirius said with a smile so sincere that it hurt her.
With three quick steps, Amelia closed the distance between them and with a loud crack slapped him in the face. The man closed his eyes and smiled. "I probably deserved that…" Crack! One more slap on the other side. "This one I don't know if I did… ouch." Amelia was crying, and she didn't even care anymore.
"Tell me it's true; tell me you didn't have anything to do with those deaths, thirteen years Sirius, thirteen years. I couldn't even move past you! You ruined me!" The woman was sobbing, babbling, and making no sense.
"I am sorry Amy, I am so sorry. They fucked me good. I didn't kill those people, and I didn't betray my friends… I didn't want to leave you…"
"They said you were dangerous, that you were so far gone, I couldn't even see you, I tried, and I tried! But I had to move on Sirius, for Susan. I had to move on. Goddess, I hated you so much. So much, almost as much as I loved you…" Amelia was interrupted by Sirius' arms closing around her. It took her a couple of seconds to realize he was REALLY there, embracing her.
"I know…" That was all he said before they stood in silence.
When they finally departed, Amelia assumed her more stoic and professional facet. Looking deep into Sirius' eyes. There was a valley between them now, but it was not the time to amend it. No, now was time to work. "I am here in official business Sirius, but before I need to know. Who did this to you? To us?"
.oOo.
One thing people didn't know about Bellatrix Lestrange was how careful of an observer she was. That was one of the reasons the dark lord had her in his inner circle. She could easily read people, and spot when they were lying. That and all the violence.
So it came as a little surprise when the dark witch realized. The new, handsome young Auror, who looked at her with a mixture of lust and fear, was actually caring for her, watching her closely. He was on their side.
Fenryr would love that!
.oOo.
Severus Snape waited, looking at the ceiling of his head office in the dungeons. Many things ran through his mind, Draco's house arrest was about to finish, and the slick professor debated if it was safe to give the boy his wand back. It was incredible how the power had shifted inside Slytherin; people now looked up to Daphne Greengrass from all the people. Not only her little alliance with Gryffindor's golden boy had her protected, but the news of her father's maneuvers at the wizengamot and his proximity with the French chancellor of magic had worked miracles with some of the more neutral families. But what really bothered him was Harry Potter. The headmaster had been awfully specific about what was to be done. "Lily, I hope one day you and your son forgive me… as the dark lord is getting stronger each day, and I am a coward…" The man thought as he felt the sting on his marked arm.
The sound of knocks on his door brought him back from his thoughts. "Come in…" he said in the bleakest voice he could muster. Harry Potter himself entered the room. Something had really changed over the last two months, or so, and it was visible. There was an air of confidence around the boy, the usual looking to the ground attitude he used to have was gone. And his emerald eyes now had a feral quality, all the same dangerous and caring, and the professor was sure it was not just because of the lycanthropy. The only other person he knew that had that aura around her was the boy's mother itself. Severus felt tightness in his chest, he was sure the headmaster saw it too. "That is why you are so afraid, old man? Are you afraid of him becoming like Tom or Lily?"
That only made what he was about to do even harder.
"Potter…" Snape hissed.
"Evening professor." Was the boy's simple answer.
"I understand the headmaster has warned you about what we are going to be doing this week." It was not a question. Severus used his coldest voice possible. The boy nodded. The fear Snape expected to see in his eyes was not there. Instead, he saw only defiance. "Sit down, Potter." The professor pointed to a chair in front of him. "I understand you have resisted Professor Moody's imperius curse." The boy nodded again. "Let's try it then."
Without warning, the dark man produced his wand from the sleeves of his robes and waved it with a whisper. "Legiments." The boy's eyes went wide, and Severus saw himself surrounded by Harry's thoughts and emotions. Surprise and fear hit the professor's own mind coming from the Raven-haired boy, the rage, so untamed and the raw fury, burned the older wizard's mind, and he subsided.
"Hum, it seems your natural defenses are quite strong, I may have underestimated you." The angry look of the boy was almost amusing. "Let's try again."
One more time, Harry's eyes widened, and Severus was invaded by the boy's raw emotions, but his own occlumency shields were ready this time. "Pathetic," Snape said in an even tone, but loud enough so Harry could hear. That was not the right move though; the rage Severus felt after that was almost overwhelming. As flashes of the boy's thoughts passed through the older wizard's mind, Snape felt something was wrong. He felt like something was watching him, stalking him.
Severus knew what to look for. Maybe if he finished the task the old headmaster gave him quickly, he could even teach something real to the boy. Damn old man! People looked at him as a messiah, as a prophet. The prophet of the light, some people called him. How Snape hated the old wizard, and most of all hated himself.
He knew what he was looking for. The Delacours. Their last meeting, how much the Frenchs had told Harry. Right now he was being bombarded by disjointed visions. Snape saw the cupboard under the stairs, the Hogwarts Express, Lupin, and Sirius, the dementors. The professor suddenly had to resist the urge to look over his shoulders. The feeling of being stalked was ever-growing. But Severus knew he was close. So much resistance, the boy's mind was extraordinary, truly Lily's son. He finally saw the French girl, the veela champion, and stopped, looking at the boy's memories. Not only her but also his half-blood werewolf friend, the muggle-born Granger, and Greengrass.
Snape approached the memory with hunger, he wanted to finish it as fast as possible. But he noticed something was wrong. The stalker finally made a sound, a roar resonated in his mind, and The professor turned around only to see an enormous black wolf pouncing at him right before the connection was lost.
Severus fell to the ground by reflex before realizing the wolf was not there. Or so he thought. When he looked at Harry he saw the wolf in his rage-induced eyes. The boy got up fast, so fast that Snape barely had time to point his wand and launch a silent stupefy. The spell hit the boy in the chest, and he screamed but did not stop. In a second the wolf was over him with an inhuman roar.
"POTTER!" The professor screamed, making the boy stop. Reason came back to his eyes, and Harry got up, panting heavily, his fists clenched. Severus got up and fixed his robes. "Maybe you are more dangerous than we thought Potter," Snape said without looking at him. "Maybe some chains are necessary for you. Maybe a leash." The boy's rage was palpable. "I am starting to think you are a menace to the other students Potter."
Harry looked at him in defiance. "Only to those who threaten the ones I care for or myself…" he answered.
"Tomorrow Potter, rest assured I will be more prepared, now get out of my sight!"
.oOo.
"He did WHAT?"
Hermione could not believe what she was hearing. "He tried to invade your mind? To… wasn't he supposed to teach you occlumency so you could defend yourself? Why?" They were sitting in the room of requirement waiting for the defense club meeting to start. Daphne was in the chair by his right side, and Harry and Fleur were on a sofa in front of her. The other two girls looked wide-eyed at the wizard as he finished his recollection of his "detention with Professor Snape."
"I think he was looking for something… I felt like he was being very specific before I lost it…" Harry said.
"Good thing he underestimated you…" Daphne offered, also scared that a professor would do such a thing.
"But he was right, you know… I may be too dangerous, and I attacked him… just like I attacked Malfoy." Harry shook his head.
"Non 'Arry. You defended yourself! He attacked you first! I hope he has pissed himself after seeing what he was up against!" Fleur stated.
"I agree," Daphne concluded in a neutral tone. Harry smiled at them, and Hermione saw Fleur squeezing his hand.
"There was something more…" Harry continued. "When I mentally attacked him, right before he let go of my mind, I think I could see his mind…"
"What do you mean Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I could see myself boarding the express, in the first year, like he was watching me…" the four stayed in silence, digesting the new information.
"Maybe we should go to the headmaster or professor Minerva about it," Hermione said.
"Non…" Fleur said in a commanding tone. "I say you fight back! He wants to know something, and so do we. I say, let the wolf do it, enter his mind, and make him taste his own medicine." The veela's gaze was fierce and predatory. "'Ermione, I believe we can fetch some books about legilimency and occlumency. Also, we can ask Katie."
"Fleur…" Hermione said in an uncertain tone. "You are talking about attacking a professor."
"Who tried to mind rape, Harry!" The French girl was fuming, beautiful in all her angry glory.
"Again, I agree, we may need that information," Daphne said. "What kind of game are you playing Daphne?" Hermione thought, looking at the black-haired girl. "Harry?"
The wizard was silent, thinking. He looked at them with a smile. "Let's go for it. I want to know what and why he is doing it." Hermione reluctantly agreed. She was uncomfortable, especially with how aggressive her veela friend could be. But wasn't that precisely the reason why Fleur was with Harry and not her, courage and attitude?
The other club members began to arrive, first Neville accompanied by Hannah and Susan, Ginny arrived accompanied by Blaise and Tracy, the proximity of her red-haired friend with the tall Slytherin made Hermione smile, maybe she was finally moving past her crush on Harry. The twins and their small entourage came later, and Luna got there right before Katie. Harry quickly talked to her. Hermione noticed the desire in both their eyes and thought about what they would do next to the full moon when both would be on edge.
The meeting went on without problems, Hermione found out that Harry was an even better professor than she expected. Before the end of the meeting, the wizard gathered Fleur, Daphne, Katie, Blaise, and herself.
"If you guys are up to it, I would like to try and teach you the Patronus charm. Not only is it a useful charm, the process of learning it helped me to get in contact with my own magic. I think it can do the same for you. What do you think?"
"Do you think we are ready?" Daphne asked.
"I know you are." The confidence in his voice fueled Hermione with her own.
As the other members left the room, Hermione approached Fleur, who was chatting with Gabbriele. "Fleur, can I talk to you?"
"Of course 'Ermione." They walked to a more reserved corner from the room. Hermione bit her lips, looking at the older witch, who simply smiled at her. "What is worrying you?"
"Do you really think it is a good idea? For Harry to risk himself like that?"
"'Ermione, why are you asking me and not him?" The veela gave her one of those evil, beautiful smiles, which made Hermione shiver. "Do you think I have this kind of influence over him?"
"I don't know…" in a swift movement, Fleur took both her hands.
"Think 'Ermione, you know him, you love him…"
"Fleur!"
"I know you do, you don't need to hide. 'Ermione, 'Arry, came to us for love and advice. But his decisions are his alone. I respect him too much for forcing him to do anything."
"But you could've stopped him…" Hermione said.
"Could you? In all the stories you told me?" Fleur raised her almost invisible eyebrow.
"No, he can be so stubborn…"
"When it comes to protecting us, yes he can be. He needs you now 'Ermione, he is learning just how surrounded by enemies he is. We need to remind him that he is also surrounded by love."
Hermione looked at Fleur. Deep in those blue eyes. The veela really believed that, just like Harry, the French believed in her. And she was not one to disappoint. "You are right Fleur. Sorry, I am just worried, I think."
Suddenly Fleur hugged her. "That's because you love him. And he is doing all this, all this fight, because he loves you too."
.oOo.
After lunch the next day, Katie walked with Harry through the grounds. heading for the forbidden woods. It was funny how it became way less scary when you're one of the creatures the professors warned the students about. The girl giggled and looked at Harry, he had changed, and the boy was starting to accept who he was now. The young wolf was fierce and protective. "Fuck, he is even hotter now…" she thought. "But I promised Fleur…" Katie finished with a sigh.
Katie knew Harry wanted her too, she could see it in his eyes, and she could smell it. Fleur could see it too, the veela was sensitive to it, and she was no fool. But Fleur trusted Harry and was trying to trust Katie. And the she-wolf was not one to betray her pack's trust. They walked in a comfortable silence into the deep woods until they reached a clearing. Harry stopped and looked at her. "Who is here?" Good, he quickly caught the smell.
"Harry, I want you to know my former alpha, the man who taught me everything. My grandfather." Benjamin Bell walked out of the woods; Harry looked at him with reverence in his gaze. Katie watched as they stood staring at each other. The old alpha and the new. The girl could see the colors dancing around them as they studied each other. Magic itself seemed to sing for their meeting. Katie felt a little apprehensive. But the smile formed on his grandpa's face shoved the feeling away.
"It's an honor to finally meet you, Mr. Bell," Harry said first, extending his hand. Benjamin took it and gave a strong shake.
"It's a pleasure Potter. I can clearly see why Katie chooses to hunt at your side. You may still have a long way to run, but I can see you are eager to learn."
"Thank you, sir. May I ask why we are meeting here?"
"My relationship with your headmaster and some of those ministry officials are... intermitting at best. I prefer they don't have the knowledge I was here, and the forest has enough creatures to mask my presence. But let's focus on the problem at hand. Katie's owl explained some to me. Is this professor trying to enter your mind?"
"Yes, he is seeking some knowledge. And I am afraid of what he will do with it. I was able to keep him at bay last time, but I don't know if I can do it again."
"Then don't do it…" both Harry and Katie looked at him in disbelief. "How far have you gone in remembering your hunts as a wolf?"
"I have flashes sir; if I concentrate I can remember details."
"Good, come, Katie, let me teach you both how to hunt inside your own mind."
.oOo.
The afternoon classes were finally over and Fleur could finally leave the carriage for the evening. It was her last year after all, and she needed good grades, tournament or not, conspiracies or not if she wanted to pursue a career as a curse breaker. Maybe next year she could try an internship at the Diagon Alley's Gringotts, to stay closer to Harry. This thought made her pause. "Am I really thinking about my future in relation to Harry? I really like him this much?" It was all so new to her too. Harry still had two more years at school, and somehow Fleur had a feeling they would not be peaceful. Regine had left to meet the twins and their girls. Fleur noticed something off there too, Fleur noticed that her friend's aura was confused, maybe things were not just about fun anymore.
Fleur found Harry talking with Blaise and Neville at the entrance hall. Hermione was near him with Daphne and Katie. Fleur, seemingly unnoticed, approached the girls and hugged a surprised Hermione. The younger girl almost jumped with a little eep sound, making Katie laugh.
"Goodness Fleur, you scared me to death!" Hermione panted.
"Always vigilant 'Ermione isn't that what that scary professor of yours says? Also, my hug is not so bad…"
"No, not at all…" Hermione blushed furiously, making both other girls giggle.
"Did 'Arry meet your grandfather?" The French asked Katie.
"Yes, but I think he's nervous. He said he was afraid of exposing you, or the other members of the club." Fleur looked at the boys talking about some assignment from the herbology class they just had. Even so, Harry looked worried, like his head was elsewhere, as it probably was. He was so young, yet he cared more about things than anyone older than himself. Harry cared about others.
When she asked him why, he confessed that it kept him going, to think of a better place for those he loved, when she pressed more, he finally said, he was afraid of not making it. Death was all too real for him. The werewolf could feel it in his bones. Harry was afraid to die before fixing things. At that time Fleur held him so close. The veela realized she was the one crying, as he tried to comfort her, caressing her back and kissing her forehead. That was when she knew how in love she was. And decided he was going to live. No matter how she was making sure of it.
Remembering that, she approached her Harry, yes, he was hers, she was possessive and she knew it. Just like Hermione, Fleur embraced Harry from the back and kissed his cheek. The wizard smiled and turned to kiss her mouth. "Oi get a room you two!" Blaise said with a muzzle.
"Shut up Zabini," Harry answered blushing.
"Although it is not a bad idea…" Fleur said in a sultry voice, biting Harry's ear, and making him and both boys blush.
"I can assure you…" Katie let out before covering her mouth with both hands, blushing too. Fleur just laughed.
"You English are so stiff." Fleur gave them her best evil smile and looked at Hermione. "Maybe we should take them to some of those Riviera beaches to lose up, don't you think 'Ermione. Some of them even allow top less…"
"I know…" Hermione simply rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Oo-la-la. I guess 'Ermione is even bolder than we thought." Fleur finished kissing a now very aroused Harry. Neville looked like he wanted nothing more than to disappear and Blaise had a silly smile on his face.
"You witches are trying to kill us…" Harry commented affectionately returning Fleur's kiss.
They noticed Viktor Krum approaching, accompanied by Roger Davies as usual. The Bulgarian had become a good friend lately and had spent some of the time with them. People now talked about the champions that became friends, even if Cedric hadn't come around. Fleur suspected it had more to do with the wizard's girlfriend than with the other champions themselves. Viktor on the other hand has bloomed with them, becoming more open and friendly each day. It was clear the taciturn facade was a way for him to deal with the people running around him for his name and fame. In this, he found an equal both in Harry and Fleur.
"Hello, Viktor." Harry offered. "You seem worried?"
"Indeed I am, my friend." Viktor sighed and came closer, with a flick of his wand he cast a privacy charm. "You see, I realized I can't take the person I really want to the ball, but I am nonetheless obliged to go." Fleur squeezed Harry's hand, they had suspected that. "I thought about taking some fangirl, or someone I barely know, but I would not feel comfortable, and following your example Harry, I would like to bring someone from outside my own school…"
"I will go," Hermione said promptly. "I don't have a pair yet, and we can sit closer to Roger, so you can enjoy at least part of the ball together. If it is ok with you of course…"
"Hermione…" Viktor said with a smile. "You are a lifesaver, a brilliant beautiful lifesaver!" Viktor kissed her on the cheek. "Are you really ok with it, don't you have someone you want to go with, a pretty girl like you must have tons of invitations?"
"I had some…" the bushy-haired girl said while blushing. "But that way I can also go with the ones I want…" she finished looking at Harry and Fleur.
"And I can go with Daves." Katie finished. "I was not even thinking about going, I am a damn bad dancer, but if I can help, why not!
"Incredible, it's a date. then!" Viktor said before leaving with a relieved air, smiling at Roger. Hermione seemed satisfied with herself. And Fleur gave her an encouraging hug. But both witches noticed Harry's angry look.
"What's the matter, Harry?" Hermione asked. "That way I don't need to go with someone I don't feel comfortable with, why are you looking like that?"
"Is Harry jealous?" Fleur thought.
"No Hermione." He finally said. "You were brilliant. I am mad at everyone else. Why couldn't he go with the one he wants? Why do people have to judge and give them hell? It's unfair, why can't people just be with the ones they love?" Harry looked at them and sighed. "Sorry, I know I am being a hypocritical ass. The full moon is getting closer and it is getting a little hard to control my anger. I like Viktor… Mrs. Weasley can be a controlling piece of work sometimes, but she said something true. Love grows, but only if we allow it to grow, then it can match everyone… or something like that." He kissed Hermione on the cheek and then Fleur in the mouth. "I have to go, dance then detention…" both girls watched him walk away, absorbing what he just said.
Fleur looked at Hermione, the younger witch biting her lip. "Didn't she just say she wished to go with both of us?" The French thought.
.oOo.
The wireless played a soft tune in the background, and the two teens moved through the dance floor, hand in hand, slowly swinging to the music. Harry and Daphne had practiced spins during the forty minutes they were there, the wizard found it rather fun to spin the beautiful girl around and see her robes floating with the movement. But now they were just enjoying the proximity, bathing in each other's presence.
"So…" the witch finally asked. "Are you really moving forward with this?"
"It's not like I have much choice," Harry answered. "The other option is to let him enter my mind and know about us… or about Fleur's parents. I can't allow that…" There was another spin, but this time Daphne took hold of the movement, and to Harry's surprise finished the spin with his back glued on his chest, the wizard's arms around her chest and shoulders. Daphne could feel his breath in the ear, he still stiffed for a second, but relaxed and resumed moving to the music, drinking on her scent. Daphne smiled. "Are you going to tell me what is wrong?" Harry asked in her ear, making her shiver. She could feel his movements on her own hips and was sure he could smell her arousal forming in her inner thighs.
"What do you mean…?"The witch asked.
"Why are you not staying for the holidays?"
"Always perceptive… I need to see my mother… I need her help with something…" Daphne sighed.
"Are you sick?" Harry sounded worried.
"No… I don't know… but I feel something is wrong… and she may be able to help me… also…"
"The ball?" The werewolf asked.
"Yes, I promised Fleur…"
"Am I a hypocritical bastard? I really like her; I think I'm in love with her… but…" Harry tried to say.
"You are in love with me too… I know, she knows… I can even feel it." Daphne moved her hips, feeling his hardness against her, and giggled.
"Not funny… I don't know what to do… but I am with her, and I understand if you don't want anything to do with us anymore, I will still protect you, with all I have."
"But I do want everything to do with you. It is my choice. But one step at a time… first you need to manage Snape…" Daphne finished.
.oOo.
Severus Snape fell on one knee, panting and sweating. "One week… we have been through this for one week…" The man looked at the boy in front of him, also panting, still in the chair, but looking at him with those feral eyes. "But I'm getting closer… but I am not sure anymore who is hunting who…"
Every Time he got closer, the beast chased him, stalked him, and hunted him. It was too real. So real that the professor started having nightmares of himself being chased by the wolf in the forbidden Forest.
For some reason, the boy's mind was like a maze of rage and instincts. And Severus felt himself being watched, guided, and stalked all the time. There were instances when he had to flee! Like prey in the woods. Who taught him that? But he was getting ever closer. But every time the wolf got to him he felt the attack on his own mind. The boy was extraordinary. He could clearly see how perfect of a martyr he would be in the old man's cult. Snape watched as reason came back to Harry's eyes.
The boy looked at him with a grin. The words he spoke sent shockwaves of understanding to the professor, he was being hunted all the time. Harry looked at him and said.
"The order of the Phoenix…"
