"Speach"
'Thought'
$snake$
!guess!
P.I.S.S.O.F.F.
14
ISDH
121
Hermione raised her vial, ready to be next… when it jumped from her hand…
McGonagall reached out with her non-wand hand to catch the vial, only to have an orange blurr grab it out of the air and return it to the witchling.
"Miss Granger. Your Second year." It was all the older witch needed to say, for the former Gryffs to understand.
The Lass paused, until the 'cat' pushed her hand towards her face. When she down the potion, she did not grab her belly as the others had. Instead she shivered. Then she shimmered. Then she morphed. Her ears pulled up and back as her mouth and nose became a muzzle. She shed her robe as her skirt showed a tail flickering about her knees. She stepped out of her penny-loafers as her feet shifted to stand on her toes. Her eyes went yellow and 'cat like'.
Then she suddenly was just a 'cat' a little bigger than Crookshanks. The Orange beast was quick to 'neck' with his 'pet', before stepping back as she shimmered back to her full human form. "Okay, that was strange. And I 'run' with that One!" she pointed at Harry.
"Oi!" the last one to change called out as he rose, to see to her. Once Hermione was settled, Harry took his place in the center of the circle. He downed the vial. "Never give that recipe to Poppy. Her potions taste bad enough." then he screamed as he dropped to his hands and knees.
Hedwig landed on Luna's shoulder, as Crook curled up in Hermione's lap. All eyes on the lad on the ground.
His black hair spread over his body, as his form filled in and out. Slowly a compact, short haired big cat stood and stretched. As he stretched, his Wings spread wide… as feathers tufted his ears. Then the cat faded into a large dark Owl, the opposite of Hedwig and twice the size…
Then Harry was back to 'Human', balancing on his hands, before he crashed into a pile on the ground.
!Stupid chick! A soft voice echoed in his head. !Balance is Prime!
"Say Wha?" Harry drunkenly surged upright.
"You Okay, Pup?" Black was at his side, helping him to his feet.
"Yeah. I thought I heard something…"
"Well, no one said anything." Lupin waved his wand over the lad.
"No Human." Hermione glared at Hedwig. "But After my… accident in '92, I heard muttering in the halls, and after getting this guy," She scratched behind the ears of her 'cat', "I could hear him, when he focused his thoughts. There are times I 'hear' Professor McGonagall before she even says a word."
"So you think I was hearing Hed, from my transformation?" Harry looked at the Witch, before turning to looking at the owl.
!Stupid Chick. Finally You hear me.!
The owl lifted off the girl, and winged to her human.
!Now Scratch!
Harry sat and obeyed.
121
Director Bones followed her Niece and Friend to a small room just off the Great Hall. As the Door clicked shut, the Director sealed it and silenced it, and then cast a detection charm for listening charms.
Nothing. Either the Room was clean, or Albus had stepped up his Game.
"So, Susan. The Contract. Your thoughts."
"He has already made contact with Greengrass, Publicly." the redhead tried for a stone faced look.
"Plus He still has Granger, no matter what colour her Robes might be." the Honey Blond threaded her hand into her friend's.
"Had him in my office yesterday." the Regent laced her hands together. "If he lives through this Mess, Potter would be open to taking a Harem, if they can get along. Or we can buy a skip."
"I will think on it, Aunty." Sue shifted.
"Good. Now first, what gossip can you tell me." the Witch pulled her monocle from her eye. "First about the school. Then we will get to Mr. Potter."
121
Lord Greengrass and his wife stepped from the Floo in the Three Broomsticks. His wife eased into a booth as he exited the Tavern. It was a twenty minute walk to the Gates, which were open, as Hagrid was trimming back the overgrowth on the sides of the roadway. Hagrid walked him the rest of the way.
As they entered the courtyard before the Main Doors, a Grim came bolting around the far corner, being chased by two foxes, a rabbit, a pureblooded Kneasle and what looked like a cross between an Owl and a Big Cat. the foxes split off to the right, as the rabbit and kitty poured on more speed. The Grim tried to hide behind Hagrid, just as the big cat spread it's wings and pounced into the air. The Grimm burst through the mountain man's legs bolting for the Main Doors… only to slam muzzle first into a plane of solid air, as the foxes phased in to view between the Black dog and his target. The owl beast dropped from the air, pinning the grim to the ground as the rabbit and Kneazle trotted up.
From where they appeared, a wizard in White holding a black ball in his left hand, gripping it by the back of it's scruff, and Professor McGonagall stepped around the corner.
"Ah, Lord Greengrass. May I inquire as to why you are here?" the Scott Headmistress smiled warmly, avoiding the pile of animals to her left.
"What is…" Greengrass began, having trouble tearing his eyes off the Owl crossbreed pinning the Grim's head to the flagstones with his left fore-talon, as the Kneasle, rabbit, and foxes bounced on the 'dog'.
"Headmaster Black decided to challenge his students to a game of tag. The foyer was to be 'sanctuary'..." the wizard in white answered, swinging the black fur ball away from the Lord.
"Professor, Why do you have one of my Nifflers?" the Groundskeeper asked in his booming voice.
"Not one of yours." Lupin smirked. "This is one of our students. Not good in a race, but the form has other traits that the student will enjoy."
"You teach your students how to be Magical Animagus?" the Lord stepped away from the black ball of fur.
"The Process is a vile potion, nasty gastric trama, and you are mixed to your ideal match. This guy is not a thief, but is completely unpologizric and very curious. He runs with the two foxes over there, and has for the last five years." Lupin shook the Niffler, "They are supposed to be learning how to shift back to Human…"
"Oh, Forgot about that." the Black lad now crouched beside the Professor. "Kinda forgot myself there. All I could think about was the 'Shinies' in your pocket."
"Okay Harry, you can let him up now." when the adults refocused on the 'dog pile' only the crossbreed and grim were still not human. Two redheads had wrapped an arm around one another and were leaning on each other as they laughed. A Blond had climbed on to the beast's back, just in front of the wings, as a crinkly haired witch with long tufted ears stood, with arms crossed under her developing bust, taping her sandleshoe. "You don't have to be human, but stop pressing his face into the stone. That is no way to treat our Headmaster."
The bird-beast barked, before stepping away.
"What is he?" Lord Greengrass approached the brunette witch.
"By definition, He is a Gryphon. Half Cat, half bird of Prey. He just happens to be a Puma crossed with an Owl." She turned to look at the Lord, "And yes, He has both Puma and Owl as forms."
"And you?" He reached slowly with his left hand to stroke her tufted ear.
"Between a potion Accident two years ago, and the potion today, I am a full Kneazle, with traits that I have to relearn to hide." She fully focused on him, and he felt the need to run. "My I ask, who are you?"
"Lord Greengrass." Black stood, adjusting his robes. He stepped forward. "Your Eldest has asked to join our number, along with her friend."
Lord Greengrass wiped his face. 'My little viper is positioning herself in the bosom of …' It was here that he saw the Badge on the breast of the Headmaster's Robes… and the letters written out in the ribbon of the Headmaster's stole. "Pissoff."
"Ah!" Black lit up like a bonfire on a cold night. "So you have heard of us."
He buried his face in his hand. Not looking up, "Headmistress. I am taking my youngest Home. My Eldest and her Friend will be transferring Schools for the Year. Please make it happen as quickly as possible. My wife is waiting down below and I am feeling…"
"Ah!" the blond bounced where she was sitting on the Puma's back, "Time for tea?"
Lupin and the twins snorted, as the Kitty-witchling pinched her nose-bridge. "Luna, unless you are inviting him to 'tea-time', you just nod and pretend that they are enjoying Earl Grey." Looking the blond in the eye, and why are you…"
"Riding the Gryphon?"
Black preened as the three sixth years snorted.
Lupin turned to McGonagall. "I think I will be bringing two bottles, and starting at three."
"I will raise you two bottles and an hour, but Phineas and Pomona will be joining us."
"Brother dear."
"Yes Brother?"
"Our First day of classes, and we have already sent one to day drinking!"
"Twins!" the Brunette snapped. "Not Now! Lunch is in thirty minutes, then you have your private study in your Quarters afterward. The Headmaster was talking about a ceremony that I know you two want to be a part of."
The Twins perked up, you could almost see their ears perched on the top of their heads. They grabbed the Headmaster under the arms as Lee grabbed him behind the knees, and they ran back the way they came. The Blond grabbed the feather-tufted ears of her ride, and pulled him about, before pressing her heels to his ribs, coaxing him to trot after.
"Professor McGonagall, I would invite you, but Duty calls I see." the kitty-witch bobbed her head to the Headmistress. "Professor Lupin, the sooner we get this over with, the Sooner you get to have your tea." Her hairless tail shaft wrapped about his arm, as the tufft end waved bye to the two being left behind.
"And my Eldest wants to join that… group?" Lord stared after.
"Yes." the Matron Witch sighed, "they will be the only Slytherin students there, and positioning themselves close to House Black and House Potter." She climbed the steps into the Foyer.
"Potter?" Shock on his face as he scrambled in her wake.
"Who do you think was the Gryphon?"
121
Once everyone in White had assembled in the side courtyard, Harry still in his beast form, Headmaster Black resettled his Robes and Stole.
"I was going to do this this weekend, but everyone has a good grasp on their alter-egos." His Smirk grew to a full smile. "Mester Moony, the Time has come to speak of many things; Of Tooth, Talon and Claw, of Feathers and Fur!"
"Indeed Mester Padfoot." Lupin spoke in a solium tone, but his Head was held High. "I take it you will be retaining your Title of Prank-master Major."
"Of Course, That makes you the Master of Ceremonies." While the face screamed 'Prank' the tone was 'Serious' as opposed to 'Sirius'. The twins looked like Christmas had come early.
"For the Post of 'Captain of Fate…" Lupin tucked his hands behind him. "Name your Nomine."
"I name the Son of Prongs. Formally Prongslet, but Now I dub Him… 'Knight-wyng'!" Padfoot Bayed.
"Recognized, and Seconded." Remus's grin was wolf-like. "For the Post of Navigator of Research, Name your Nomine."
Knight-wyng barked like Hedwig, and pointed a Talon at Hermione, giving an owlish grin.
"Yes, She would fill your Mother's Post rather well." Black/Padfoot squinted at her, "Thinking… Rat-catcher, but that is wrong… more 'Pouncer'…"
Hermione glared at the Headmaster…
"The Spot is hers." Lupin decreed, "but until she is Named, she is barred from her duties." He frowned as he looked at the others, "Position of Spymaster goes to…"
"Lee." Hermione sighed. "Luna is a better Lookout, being faster, with better sensor senses. But Locked vault-doors are no barriers to a determined Niffler."
"Shine-pouncer?" Lupin offered.
"Done!" Black grabbed the black lad's hand and pumped it hard. "That leaves 'Messis Thorn-Bounder' as our Lookout and Scout." A bow to the blond, playing 'pony' on the Beast. "That just leaves …" everybody turned to face the Twins.
"Puck." Hermione smirked, "And Goodfellow. They can decide which is which, but no Fred/Gred games with it."
"Yes." Lupin crossed his arms. "The 'Ship of the Marauders' is sacred. Break this Rule, among us, and you will face the Fate of Wormtail'."
"And you Miss Granger…" Black lost his Prank-smile, going for 'Charming Rouge' instead. "We will have something by Breakfast, tomorrow. And No, you do not get to Name yourself."
121
Greengrass ignored the Witchling wrapped about his waist, as he signed the paperwork to transfer the two fourth year witchs beside him to the PI School.
"Father." Daphne was embracing her Ice-Witch persona. "Share with Mother… I am bound to Black, as Consort. Headmaster Black said that Lord Black would consider a 'Line Continuation' clause to be added to what Malfoy forced you to sign. You three need to decide; Is Tori Marrying Potter, or are we buying the Skip? If we skip, I will cover the Heir issue. Even if I have to share."
"You will be sharing anyhow." Tracy snickered. "The Contract states you must meet next week, to talk it over with Lord Black, er, I mean Lord Potter."
"You know something?" the Lord looked at his 'Niece'.
"Ask Auntie about the Son of a Bitch Black." Trace bounced on her toes.
"Ladies!" McGonagall sighed, "Language. Please."
Lord Greengrass handed the signed Paperwork to the Professor. "Pippi! See Daphne and Tracy moved to their new quarters, then pack 'Tori's things and take them home." He instructed the elf at his knee. "Girls, behave. Tori, your Mother is in the Three Broomsticks. Good day professor." he turned and followed his youngest out the Main Doors.
Lord Greengrass did not run… but he was easily able to keep up with his baby girl.
121
Director Bones warred with Auntie Ami.
She was pleased with how her Heir had handled things. Potter had never directly turned them away. Sue had even publicly pushed for an answer on where they stood… and Potter had answered she could demand a result then and there, or if she wanted, a private meeting…
The young Lord had been cornered by the Greengrass Heir, and had publicly offered her a 'token of interest'. Now one had not been presented to Sue, but he had called the boy who had run interference to heel.
But then there were the rumors of Potter killing their first year DADA professor, Mind-wiping their second year, and having to fight their third until sun-up… and that was not including the Dementors!
Sue was pushing for a 'Line Continuance Contract', with House Potter. Her thinking was That Granger would take Lady Potter, Greengrass would take Ms Black, unless Lord Greengrass altered their agreement… Leaving the position of Lady Black open for Bidding.
Hannah spoke of the gentle Longbottom Heir, and her plans to entangle the poor lad.
Regent Amelia Bones was pleased with her Heir's plans. The Lass had moved openly, and only short of joining Potter's new School, had taken every step to make her opinion known.
Director Bones was PISSED. The Headmaster of Hogwarts had played a few trumps too many. By the end of the Year, She would have the proof she needed to cripple his choke hold on the 'Light' and burn the corruption from her Ministry.
As Chief Warlock; he had sealed the Potter Wills, demanded the Guardianship of Heir Potter before abbanding the babe in the Muggle World, ignored his charge, failed in his duties as Guardian, and those were just his trasspasses against Potter. Against Black, there was the lack of a trail, prevention of a Godfather's duties, interference of a Most Ancient and Noble House's affairs… and if the rumors were true, he had a hand in the deaths of many wizards, witches, and squibs, if not the whole House…
As Headmaster; He poisoned the minds, twisted the talents, and crippled the learning of his students. The very act of Hiring Snape as his Potion Master / Professor had cut the number Auror Recruits and Healer Apprentices from twenty a year to less than five, and they needed a 'Potion Booster' course.
And those were just the 'crimes' she could think of right now.
She was shocked from her musing when the Clock in the tower struck the first bell of Noon.
"Well girls." She gathered herself together. "Let's head to Lunch in the Hall. I want to see what your schoolmates think of Potter's new School. If what I hear is to my liking, Sue might be transferring out."
The two lasses looked at each other, before shrugging and led the way to the Great Hall.
AN: yes, we are short this chapter, but am running a bit dry here.
advise welcome