Magic Among Cybertron
ESKK: Well, here we go Chapter 4 let's begin.
(Start Decepticon Base)
The Cons had managed to get their base of operations set up and at the moment were simply carrying out their regular duties. Of course, they had to clear out the previous, tenants, from their bases location and had kept a few for research or personal purposes. Speaking of two Vehicon Troopers were seen firing their weapons at what appeared to be undead creatures who had leashes on them using them as target practice.
"BOOM!" A Con cheered as he and his buddy were passing the time while on guard duty.
"Little things are just adorable when they try to attack us." The second Vehicon said as they then got ready for the next bit.
"Hey, remember you miss tonight is on you." The Vehicon said and thus got ready to fire his weapon.
"Yeah great." The Vehicon said and in turn started firing off his weapon at the creatures. They had to be careful since most if not all of them were corralled for study later. As the second one shot his weapon, he missed a few shots and thus the Con moaned. "SCRAP!" He cursed and thus the first laughed.
"Great shot I'll take my Energon on the rocks." The first one said before a new voice cut in.
"TK-411 TK-656 what in the name of Kaon are you two doing?" Came the voice of Dropkick as he did not sound happy as normal.
"Oh, just target practice making sure our optics are dialed in and our weapons aren't suffering any malfunctions." TK-411 reported as he knew they were supposed to be on duty.
"Confirmed Stand By for orders." Dropkick said and in turn they cut the call.
"Do you think he will EVER not fall for that one?" TK-656 asked as he looked to his friend.
"I don't think so after the first 4 dozen times he asked." TK-411 said as he found it weird but let it be for the time being.
(Later in the Command Deck)
"Report." Nightbird ordered as Slipstream, Dropkick, and Shatter gathered before her to give her updates on their current situation.
"Defenses and shielding are all operational. The Autobots have yet to locate our base and even than they hardly made attempts." Shatter said as she looked to Nightbird giving her report.
"Our Energon Mines are running at peak efficiency and will be prepped for transportation via a Ground Bridge." Slipstream reported as she helped oversaw their supplies despite how limited they were after the crash. "Our cloaking field prototype is still operational and tuned in to Decepticon Frequencies so if more of our kind arrived, they will find us." Slipstream said as she had some good news for that front somewhat.
"Troops are being kept at peak physical potential and are at the moment getting stir crazy." Dropkick reported as the Troops wanted a mission soon.
"The Autobots will no doubt be on the lookout for any more attempts at building a Transmission Tower so we will need to be smart about this." Nightbird said as she had the orders now. "Instruct Troops to continue as normal and ensure our Energon Mines are secured." Nightbird ordered and in turn the Decepticons knew it was the best they could get.
"Understood." The three Cons said before they took their leave of Nightbird.
Once Nightbird was alone she looked over to her bridge crew and saw they were also growing anxious. With their ship grounded they wanted something anything to do while they prepare for their next mission. Still Nightbird had something planned it was simply a waiting game for the time being.
(Scene Break Autobot/Potter Homestead)
In the years that followed the now 7-year-old Harry and Hermione had come to enjoy their lives with the Autobots. Hermione in particular had been quiet invested in learning more about Cybertron its history and its technology that she even started learning the language. Optimus and Preceptor were both more than happy to help the girl in her pursuit of knowledge and being a former Archivist Optimus had a wellspring of knowledge on Cybertron's history.
Due to how far out the home was it came as no surprise that the Autobots were able to transform and enjoy being outside in robot mode. Plus, the fact their resident human lookouts and local proximity sensors helped to avoid any unwanted eyes seeing them walking about. The group had semi regular cook outs with Dan and Emma handling most of the cooking for the humans while the Autobots enjoyed Energon when they can afford to spur their stocks a bit.
Speaking of Energon the Autobots had a few run ins with the Decepticons as of late nothing major just a few clashes over Energon deposits. The Decepticons had regrettably survived their crash but judging by their battles they were unable to take flight anymore with their warship leaving them stranded on the planet. This was good because it now evened out the playing field between the two factions for the time being. Anyway, after Fowler heard of the European team of Autobots American and British representatives quietly met to discuss it.
Thankfully, it became an agreement that both countries and their respected Autobot teams will continue to protect the earth so long as they remain under the radar. This worked well since now Elita and her team had free reign to operate in the European sectors of the planet while Optimus and his team would handle the United State. Thought for foreign locations both teams will be able to operate at the same time if their paths were to cross and even more so on neutral soils.
Any who during their time with the Autobots Elita had spoken to Dan and Emma about giving the human children a few responsibilities or chores as Dan explained. It was mainly to teach the pair responsibility as well as provide them with small spending money of their own. Dan and Emma okayed it as long as the chores were within reason. Elita had already started with trivial things such as helping with dishes and aid in cleaning the house and laundry. As stated, Elita had no intentions of making the children do anything difficult such as cooking or yard work until they were a bit older.
Another chore they agreed on is helping the Autobots catalogue their Energon Stores and being a former dock worker Elita taught the humans how to catalogue it. Harry took to the task like a fish to water as this made Elita proud Harry was taking a bit after her. Now while Elita was proud that Harry was following her footsteps and showing skills as a dock worker, she was also happy to help Harry with other career goals. If Harry wanted to become an Earth Equivalent to an Archivist like Optimus was Elita was more than happy to get Optimus to visit more and show Harry, the ropes. If Harry wanted to become a medic, she had two Autobots she knew who could mentor the boy. Or if he wanted to work in construction Bulkhead was her go to from Team Prime.
Harry had yet to express any interest in a career yet, but Elita was always ready for it just in case. Even more so if Harry wanted to be a reporter, she had Moonracer for that career path. Of course, before the war Moonracer was a Cultural Investigator but the two functions shared near identical task requirements.
At the moment Elita was watching the children as they played outside with Sparkplug and three small new additions to their growing family. Those additions were a trio of Minicons by the name of Highwire, Grindor, and Sureshock. This playful trio of Minicons had been a welcome addition to Elita's team and household as they assisted in a wide assortment of tasks in both the base and her house. They didn't always participate in combat and the rare times they did it was powerlinked to one of the Autobots. They were able to handle smaller tasks that the Autobots were far too large to handle themselves.
Right now, the group was playing Socker or football as the British called it as Harry and Highwire squared off against Hermione and Grindor with Sureshock acting as referee. Of course, Sparkplug kept going after the ball and on the few times he caught it the five had to chase down the playful minicon to get him to give it back. Elita herself could not help but chuckle over the scene and was happy for these rare small moments of peace before returning to the fight against the Decepticon forces.
Of course, in recent years there were a few concerns about Harry that made Elita worry for the young boy. It was no secret that the scar Harry had never seemed to properly heal and had become a constant in the young boy's life. She had taken Harry to the doctor several times but each of those times there was nothing they could do about it. She went up the ladder and had Preceptor look at it and from what he could see the Scar gave off an energy that he could not properly identify without a deep invasive probe.
Suspecting it was magical in origin Elita asked the Court Wizard to Elizabeth for any aid in that regard. The Wizard confessed it was like nothing he'd ever seen before but warned her to keep a close eye on it. For the past year he had been trying to research it and contacting a few allies for clues and so far, nothing. She suspected it was because said Wizard was trying to stay under the radar of the Wizarding World. It made sense since from what she was told they are still looking for Harry which Elita wanted to keep hidden for a bit longer.
Just then her communicator went off and thus Elita knew who it was. "This is Elita report." Elita said with her right index and middle finger to the side of her head.
"Commander Proximity Alert Code: M." Preceptor said and thus Elita was wide eyed by this.
Speak of Unicron and he shall appear. "Understood have Moonracer pick up Hermione and bridge her back home." Elita ordered as a car engine was heard.
"Already done Commander." Preceptor said and thus with a nod Elita went over to the group.
"Harry Hermione time to head back, we have guests on the way, Robots in Disguise." Elita said as for them that was code for guests who didn't know about them.
"Coming mum." Harry said and thus he and Hermione headed over to Elita just as Moonracer arrived and opened her doors.
"See you later Harry." Hermione said and thus boarded into Moonracer before the femme scout drove off to return Hermione home.
Nearby the Minicons all headed to the barn where Optimus and/or Jetfire normally parked themselves in vehicle mode. Once the Minicons were in the barn Elita headed over to the driveway and transformed into vehicle mode before parking herself inside the garage. Once that was done, she began transferring herself to her proxy body so they can blend in easier. Harry entered the house and in turn went to his room to wait out the guests to see if they were friendly or not.
(Meanwhile over with Remus)
Remus had spent nearly a year looking for Harry and thanks to his research he had narrowed down the boy's location. Clearly whoever had enrolled him into school had been keen on keeping the boy hidden as it was only thanks to the school record's he even found the missing Potter. Of course, his main concern was to ensure Harry was well taken care of, loved, and protected. Anything less and his furry problem be damned he'll take Harry and raise his friends orphaned son himself.
But as he approached the home there were several variables he had to consider and not all of them were available to him. What was Harry like now, what had been happening since the boy was taken, and most of all would he still be the same boy he had often pictured in an ideal world. The unknown variables scared Remus to no end and quite frankly it almost made him want to turn around and run. But if Remus was able to find Harry, then he feared so to would Voldemort's followers or Dumbledore. He had to do this to make sure Harry was happy, safe, and those who took care of him thus far were aware of the danger that may be coming.
A full moon had just passed so Remus was still carrying the heightened senses of a Werewolf and thus could detect danger should it arrive. Still there was something odd about this house not concerning mind you but just odd. Walking over the door his anxiety growing with every step he feared what he may find on the other side. Questions began to cloud his thoughts as he worried for the safety of Harry. Was he happy, was he loved, how did the person who took him treated the boy; did he even remember him? All these thoughts and concern clouded his thoughts as he feared the worse awaited him.
But right now, just beyond this door Harry was there and swallowing his resolve Remus knocked on the door and waited with trepidation over what awaited beyond. Soon the door opened and on the other side was a woman he had never seen before. She was currently dressed in what appeared to be a summer dress as she saw the werewolf on the other side of the door.
"Good day to you sir, may I help you?" The woman asked as he looked to Remus with a friendly greeting.
"Yes, this might sound unusual, but I am looking for a young boy who vanished about 9 years ago November 1st and I heard a rumor of a boy matching his description living here." Remus said hoping the woman would hear him out.
He then noticed how she grew tense almost expecting an attack or an ambush. Her left hand had remained hidden behind the door, but he saw how her arm moved lower for something. "May I ask why?" The woman asked as she was suspicious of the man who looked to have been living in destitute.
"I was a friend of the boy's parents before they were murdered and at the time, I was under the assumption he was sent to live with someone who would raise and love him." Remus said as the woman heard what Remus said. "After he vanished, I was told that was not the case when he was placed with a family who would see him abused or worse." He spoke and thus the woman studied the man's words carefully.
"May I ask for the name?" The woman spoke as she looked to Remus.
"Yes, its Potter Harry Potter though I suspect his name may have been changed at some point." Remus said but that was not true since Harry's school records showed otherwise.
"I see..." the woman said and thus moved aside a bit. "Well, I find it odd that there is such a boy living here and I'm sure he would love to hear about his relatives... but I require proof you are telling the truth." The woman said and thus Remus heard this.
"I have several ways I can prove myself but not out here... it's complicated." He said and thus the woman raised a brow to Remus.
"And how complicated can magic possibly be?" The woman asked with her hands to her hips suggesting she was not at all convinced. Of course, this made Remus go wide eyed to this and thus he was inching towards his wand with fear. "Worry not I mean no harm in fact I'll be happy to discuss this further inside since I know someone who can prove your story for me." The woman said gesturing to allow Remus inside her home.
"Y-yes of course." Remus said and thus entered the home into which he was invited.
(Later in the living Room)
The magenta dressed woman was currently placing two cups of tea on the table as she sat across from her guest. Though Remus noticed a smell coming from the woman's own cup one he did not recognize. "I had contacted a friend he should be here within the hour." The woman said as she nursed her cup in her hand.
"A friend?" Remus asked with concern he may have walked into a trap.
"He's simply coming in to confirm what you will tell me is 100% accurate." The woman said with a calm tone as Remus nodded to this.
"Well then before we officially begin my name is Remus Lupin, I was a friend of Harry's parents." Remus said as he looked to the woman who nodded to this.
"It is a pleasure to meet you I am Elisa Pence." Elisa introduced as she looked to Remus noticing the woman was odd to say the lease. To a regular hot-blooded male, she was the ideal beauty, motherly, welcoming; the sort of woman that any man would kill to have even a moment of their time. It almost made Remus curse the lucky bloke when she saw a wedding band on her index finger. Yet at the same time it appeared entirely artificial, and her scent was off.
Since the full moon had based a few nights ago Remus senses were still heightened from the beast within. He suspected there was more to this Elisa Pence then he was led to believe. "I also have pain killers if you are in need of them." Elisa said which got Remus attention once more.
"No, I am fine." Remus said taking his tea and after confirming it was safe took a sip from it. "Might I ask where Harry is right now?" Remus asked with concern for Harry.
"Upstairs, doing his schoolwork." Elisa said as Remus understood as much.
"And your husband perhaps he would be most beneficial to this meeting?" Remus asked hoping the husband was nearby.
"Regrettably, my husband is away on extended business." Elisa said stirring her drink a bit causing Remus to raise a brow. "He's currently across the pond dealing with foreign affairs for his work." Elisa said as she put her drink down calmly. "It's very important right now and I fear asking him to come over for one meeting may be cause for problem." Elisa said and Remus noticed something off with how she spoke.
She was telling the truth as far as he could tell just not all of it. This woman the way she was moving while it did seem artificial it also had a certain edge of... of a soldier. He dared not think it, but this woman may have past military experience which increased his concern for Harry once more. "Pardon me Elisa might I inquire what you are exactly?" Remus asked as he used his Gryffindor Courage to make a gamble.
"Pardon?" Elisa asked with a raised brow but nothing over to suggest she was worried.
"When I first met here something about you was very off and your tea its different, I noticed a small neon blue hue radiating from it." Remus said and instead Elisa looked to her drink and chuckled.
"So, you noticed that." Elisa said as she looked to her drink. "Though I was wondering if you were going to tell me about a furry problem of yours." Elisa said and thus Remus went wide eyed to this as well but before any words could be spoke a knock was heard from the door. "Ah that must be him now." Elisa said as she made her way to the door and opened it.
"Please come in." Elisa said and thus Remus was wide eyed at who walked into the room.
Remus was no fool he knew enough that while the Prime Minister is in charge of the country the Royal Family were the ones who get major say in the political world. So, for him seeing what may come about as Wizarding Royalty enter the room was nerve wracking for him. As Alan Walter walked in Remus feared that either he might have offended someone or that the Royal Family had taken Harry.
"Hello Elita, sorry for the tardiness I was locating a few things I would need." Alan said as he then looked to Remus. "So, Mr. Lupin I presume?" Alan asked with a raised brow showing he was all business right now.
"Yes sir." Remus responded as he knew the Royal Wizard was the only Wizard in Europe who had more political power then Dumbledore and the Ministry combined on certain matters. He was the Queens eyes and ears within the Wizarding World for events the Minister refuses to inform the Prime Minister about. While he takes an advisory role in most matters Queen Elizabeth valued his advice and after the last war had narrowly avoided Muggles getting involved on the queen's orders according to Dumbledore.
"Well thin Mr. Lupin we will be running a few tests, sorry but the Queen and myself have taken a vested interest in young Mr. Potters safety in more ways than one a matter of international security as is." Alan said and thus pulled out a few items. "We're just going to use these to confirm your story not only for our peace of mind but Harry's as well." Alan and with a nod Remus, was ready for it.
(Scene Break an hour later)
It took all of an hour to see these tests through Truth Serum, Pensive, unbreakable vow Alan went all the way to ensure that everything was secured. Remus had thought the man would have used Cruciatus on him if he were allowed to. Once he had confirmed Remus story, he packed up his belongings and was ready to go.
"Well since Mr. Lupin is here on concern for young Mr. Potters safety, I would suggest we put his mind at rest but one last test to be sure." Alan said and thus directed his attention to Remus. "Tell me Remus are you in anyway shape or form loyal to Dumbledore and be brutally honest." Alan said and thus Remus nodded to this.
"No not like I use to be. After Harry vanished, I had taken time to think and after putting Harry with the one family Lily and James explicitly made clear should never be in custody of Harry, I've been asking questions." Remus admitted as he looked away in shame for this. "But there is more... another friend who I thought betrayed James and Lily... something about his arrest had me thinking. Apparently, he killed our fourth friend Peter Pettigrew and several other muggles yet only his finger remained." Remus said as he looked away and thus Alan and Elisa heard this. "Sirius was Harry's Godfather and..." Remus trailed off and in turn Elisa saw where this was going.
"I'll do some digging on the magical side, but we also need to confirm for Remus Mr. Potter's protection." Alan said and with a nod Elisa knew what came next.
"Mr. Lupin please follow Mr. Walker outside while I get Harry." Elisa said and thus Remus nodded to this.
(Later outside)
Remus and Alan were outside as Alan looked to Remus with a calm look. "Remus Lupin I will be explicitly clear to you, what you are about to see very few people in the country nay on the planet know of this." Alan said as Remus heard the tone he spoke. "If you so much as breath any of what you are about to see to any unauthorized individuals you will be arrested, tried for treason, your magic bound, memories re-arranged, and finally you will be locked up in a dark room so deep the only thing you have to look forward to is a lifetime of black." Alan said making it clear what Remus was about to see was not to be uttered to anyone else.
Just then the door opened as Harry walked out of it. "Harry." Remus gasped as he saw Harry and he looked just like his father bar the eyes which were his mothers.
"Hello." Harry greeted as he tilted his head to the side a bit.
Remus was ready to charge in and envelope the boy in a bone crushing hug. But he had to remember Harry had not seen him since the boy was a year old. Of course, he had almost forgotten about Alan threat when the Garage Door Opened followed by several vehicles moving in while the nearby Barn began to open. Now Remus was left confused by all of this but before he could ask, he saw that one of them was a form of advanced tank that drove in.
"Mum!" Harry called out to the pink car and in turn the car began to speak in Elisa's voice.
"Autobots Transform!" Elita ordered and thus one by one the Vehicles began to transform into robots that towered over Remus. The Werewolf was about to move Harry to protect him until Harry ran over to the female looking and hugged her left foot.
"Uh what?!" Remus asked as his voice had failed him.
Elita smiled and began to kneel down and opened her palm for Harry. Once it was open Elita jumped on and allowed Elita to lift him up to her face. Once that was done Harry hugged the female causing Remus to go wide eyed. "Remus allow me to properly introduce myself now, my name is Elita 1 Leader of the European Autobots." Elita 1 greeted and thus Alan knew what came next.
"You might wish to sit down for this Mr. Lupin." Alan said and thus Remus felt like he would need it.
"And if you are still interested, I wish to speak more of the bearded man who left my son on the doorstep pass midnight in the freezing cold." Elita said making it clear she wanted to know about a possible enemy and threat to her son and her Autobots.
"Yes... of course." Remus said and in turn sat down on the porch as the explanation began.
(Scene Break later)
Harry was currently playing with the Minicons as Sparkplug was hopping around while Highwire, Grindor, and Sureshock were playing a round of football with Harry. "So, you're from another planet?" Remus asked amazed over what he heard. "No more than that your refugees of your planet." Remus added and in turn Elita nodded.
"Yes, the war for Cybertron had drained it dry of its natural resource of Energon. As we speak Cybertron is still a barren rock incapable of supporting life or creating new ones." Elita spoke as she leaned against the house while speaking to Remus. Thank goodness for Ironhide's construction skills and later Bulkhead's aid in reinforcing it.
"War... it's always the same." Remus said as he looked to Elita. "But you said it was for several reasons and Energon was just one of the big reasons." Remus said and thus Elita sighed to this.
"It's a long story but to make it short those who were in charge the upper Caste of Cybertron had grown corrupt at the twilight hours of the Golden Age. A Miner turned Gladiator vowed to challenge this corrupt system and left the arena for the political field." Elita spoke as she looked to Remus. "I'll be happy to share more later but to make a long story short, Megatron had begun the Decepticons with noble intentions but became the very thing he swore to destroy." Elita spoke as Remus understood as from what Elita said this Megatron bloke was not their friend or at least not anymore.
"Why did you take Harry that night?" Remus asked keeping his voice down for Harry's sake.
"Was it not you who claimed the Dursleys were unfit to raise him?" Elita asked obviously confused with that.
"Yes, but why did you keep him, you knew Mr. Walker you could have had him find me or someone James and Lily knew and." Remus began but Elita cut him off.
"I had reason to believe these Death Eaters would hunt Harry down and if that failed this Dumbledore would undoubtedly place him back with the Dursley's that judging from your tone on them would no doubt see Harry in more harm." Elita said making it clear she did not trust Dumbledore with Harry's upkeep.
"I'm not arguing that I'm just... I suppose I'm kicking myself for not arguing with Dumbledore." Remus said as Elita understood as much.
"Believe we all have our regrets, Remus... but since you're here perhaps you can help us." Elita said and thus Alan nodded and walked forward.
"Yes, when Elita had taken Harry all those years ago, we found some sort of taint within his scar." Alan as Remus heard this. "We think it might be something left behind by Voldemort but we've yet to pinpoint what it is." Alan said and thus Remus knew where this was going.
"You want me to look into what it is exactly?" Remus asked and thus Alan nodded.
"Search and hopefully find a way to destroy it." Alan said as he knew whatever it was the taint was dormant. Being surrounded by those who care and love him might have caused Harry's own magic or something else to quarantine it for lack of better terms. "It's dormant for now but I fear that with a proper trigger it might awaken I'm hoping to neutralize it before then." Alan said and thus Remus understood.
"I might have a lead, but I will need Sirius help for it and currently..." Sirius trailed off and thus Preceptor spoke up.
"Perhaps if you can show me the crime scene, I can recreate the incident in question and decipher inconsistencies with the stated story. Furthermore, pressure from her majesty would undoubtedly help twist the arms of the Ministry to give Sirius a trial, but it may very well hinge on Dumbledore as well." Preceptor said and thus he had one idea, but he knew the others would not go for it. "I would recommend using possible spells Sirius Black may know from his family to track down Harry as incentive to give Sirius a trial." Preceptor offered and in turn Remus had a few ideas as well.
"So, use Harry as bait?!" Moonracer asked as she didn't like the sound of her little brother being used in such a way. "Not immediately but I'm open to its use if it ensures a man who may have been falsely imprisoned a fair trial as well as a speedy release." Preceptor said and thus they had the plan for now.
"Have that plan as a last resort for now until we can determine what this magical society intends for Harry." Elita said meeting Preceptor halfway on this one to which the smartest Wrecker nodded in understanding. "But first we may have some use to Remus as well." Elita said and Remus knew what this meant. "If you can go to Dumbledore show him you have found Harry but made it clear that we won't allow him to be taken... he might become more open to you as a means to keep an eye on him." Elita said and thus Remus saw what the Autobot was thinking.
"And in turn allow me to keep an eye on him for you." Remus said as Elita nodded to this.
"Yes, but I won't force you into this I understand you care for Harry's safety, but I don't." Elita began until Remus cut him off.
"No need If it keeps Harry safe then I'll gladly do it." Remus said and thus Preceptor nodded.
"And perhaps with time I may be able to formulate a cure for your lycanthropy affliction." Preceptor said as he also knew Ratchet may be of help in that regard as well.
"Thank you." Remus said to the Autobot but was not getting his hopes up.
"No thank you for doing what you can to ensure Harry's future." Elita said and thus gestured to Harry. "And I do hope you have time to stay for I wish for Harry to learn what he can of his birth family." Elita offered and thus Remus smiled to this.
"It would be my honor." Remus said and thus began to approach Harry to speak with him.
(Scene Break a Month Later)
For the past month Remus had been splitting his time between Harry and researching his scar. In that time, he had met Hermione and found her to be a muggleborn Witch. This of course had him meeting her parents and explaining things to them. Emma and Dan were of course a bit peeved the Autobots knew about magic but let it be when they admitted to not knowing Hermione was a witch herself. Still in that time Remus had joined Hermione in learning about Cybertronian history and one thing to be noted about it was that humans and Cybertronians shared an odd similarity to each other.
Of course, much to his regret he and Alan were no closer to finding a match to Harry's scar then when they began. Thus, Remus had no choice but to use Dumbledore to help with this subject. So here he was meeting with the headmaster having taken a few precautions prior to ensure Dumbledore didn't learn about the Autobots. Upon learning they lived on this world as robots in disguise Remus had to admit it was a wise choice knowing that humanity was just not ready for them yet.
"Thank you so much for agreeing to see me, Headmaster," Remus said politely as one of the Hogwarts house elves handed him a cup of tea.
Dumbledore was already stirring honey into his, a pleasant smile crossing his lips. "I always try to make time for my most promising students, Remus," he replied genially to the werewolf. "I must confess I was relieved to receive your owl. When you dropped out of sight for a time, I worried about you. Have you been well?" Dumbledore asked as he also wanted to know where Remus was on locating Harry.
Remus knew what Dumbledore wanted but wasn't going to give it so easily. "I am happier now than I have been in many years, Headmaster," Remus replied as that was in no way a lie. He was a scholar through it all and learning all he could about Cybertron was educational for the Werewolf feeling like a schoolboy learning new things all over again. "I've found work far more fulfilling than my last several jobs were." Remus said as that was also a small bonus from Alan as well.
Upon learning about her magic Remus was asked to tutor the pair in some magic to give them a leg up against their fellow students. Of course, any chance to learn together was something Harry and Hermione both loved to do. The two were like two peas in a pod and Ironhide often joked that the pair was like Optimus and Elita as organics. Now upon learning of Optimus Prime Remus could understand why Hermione looked up to the noble leader of the Autobots. The fact he's the husband Elita spoke of as Elisa or in their language her Conjunx Endura made Remus even more respectful to the Autobot leader.
He had yet to get the chance to meet Optimus, but he was looking forward to it. Apparently, Optimus came from humble beginnings as an archivist for Cybertronian knowledge. With this information he can agree that Optimus was a role model he would have loved to have growing up. Dumbledore appeared startled, but pleased.
Still focusing on the task at hand Remus returned to what he was doing. "I'm glad to hear it, Remus. You've found a more genial employer, I take it?" Dumbledore asked which Remus let it be for now.
Remus shook his head in response to that. "Not exactly… more like good friends with whom I share a common goal." Remus admitted as he looked to the old headmaster. "Of course, I was asked to be a private tutor for some young minds, and they are quite aware of what I am." Remus said and this got Dumbledore's attention.
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Are we speaking of others suffering from your… condition?" Dumbledore asked as he sounded a bit invested in this.
"No," Remus replied sadly as he had yet to meet others like himself. "I am, as far as I am aware, one of a very few afflicted with lycanthropy who choose to resist the curse. Certainly, I know of no others who had refrained from savagery for as long as I have." Remus said with a sad tone showing he was the odd one out among Werewolves. "But I did not come to speak of a tragic past. I actually wanted to talk to you about a more hopeful future." Remus said as he changed the subject to his reason for coming here.
"Always a more amenable topic of conversation," Dumbledore said as he agreed with that sentiment. "How can I help you, Remus?" Dumbledore asked as Remus knew what was coming.
"I've actually been working for the past several years to solve a magical puzzle, one that has defied my best attempts to understand and unlock it. My other avenues of research have come up empty, and I am in desperate need of your wisdom." Remus said trying his best to avoid mentioning Harry but mentioning just enough to get Dumbledore's attention.
"Of course, Remus; tell me more." Dumbledore said hoping it may lead to Harry somehow since Remus was on the hunt for him.
"Headmaster, have you ever encountered or heard of a curse capable of placing a fragment of one person's soul within the body of another?" Remus asked as he gave Dumbledore a hopeful look that he knew. Alan and himself had figured out what that taint affecting Harry was but not what curse it was or how to remove it.
Because he was watching for it, Remus saw the slightest flicker of recognition in Dumbledore's wise old eyes, masked almost instantly. "An interesting question," Dumbledore replied slowly as his tone changed a bit. "Is this a hypothetical, or have you truly encountered such an unfortunate soul?" Dumbledore asked as he looked to Harry.
"I speak of a concrete example; a child whose guardian came to me for assistance not only as a tutor. To my shame, I have been able to offer little aid." Remus admitted as he looked to Dumbledore seeing what he might try to say next.
"That is unfortunate," Dumbledore agreed, stirring his tea with idle fingers. "I am surprised, however that they would not simply take the child to St. Mungo's, or the Department of Mysteries. Or that you would not make such a recommendation to said guardian." Dumbledore said as he suspected there was more to the story.
"Here we go." Remus mentally thought with a small cringe. He'd known since first walking into the meeting that Dumbledore would probably figure out the game before he could get an answer. "The child's guardian is wary of the Ministry's attention," Remus said carefully knowing Elita would possibly skin him if he messed up. "Otherwise, that would have indeed been her first resort." Remus said being as vague as he possibly could.
Remus had been expecting to feel a slight tickle inside his skull, and blocked it politely, averting his eyes from Dumbledore's slightly. "Please don't do that, Headmaster," Remus said as he was expecting it and knew where this topic was going on.
"Apologies Remus, but we are now discussing young Harry Potter and his abductor, are we not?" Dumbledore asked as Remus knew this would happen.
Remus looked up with a frown, wary of another legilimency attempt, but none came. "We are speaking of Harry Potter, yes, as well as a brave, strong woman and her family who had been carrying out the last wishes of Lily Potter for eight years, one who has bled and suffered in young Harry's defense." Remus said knowing full well of the Decepticons attempt to use Harry as a hostage.
Dumbledore studied Remus intently with the goal of learning more information. "You have seen Harry then; is he well? Is he safe?" Dumbledore asked as he knew Remus was the one out looking for him via the muggle world and by the sound of this information, he found him.
"He is, Headmaster. Harry has had the kindest and most attentive mother any lad could wish for as well as a father who'd gladly lay down his life in the defense of others. That is of course barring their extended family on sight." Remus said and then gave a tired sigh to Dumbledore. "I would like to think you know me well. Do you believe I would be comfortable allowing James' only child to remain in the hands of someone I did not trust?" Remus said as he looked to Dumbledore showing full well his trust in the headmaster was not as strong as it used to be.
"I do trust that you believe that Remus." Dumbledore replied but the tone he used as a sad one. "But what you may not know is that young Harry's abductor placed him in far greater danger than he would have faced in his aunt and uncle's care. This woman you speak of had destroyed Harry's last gift from his mother, one that Lily died to bequeath upon him, so regardless of her motivations, her actions have been far from benign." Dumbledore said as he looked to Remus almost like he was scolding one of his students.
That statement rocked Remus back in his seat. "What do you mean, Headmaster?" Remus asked as he gave Dumbledore a concerned look fearing he may need to inform Alan and Elita of this.
"Love is perhaps both the greatest and least understood of all magic, Remus," Dumbledore explained to the Werewolf before him. "When Lily sold her life willingly in her son's defense, she created a more powerful ward against dark magic for young Harry than any I could create." Dumbledore explained which Remus felt there was more to the story here. "That ward was tied to her blood, and the blood of her last living relative: her sister, Petunia Dursley." He went on and thus it was clear where this was going with this.
"Your friend destroyed that ward when she removed Harry from his aunt's care, leaving him far more vulnerable than he would have been. Darkness won a great victory that day without lifting a finger." Dumbledore finished and thus Remus sighed to this.
Remus now knowing of this ward felt it would not have done much to protect Harry from the Decepticons knowing Elita took the killing curse head on and shrugged it off. If the killing curse could not do what it was made to do against the Cybertronian Remus feared neither will wards made to block them out. "While that is troubling to hear, Headmaster, what's done is done." He said before he paused, thinking hard on his next words. "Elisa Pax." Remus suddenly spoke which Dumbledore heard.
"Pardon?" Dumbledore asked as he looked to Remus.
"Elisa Pax is the name of Harry's mother and her husband is named Orion Pax." Remus confessed using the human names Optimus and Elita used when interacting with other humans via their proxy bodies.
"Interesting; an odd name," Dumbledore noted as he made a note to look into this couple at a later time.
"Well, she's a unique sort of person," Remus replied with a faint smile as meeting Elita was quiet the shock for him. "Professor I say this with as much respect as I can, but Harry is safe his family had taken his care and protection as their chief priority." Remus said as he looked to Dumbledore. "I had to go through certain hoops to see Harry hence why I managed to become his tutor." Remus said as he was being paid and boy was it a lot of money.
"Apologies, Remus, but that's not enough for me," Dumbledore stated firmly making Remus raise a brow. "Two fugitive criminals caring for young Harry are hardly better than one." Dumbledore said making it sound to Remus that both Orion and Elisa were criminals.
"They are hardly criminals." Remus said making Dumbledore raise a brow. "The hoops I had to jump through." Remus began as he got the headmasters attention. "They were hoops that would see me in a federal prison for high treason if I went back on that trust." Remus said making Dumbledore go wide eyed. "You can ask Alan Walker if you wish to confirm this, but Harry is under her majesty's protection by proxy of Harry's guardians who serve her as her Knights." Remus said making sure Dumbledore was aware that Harry and his protectors were untouchable since they answered directly to the highest power of the land.
"At the moment none of them trust you and I fear if you continue down this path you may give them more reason not to trust you." Remus said making certain Dumbledore was aware that he was playing with fire now. "Harry needs help, Headmaster, but he doesn't need aurors coming after his family and taking him away by force while also causing an international incident." Remus said as he knew if Dumbledore did such a thing, then the Queen would no doubt send her troops in and the Autobots would gladly help her take Harry back. Yes, Remus knew that they would try to avoid lethal harm, but they may allow a few 'accidents,' to occur if it meant taking Harry back.
Dumbledore sighed, shaking his head. "I wish with all my heart to see Harry Potter cured of whatever afflicts him, but I am reluctant to aid and abet his kidnapper." Dumbledore said knowing he had to give an ultimatum. "I can offer this, Remus: if young Harry is delivered to St. Mungo's for treatment, I will do what I can to convince the Ministry to drop all charges against your friends for their actions. It might even be possible to arrange a more reasoned re-trial for Sirius." Dumbledore said but Remus knew where this was going.
"But Harry would not be free to return to his mother?" Remus guessed as he knew Dumbledore could not challenge the Queen, but he could very well put pressure if he had to against the ones raising Harry.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Returning the boy to his kidnapper is out of the question. With the blood wards destroyed there is no reason to return him to the Dursleys; he would be fostered with an appropriate magical family until the date of his majority." Dumbledore said and in turn Remus sighed to this.
"Professor were you not listening the Queen supports Harry's family what you're asking me to do is tell them to surrender custody of him which would break the boy's heart in an irreversible way." Remus said as he tried to convince Dumbledore against this. Remus looked disappointed, but he nodded. "I understand, Headmaster. We will find help for Harry on our own." Remus said as he got up to go, wondering if Dumbledore would attempt to detain him. But then had another idea to possibly earn his way into Dumbledore's inner circle. "You know I had taken a great gamble telling you this, and with no legal way for you to take Harry, I had hoped you and his guardians could become allies I suppose that would not happen." Remus said as he knew that control by proxy may get Dumbledore to change his mind.
But now all he can do is wait for the headmaster to take the bait he placed for him. But he had his own ultimatum to give the headmaster. "Headmaster, Lily wanted Harry to attend Hogwarts, as she did. Elisa would like to send him here as well." Remus said as he then looked back to his old teacher. "But she will not do so, however, if he will not be allowed to return to her for any reason legal or otherwise." Remus said making it clear that it was better this way. "We have time yet to resolve this situation, but if it is not Harry will be enrolled at another school of magic and with it our only connection to Harry will be gone as well." Remus added making it clear that he could be Dumbledore's eyes and ears with Harry and his adoptive family.
It would seem that his gamble would pay off as Dumbledore saw the advantage with this. "Remus, wait," Dumbledore said before he could go. Remus turned to see the headmaster rise from his seat and turn to peruse the large bookshelf behind his desk. "You truly will not be moved on this issue?" Dumbledore asked as he looked to Remus.
"You know I won't the same way that I cannot." Remus said firmly making it clear this was Dumbledore's best and only option.
"I see well I do know that private tutoring can be difficult you should take some reading material with you at least to help calm the nerves" Dumbledore said mildly as he stood back up.
"Headmaster?" Remus blinked at the non sequitur, but Dumbledore only plucked a thin, leather-bound volume from a shelf, blowing a thin coat of dust off of it.
"You might find one of the journals of Clinton Malfoy to be interesting," Dumbledore said as he extended the book to Remus. Seeing the look of distaste on Remus' face, Dumbledore chuckled. "The Malfoys were not always as they are now." Dumbledore said while giving Remus a small history lesson. "Clinton was a wizard of that line in the seventeenth century and at the time he was an adventurer and had roamed the world." Dumbledore said as he then pushed the book closer to Remus. "This is his account of his journey through Egypt." Dumbledore said as he made it clear that the answer to what Harry has might be hidden in said book.
Remus took the book in hand giving it a once over before making his decision on it. "If you say I will find it interesting, Headmaster, I will take you at your word." Remus said as he felt there was more to the book then meets the eye. But until he can confirm it, he will stay away from the house and once they find any charms on it to track it down, they would proceed from there.
"Be well, Remus." Dumbledore said as he truly hoped Remus knew what he was doing. Then again having two spies may be beneficial in the long run especially if Elisa learns the future fate had marked down for Harry.
"Thank you for your time, Headmaster." Remus said and in turn took his leave leaving the headmaster alone.
Once Dumbledore was left alone, he knew something was amiss. But Remus was correct if he tried anything it may bring the Queen down on them. It was only by sheer luck on his part that managed to see to it the Queen did not send troops in to deal with the Death Eaters. Still Dumbledore knew luck did not work like that twice and knew he would be unable to convince the matriarch of the British Isles to see it his way again. He needed a backup plan to hopefully keep Elisa and Orion from doing something to earn Wizarding Britain the Queen Ire. But knowing full well that there was more to this than meets the eye Dumbledore would bide his time until a more opportune moment presented itself to him. After all, as much as it galls him to do this it was all for the greater good.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here we are the end of Chapter 4. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us for the next Chapter. Anyway, remember to leave a review for me before leaving and now that I am done, I will again say ja-ne.