Chapter 13: The Christmas Moonlight
It was very early christmas morning. The sun had yet risen and it would be a few more hours until it did so. A lone shadow was walking across the grounds of Hogwarts, towards the Forbidden Forest. The shadow entered and began to make it's way deep into the dark forest, but stopped and looked around. Seeing nothing, the shadow continued on its way. It moved deeper and deeper until it came upon some light, and soon found it's way to a small campsite, in a dirst clearing, a few empty makeshift beds surrounding the campfire. The lone shadow moved in closed, until he felt something point against his back.
"Don't move!" hissed a voice from behind the lone figure.
"What's the matter, Damien," spoke the lone figure, "Don't recognize your own kin?"
"You're only my kin because Shade made it that way," spoke the man named Damien as he moved in front of the figure. Damien was a tall man with scraggly dark colored hair and black eyes. He had a strong jaw, and looked like he hadn't shaved in days, wearing dark colored robes that were torn in certain areas. "Besides, what are you even doing here, Professor Charlie," he snarled with venom in his voice.
Charlie made his way towards the campfire. "I've ran out of his hair," he answered. "And I need some more, so I can keep up this annoying facade."
"Well you need to hurry up and stop messing around," Damien snarled, pocketing his wand and moving over to his makeshift bed. "Shade is getting impatient!"
"You know I want the same thing he does," the so called Charlie spoke, "but these things take time, and I keep missing Potter everytime he's at Hogwarts." He added, then looked around. "Where's Nikolai and Talia?" he asked
"They were out hunting," Damien spoke, and stared into the fire. Professor Charlie nodded and began walking behind the camp, and lighting his wand, revealing another figure that was tied to a tree, battered and broken. Charlie moved over to the figure, kneeling next to him. The figure raised his head to looked at him. And it was almost looking into a mirror. But the figure tied to the tree was more haggard, with longer hair and a small beard. This broken man was the real Charlie Banter.
"How were his changes?" The impersonating Charlie asked, grabbing the real Charlie's hair, and pulling some stands out. He didn't flinch but glared at his impersonator.
"They were painfully successful," Damien asnswered. "It was hard keeping him tied up. He's a strong one he is. But he has not grasped the concept of controlling his beast form."
"Good," Impersonating Charlie said with a smirk. "Have you also informed Shade of his son?"
"Aye I did,' Damine said, "Weeks ago, when you told me. But somehow, I suspect he already knew. Instincts and all." Impersonating Charlie nodded and began to stand when the Real Charlie murmured something.
"What was that?" Impersonating Charlie amusingly asked, turning back to their prisoner.
"I said," the real Charlie started louder in a growling voice, and glared up at his imperonator. "When I get free, whether it be now or my next transformation, I am going to tear you apart!"
"He Ha!" the impersonating Charlie laughed, and knelt next to his prisoner. "That's exactly what I like to hear! We lycans are fierce and terrorsome, and you seem to be getting along just fine. Becoming part of the pack!" The real Charlie growled, baring his fangs as his eyes glowed golden, and tried to lunge at his impersonator but the chains that tied him to the tree kept him in place. Charlie continued to laugh. "That's the spirit!"
Suddenly there were snaps of small twigs and branches, causing the two lycans to turn with their wands drawn. The lowered their wands when they saw it was their other two brethren. A short man with thin blond hair and brown eyes, with scars over his face, and a handsome woman with straight black hair and grey eyes, her face clear of any scars. Both were dressed in black robes.
"Ah, hello there Izach," the woman named Talia spoke as she and Nikolai entered the camp. "What brings you here?"
"Just some more distinguishing hair for my disguise," the Charlie impersonator named Izach replied. "I'm running low, and I do need more time."
"Well you better hurry up," Nikolai spoke, moving over to his spot by the campfire. "Shade will be here before the school year is up. He wants what Potter knows about the Stone. He doesn't care how you do it, even if you have to kidnap the Head Auror himself."
"Kidnap the Head Auror," Izach repeated incredulously. "That's impossible. He is undoubtly a skilled Wizard, having defeated a Dark Lord at seventeen."
"Then kidnap one of his children and bring them here," Damien suggested in a growling voice. "He has three of them. And he will undoubtedly come to resuce his children and I doubt he has ever faced down a Lycan before. Together, we can take him down."
"Alright then," Izach spoke with a nod of agreement. "I will kidnap the youngest. And she will be the easiest to handle. Maybe I'll even give her a mind opening present."
xxx
On Christmas morning, Simon was shaken awake by Hugo who seemed more excited as ever. "Simon! Wake up!" His best friend cried. "It's Christmas!"
"Alright, alright," Simon tiredly spoke, sitting up and rubbing his sleepy eyes. "I'm up." His vision cleared to see a smiling and excited Hugo who was jumping on the balls of his feet.
"Come on!" Hugo cried, and then quickly left the room in a hurry.
Simon sighed. It was Christmas, and it was not one of his favorite holidays. Back at the Orphanage, Christmas was not the greatest. It usually meant donated toys, clothes, and other things that are handed down to Orphans. And even then, not all Oprhans got something for Christmas. All the presents would fall to the younger ones. Toys for the youngest, and things for kids who needed stuff the most. Simon wasn't one of those kids anymore. And he chose that way too as there were more younger orphans than there are older ones.
But as he thought about it, it wasn't Christmas as the Orphanage. This was Christmas at the Weasleys. It was bound to be way more different than back at the Orphanage, though still how fun it may be, he would not expect any kind of presents. Nor did he get anyone anything as he wasn't sure what or how to get something to his friends.
Simon followed Hugo down into the den where the decorated Christmas tree sat, littered with presents underneath it. They were the first ones to arrive as it seemed. Simon took a seat one of the couches as Hugo excitedly kneeled next to the pile of presents, and made a reach for one.
"Wait for mum and dad," said a voice that soon entered the room. Simon turned to see that it was Rose. Hugo rolled his eyes and moved over to the couch with Simon. Rose then sat on one of the other chairs. "Happy Christmas, Simon," she said, giving a light hearted smile.
"Happy Christmas, Rose," Simon repled with the same smile.
"And happy Christmas to all!" came Mr. Weasley's voice as he and his wife entered the den, a big grin on his face. "Presents!" he said gleefully, his wife followed behind him.
"Good morning, Children," she greeted.
"Morning mum," Hugo replied, holding onto a couple of presents. Mr. Weasley walked over, kneeling next to his son, and began to pass out the presents.
Simon was surprised that he had his own little pile of presents for himself. Hugo had gotten him an assortment of sweets. Hugo's grandmother had given him a blue knitted sweater with an S sewed into it. He had recieved some joke items from Weasley Wizard Whizzes from Hugo's parents. Alice had given him a small charm necklace in the shape of a silver lightning bolt. And some more sweets from Lily. Later that day, All of the Potters and Weasleys would be going to the burrow for dinner. Simon and Hugo's family were the last to arrive, and Simon was surprised that there were more people than that day he had received his letter. There were a couple of professors from school, and some more friends that Simon had yet to meet.
Simon was outside with the others, watching as James, Fred, and their Uncle George were testing out new items from Uncle George's shop in front of all the kids when Mr. Potter had come over, tapping Simon on the shoulder, leading him back to the burrow house. Mr. Potter took Simon into the den where Mr. Weasley and a man by the name of Kingsley Shacklebot already occupied the room.
Simon sat on one of the chairs. "What's this about?" he asked. Mr. Potter looked at his two friends and nodded. They nodded back.
"Simon," Mr. Potter started. "We're here to give you a christmas present." Simon looked around the three of the men, and none of them seemed to be holding onto a gift. He was confused. "Please, bare with us." Simon nodded. "Simon, well, we have some pretty great news. Your mother wasn't just a citizen here in the United Kingdom, but in Greece as well."
"What are you saying?" Simon asked, as his heart jumped in his throat.
"I'm saying," Potter began, "That your mother had family still in Greece. She had two more siblings; A brother and a Sister."
"I have an Aunt and Uncle?" Simon said, his heart racing in excitement.
Potter nodded, a smile upon his lips. "You have two Aunts and one Uncle to be exact," he answered. "And If I'm not mistaken, a ten year old cousin."
Simon looked hopeful, and looked around excitedly as if they were going to jump out of somewhere to surprise them. "Where are they?" he said. "Are they here?"
"Actually, they are," Potter answered. Simon jumped to his feet. "Easy there Simon, before you go searching for them, I must tell you this." Simon looked into Potter's eyes questioningly. Potter knelt next to Simon. "They don't know about your wolf-like qualities. I didn't tell them because I thought it was you who should tell them." Simon nodded, his eyes welling up and his heart beating fast. "They're in the Kitchen." Simon nodded again, his eyes moving towards the closed kitchen door.
He stood there for a minute, and then began to make his way towards the door. He slowly opened the door and entered the kitchen. There they were; four of them, two women standing next to cabinets talking, one man sitting next to a little girl who was listening to what her father was saying, but all the talking had stopped once Simon had entered the room. They stared at him as Simon stared back.
"Hi," he greeted, his eyes wide, feeling very nervous and scared that they wouldn't like him. He looked over towards the man and his daughter. He stood to his feet. He was fairly tall, with dark hair and hazel eyes. He was very handsome and fit, wearing a muggle suit. The little girl had high cheek bones and green eyes with blonde hair, with a button nose, and wearing a blue dress. He glanced over to the women, both with beautiful features, yet one had dark colored hair and brown eyes, and the other was blonde with green eyes.
Everyone stopped speaking and turned towards Simon. The dark haired woman smiled. "He looks just like her," she said softly, covering her mouth as she began to cry. The man stepped forward and kneeled next to Simon who watched him.
"She means that you look like our sister, Bianca, your mother," the man said as he smiled, he placed his hands on Simon's shoulders. "I am your Uncle, Rafael. That's my wife, Odette. My younger sister, Gianna. And that is my ten year old daughter, Nina."
Simon smiled shyly and waved towards the others. "I'm Simon," he introduced.
Rafael smiled and nodded, his eyes began to brim with tears. "Yes," he said with a teary smile. "We know." Gianna then walked forward to Simon, openly shedding some tears. Simon looked up at her. Suddenly feeling something he thought he would never feel. Suddenly, Gianna pulled Simon into a tight embrace, and then, after everything, the feeling of abandonment when he lived in the orphanage. It was gone. He heart felt heavy, and Simon Ares, for the first time in a really long while. He began to cry and hug Gianna back. Rafael then joined in the hug as Simon began to cry so fiercely.
After about half an hour of hugging and crying, Simon and his new family were sitting at the table. "So," Rafael sniffed. "We thought that since you have already started school. We could move here. Nina will be eleven next year, meaning it would be her turn to attent Magic school, and what better place would that be than Hogwarts. We heard its a good school and with great oppurtunities. I will transfer to the Auror Offices here, and Gianna could find work too."
"Where would we be living?" Simon curiously asked.
"We thought that since you are close to the Weasley and Potter children, we could find a house in Godric's Hollow," Gianna answered, wiping her eyes. Simon smiled.
"When can I move in with you?" Simon eagerly asked, excited that he was going to leave the orphanage and live with his real family.
"Well, we do have to go back to Greece and get some thing into order," Rafael replied. "But I'd say, at the end of your school year we'll have everything ready for you to come home!" Simon smiled and nodded.
There was a knock on the door and Hugo entered the room. He shyly looked around as all eyes were on him. "Hi," he greeted. "I'm Hugo. Simon's Best friend. I was wondering if he wanted to, I mean, if you were done talking and all, if he would like to come out and play?" he politely asked.
SImon looked over at his Uncle who smiled and nodded. Simon smiled back and walked over to Hugo. He was about to leave the kitchen, but stopped and turned back. "Nina?" he called. The young girl curiously looked up at Simon. "You should come with us," Simon suggested.
Nina looked at her mother who smiled. "Don't look at me," she said, "He was talking to you." Nina smiled and turned to Simon, nodding. She jumped out from her seat and followed after Simon out of the kitchen.
"He seems like a lovely boy," Gianna said with a smiled.
Rafael crossed his arms and smirked. "Yes, he is lovely isn't he," he agreed. A moment later, Gianna left to go to the bathroom. Rafael turned to his wife.
"It's started," he said to his wife who was surprised. "His transformations have already begun."
"Are you sure?" Odette asked.
Rafael gave a nod. "I can tell," he answered. "He smells just like his bastard father." Rafael stood up and looked out the window, where he could see his daughter and nephew playing with the Weasley/Potter children. "We have to protect him. For my sister's sake. She would have wanted me to."
Odette nodded. "Why can't you tell Gianna about this?" she asked. "You know she's a very skilled witch. She can help us."
"No, I can't," Rafael replied, "I've lost one sister. I can't lose the other. Besides, if she finds out that it was my fault that Bianca was killed, she would never forgive me."
"How many times do I have to tell you," Odette said, standing up and moving over to her husband. "We didn't know who he was when you introduced them. He played us for a fool, and infected you with his disease." Odette touched Rafael's arm. Rafael looked at his wife. "We will raise Simon to be a good man. Much better than his father, even with his curse. We will raise him to be a fighter, to fulfill the prophecy."
xxx
Later that night, as Simon's family had gone to an Inn. Simon was brought back to the Weasley's home in Godric's hollow. A few more days of holliday left and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. But as the sun was going down. Mr. Potter had come to retrieve Simon and take him for the night. Only Hugo and his parents knew that Simon was to taken because of his little furry problem.
Simon was sitting in the living room, staring into a fire that had been lit, thinking about his family, when Mr. Potter had come in. "Simon," Mr. Potter greeted. "Are you ready?"
Simon nodded and stood to his feet, feeling calm and collected. "Yes sir," he said. Potter nodded and led Simon out of Mr. Weasley's home and began to walk towards the edge of the village. Once, they were at the edge, the began to enter the surrounding forest and trudged through for several minutes. Soon, they came across a small shack.
"Here we are," Mr. Potter spoke, walking up to the door and opening it up. Simon followed him inside and looked around. It was an ordinary shack, empty of furniture. But there was a small cot with a pillow and blanket, and a couple of windows. Simon walked over to the cot and sat down.
"Alright," Mr. Potter began, Simon looked up at the Head Auror. "I will be outside, keeping watch. If you need anything, just call for me. Alright?" Simon nodded. Mr. Potter gave a nod back and backed out the shack, closing the door and locking.
Simon sighed and looked around. The shack was surprisingly clean. He turned and looked out the window and the sun was gone and the moon had yet to fully rise. As he watched outside, he began to think about his new family; His Uncle Rafael seemed like a good man. He was an Auror, meaning he was like Mr. Potter. His cousin, Nina, turned out to be fun and very outgoing. Nina had found a friend in Roxanne Weasley. She made friends with others, but she really connected with Roxanne. His Aunt Odette seemed alright as well, though he didn't speak to her much. As for Aunt Gianna, Simon felt something familiar within her. He felt very comfortable with her. She was a sweet woman and was very caring. He smiled has he continued to think about his family, not noticing how he easily drifted off to sleep; not even noticing that he had indeed transformed, but his eyes were blue the whole time, nor did he feel any of the pain aspects of transforming. Instead, he felt calm and at peace. Mr. Potter was watching from outside, through a window. He was in awe at what he was witnessing and was wondering what it was that young Simon was thinking about.
xxxxxx
Rafael pulled the collar of his coat upwards to cover the lower half of his face. He looked up and down the street, seeing no one. He looked at the dark blue door in front of him, tapping it with his wand, which suddenly opened wide. At first, he saw a dark room, but once he passed the threshold, he was inside a lively tavern. It was loud and bustling with many witches and wizards. He walked over and saw at a corner table. A barmaid walked over to him.
"What can I get you, love?" she asked.
"Two firewhiskeys please and a pint of ale," Rafael replied. The barmaid nodded and walked away and appeared a minute later with his order. Rafael down one of his firewhiskeys and looked around the tavern. Hs eyes darting everywhere. He turned around, but when he turned back to front, a figure was sitting in front of him, downing the second firewhiskey. He slammed the glass on the table.
"No need to be paranoid, Ares," the man said. He was broadly built, with auburn hair and green eyes. "Didn't think you'd show up. Aren't you on his list of the people he wants to killed?"
"He's alive," Rafael interrupted. "My nephew is alive and well."
The man's eyes widened in surprise. "What!" he said. "Does that mean what I think it means?"
"Yes, Silvanus," Rafael said. "We can take him out once and for all. But not now, he's still too young, but his transformations have begun. We have to wait a few years, maybe when he's fourteen or fifteen."
"That long?" Silvanus said. "I guess we have no choice really. Have you told him your true nature? That you're like him?"
"Not yet," Rafael replied. "But in due time, I will tell him that he's not alone."
xxxxxx
Simon woke up in the early morning. He sat up, yawning and stretching. He felt well rested which he suddenly thought how strange that was. He looked around as he stood up. Everything was still the same. He wondered how it was still the same. Wouldn't this place be some kind of a mess? He even looked at his clothing which were still untorn and unworn. He was confused nonetheless.
A minute later, Simon exited the shack and looked around. He was in the middle of the woods, the middle of nowhere. Yet, there was no sign of Mr. Potter. He gathered his things and began to make his way back to Hugo's house. He was near the street and turned downwards, seeing Potter walking next to a person Simon didn't recognize. Once Potter had noticed Simon, he spoke something to his colleague who then suddenly disapparated with a tiny pop. Potter then walked up to Simon.
"Good morning," he greeted with a smile.
"Good morning," Simon greeted back.
"How are you feeling?" Potter asked as the two began to make their way to Hugo's home.
"Surprisingly, I feel alright," Simon answered. "Not sore or tired like last time." Harry nodded, looking pensive. "Who were you talking to?"
"Oh, that was just my work colleague," Potter answered, "Just updating me on work stuff. Nothing an eleven year old should be worried about." Simon nodded. "So, Simon, you're family asked if you'd like to spend the rest of the holiday with them. So you could get to know each other. Is that something you would like?"
Simon thought it over for a minute. He liked the idea of getting to know his new family. "Yes, I think I'd like that," he answered. "But they don't have a home yet, unless they got one already?"
"Well, they found a house last evening," Potter began to explain. "I believe this morning they are negotiating for it, and will be moved in by the weekend, which leaves you a week to spend with them in your new home."
"My new home," Simon repeated with a small smile, loving the idea of his new home with his new family, neither he nor Potter noticed Simon's eyes glow blue.
That Saturday, a door opened to reveal Simon and his Aunt Gianna. "This is your own room, Simon," Gianna said as the two entered the room. Simon smiled. It was bigger than his own room at the orphanage. It had a bed with red and gold blankets, a large desk, a bookcase, a closet, and a door that led to his own bathroom. "Decorate however you want," Gianna said with a smile. Simon dragged his trunk in and set it on the bed. "My room is on the thrid floor next to Rafi's room, and your cousin's is to your right. You two share a bathroom actually." Simon nodded. "I'll leave you to it. Lunch will be ready in a little while." Simon nodded again and Gianna left the room.
For the rest of the week, Simon got to know his new family, learning all about his two aunts, his uncle, and his sweet little cousin, Nina. His Uncle Rafael was a skilled wizard. How Simon found out? Their basement was redecorated as a training room, and Simon had found him training with advanced spells and jinxes. He was also writing his own defense book, to which he showed Simon. Aunt Odette was gifted in charms. She was nice and stern, and loved her daughter very much; taking any pictures of her when she had the chance. Now adding Simon to the pictures whenever they weren't looking. She was also a gifted artist, painting pictures and then bringing them to life with magic. And finally, Aunt Gianna who was gifted in potions. Which is how she made money. Creating potions and selling them at a low enough price for people who weren't making enough money. She like to help others, and even gave her potions away for free if the buyers didn't have any money. She was sweet and sincere.
Time flew by, and it was time to head back to Hogwarts. Rafael, Odette, Nina, and Gianna all saw him off, waving at him from the platform as Simon smiled and waved from the Hogwats Express. As it moved, Simon left to find the comparment with Hugo, entering a minute later. "Hey Simon," Hugo greeted. "Have you seen Alice?" Simon shook his head, taking a seat and then looking at Hugo with a serious expression. "What is it?" Hugo asked.
"I think my Uncle is a werewolf."