Harry POV
I stepped out of the Chamber, the hole closing behind me, only to spot Remus against the opposite wall gaping in shock.
'Why is he here? How did he find me? Wait, was he healing wounds just now? Is he okay? Crap, he just saw me come out of the Chamber! What do I do? Will he even believe what I say? "Oh, hey Remus, sorry I was just talking to a giant snake that lives in the school. And by the way it's a scary, dangerous basilisk. Nothing to worry about." Right, I can't just say that! He's staring at me, crap Harry, be more careful next time! What if he starts asking questions I can't answer? Oh no.'
"Harry?" I nearly jumped at his, almost, too loud whisper.
I fumbled with coming up with a response, only to wish I had simply kept my mouth shut afterwards. Making myself look even more suspicious than I already do seems to be something I am rather good at right now. At this rate Remus might never fully trust me. Next time I should really pay more attention to whether or not someone is following me. As my thoughts whirled, my breathing quickened into short little gasps, panic gripping my mind, like a vice.
"Harry! Harry, calm down, breath, it's okay!" I looked back up at Remus, unaware I had bent my head, to look at the dirty tiled floor. He's limping towards me, and my suspicions of injuries is confirmed, though I'm distantly aware of it at the moment. I focus on listening to Remus, who is now directly in front of me, his hand tugging one of mine to press against his chest - his heart beat steadily - thumping against my palm. Focusing on that alone, I took in a deep breath and slowly released it. Repeating the action for a few more minutes, I eventually, came back down from the panic attack. Unwilling to move though, I curl my fingers into his robes, as I straighten back up to look at him. Frowning, I crease my brow in worry.
"Remus, you're injured! Why? How? Who did this to you?" I need to get his attention away from me. However, I am still quite worried on if he is okay. 'Who would dare hurt my wolf?! Wait, my wolf?! Never mind, this isn't the time for that.'
"It's okay, I already healed most of the damage. I just hadn't gotten to my ankle before you suddenly came out of the Chamber," I didn't answer, instead opting to heal the break. I kneel to reach his ankle easier, pulling his pant leg up to expose the damage. I have to hold a wince in at the angry, throbbing break. Gently placing my wand against the swollen purple area of the wound, I said the spell under my breath; parselmagic comes in handy on occasion. "Thanks."
"No problem," I answered, standing back up and casting a tempus, the numbers dancing in front of us. "Come on, there's still time before breakfast starts."
We leave the bathroom, and I follow behind Remus, as he takes us through, shortcuts I should have no knowledge of. I've already done enough damage, with the Chamber and Room of Requirement. No need to add onto that by telling him I know all the shortcuts he also knows about. I hold a sigh in, wondering how things are going for Zuna. The strange absence of all the other students puts me on edge, and judging by the tenseness in Remus' shoulders it's putting him on edge as well.
It's not normal for the hallways to be deserted, even during the holidays. Hopefully, Aphroda didn't decide to change her mind, and came out of the pipes to eat everyone. I frown, knowing that scenario, is highly unlikely. The only other option would, potentially, be related to Dumbledore. Or Voldemort. I kept my outward appearance relaxed, remaining on high alert, in the process. Upon arrival at the Great Hall, I was expecting to see kids stuffing their faces. I definitely wasn't expecting to see this.
I immediately noticed the girl first, dressed in Hogwarts robes from Ravenclaw house, with blonde hair and green eyes. Then her eyes darted towards us for a second, long enough for me to recognize the imperius curse casting a haze over her eyes. Her face is completely blank, void of any emotions, as she turned back to Dumbledore. I felt all my rage rising to the forefront of my being . Dumbledore could help cancel the curse that's on her and yet he continues to duel! I growl, almost silently, knowing I need to try and stop this.
Knock her out maybe, or talk sense into Dumbledore. No, knocking her out would be easier to do. But how to get them to stop long enough for Remus to get away? This would explain the lack of students around; Dumbledore must have called for a lock-down of some sort. Though why other teachers aren't assisting I have no idea. I could use parselmagic again, but Remus is watching and I don't think he should know about that ability quite yet. Then the next closest spell is arresto momentum. I hear Remus say my name, and I quickly cast the spell before turning to look at him, not bothering with my wand.
"Run!" I spoke over my shoulder. I can't have him see anything that happens here.
"What?"
"Please, Remus, run, and don't look back or return. Wait for me in our room," Please, don't try and stay here.
"No way!" I felt my heart drop into my stomach. No, he can't stay here. He might get in the middle and try to stop the fight. I can't allow him to get injured, or killed. I can't let him stay and see this battle. I let my instincts take over then, wanting to protect him, letting a small huff out at the thoughts I have been having about him lately.
"Please, Remus," I was quiet, placing one of my hands lightly on his cheek, giving it a caress. I need him to be safe. Remus nodded then, before turning, and running.
I turned back to the scene playing out in the Great Hall, the spell I cast earlier canceling out. Immediately the girl acted first and caught me off guard, casting a harsh cutting curse in my direction, just as I step farther into the room. I let out a pained cough, pressing on the bleeding wound. I looked back up at her, then at Dumbledore, who has a faint hint of satisfaction in his eyes, though he is frowning heavily.
"You shouldn't be here, dear boy, I sent everyone to their dorms. It's dangerous, you need to leave," Dumbledore spoke quickly, eyes not leaving the girl.
"Sorry Professor, but, I'm not leaving. She has the imperious curse cast on her, why aren't you canceling it? Or at least knocking her out?" I question him, but he doesn't answer and the girl resumes casting spells. 'How convenient for him for her to do so.'
I stood where I was for a few moments as the wound in my side continues to bleed sluggishly, watching as Dumbledore continued to fire off spells, completely ignoring my presence. However, she just kept dodging each spell as they came at her. I cast another spell of my own; a sectumsempra. She dodged again, dashing back towards me. I managed to evade the blow from her fist, shocked she would use physical means, especially under the imperious. I became more confused as they continued, Dumbledore still not ending the duel, an idea forming in my head. But it can't be possible... can it? I narrowed my eyes at the scene before me, growing more suspicious by the second. Dumbledore keeps firing spells, bordering on the dark, never once moving from his spot in middle of the Great Hall. On the other hand, the girl just evades each spell with ease, like a puppet, not once getting close enough to harm her attacker. If what I think is true, then...
"Arresto Momentum," I cast the spell again, slowing their movements.
The girl looked at me again, but just stood there, her head slowly moving towards my direction. At least three minutes passed where I didn't attack, that she just stood there staring into nothing, seemingly waiting. Figuring it has been long enough, I fired one spell; incendio. That was all it took to get her running towards me again. I went to dodge, only to get a large gash in my leg from another cutting curse. This proves one theory, she won't attack unless attacked first. I need to get her close, but it might cost me.
No matter, as long as I don't get killed. Letting off another spell, I didn't dodge this time. However, I was surprised when she once again used her hands. In my frozen state, she grabbed my arm, twisting it until it gave sickening snap. Yelling out in pain, I unknowingly let Dumbledore out of my magic. I stood there holding my arm, watching Dumbledore cast the Avada Kedavra curse, effectively killing the Ravenclaw girl.
I looked up to the Headmaster, expecting to see sadness, regret, or something like that. However, I was met with satisfaction, annoyance, and something only an evil man can understand. This is wrong. So very wrong. I don't know why this is happening, why he killed an innocent girl, one that was his student. How is he going to explain her death to everyone else? To her parents? Part of me feels that he's the one her put her under that curse in the first place but why would he do that? What had he hoped to gain from doing this? I stood silently as I heard him mutter a memory charm, though I know it won't work on me. Zuna had me make multiple shields to prevent memory charms from working.
All I knew was of his manipulations of me, but it seems it goes deeper than that. Ignoring my wish to dash out of there after he finished with his spell, I calmly walked towards my rooms, until I got a safe distance away. Then I walked as fast as I could in my current condition. Something was wrong, very wrong, here. I am not sure if this is a completely different dimension or people in my own time failed to give me a few key details, or even if me being here really did change things this drastically. All I know for certain, is that someone needs to stop this, stop whatever is causing this madness, and I am likely the one meant to do it. Once again with the weight of the Wizarding World on my shoulders, I continue towards my room with Remus. This time, I'm glad the hallways are empty.
Stumbling into the room, I watched, as Remus automatically came to my side.
"Harry? Hey, what happened?" I could feel my face go pale as I continued to remember what just occurred.
"I-I just…" I sat there, unable to hold back my emotions, and began to cry. Unknowingly I also began to mumble things I shouldn't talk about. "This wasn't supposed to happen. None of this was supposed to happen. This isn't how I remember things. This isn't what I was told," The tears came faster, as I instinctively clung to Remus.
"Harry," Remus spoke gently, "what happened?"
"Albus...Albus Dumbledore killed her," I answered, managing to slow the steady stream of tears. I shouldn't lose myself like this, even if it is in front of Remus. Especially in front of him. My wolf.
"The girl?" he asked, I nodded in response, turning myself into Remus' body. Remus began to heal my wounds and I slumped further against him in relief, falling asleep to the feeling of his hand running through my hair.
Remus POV
It's been a few days since Harry saw that battle. He hasn't spoken a word about it or anything else related to it since then. I have to wonder if Harry was obliviated or something, but I know he wasn't. I see him staying up at night, staring at a piece of parchment, writing things down mechanically. Other nights he is sneaking out of the room, bag in hand and Zuna trailing behind him or wrapped around his shoulders. She had returned, the morning after the Great Hall, incident occurred. I'm rather worried about him, but I think he will be okay. I have another thing to worry about, like how tonight is the full moon and that I have to find a way to get away from Harry. I can't put him in such a dangerous situation. It wouldn't be right of me to do, especially considering, I think I am forming a small crush on the other male. I would never forgive myself if I hurt him without realizing it until the next morning. Getting away from Harry Evott isn't going to be an easy task. Or so I thought.
"Hey, Remus, can you help me with this history paper? I can't remember a few things regarding the unicorns," Harry's voice broke me from my thoughts. We are sitting in the small sitting room in front of a fireplace that is connected to our bedroom, parchment and quills thrown about the table.
"Oh, sure thing, Harry. What is it you need to know?" I walked over, and sat next to him on the arm of his chair, bending at the waist to look at his work. If I sat closer than needed, neither if us mentioned it.
"We are supposed to describe why unicorn blood is so dangerous, but I really don't remember," he frowned, scratching absently, at his chin with the tip of his quill.
"Well, if one drinks the blood of a unicorn, it can keep you alive. However, by drinking it, you will forever, live a half life," I explain, remembering when I read about it, not too long ago, for the same assignment.
"Oh! Thanks, Remus!" my heart stuttered at the grin he gave, before writing down what I told him. I stood, to silently leave the room, but was stopped before I could reach the door. I suppose that idea wasn't going to work.
"Remus, one second. I wanted to let you know that I've requested to miss my classes after lunch to see to some important business. I'll be back around the middle of breakfast tomorrow so don't worry about me," I was, shocked, really. This sudden need to leave was really quite convenient for me. Suppose this means I don't have to try and leave without him noticing. I don't have make him worry about me. I let out a heavy sigh, and smiled, slightly at him.
"Alright, thanks for telling me this."
"No problem. Also, before you head out, I would like for you to drink this for me. It's nothing poisonous, trust me. I've had someone else drink this before and it helped them a great deal." I looked warily at the vial of a potion Harry was holding out to me. I really can't be sure what it is and if I can trust him or not but this would potentially explain why he occasionally snuck out of the room at night.
"What is it?" I questioned, gently taking it from his hand.
"It's a potion called Wolfsbane. It will help you keep your control during your transformation. Please, take it," I stared at him with slight shock, wondering how he could make something like this.
"But...there hasn't been a potion created that actually works. So, how?" Harry simply gave a small, sad smile.
"I can't really say without telling a pure lie. And I don't wish to lie to you," I looked at him, then gave the potion a skeptical glance before downing it in one go. Aside from the horrible taste, nothing really happened.
"The effects will appear as soon as you change. I'm working on improving it to have a painkiller as well."
"This is really incredible, Harry, thank you," Why can't you tell me more about this without having to lie to me? I held back a small sigh, maybe he just doesn't...I don't know, trust me enough? This time I did sigh, not realizing I did until Harry spoke.
"Remus, is everything okay?" I looked up at him, a little surprised, to see worry in his eyes.
"Yes, I'm fine. I have to go to the library now, so I will see you in a few."
I sat in a secluded area of the library, just staring at the book in my hands. I wish I knew more about him, but it's hard to when he is so secretive about everything. He doesn't really speak of his past, unless it's confusing mutterings or very vague explanations. Speaks nothing of his parents, or any guardian of any type. If he wasn't completely human, I would have smelled it on him, so that's also ruled out. I groaned, moving to lean back in my chair, when something green slid past. Before I even realized what I was doing, I had stood and started to follow the green form of Zuna. I hadn't seen her for a while, at least not outside of the bedchambers, when she and Harry snuck out. I can only guess that she had been gathering the potion supplies needed for the Wolfsbane potion. Well, there's no sense in going back now, might as well continue following her. Though she probably already knows I'm here, why hasn't she tried to lose me or something?
It didn't take me long to notice our destination was the bedchambers I shared with Harry. As we reached the door, I watched as she went in, the door opening for her. Standing there, wondering if I should head back so as to not get caught, I realize the door never shut all the way. Against my better judgment, I moved closer to the door, and listened.
~Zuna~
I shivered slightly at the hissed word. That's parseltongue isn't it? Harry was just speaking parseltongue. I wasn't expecting that at all. What else has he been keeping from me? Should I even trust him? I know I do, likely influenced by the wolf but Harry doesn't really give off the aura of someone who would purposely harm me or anyone else. I turn back to the room, listening to them continue to hiss at each other.
~My Childe~
Now I wish that I could actually understand what was being said. Though I can understand when someone's name is being spoken, that's pretty much it. I sighed, this really served no purpose if I can't understand them. Moving from the door, I walked back to the library. I never did see Harry again, though I did skip lunch, not feeling hungry.
It was on my way to the shack that I started to wonder what it was that he had to go do. Or if he had to go do anything at all. I stood at the base of the whomping willow, the entrance to the shack. I hear people are giving it the nickname of the Shrieking Shack because of my wolfs howls. Once I started to feel the transformation starting, I jumped into the opening. By the time I reached the bottom, I was fully changed. However, I noticed I still had control, though I could distantly feel the wolf and a few of it's instincts. I sat there for a good five minutes, until I realized there was someone here. Sniffing the air, I noticed the scent was slightly familiar, and yet foreign to me. Curious, I cautiously, followed to were the scent was strongest. I reached the room where I typically slept, and gave a low growl at what I saw. There, beside my makeshift bed, was a fully grown white tiger.