It was the night of the full moon, so the usual dark forest had enough light that even a human could see the tropics in all its glory. All the small animals and critters had gone into hiding since the smell of a dangerous predator had started prevailing in these woods on the full moon.

The moonlight shimmering down on the lone island made it seem as if it was an ethereal land straight out of a fantasy. Half of the island was uninhabited and untouched by humans... well mostly untouched.

A gathering of the three most unusual and unlikely creatures could be seen on an open field of grass in the middle of the forest. One of them was a giant horse-like magical beast that had the front legs, wings, and head of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a horse. It was also the smallest of the group which was unusual for it.

The second creature somewhat resembled a wolf but its size was out of proportion, its limbs were unusually elongated which gave it immense speed and dexterity, along with a snout full of sharp teeth that made it a very dangerous existence.

The last, but the most dangerous of the group was a one-of-a-kind creature, seen for the first time in this world. It was the largest of the trio, dwarfing the werewolf when it was not standing. It had a fearsome set of long teeth, and its legs were thick enough for a human to have difficulty circling them with his hands.

Its mane was the darkest of black, sucking the light out of its surroundings and giving it a very sinister appearance, its fur was thick enough for most muggle weapons to just bounce off of it, while underneath the fur was an impressive set of muscles giving the creature immense strength.

All three of them were standing in a single line and seemed to be waiting for something, a cold breeze suddenly blew in the calm night bringing leaves along with it, and at some imaginary signal, all three of them suddenly started running simultaneously.

After a couple of giant strides, the hippogriff flapped his enormous wings and started gliding, trying to inch ahead of its competition.

But the werewolf was not one to give in easily and used its abnormally long limbs to take deeper lunges and keep up with the half-bird half-horse.

The last one of the gathering was the only one having an easy time, while its fellow creatures were exerting all their might and putting in every bit of effort, it seems to be effortlessly cruising along, it was actually lolling its tongue out, and having the time of his life.

Every time its enormous paws hit the ground it covered a large distance, and it seems to be holding back, but still running circles around the other two. They ran like that for quite a distance, the hippogriff, and wolf, fighting neck to neck trying to stay ahead.

Just before reaching the tree that was the finish line, the huge monster of a Grim suddenly started taking deeper strides and all the muscles across its body rippled as he sped up, leaving behind the bird and the wolf to eat its dust as he cleared the finish line first by a large margin.

The hippogriff screeched unhappily but took the defeat graciously while playfully snapping his beak at the oversized dog, but the werewolf on the other hand seem to be having a hard time accepting its loss it had always been the most dangerous one around, always the most powerful, the Apex Predator so facing defeat for the first time made its hackles rise and it started snarling and growling at the winner.

Sirius didn't even spare a glance at the unhappy creature, if it was before he had gotten his new form, and he was the relatively smaller grim then he would have to take the wolf seriously. But now, before his monstrous form, the werewolf almost looked like a puppy.

After seeing that it was being ignored, the werewolf's patience ran out and it immediately growled before taking a quick lunge with its jaws biting at the enormous hound from hell.

One second it was in the air looking forward to taking a bite out of his rival and showing him who was the alpha, and the next second an enormous force hit its head out of nowhere and the wolf was slammed into the ground.

The werewolf shook his head, a bit confused about what happened, it looked around for the cause for a while, but didn't think any further and tried once more, snarling and jumping at the Grim, But he was once again bitch slapped into the ground.

Sirius indulged the wolf for quite a while, just putting it down whenever the wolf got up, but after a few minutes, it started to get annoying. He slapped the wolf to the ground once again but followed after him this time.

He placed his enormous paws on the throat of the canine before he took a deep breath... GROWLED. The deep rumbling sound from deep inside his chest caused visible vibration in the air and it was so menacing that even the watching hippogriff was unsettled and bowed its head involuntarily.

While the wolf who was the focus of the snarl, was scared out of its wits for the first time in his life, his body shivering uncontrollably, and before long the resistance in its body gave in, as he submitted wholly to its new alpha, and he started whining instead of growling showing its allegiance.

Sirius slowly backed away and the menacing aura that had appeared around him was retracted back into its body, a minute later all three of them started playing again.

About half an hour later while all there of them were roughhousing, Sirius suddenly felt as if his stomach had been emptied and he started feeling bone-deep exhaustion.

His eyes suddenly widened as he remembered that this form had a time limit. He immediately started running away toward the manor, but before he could go far away, the transformation started reverting back and he appeared on his knees in his human form, naked as the day he was born, breathing heavily.

He slowly turned around and found that the wolf was looking at him while tilting his head in confusion. But suddenly the wolf's snout twitched as it caught the scent of a human and all its reason went away, as snapped its teeth and his eyes started shining with malevolence.

"Hey, puppy!" Sirius said while slowly backing away from the snarling wolf, "You remember me right... who's a good puppy—" But the werewolf didn't even stop to entertain him and immediately jumped at the tasty-looking human.

Sirius immediately flicked his hand and the second the wand appeared in his hands, he blasted the incoming wolf away with a wave. Still, the wolf was barely fazed by the spell and came back stronger and faster, but fortunately, buckbeak intervened and came between them.

The two creatures went at each other for a while, the werewolf trying to get to the human, and the hippogriff clawing and pecking at it to stop it, while Sirius kept on sending the occasional spell to help his winged friend along. But before long the wolf got smarter and started dodging around buckbeak and going straight for the prize.

"Hey, what the hell's your problem, you shitty wolf," Sirius shouted while sending another blasting charm at his roommate, who came too close to comfort this time. He couldn't send anything more powerful or deadly, as he may just hurt his cook, and he didn't want it as it would mean he would have to go back to eating bland food.

"Watch it," Sirius exclaimed as the snarling wolf found an opening and took a huge bite of his friend's feathers, "Uhh... Come on I should be able to transform again, for a couple of minutes," Sirius closed his eyes and tried one more time, but his muscles barely started lengthening when they snapped back into place.

He cursed at his failure and brainstormed for another solution before an idea came to him, and he immediately tried it. He closed his eyes once again, but this time instead of trying to become the huge one, he imagined his normal grim form, and this time the transformation took place smoothly.

'Huh... I can still access the previous form. That is good to know... Now, come here you bad puppy,' He thought before going to help his feathery friend control his furry one.

The absence of human scent seemed to have calmed the werewolf somewhat, so he was very easy to handle. And the wolf still recognized Sirius's animal scent as the Alpha even in this smaller form so he had become quite docile in the end and the night passed peacefully after that.

...

The Next Morning, Sirius was sitting at the dining table writing something on parchment, listening to Remus who was drinking hot chocolate while sitting on an armchair inside a warm blanket. He still looked a bit pale but a lot better than before the night of the moon.

"...I had heard from some of my werewolf contacts that when they joined a pack, the nights before and after the full moon became a lot easier for them, but I didn't think it would be this different," Remus brightly said, "I don't even feel the usual weakness and aches... Whatever you did Sirius I can't thank you enough,"

"What are you talking about, I just played with your wolf a little," Sirius waved away his gratitude while thinking that thank god Remus didn't remember everything from last night, because if he knew how many times he bitchslapped him, Sirius didn't think he would be thanking him, this much.

"The wolf has become almost docile, it's... as if he's found a new home," Remus said with a small smile while looking into his cup, before shaking his head and asking, "And who are you writing to. I thought, Harry had already gone to the Weaselys,"

"Yes, he went there last week, to attend the world cup," Sirius said while sealing the letter, "I am writing this one to Dumbledore, inviting him. It's time we had a proper chat... "

Sirius had been working on his Occlumency every day since he got here and was finally confident enough to confront the Headmaster again, and get some answers.

...

Harry's POV

"...And he is supposed to be the youngest seeker in the world. They say that he is still in School just like us. Imagine being a star quidditch player while still at Hogwarts," Ron wistfully said and Hermione rolled her eyes at Ginny who smirked back.

They were sitting inside Ron's room, it was the topmost room of the Burrow. It had a slanted ceiling and was decorated with Chudley Cannon posters all around them, distracting its occupants when the players zoomed on the posters. The owl Sirius had bought for Ron was sitting on the window sill, curiously looking at the occupants.

Harry was supposed to be bought by Mr. Weasley next Sunday the night before the game, but he didn't feel like waiting at the Dursleys anymore than he had to. So after asking for permission from Sirius, he gotten had on the Knight's Bus and arrived at the burrow a week early. The Weasley's while surprised were very welcoming.

They just had a huge dinner just an hour earlier with the complete Weasley family, along with Harry and Hermione. Mrs. Weasley had sent them to sleep after they had eaten, but the four of them had gathered here to talk instead.

"When did you get new glasses, Harry," Ginny asked from beside Ron, opposite where he and Hermione were sitting on, the bed he had occupied while at the Weasleys, "They look really cool,"

"Uh, my last glasses got a bit crooked and they were not the right prescription...," Harry said while Hermione looked admiringly at his red-framed specs, "So Si...Um... Remus got me some new ones," Harry exchanged glances with his two friends, they had understood who he had almost mentioned.

"Hmm... Is that so," Ginny said while looking at all three of them suspiciously before glaring, "I know the three of you are hiding something from me but..." she suddenly smirked, "I am willing to overlook it if you show me your abs one more time, Harry,"

"Alright, that's it. Get Out of here," Ron said getting up from his bed and pushing Ginny out of his room.

"Hey, what's the big deal," Ginny whined while dodging her brother, "Harry doesn't mind, does he?"

"Do you want me to call mom up here and tell her what her baby girl is asking?" Ron threatened which seemed to finally work on her.

"You are such a tattle tale, Ron!" Ginny shot at him and stuck her tongue out at him before leaving the room.

"Do you need a separate invitation," Ron sternly said while turning to Hermione.

"Wh...What Why am I being kicked out too?" Hermione asked completely bewildered.

"Don't think I didn't see your eyes lighting up at Ginny's suggestion,"

"Wha... I would never—" Hermione spluttered while both, Harry and she turned completely red, "You Know What! GO TO HELL! RON!" She shouted over her embarrassment while leaving the room in a huff, and slamming the door behind her.

"Seriously, these girls," Ron sighed in exasperation while shaking his head.

They didn't talk for a while and just made their bed, before Mrs. Weasley came up the stairs shouting for them to switch off the lights, and go to sleep. They slept on their respective beds, and the room was silent for a while except for the occasional sound the Owl made.

"Hey Ron," Harry whispered sticking his face out of his blanket, "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah Mate, sure," Ron said while turning toward him.

"Which girl do you think is the prettiest? And who do you like the most in our batch?" Harry asked, thankful that the darkness hid his face. He was embarrassed but still asked him remembering the advice Sirius had given him.

"Oh... If we are talking about the prettiest then... I would have to go with Daphne Greengrass, you know "The Ice Queen", But alas... she is from Slytherin," Ron said while shaking his head in sadness, "But the one I like the most would have to be... Lavender Brown, Because of the—" He gestured lewdly with his chest.

"Alright! Alright! I get it," Harry said when Ron didn't stop with his antics.

"Anyway, who do you like the most?" Ron shot back.

"Promise me, you won't laugh," Harry asked apprehensively.

"I won't,"

"I kind of like...Umm... Hermione," Harry said while looking at the ceiling, it had taken all of Harry's courage to admit that.

"Huh..." Ron replied, his eyes a bit wide, "I would have never guessed that in a million years. Hermione... huh... I guess she is really pretty... and the puberty has been kind on her this summer if you know what I mean,"

"Shut up, Ron," Harry hissed while throwing a pillow at him.

"Hey, Calm down! Blimey, mate! You're acting like she's already your girlfriend or something," Ron said while dodging, "Don't get your knickers in a twist, I am just talking here,"

They calmed down and fell back on their beds, and after a while, Ron said in a wondering tone, "I think you should totally ask her out,"

"You think so," Harry said unsurely.

"Of course," Ron said confidently, "You have a very good chance at succeeding here... not like me," he ended self-deprecatingly.

"Hey, how about we make a pact," Harry excitedly said while sitting up.

"What do you mean,"

"You help me with Hermione, and I will try to get you together with Lavender,"

"You sure,"

"Absolutely," Harry said while advancing his hand

"Alright then, It's your funeral," Ron said while clapping Harry's hand, "You would have to work a lot harder than me. I mean you're a quidditch star—My work's practically done,"

"About that," Harry said, "Why don't you try for Gryffindor's quidditch team? Oliver left last year so the keeper's position is open this year,"

"I don't know," Ron said unsurely but considering it, "I don't even have a broom,"

"You can take the school's broom," Harry urged, "And I could even train you. Besides, it would really help your chances with Lavender,"

"Alright then, the second we reach Hogwarts, you're training me," Ron said enthusiastically.

"You got it, mate,"

Both of them slept with satisfied grins on their faces that night, anticipating their fourth year with eagerness.

...

The next day shined bright and early in the morning, Mrs. Weasley was making breakfast while Hermione was sitting at the dining table and reading a book.

"Hey Ron, Do you know where Harry is?" Hermione asked when she saw Ron coming down the stairs, "I haven't seen him all morning,"

"I don't know about that," Ron said while looking outside the window and after getting some kind of signal only he knew, he turned toward Hermione, "But hey... Hermione can you come with me for a second,"

"Where," Hermione asked while tilting her head.

"Just come with me," Ron said while taking her hand and leading her out of the burrow.

They walked out of the fence surrounding Ron's home before approaching the forest behind Burrow. Ron led her into the trees while distracting Hermione by asking her about the summer homework, which seemed to work.

"...And of course, the potion homework was very easy if you know the book to reference—" Hermione stopped mid-sentence when she saw that they had walked quite far and were surrounded by trees, "Where are we going, Ron?"

"Just around here," Ron said while looking into the trees before abruptly turning around, and saying very loudly "Oh I think I forgot the thing. Wait here Hermione... while I get the thing," Ron finished and immediately ran back the way they had come.

"What thing—Ron where are you going RON!RON!" Hermione shouted after the retreating back of her friend but he didn't stop, "I swear if this is his idea of a prank, I am going to kill him..." She started to mumble to herself but fortunately, she wasn't left alone for long.

"Hey Hermione," She suddenly turned around and found her other best friend coming out of the trees slowly.

"Harry! What are you doing here?" Hermione asked a bit surprised and continuing before he could say anything, "And where did Ron go?"

"You know, the thing is I wanted to tell you... I mean ask you something," Harry nervously said while pushing his glasses.

"What is it Harry," Hermione asked approaching him, now concerned, "Is it your scar? Is it hurting again,"

"NO! Nothing like that..." Harry said while looking everywhere but her, "Um... Will you, I mean.. Ugh..," Harry took a deep breath, "Alright here goes nothing,"

And started speaking all at once before he lost his courage, "Hermione you are my best friend, The person who's always been there for me, no matter the danger or obstacle I faced. I could always rely on you to have my back,

"And for a while, I thought of you as a sister because that's what I thought I felt for you, but someone recently told me that what I was feeling for you was definitely not familial love. So what I want to say is," Harry once again took a deep breath and looked into her eyes, "You are one of the most beautiful person I know, You are smart witty, and funny...and...and... WILLYOUGOOUTWITHME,"

"Huh, What," Hermione replied with wide eyes, speechless for once in her life.

"Will you go out with me?" Harry repeated in low voice, looking down, away from her eyes, his courage had left him.

As the seconds passed, and he didn't get a reply, he started to feel mortified. Time passed agonizingly slowly, he felt as if decades had passed while he was standing there, wishing that the ground would swallow him up.

He had started to entertain the thought that she had run away, and was already regretting everything, but thankfully before his thoughts could spiral anymore he heard footsteps and saw his best friend's shoes come to a stop before him

"Harry," Hermione said, her voice filled with emotion, and he slowly looked up, "Yes, Yes of course I would go out with you," she said with a wet smile.

His face lit up with the brightest smile, and Hermione immediately jumped at him, giving him the tightest hug of his life.

He hugged her back while thinking that Ron was definitely right about puberty being kind to her. But unfortunately, before he could appreciate the curves Hermione had gotten over the summer, they were surrounded by hollering and celebratory whistles.

Coming out of the wood where they had been hidden for who knows how long, were the twins and Ron. He immediately separated from Hermione, and he was sure that his face was as red as his new girlfriend's seemed to be.

"Look like I win, George," Fred grinned while showing his twin his palm.

"Looks like you do, My dear Fred," George replied while placing a galleon on the outstretched hand.

"I was sure that you would pluck up the courage, and ask her out before the Fourth year," Fred explained while pocketing his winning.

"And I had bet that you wouldn't be able to before your OWl's," George said while shaking his head in mock sadness, "Looks like I underestimated your Gryffindor courage, Harry,"

"Congratulation you two, I am happy for you," Ron said with a genuine smile while patting Harry on his shoulder, before saying with a grimace, "Just make sure you don't snog her in front of me and we would be golden,"

"RON!" Hermione flushed while hitting Ron on his shoulder.

"Ouch... Hey Harry, Control your woman already," Ron said before he looked at Hermione's face and immediately started running away.

"Come back here, RONALD WEASLEY," Hermione shouted before taking off after him.

Fred and George looked at each other and shivered theatrically, before turning toward him and saying simultaneously, "We wish you the Best of Luck, Harry. You are going to need it,"

/

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