September 9th, 1995
Mary walked into Remus' quarters the next morning, fighting a loud yawn. Tonks sat at the bar drinking her tea, only looking up when Mary muttered a greeting.
"Have a good night?" Tonks asked with a smirk.
"I slept," Mary said, stretching out her sore muscles. "You?"
"Not really," Tonks sighed.
"How's Remus?" Mary asked, wincing at the stupidity of the question.
"Tetchy as usual this close to the full moon." Tonks shrugged. "He told me to go home, but Mum's in a frenzy getting things ready for tonight and Dad's busy at work, so I figured I'd check in on you."
"I wouldn't be opposed to company for breakfast." Mary smiled. "But I need to shower and change first."
"Take your time," Tonks said, absently waving a hand. "Oh and Mary?"
"Yeah?" Mary stopped in her tracks.
"You're lucky it was my night to watch the map. If Remus, Sirius, or Snape catch you spending the night with Rolf, they'll kill him."
"Nothing happened!" Mary swore. "It's about the only way Saphira will sleep."
"I trust you," Tonks said, holding up her hands. "Just be careful with Rolf."
"I will?" Mary replied, confused and wondering what Tonks meant.
The thoughts fell to the back of her mind as she got ready for the day and set to work on making a small breakfast for Tonks and herself.
"Mickey can be getting breakfast," the little elf said, offering his help.
"I appreciate that, Mickey," Mary said, washing the pan that she used. "But I enjoy cooking. That is if you don't mind me using your kitchen?"
"It is a joy to have Mary Potter with us," Mickey said, his ears flapping excitedly. "Mickey must offer though."
Mary dried her hands and frowned at the tray of food. "How do you do the thing where you make the food appear somewhere else?"
"Now that is a house elf secret, Mary Potter," Mickey crossed his arms with a smug smile on his face. "You go on and Mickey will send the food to Professor Lupin's quarters."
"Thank you," Mary said, hugging Mickey and stepping into the Floo.
The food beat her there and Tonks was already serving herself eggs and sausage when Mary stepped through.
"The Floo doesn't hate you anymore." Tonks observed.
"I think my magic might be settling a little." Mary laughed. "I can portkey and apparate without landing on my face as well!"
"That's progress." Tonks laughed then checked her watch. "I better get going. Sirius wants to start training the new recruits with the HexBox."
"Have fun!" Mary said, watching Tonks step into the Floo.
"Good luck with tryouts, Mary," Tonks said. "And be careful!"
Tonks' voice floated into the background when a scene popped into her mind. She was falling from her broom, dementors surrounding her, and there was no one to stop her.
"The girl will die," Voldemort said softly. "But only after she's served her purpose."
"Yes, my lord."
Mary blinked, heart racing as she struggled to focus her mind on flying, burying the phantom excitement in the white fluffy clouds. No way in hell was she going to let that bastard ruin Quidditch for her. She could do that just fine all on her own.
The weekend edition of the Prophet sat on the table, announcing the attack along with a list of those that were killed. Mary read through it twice, putting names to the faces of the bodies that littered the small Romanian village. It wasn't the best way to start the day, but it had to be borne.
"Big turnout," Alicia said, staring at the crowd of Gryffindors in the stands as well as the line of students hoping to make it onto the team.
"This might take a while," Angelina said, turning to Katie. "Get that lot in the queue based on what position they want to play. We'll do one on one matches until we find the most qualified flyers."
Katie walked away, clapping her hands and getting the hopefuls organised. Fred and George were huddled up with Lee, the three of them wearing matching mischievous grins. A blinding light flashed in her eyes and Mary barely restrained herself from casting a vicious hex in Colin's direction.
"Enough of that, Creevey!" Angelina yelled. "Get to the stands if you're not trying out!"
Colin darted towards the stairs with wide eyes, constantly looking over his shoulder as though worried about Angelina taking off after him.
"Two Seeker prospects," Alicia said, patting Mary on the back. "Think you can take them?"
"With my eyes closed," Mary said with a laugh.
She knew Ginny would be her only real competition. Little Dennis Creevey was small, but his Cleansweep would be no match for her Firebolt.
"It'd be good to have someone on hand just in case you pull a Potter," Angelina said with a frown. "No offence, Mary."
Mary shrugged. "It's a smart move."
The Keeper tryouts were nerve wrecking. Ron was good, but he had a fit of nerves and Cormac was making him work for his spot on the team. Mary watched the three Chasers zoom back and forth, tossing Quaffles at random, working together to put the two to the test.
After twenty minutes of nonstop flying, Angelina blew her whistle.
"Robins, Vane!" Katie called out. "Get up here!"
Each girl was tossed a single Quaffle, both turning to Angelina for instructions.
"Just make it through the hoops, girls!" Angelina ordered them. "Let's see what you've got!"
Demelza and Romilda had no idea what they were doing. It was such a sad sight that Angelina called their tryout to end a full five minutes short.
"To the ground, you two!" Katie yelled. "Lee, Jack, your turn!"
Mary's ears rang each time the bats connected with the Bludgers. Lee and Jack seemed to be out for blood as they tried to best Fred and George, but there was no way to beat the Weasley twins on the pitch. They worked together like a well oiled machine, almost as though the pair of Bludgers were an extension of themselves.
"That was good!" Angelina called out. "To the ground you lot!"
Everyone landed and Mary knew it was her turn to prove her worth in front of the Gryffindor team.
"Weasley, Creevey!" Katie called out. "To the chest!"
Dennis ran forward, but had to turn back after he realised he forgot his broom. Ginny, on the other hand, walked forward with a confident smile on her face.
"Our ickle GinGin." Fred faked wiping away a tear.
"They grow up so fast, Forge." George patted his brother on the back.
Angelina rolled her eyes and turned to the three of them. "I'm setting the Snitch to stay within the limits of the pitch. First to catch it claims the spot. To your brooms!"
Mary nodded and hopped on her trusty Firebolt. "Good luck, GinGin."
Ginny laughed. "You'll be the one needing luck, Potter!"
Dennis looked like he was about to vomit. Mary placed a sticking charm on her headphones and put the volume up as far as it would go. Ginny shot up into the air and Mary smirked, sitting back on her broom. The whistle blew and the Snitch darted into the sky, sending them on a mind boggling chase.
Five minutes in, Mary had the Snitch within her reach, but let it go in favour of flying longer.
The flashbulb from Colin's camera blazed to life while he rapidly snapped picture after picture. Mary turned and waved at Rolf who held a hyper Saphira in his arms, her wings flapping as though she wished she could join them. Aunt Minnie watched the match with her omnioculars, likely recording the tryouts for Remus and Sirius.
"How the fuck?!" Ginny screamed.
The stands erupted with the Gryffindor visitors all clapping and cheering.
"Thanks for attending!" Angelina called to the crowd. "All right, you lot, final decisions will be made and I'll post my final decision on the bulletin board in the common room tomorrow night!"
"That was rough," Ron said, slinging his broom over his shoulder as they left the pitch. "She's no Oliver, but Angelina seems to have it in for us."
"We'll be stronger in the long run," Mary replied, shrinking her broom and putting it in her pocket. "And you were brilliant."
"I caught ninety percent of the Quaffles. Cormac almost bested me." Ron grimaced. "No way in hell do I want that smarmy bastard taking my spot."
"It's lucky for you that he was preoccupied." Mary looked over her shoulder to where Cormac was chatting up Romilda. "Don't worry though. A little more practice and you'll be in top form."
"What would it take to distract you, Potter?" Ginny asked in a huff, sweat beading from her brow. "You made a fool out of me."
Mary shuddered, flashes of her latest vision coming to the forefront of her mind. "Nothing you're capable of, Gin."
Ginny narrowed her eyes and looked away, linking her arm through Luna's as they made their way back up to the school.
"What's with you these days?" Ron asked, not prodding, but true concern in his tone. "You've been cagey and quiet."
Images swarmed beneath the hold on her Occlumency. "It's nothing to worry about, just a lot of homework and detention."
"How can I not worry? It's you." Ron shrugged, digging into a pocket of his cloak to pull out a piece of Honeydukes chocolate. "Come on, you know you want it."
"Between you and Remus, I'm going to have cavities before I die," Mary said, taking a small brick and popping it into her mouth.
"Must you be so morbid?" Hermione sidled up next to her, accepting the next piece from Ron. "Honestly Mary, things are bad enough as it is."
"It could be worse," Mary said, looking at the top step leading into the castle proper. "You two don't have four hours of detention with Snape on the roster."
Hermione put a hand on her shoulder, forcing Mary to meet her eyes. "Have you talked to McGonagall? This can't be condoned by her. You're exhausted. Anyone with eyes can see it. Professor Snape has no right!"
"Do the crime, pay the time." Mary lifted her shoulders, patting Ron on the back. "Good job out there. I better go before I get in more trouble."
Without waiting for a response, she ran up the steps two at a time, stopping next to Snape and heaving in a breath. "It's time?"
"Miss Lobosca is waiting in a private holding cell at the Ministry," Snape replied, shooting a glare at two Ravenclaw second years that were watching their interaction with wide eyes. "Moonrise is in an hour."
Mary took a glance at her watch, knowing that the moon didn't care whether the sun still shone in the sky. When it was full, it was full. Nerves on edge, she followed him to the dungeons where they quickly Flooed to the secure location.
"There you are, dear!" Aunt Andy walked forward and pulled her into a hug. "How are you?"
"Ready to do this," Mary said with a small smile, then grimaced at her dirty quidditch gear. "Sorry about the smell."
"It's fine, child," Aunty Andy said, laughing as she guided her toward the brewing area.
Mary's stomach did a small flip-flop at the sight of Chiara sitting at the end of the small cot in the corner, holding her head in her hands.
"All right there, Kiki?" Mary asked, sitting next to her friend.
Chiara shot her an irritated glance at the nickname. "I've been better."
Mary grimaced. "Look, Snape has a batch of the normal stuff ready to go. You can back out at any time. I'd honestly prefer that. I'd be right gutted if you keeled over on my watch."
"The only thing that can hurt me now is your stench." Chiara grumbled.
Mary lifted her shoulders and grinned. "Quidditch tryouts. I didn't have time to shower or change."
"Did you keep your spot?" Chiara asked through gritted teeth.
"As if they could find a better Seeker," Mary said, laughing at the thought. "Really though, Ginny is pretty good. Another year or so and they'll be scouting her for a professional team."
"And not you?"
"I have other plans," Mary replied, rubbing at her forehead.
"Potter, if you're finished rambling, I need you to apply the final spells," Snape said with a pointed look from the doorway.
Mary placed a light hand on Chiara's knee before standing up. "I'll be back soon."
Chiara nodded, a shudder running through her as she stretched out fully on the cot. Mary turned away and walked past Snape, going straight to the brewing area.
Aunt Andy stood next to the long table, head over the cauldron. "We're ready. Do you remember the wand movements?"
"A figure eight with a quick slash through the centre from the left." Mary clenched her eyes closed and rubbed at her forehead. "Right?"
"Slash from the right." Aunt Andy stood at her full height. "Stage three was from the left. You did that the night before last."
Mary'd lived through two days worth of memories since then and heaved in a breath. "Slash from the right. Slash from the right."
Snape stepped closer, lips in a thin line. "Potter, we're running out of time before moonrise, if you're not confident in your ability to cast the spell, maybe it's best we put it off until next month."
"I've got this," Mary said, pulling out her Holly wand. "Just tell me when."
Snape pulled a vial from the sleeve of his robes. "The second Greyback's blood hits the potion, cast the spell."
Mary placed her left hand on the edge of the worn table, holding her wand in her right and waiting, watching the cauldron with all the focus she'd used to catch the Snitch earlier. Snape's fingernail hit the vial and a single drop fell, creating a small ripple in the dark potion. Mary waved her wand in the slow figure eight motion, reciting the spell as clearly as she could before slashing her wand to the right, straight through the glowing symbol. The potion bubbled furiously and hissed before turning a shimmering silver-blue.
Snape examined the potion with a shrewd eye while Aunt Andy pulled a dropper off the table to take a sample.
"Will it work?" Mary asked, wiping the fumes from her brow.
"That's yet to be seen," Aunt Andy said, handing the dropper to Snape and ladling out a cupful of the silvery blue potion. "The only true way to know is for Chiara to drink it."
Mary's heart beat faster. "I'll take it to her. Moonrise is in ten minutes."
"We still don't know if you're immune," Aunt Andy said, grabbing Mary's hand.
"Well you're sure as hell not." Mary retorted, gently grasping the goblet. "I'll take this to Chiara and stay with her in wolf form. If all goes well, we'll walk out together."
"Potter, you can't stay in there for the next night with a werewolf!" Snape hissed.
Mary resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I'll be fine."
Despite their protests, neither Snape or Aunt Andy stopped her from walking into the room. Taking an extra precaution, Mary locked it behind her, knowing that her spell would hold. The bars and heavy walls descended, leaving them locked in the ominous cage.
"That didn't take long," Chiara said, her hand trembling as she reached for the goblet.
"Just the finishing touches," Mary said, sitting next to her. "Are you ready?"
"I want to be done with this," Chiara said, lifting the cup to her lips. "Cheers!"
Mary leaned against the cool stone wall, watching as Chiara drained the goblet in one long pull.
"You should get out," Chiara said through her teeth.
"I'm staying," Mary replied, standing quickly and holding up her hands before Chiara could argue. "I'll transform first, so you won't have to worry about hurting me. As of now, I'm pretty unkillable."
"Transform?" Chiara asked, clenching her fists.
Without hesitation, Mary popped into her Animagus form, sitting in front of Chiara and holding out a massive paw.
Chiara's mouth dropped open as she shook her paw. "Holy shit!"
Mary's tail thumped dully on the floor and she bent her head down to show that she wasn't a threat.
"Well, I guess you're staying, huh?"
Mary let out a small whoof of agreement, watching with a shrewd eye as Chiara backed up and sat down on the cot.
"I'd rather you look away for this part. The transformation isn't something you need to witness."
Mary nodded her head and turned around, laying down in the corner of the room, feeling a little odd to leave her back exposed. She won't hurt me, Mary thought. Not in any way that would matter.
Ears twitching at each cry of pain, Mary held herself completely still, resisting the urge to cover her head to drown out the sounds. Had she any sense, she would have kept Greyback alive and tortured him until a cure for his cruelty could be found. It wasn't right that he found a peaceful and quick end when his victims were left to suffer. If only she would have taken the time to taste his blood, to watch the fear in his eyes as life left his body.
A low howl echoed through the protected room and nails clicked across the stones. Slow and steady they crept closer, a low growl sounding hollow in the small space. Before Mary could move, teeth buried into her spine, tearing through sinew and muscle as though they were butter.
Jumping to her feet, she spun around, pinning the silver wolf with a menacing glare. Chiara let out a small yelp of shock, scrambling backwards before freezing. Huge golden eyes were locked with Mary's, but Mary didn't stop stalking forward until Chiara was pinned in the opposite corner.
Watching and waiting, she observed the small wolf, hoping for any sign that the potion had worked. Time ticked by, not caring that a life hung in the balance. A chill ran up Mary's back, feeling the stream of blood leaking on the floor, each drop counting down to the unknown. She didn't move, didn't blink, she just waited.
It should have started to work by now, Mary thought. What did I do wrong?
Mary took a risk, looking away from the wolf and slowly walking towards the door. Raising a paw, she scratched at the wood frame, hoping Snape or Aunt Andy would answer. Seconds passed and Mary sat down, exhaustion weighing her down.
The metal hatch opened and Snape's face appeared in the gap. "Potter, are you well?"
Mary bent her head down, turning to where Chiara had huddled in the corner before looking back.
"There's blood on the floor," Aunt Andy's voice sounded next.
Mary stood, turning slightly to show the wound on her back.
"We need to get her out of there!" Aunt Andy let out a small cry.
Mary's head snapped in their direction, baring her teeth and shaking her head.
"Potter, you're hurt," Snape said, avoiding her gaze. "It's been more than ten hours. The potion didn't work. You need to get out of there."
Mary felt her heart clench, shaking her head. This was her fault. Her failure. She couldn't just walk away when she was responsible for Chiara's fate.
"You're of no help to her and you're only hurting yourself by staying in there, child," Aunt Andy said, pressing a hand to the small window in the door. "Chiara knew the risks. If there's any hope of helping her, we'll need you on this side to cast the final spells."
Mary looked back at her friend, seeing the white wolf shiver and shake as she buried her nose in the corner. Even with Chiara subdued, it was too much of a risk to open the door when Aunt Andy and Snape were standing on the other side. All it would take was a split second and things would go sideways.
Sensing her hesitation, Snape backed away. "Andromeda and I will wait in the storage cupboard. I have the main door locked and spelled against intruders."
Mary bowed her head in agreement, feeling her stomach flip flop oddly. Ears flattened, she waited until she heard the door to Snape's stores close and the lock to click. With one last glance at Chiara, Mary transformed. Wand in hand, she cast an unlocking charm on the door, reaching for the handle.
A low growl sounded from behind her and Mary popped back into her Animagus form, spinning and staring down the white wolf until it backed away. A swift kick with her back paw slung the door open and Mary backed up, not taking her eyes off of Chiara. Using her nose, she shut the door swiftly before popping back into human form.
"Clausa Maxima!" Mary shouted, wincing as Chiara lunged forward again and again, her body colliding with the heavy door as she tried to find her prey. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
A howl split the air, causing the hair on her neck to stand on end. Revulsion flooded through her at what she'd done. In a fit of madness, Mary slammed her fist into the stone wall. Skin tore, bones were pulled from their sockets. The pain was almost satisfying when her battered knuckles landed against the stone over and over.
Thin fingers grasped her shoulder, pulling her back. Mary spun around, eyes wild and fist pulled back. Coiled and ready to strike, she paused, blood going cold when she met the horrified gaze of Aunt Andy.
"Sit down, Potter," Snape sneered, staring at her with a cold look in his dark eyes.
"How do we fix this?" Mary asked, grimacing as she sat on the bench. "She shouldn't still be in wolf form. Did I get the pronunciation wrong? You know my magic is wonky. What if I fucked it up and she's stuck like that forever?"
"Do shut up," Snape said, jaw clenched.
Aunt Andy grabbed her bag and sat next to Mary, grabbing her mangled hand and examining it with a shrewd eye. "Look at what you've done to yourself. Child, I swear on Morgana and Circe that you're trying to give me a heart attack."
"That's not an answer. How do we help Chiara?"
"There is no antidote to Wolfsbane or the modified version," Snape said, looking warily at the door to the safe room. "We're hoping that it will wear off in a few hours."
"She's not in her right mind," Mary replied. "She could hurt herself."
"Miss Lobosca has been through worse," Snape said, crossing his arms. "This was a trial. As all experiments go, we had little faith in it working on the first try."
"You should have told me that!" Mary cried. "You should have told her that!"
Snape leaned forward, unintimidated by the glass vials that rattled on their shelves. "She was fully informed of the possible outcomes. Still she chose to go through with it. Now stop whining! We have work to do."
Severus watched, heart in his stomach, as Potter glared at the door to the protected room. While the wolf within caused him worry, it was the girl on the other side that had his full attention. Chaotic magic cracked in the air, setting him ill at ease as he watched Andy teach Potter the spells to heal herself.
If Potter lost her grounding to reality, there was nothing they could do to help her. That wasn't a situation he would allow to unfold. Given the information in the journals Minerva provided him with, he knew it was only a matter of time before she reached her limit and ran out to do something stupid.
The dead look in her eyes made his blood go cold, wondering what would cause her to break completely. One more attack? One more death on her hands? What could they do to stop her?
Nothing.
Barely a grimace crossed her face when the bones in her hand popped back into place, the flesh knitting back together under the guidance of her wandless and nonverbal spell.
Andromeda supervised the healing with a shrewd eye, but she too was on edge. As of late, being in Potter's presence created an ominous atmosphere that none of them knew how to handle. How was he supposed to guide and teach a child that was sentenced to death before her birth?
"You're an idiot, Potter," he said without remorse. "I was under the impression that you were told to keep your Animagus form hidden from all parties. Twice in this last week, you've decided to throw all caution to the wind. Explain yourself!"
"I trust Chiara," Potter replied, dull green eyes snapping to meet his gaze. "As for Romania, I didn't have time to think. The Portkey spat me out in front of a flock of Death Eaters."
Flock. A small amount of levity crept through, seeing the humour in Potter condemning the Dark Lord's lackeys as nothing more than sheep. Following only out of fear. Not Loyalty. Taking their children with them.
A chill crawled across his skin. Without proper guidance they were nothing more than lambs to the slaughter.
"See to it that it doesn't happen again."
Mary stepped out of the fireplace, greeting Dobby and Kreacher with a quick hug before taking the stairs two at a time. All she wanted was the comfort of her own bed for one night. To not be at Hogwarts with the eyes of her peers judging her at every second. It was a shame really, that the place she'd considered as her first true home was now more of a prison.
"Very good!" Sirius called out, causing Mary to pause, her bandaged hand gripping the railing. "Now try to get it a little higher."
Mary crept up to the doorway, sneaking a peek around the corner. Sirius and Daphne sat on the floor of the living room. Daphne was holding her wand out while a quill hovered lazily in the air. A look of pride showed on Sirius' face as he leaned back, his eyes narrowing when he spotted her standing there.
"Mary?" Sirius asked, standing and walking to her. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Mary said quietly. "I just- I needed a night away from the school."
"Is it the moon?" Sirius asked, reaching for her arm. "Wait, I thought you were helping Snape and Andy with-"
"The cure didn't work." Mary bit out.
Sirius closed his eyes for a moment, pulling her into his arms. "How is she?"
"Stuck in her wolf form." Mary breathed out. "They don't know how long she'll be like that."
Sirius held her tighter. "I'm sorry, kiddo."
"She's not in her right mind." Mary continued, digging her nails into her scalp. "She's feral. I'm afraid she'll hurt herself trying to escape."
Sirius grasped her shoulders and took a step back. "It's not your fault."
Mary rubbed at her forehead. "I cast the spells. What if I got it wrong?"
"We'll figure this out," Sirius replied. "There's no sense in blaming yourself."
"It is my fault though," Mary said. "It was my blood."
"Go get some rest. I'll send Dobby up when it's time for dinner."
"I'm not hungry," Mary said, letting out a breath.
"You'll join Daphne and I for dinner either way." Sirius shot her a pointed look. "It'll be good for her and I'd like to hear how you're doing in your classes."
"I'd rather just sleep."
"You'll have time for that after dinner." Sirius countered.
Time, Mary thought, was something she was running out of.
Mary woke hours later to Dobby's wide eyes staring at her from the edge of her bed.
"Mary must wake up."
Mary shot to her feet, tossing the covers aside and reaching for her robe. "What happened? Is it Chiara or Remus?"
Dobby took a step back, ear flat against his head. "It's time for dinner."
"Oh," Mary said, letting out a long breath. "Er, give me a few minutes to get dressed. Thanks, Dobby."
"Is Mary Potter okay?" Dobby asked, placing a hand on her arm.
"I'm fine," Mary said, smiling as she stood and went to her wardrobe. "How about you? Did you enjoy your holiday?"
Dobby smiled, hopping from foot to foot. "Dobby had a wonderful time! Snuggly took Dobby and Daphne to the Ferris Wheel! It was the best time Dobby has ever had!"
Mary let out a laugh, shaking her head at the thought of Dobby's reaction. "It's brilliant, isn't it?"
"It was wonderful!" Dobby replied, bobbing his head. "Kreacher is making steak and kidney pie and he will not be happy if Dobby and Mary are late."
"I'll be right down," Mary said, her stomach rolling oddly at the thought of food.
With everything that happened over the past few days, she'd barely taken the time to pause, constantly working toward something. It seemed as though she was walking on eggshells, waiting for one wrong move to crack the world in half. Her latest failure was just that, another crack in her facade.
"There's nothing for it," she said to her reflection. "Fake it til we make it."
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