Chapter Four: Lessons, Letters, And Lycanthropy

Harry jumped down from the coach, and gazed out from the ridge the crowd was standing on, as they looked down and across the horizon laid out before them in the dark of the early evening. On the left, was the Forbidden Forest. Hogwarts Castle was directly ahead. Beyond the spires, turrets, and great stone walls, were the lake which nestled at the foot of the precipice of rock that supported the Great Hall and the main body of the school. In the distance and to the right of them was the long loch that joined up with the sea, some miles further on.

There was a series of surprised murmuring from the older pupils close by, who were dressed in their robes.

Talking about us coming, I suppose…

Ignoring them, Harry and his party headed forward, through the main gates of Hogwarts – then, acting on Hermione's earlier suggestion, they veered to the right, climbing up a small knoll, to gaze afar and watch the lantern-lit wooden boats crossing the lake towards the school. The old tradition of letting the new intake pupils see Hogwarts for the first time, via the 'scenic' route, courtesy of Hagrid's caretaker duties, was still being upheld. Harry smiled, as he heard Hagrid's voice on the faint breeze.

"Now, jus' look at tha', kids! Ain't it pretty? Tha' will be your home 'til next summer. Be good in Hogwarts, and it'll be good to you!"

"Never thought we would see this day, did we?" Ron spoke up.

Harry looked across at him, thinking again of the day he'd nearly lost his friend altogether. "Come again?" he answered back.

Ron nodded at the pupils walking along the paved road that led from the gates to the school. "Us being staff – not pupils," he explained.

"Yes. It is strange. Being here, and not wearing our usual robes," Hermione remarked, as she strode across to Ron and offered her hand. He smiled and took it.

"Well, speak for yourselves – but now it's my last year. So I am wearing my robes!" Ginny grinned and joined the others, taking position next to Harry. "Spare a thought for me, studying for NEWTS – whilst you lot have fun, training to be Aurors!"

"Don't forget our actual jobs, sis!" Ron reminded her. "Me being a Quidditch coach, and 'Mione being a librarian. At least Harry's not so bogged down for once. Still, he deserves a rest more than the rest of us."

"I won't argue with you there, Ron!" Harry beamed. He and his friends smiled at each other, as they all savoured the moment. He was about to take Ginny's hand – then stopped, worrying that it would give the passing pupils more to talk about.

Ginny saw his aborted motion, and read his mind. "There'll be time for that later, Harry." She smirked.

At least the fact that Ginny and Ron were now both werewolves was a secret known only to them and the Weasley family. As well as Professors Flitwick, the teaching staff (and Tonks)… Oh – and Hagrid, Harry reminded himself. As groundsman, Hagrid had to know if any werewolves, learning self-control, were out in the Forbidden Forest, hunting game.

Harry saw Ron glance at the half moon in the southern night sky. At least it was a mild, dry night.

"Half moon… That means another week until…you know what…- doesn't it?" Harry whispered to the others.

"Yeah. I know my moon cycles, now." Ron looked pensive. "At least I've got two good teachers in that course of study."

Ginny blushed at the compliment. "I'm still a pupil on that score, too, my brother. And you did just fine, during your first experience under the full moon. You'll soon catch up with me."

"I guess so." Ron's lips twitched, showing his unease, as he thought of the full moons awaiting him in the future.

"Let's go on, shall we?" Hermione declared.

They nodded and set off, walking down the slope of the knoll, heading towards the wide path that led to the great castle's front doors.

* * * * *

The first night back at Hogwarts was like a dream. It seemed surreal to be sat at the head table in the Great Hall, and be introduced to the pupils as new members of staff. He, Ron, and Hermione, were cheered by the pupils – thanks to their now-famous efforts in the war against Lord Voldemort and his forces. Ginny, of course, was quite possibly the loudest amongst the jubilant Gryffindors.

The staff all raised a toast to their three new colleagues, also. Professor McGonagall actually looked proud of them. So too did Professor Slughorn, who winked at the trio, before downing his drink.

* * * * *

A new routine of receiving semi-regular evening classes from Professor Moody – plus research, and staff duties – soon became the accepted norm for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Later on – since he had agreed to it, Harry would be expected to help Moody in some of his DADA (Defence Against the Dark Arts) classes to the pupils.

Besides this, Ron was trying to get to grips with his life as a new werewolf. He admitted to Harry, in private, that he had joined Ginny in taking lessons in the Shrieking Shack, from Professor Lupin, how to effect a transformation by choice, at night.

"I can do it, mate! I've turned into a wolf man – and back – of my own accord! But Ginny can do one better. She – like the Professor – can now change all the way into a wolf, and return to human form." Ron's eyes were wide, as he grinned. The two of them were talking in their shared sets of rooms, as they paused partway in a game of Wizard's Chess. This was in late September – almost a full month after their return to Hogwarts. Ron had experienced his second full moon, and the enforced change. Over the past four weeks he'd attended a few 'special night class lessons', as the two young men preferred to call Professor Lupin's werewolf-training sessions.

"That's excellent news!" Harry praised him warmly. He paused, and then cautiously asked. "How…? How does it feel…being a werewolf, Ron?"

Ron placed his elbows on the table between them and rested his chin against his cupped hands. "It was scary enough, knowing I was dying, Harry," he admitted, harkening back to the events in the house used by the Death Eaters. "As you know, the werewolf bites brought on a fever, as the lycanthrope condition spread through my body. I was sick soon afterwards, expelling the injected poison from my system… And then, to recover and be told you're now a werewolf-to-be… Well, next to all that, and the apprehension – it turned out to be an actual relief when I did undergo my…my first change."

Harry nodded. "Rather like knowing you're going to the Dentist for a scale and polish. When it comes round, at least you're getting it over and done with."

Ron laughed. "Hurts, too. Only the change didn't affect my teeth alone – it hurts all over. After the first time, it's not so bad. The Professor says the longer you live as a werewolf, the smoother the transformation becomes. But you get a rush of energy, of strength – and your senses go mental! I'm learning to hunt down prey, as well. On the last hunt, I killed a rat. It was…a bit stringy. But Lupin and Ginny were happy with me."

"How's it going…?" Harry wasn't sure it was a wise question – but after all, they were best friends. "…between you and Hermione, now that you're a…you know what?"

Ron shrugged, but smiled. "Same as between you and Ginny, I guess. I know Ginny's happier, now that you and her are officially dating. Hermione… Well, we had a private talk when I recovered from that poisonous injection. She nearly finished me off herself, because she was clinging so tightly onto me, sobbing her heart out. For a moment I couldn't breathe! Anyway, she swore that she would take care of me, and be the best girlfriend that she could be – if I would have her."

"And you said yes." Harry grinned.

"Too right! I'd just been given another chance at life! As much as 'Mione and me have got on each other's nerves at times, she's always done good by us. And although I've been clueless when it comes to girls…, I know now, Harry, that I love Hermione. I'll learn whatever she wants me to learn. I want to make her feel proud of me – werewolf or not! What I am now… I won't let it be a barrier between us."

Harry took this in, then pondered on the layout of the chess board. He moved a pawn forward, then spoke again. "Then you're not…unhappy…anymore about being made a werewolf?"

"No." Ron looked directly at Harry. "I'd rather be what I am now, than be dead. I'm not angry with the Professor, with Ginny, or anyone. I've thanked them for saving my life. As for Lucius Malfoy – he got what he deserved!"

Moving his knight to one side, away from Harry's latest attack, Ron continued to express his thoughts. "I'm in the werewolf club for life, mate. I didn't choose it – fate chose me. Like your destiny chose you. Me and Ginny have just got to make the best of what we are. I've never really excelled as a…normal…pupil, Harry. You know that. You had to be the brave one – and Hermione was always the cleverest of us three."

Harry saw where this was going, as he played out his next move. "Don't sell yourself short, Ron! Without you, Hermione and I wouldn't have kept going. Besides, you got to show your strengths."

"Right. Wizards Chess, and Quidditch! And I had to push myself at the Quidditch." He took one of Harry's pawns with his White Queen. "Check."

Harry watched Ron's animated piece drew her sword and smash it against the cowering Black pawn, breaking it into tiny fragments. He looked back up at his friend. "Okay… Expand on your skills, Ron! Besides being the best Auror and werewolf pupil that you can be, what do you think you can do, given the uncertain future?"

After a long moment of silence, during which Harry made his next move, Ron slowly grinned. "A strategist!" he answered. "I used to play war games with my brother Charlie! If Fenrir Greyback and the remnant of his pack come back to Hogwarts again, I can do more than fight back with claws and fangs!"

"Contingency defence plans? Add suggestions to whatever the staff have thought of already?" Harry was becoming even more interested in the conversation now.

"Absolutely! How about silver-laced nets and tranquilliser bolts? Things we didn't have last time." Ron gave a cry of delight, and moved his Rook sideways to place Harry's King in check. The Black King's only escape route was now not possible, thanks to the recently-repositioned White Knight.

"Checkmate!" Ron declared happily.

Harry scanned the board, and shrugged, smiling.

"It is. Well done!"

The Rook's sword sliced into the Black King, smashing it into myriad pieces.

* * * * *

Autumn set in. Ron was getting to grips with his new role as deputy Quidditch coach, under Madame Hooch. Hermione was enjoying her duties in the library, helping to audit the records – and both they and Harry were coming to terms with the basics and beyond of being Aurors – learning about a range of lesser-known spells, various charms, how to detect a magical trail, and so on.

Regarding the death of Lucius Malfoy, the wizarding world knew only that he had been killed, whilst using unlawful magic. His body had been confiscated by the Ministry, and later burnt.

'…No point in having a funeral. The only people who would now mourn him are the Death Eaters, who we're still looking for. And, obviously, they won't come forward to pay their respects, whilst being on the run,' Percy had written to Ron and Ginny. 'However, we're picking up reports of an increase of people going missing – both muggles, and those in the wizarding world. We suspect it's werewolf activity.

The latest information we have on the werewolves is that Fenrir Greyback is definitely the overall pack leader – the alpha. He has appointed two other werewolves to act as his deputies. Little is known about them – save that one is an albino male, named Thorn; and the other, his half-sister, is a dark-brown furred female called Briar. She has never been seen by our sources in her human form. Both of them are said to have been lycanthropes since birth, and that they despise the human establishment that has hunted down their forebears.

Of late, the Ministry Aurors are having their time taken up with hunting the beasts down. Three werewolves have been killed since September – all of them muggles. Each one has proved to be too savage to be taken alive – despite us using silver-laced nets to pin them down, as you suggested, Ron. And besides those hunts, which were successful, to some degree, for us – there have been others which were not…'

Also, a letter had been delivered – by owl – to Harry, at Hogwarts. Its contents, as he opened it at the staff table in the Great Hall, during breakfast one day, chilled him to the bone.

'Undearest Potter [it read]

'You may have – by sheer luck – managed to kill our rightful Lord, but don't you dare think the war between our sides has ended! My brethren are gathering strength again – and the time will come when you and your friends will wish they'd never been born. Hopefully, I'll be there, to see your death, in person. It'll act as some consolation for the death of my father!

Yours most sincerely,

D'

Resisting the temptation to crush the letter into a tiny ball, a silent Harry showed it instead to Hermione and Ron, whose faces turned pale. Ron then frowned, and sniffed at the letter.

"We'd better show this to Professor Moody," Harry declared, as he picked the letter up from the table. "Maybe there's something on the paper that'll provide a clue…"

"Stay away from it, Harry!" Ron snatched the letter from Harry's hands, and sent it spinning with a flick of his wrist, into the corner of the hall. Before it reached the floor, the message burst into a small ball of fire – startling everyone present, both staff and pupils.

Harry and Hermione sat rigid in their seats, their faces turned and their eyes fixed upon the flames now consuming the letter. In Professor Moody's absence, Hagrid soon strode along and extinguished Draco Malfoy's nasty surprise with an ice-forming spell from his wand.

"Nowt to worry about! Soon taken care of. Jus' ashes now," he announced airily. But Harry saw the worry in his eyes.

"How did you…?" Harry asked Ron.

Ron shrugged. "My enhanced senses, I guess. I must be able to smell trouble now. Literally!"

* * * * *

Despite the fly in the ointment that was Draco's letter, Harry was enjoying himself at Hogwarts so far, this time. The fact that he was now a member of staff, along with Ron and Hermione – plus the times the three of them were able to watch the Quidditch matches – was no doubt a strong reason. Also, never having to bare Snape's animosity ever again cheered Harry greatly – though, of course, this was tempered by the equally-noticeable absence of Professor Dumbledore, something that Harry was still getting used to, one year on.

And Voldemort was gone. Forever. His curse scar would trouble him no more.

But besides his Auror training – and spending time with Ron and Hermione – the subject most on Harry's mind was Ginny.

They spent what time they could together, at Quidditch matches, at Hogsmeade (the wizarding village close to Hogwarts Castle), and in the Forbidden Forest. However, there was always the fact that there was the staff-pupil line of protocol to be observed.

"It's not fair, Ginny," he told her, as – one sunny afternoon – they laid their backs against a tree at a spot overlooking the lake where Nagini had met her end, four months previously. "Ron and Hermione get to spend their time together without anyone muttering behind their backs."

Ginny just smiled as she leaned against Harry's chest. "At least I'll be seventeen soon. Then everyone in the wizarding world will see me as having come of age. Still, this way, I can count on you to treat me right! Late on… We'll have to plan our futures out, Harry."

"Unless the future is planning for us. I've outlived my destiny according to the prophecy, as you know. But…"

"Some people aren't prepared to let you live a happy life." Ginny sighed. Then she began giggling. "But they don't know that you have a devoted werewolf for a guard dog."

"You know you mean more to me than that." Harry smiled and tickled her nose, making her laugh out loud.

Later that week, Professor Lupin made arrangements with Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, for them all to come over to the dilapidated Shrieking Shack, in Hogsmeade, shortly before sunset. The reason as to why wasn't declared, and both of the Weasleys looked as though they were in on a conspiracy of silence when Harry asked them if they knew. After that, Harry could make an intelligent guess. Professor Lupin, whilst he'd been a student at Hogwarts, had used the unoccupied building as his hideout to transform into his beastly alter ego during full-moon nights. A demonstration of the werewolf kind was apparently on the cards.

And so it proved. Whilst Harry and Hermione were instructed to wait downstairs, the three others separately used the upstairs rooms to undress. Over the next few minutes, Professor Lupin, Ginny, and Ron (in that order) emerged one-by-one as fully-fledged wolves. One was the size of a man, with brown fur, and keen, intelligent yellow eyes. The other two were smaller, and russet-furred, who sniffed the humans present with interest.

They all trotted over to Harry and Hermione, who both managed to master their fear and stroke the three lupine creatures. Harry smiled, thinking that under any other circumstances he wouldn't be scratching Ron behind the ears. But his friend didn't mind. Indeed, he allowed his tongue to hand out – demonstrating his complacency. Ron even licked at Hermione's face, as she got over her gasps of amazement and bent down to hug the Ron-wolf.

Harry, meanwhile, thought all three werewolves looked healthy, and – well – in control of themselves. His fear had now been replaced by admiration. Ginny, in particular, with her slim build and sleek reddish fur, made his heart skip several beats – especially when she gave him a face-lick as well. He responded with a laugh, and tickled her tummy.

At a signaling growl from the older dog-wolf, the three were-creatures bounded away back to their rooms. Minutes later, the human personas of the trio – dressed once more – returned to their friends downstairs.

"Wow! That was strenuous." Ron's stomach growled, as Professor Lupin opened up the knapsack he'd brought along – and issued chocolate bars to him and Ginny.

"Here you go, my pupils. To replace the energy you've used up. One each for you two, as well, Harry, Hermione." Lupin smiled. "How did that demonstration strike our audience?"

"It was…" Harry sought for the right words.

"Absolutely amazing!" Hermione gushed. Her gaze lingered the longest on Ron, Harry noticed.

"…very impressive," Harry concluded.

Ron looked pleased. Ginny blushed, but smiled.

"Very good, indeed. Ten points each for Gryffindor…" Lupin slapped his forehead. "Sorry! I'm forgetting only one of you is still a pupil, now! Well – ten points for your efforts, Miss Weasley. Both you and Ron will be better off with your lupine natures, now that you're able to integrate your dual…natures. If only I had been able to accept the wolf in me, as quickly as you youngsters – instead of suppressing it for so long!"

"But we will still be…dangerous…during a full moon night – won't we, Professor?" Ron pointed out.

"Yes indeed, Ron. But now you've proved that you can change – out of sunlight – on a normal night. Learn to harness your senses, speed, and strength as wolves," Lupin advised the Weasleys. "There may come a time when the whole of Hogwarts will depend on us three."

"What do you mean, sir?" Like the Professor, Harry still hadn't broken out of the old habits of addressing others within the school, either.

"From what news I've heard from the Ministry and the Order of the Phoenix, the supporters of the deceased You-Know-Who are lying low – but they're still active. Disappearances are occurring again, my friends. From both the wizarding and muggle communities. Going by my enquires, I'm certain that Fenrir Greyback is recruiting more werewolves into his pack – in preparation for aiding the remaining Death Eaters in another Blitzkrieg on this nation of ours." Lupin's face turned dark. "They might attempt another battle here. After all, their Lord fell at Hogwarts. And that is something our enemies cannot forget – or forgive." He peered keenly at Ron and Ginny. "Are you both prepared to fight – as wolves, as well as humans – if that day comes?"

The Weasleys exchanged a look at each other, then took in the expectant expressions on Harry and Hermione's faces.

Ginny stepped forward and stood besides Ron, resting her hand in his. Ron squeezed it, and nodded to Lupin. "We are," they declared jointly.

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, then faced the others. "And we'll be ready to fight again, too," Hermione spoke up – then quickly added, "As human members of the pack."

"Excellent." Lupin looked satisfied. "Ron here has made some interesting suggestions about setting up some anti-intruder traps, which I've passed onto the Headmaster. He's in favour of them. Well…, most of them."

Ron looked surprised. Then he grinned.

"Furthermore…," Lupin continued, "…he's considering the formation of a new group at Hogwarts, to help put Mr Weasley's ideas into action. And to discuss further plans for safeguarding Hogwarts. Would any of you battle veterans care to be on the committee?"

* * * * *

The Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw match was getting into full flow. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were all watching Ginny and the rest of the Gryffindor team as they rapidly flew on their broomsticks around the Quidditch stadium within the school grounds.

The game had just turned 30 versus 20, with Gryffindor breaking the tie, when Tonks bounded to the top of the Gryffindor stand, panting somewhat from the climb. She was also looking worried. Her hair was actually oscillating between pink and red, Harry noticed.

"Ron! Come quickly – you're wanted in the Hospital Wing!"

"What…!? Blimey! I was giving my sister out there some much needed support…!"

"Never mind that, now! Either you come – or Ginny comes!"

Harry tore his wandering eyes away from the pleasing sight of Ginny yelling, as she snatched the flying Quaffle away from the reach of a blue-clad Ravenclaw chaser. Tonk's pleas now grabbed his complete attention. What was it that was so important that only the Weasleys were needed?

"Where's Professor Lupin?" he asked on impulse. He had barely seen the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher since the demonstration at the Shrieking Shack.

"In London – Ministry business…" Tonks was still exhausted after her run and climb. "Are you coming, Ron?"

"Oh… Sure."

"Can I tag along?" Hermione asked, now just as curious as Harry as to what was going on.

Tonks nodded. Harry wondered if he should go too – but Hermione urged him to stay, and report to Ginny, once the game was over.

The end came another hour later, with Ravenclaw snatching the Golden Snitch – and consequently beating a stronger Gryffindor team on a final score of 220 to 140. Not for the first time since his return to Hogwarts for this term, Harry wished that he was still on the Quidditch team.

You're no longer a pupil, remember…? He told himself. You've had your moments of glory. Now it's over to your successors…

"It's not so much fun, being up in the air now…," a despondent Ginny moaned, once she was off the pitch. "The wolf in me doesn't like heights! I have to fight against her near-panic, every time I go up…"

"Never mind – you were still great up there!" Harry kissed Ginny's cheek. He filled her in on what had happened to Ron and Hermione.

"Tonks wanted me or Ron? It must be a family matter…or you-know-what…" Ginny frowned. She got changed quickly, and hurried along with Harry to the Hospital Wing.

They got there, and found the door locked. Madame Pomfrey let them in, once she ascertained who was calling.

In a separate room, Harry and Ginny found a grim-faced Professor Moody sat besides one of the ward beds, where the blanket had been drawn up to cover the face. Nearby, Professor Sprout – head of Hufflepuff House – was consoling a black girl who was one of her House students.

Harry's heart sank, as his eyes took in the scene before them. "Professor… What's happened? Where's Ron?" he asked.

"Ron's getting…changed…behind there." Moody gestured with a thumb to a curtain rail at one end of the room. Behind it, Harry and Ginny could hear sobbing. Taking in their worried expressions, he added. "Hermione's with him. I…, I would let them be, Harry. We've got bigger problems to think about."

But Harry was already halfway to the curtain, where he could hear the conversation going on. He realized that it was Ron who was crying.

"…couldn't save her, 'Mione! If only I acted sooner…"

"Ron – you did all you could! She was evidently too far gone…"

Quick as a flash, Ginny flipped back the white blanket, to reveal the face of Donna Varner, a sixth-year Hufflepuff pupil. Her death mask was contorted, as if she had died whilst experiencing a spasm.

Ginny pulled the sheet further, and gasped. The posture and unnatural angles of Donna's arms and hands confirmed that she had died violently. Both Harry and Ginny were struck further by the grey-brown colouring of the deceased girl's skin, as well as the fact that she looked to be remarkably rigid. Also, there was a bite mark on the girl's shoulder.

"That can't be normal rigour mortis…," Ginny breathed.

"No," Harry answered. "It's…, it's like how Hermione and the others were petrified by the Basilisk – six years ago. Only this…seems worse…" He turned to face Moody. "What's been going on, sir?"

Moody glanced at Professor Sprout and the dumbstruck girl with her.

"We'll leave you to explain." The herbology teacher nodded back. "Come with me, Yvonne…"

"Ron's a werewolf… A werewolf…," the black girl repeated, as if in a daze.

"Yes… He won't hurt you, my dear. He was only trying to help…" Professor Sprout and her charge exited the Infirmary, and shut the door to behind them.

"Right." Moody got to his feet with the aid of his wooden staff. "Tonks has gone to send off a message by owl to Professor Lupin. The story is this: Donna Varner was with her friend Yvonne, in their dormitory, doing NEWT-level homework, when Donna began to feel ill, and starting having a fit. The symptoms she displayed – after I was called here – told me that we were dealing with the same condition…"

"…as what nearly killed Ron," Ginny concluded listlessly.

"Yeah. Only this time it seems to be stronger."

Everybody turned, to see a re-clad Ron pulling the curtains of his dressing cubicle apart. He slowly approached Donna's deathbed, with Hermione at his side. She had her arm wrapped around his shoulder, supporting him.

"You were asked to bite her, Ron?" Harry speculated.

"Yes… I changed." Ron sniffed and stared at the floor. "It was our only hope – but it didn't work!"

"It's like…her body's been turned to stone," Hermione whispered.

"Try moving Donna, Harry." Moody suggested. "It's safe to touch her – my magical eye tells me so."

Curious, Harry pushed his palms against Donna's shoulder. He gasped. "She's heavy – like a rock!"

"That could've been me – and Ginny." Ron muttered darkly. "If it's the Death Eaters doing this… How the hell did they manage this trick, here at Hogwarts!?"

"That's the bbigg question, Master Weasley," Moody growled. He limped across to a bed opposite Donna's.

Harry's heart skipped a beat – his eyes had missed this other bed in the patient-empty ward. The bed also bore a white sheet with something hidden underneath.

Mad Eye pulled the sheet back.

"Let me introduce you to Audrey Horrobin, Third Year, of Slytherin House. He was brought in here, just before Donna was. He was dead within ten minutes!"

Harry and the others all drew in their breaths.

The dark-haired young man's agonized expression and pulled-back lips mirrored Donna's. So too did his twisted limbs. The colour of his skin was a pronounced grey-brown.

His body was virtually like stone.