.
Balance Factor Chapter 17
Year Three
Kou
A/N: Thanks to those who reviewed! I really appreciate it
Harry did nothing as Sirius Black shot off an "expelliarmus" with Ron's wand. He felt his wand fly out of his pocket, Hermione's slip out of her hand, and watched as Black catch them, taking note the less starved appearance and the rich deep voice.
"Hermione. you're the rational one in the group," Harry said slowly. "My puppy has turned into a man. What should I do? Do I beat him up? Or wait for an explanation?"
Hermione squeaked. Harry took that as "wait for an explanation".
"So all this time, Black was pretending to be my companion, Gin." Harry paused and looked at Ron, then Hermione. "An unregistered animagus, right Hermione?"
Hermione looked petrified, nodding. "His… name wasn't on the list."
Harry raised an eyebrow at Black, looking up at him. Black was taller than him, and though Harry didn't have his wand, he was still sure he could overpower him. "You took our wands. So, now what?"
Black looked surprised. He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, a white blur tackled him to the ground. A silver-black hand wrapped around Black's wand hand and the owner snarled at him.
"Don't you dare think about attacking Kazuki!"
Harry froze, recognizing the voice. His eyes were wide and his mouth had dropped in surprise. "Kou…!"
Kou turned to him, gazing at him with his gold eyes. He smirked a little. "Yo!"
Black took the opportunity to blast Kou backwards with a stunner, but Kou barely flattered. He leaped at Black again, but Harry reached out and wrapped his hand around Kou's wrist. Black raised his wand and pointed it at Kou and Kou snarled at him, angry, but stopping so he wouldn't hurt Harry.
"Enough, Kou," Harry said. Kou hesitated, but then lowered his arm, looking at Harry.
"Harry? Who is this?" Ron asked, stunned. Harry paused before looking at Ron and Hermione.
"Ron, Hermione, this is Kou. He is… my pet, you could say," Harry said, looking at Kou. Kou looked offended.
"Pet?! I am nothing of the sort! Bodyguard, maybe, but pet?! Oh Kazuki! You're so hurtful!" Kou whined, pulling on Harry's sleeve. Harry sighed.
"Whatever," he said. "Black, lower that wand or I will be the next one to attack you." Harry's eyes turned to Sirius Black. Black hesitated, but lowered the wand. Harry looked satisfied before turning his whole body to face Black.
Kou scowled, looking at Harry. "I looked for you for so long!" He seemed a little upset but Harry smiled a little.
"Considering it took you years to find me, I'd say that my disguise was a success," Harry said. "Even with me still maintaining the balance. You've got other things to do, I'm sure."
"Harry…" Sirius spoke, looking at Harry. Harry frowned a little and crossed his arms.
"Your purpose, Black? What have you come here for?" Harry asked. Black stepped forward, but the door banged open once again. Lupin strode in and shot off an "expelliarmus". Harry's, Hermione's, and Ron's wand all flew into Lupin's hand. Lupin was gazing at Black and suddenly said, "Where is he, Sirius?"
Sirius frowned, but pointed a long finger at Ron. Ron looked astounded.
"But then… Why did he… Unless… you switched… without telling me," Lupin said, suddenly coming to a conclusion. Slowly, Black nodded.
Lupin strode over to the other man, suddenly embracing him in a hug. Kou scoffed.
"Oh, come off it. We're in the middle of something here," he said, rolling his yellow eyes. Hermione, however, was louder.
"I don't believe it!"
Lupin turned to her. "Hermione…"
"You!" She screamed, pointing a finger at Lupin.
"Hermione…"
"You and him!" She said. "I didn't tell anyone. I've been covering up for you!"
"Hermione…" Lupin started again. "It's…"
"No! Harry don't believe him! He's been helping Black into the castle! He wants you dead too! He's a werewolf!" Hermione had a hold on Harry's robes, shaking it a little in desperation. Harry raised an eyebrow at her.
Lupin gave a grim smile. "Not at all up to your usual standards, Hermione. Only one out of three I'm afraid. I have not been helping Black into the castle. And I certainly don't want Harry dead." He gave a little shiver. "But I won't deny… that I am a werewolf."
Harry looked at Kou, who seemed a little baffled by the exchange, before speaking to the two.
"Professor Lupin. Sirius Black. Explain," Harry said, rather impatient. "Hermione, Black would hardly need Professor Lupin's help to get into the castle when I considered him a companion. I fed him throughout the year. Black's target obviously isn't me, or he'd have tried something by now. And Professor Lupin has had many chances to try to kill me." He gave a small humph and then added, "Professor Lupin being a werewolf aside, he's a decent teacher and a decent human being. Disregarding his half-breed status, which I'm sure he has little control over, he's not potentially dangerous."
Lupin looked at Harry surprised. Harry looked at Black. "Now, I believe you owe us an explanation. Or, at least, me. Why did you betray my parents?"
Black hesitated. "I didn't. The night Lily and James died… I was just as devastated. Lily and James' house was protected under the Fidelius Charm…"
The door creaked open. Lupin gave a small start and looked out the door. "No one here."
"This place is haunted!" Ron said. Kou rolled his eyes.
"No it isn't. I've been living here for the last six months and seen no soul," Kou said.
"The screams and howls the villagers used to hear were made by me," Lupin said, looking at Kou with fascination. Kou stood by Harry's side, not moving, ignoring Lupin's gaze.
"That's where it all started, I suppose. Me being a werewolf," Lupin said. He spoke quietly, quickly, looking at Kou every now and then. Kou didn't seem to care either way, but Harry, Hermione, and Ron listened to Lupin's story. Sirius was looking more and more impatient as the minutes ticked by, staring at the rat in Ron's hands.
"So Professor Snape doesn't like you because he thought you were in on the joke…" Harry concluded.
"That's right!"
Snape pulled off the invisibility cloak, sneering at Lupin. Black leapt to his feet. Hermione screamed. Kou instantly shielded Harry from sight, growling. Lupin jerked a little, but Snape spoke again.
"Expelliarmus!"
Wands flew in the air. Snape caught them. He had a twisted sneer on his face.
"I found this at the base of the Whomping Willow," Snape said. "Very useful, Potter. I thank you."
Harry tsked. "How Slytherin of you, Professor Snape." He didn't look impressed, but surprise had flickered on his face.
"You're wondering, perhaps, how I knew you were here Lupin," Snape said. "I was just in your office. You forgot to take your potion tonight so I brought an extra vile. And lucky for me. A map was on your desk. I saw you running through to this tunnel and disappearing off the map. Potter, who is that?"
Snape suddenly had his wand on Kou. Kou's golden yellow eyes flashed and he growled. Harry sighed.
"This is Kou. I don't think you ever saw any of the other children Ryuuko made in my memories, but this is one of them," Harry said. Realization dawned on Snape's face.
"So he came to protect you, no doubt," Snape said, turning his wand on Black. Sirius Black gave a start.
"Something of the sort," Harry said. "Kou was searching for me, apparently." He shook his head a little. "Black, who are you really after? Is it actually the rat?"
Sirius Black frowned a little before nodding. Harry strode over to Ron and spoke.
"Ron, Scabbers. Now," Harry said. Ron hesitated.
"What are you going to do with him?" He asked.
"Force him to reveal his true form," Harry said, recalling the feeling he got every time Gin was near. "And trust me. You won't like it one bit. You've been sleeping with a man for a good part of your life, I think. That is not a true rat."
Ron suddenly thrusted the rat at Harry. Harry gripped it around the middle, keeping a firm hold on it to prevent it from escaping, holding its neck.
"Professor Snape, if you will do the honors?" Harry asked, holding the rat. "Let's expose this unregistered animagus."
Snape frowned. "You actually believe Black and Lupin's ridiculous story?"
"I have no reason to disbelieve them just yet. But this will only confirm it, won't it?" Harry asked. "The one who betrayed my mum and dad. And the servant of the Dark Lord." He smiled and threw the rat in the air. Snape raised his wand and shot a spell at the flailing rat. The rat landed and started to grow, until there was a short, but very distinguishable man lying on the floor. Black snarled and started forward, but was restrained by Lupin.
"Sirius… Remus…!" Pettigrew stammered. "My friends… my old… friends."
Snape gave a disgusted sneer, looking at the filthy rat man. Harry clapped his hands.
"Well… I suppose that's that," Harry said. "Professor Snape, my wand please?" He held out his hand. Snape slid out Harry's wand and threw it to him, turning his own wand to the cowering Pettigrew.
"Friends my ass," Black snarled, fighting Lupin. "Remus! Off! I want to commit the murder I was imprisoned for!"
"He's going to kill me, Remus! Help me!" Pettigrew whimpered.
"Hello Peter, we were just having a chat about the night Lily and James died," Lupin said calmly, restraining Black. Snape shot a body bind spell at Black and Black snapped back and keeled over. Lupin shot Snape a grateful look.
"You've got to help me Remus!" Pettigrew turned around, scampering to Ron. Ron looked absolutely disgusted. "Kind boy… Kind Master. You won't let them do it, will you?"
"I let you sleep in my bed?!" Ron asked, flabbergasted.
"Kind boy… I was a good pet," Pettigrew said. Snape snorted.
"If you made a better rat than a human, that is not much to boast about, Pettigrew," Snape snarled. He seemed angry, his black eyes flashing. Harry raised his wand, releasing Black from the body bind. Black sat up, snarling at Snape, but not moving to attack him.
Pettigrew shuffled to Hermione. "You won't let them kill me, will you, girl?"
Hermione pulled her robes out of Pettigrew's reach and backed up. Pettigrew whimpered and turned to Harry.
"Harry… Harry, you look just like your father… Just like him…"
"How dare you speak you Harry?!" Sirius roared. "How dare you talk to him?! How dare you mention James, IN FRONT OF HIM!" Pettigrew gave no sign he had heard, instead gripping the bottom of Harry's robe. Kou gave a disgusted start, looking at the filthy man and then at Harry, wondering if he should attack.
Harry looked coolly at Pettigrew. Pettigrew continued.
"Harry, James wouldn't have wanted me dead. James would have understood…"
But that was as far as he got. Snape, Lupin, and Black all strode forward and pulled the man away from Harry and threw him to the ground. Snape kept his wand trained on Pettigrew's face, but it was Sirius that spoke.
"You betrayed Lily and James! Do you deny it?!"
Pettigrew burst into tears. Snape tossed Lupin's wand back at him and then threw the last two wands at Hermione and Ron before continuing to point his wand at Pettigrew's face.
"Sirius, Sirius, what could I have done! The Dark Lord! You have no idea…! He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named forced me-" Pettigrew sobbed.
"LIES! YOU WERE HIS SPY!" Sirius roared, spit flying on Pettigrew's face. Snape's eyes narrowed in disgust.
"He… He was taking over everywhere…! What would be gained by fighting him!" Pettigrew whimpered.
"What would be gained by fighting the most evil wizard of all time?! Only innocent lives, Peter!" Sirius said, his eyes wild. Snape raised his wand, looking very murderous.
Harry stepped between Pettigrew and the three. Sirius froze. Snape's eyes narrowed. Lupin gaped a little, shocked.
"Potter. Move," Snape said, his wand now trained on Harry. Harry shook his head.
"We should hand him over to the dementors. To the Ministry. There is little to be gained by killing him here. Sirius Black will not be a free man," Harry said, looking at Snape. Snape flattered.
"Harry! Thank you!" Pettigrew said, throwing his arms around Harry's legs. "It's more than I deserve! Thank you!"
Kou slammed his hand into Pettigrew's head, knocking him to the ground and away from Harry. "Don't you dare place your dirty fingers on Kazuki!"
Harry glanced at Kou, but then looked back at Lupin and Snape. Snape slowly lowered his wand and then Lupin did too.
"You're the only one who has the right to decide…" Lupin said. "But… think about what he's done…"
"Oh, I haven't forgiven him at all," Harry said. He turned to Pettigrew and looked down coldly at him. "If you try to run Peter, know this. There will be no where you can hide. Not a crack on this planet, in this dimension, no crevice in this universe. I will find you. And you will wish for death as I torture you. Traitors are absolutely the lowest of the low." His green eyes sparked with anger, a cruel smile crossing his lips. "And you will beg me for death as I torment you. As I rip you apart, piece by pathetic piece."
Pettigrew looked terrified. Harry gave him a pleasant smile and turned to the three adults. Snape shot a binding spell at Pettigrew, watching Kou leap away to prevent from being hit. Pettigrew was bound from head to toe, looking very much like a mummy. Snape looked satisfied.
"Sometimes, I forget you are also Shirogane's Child," Kou said, looking slightly unnerved by Harry's anger. Harry laughed.
"Kou, can you revert back to your dog form, or do you require assistance?" Harry asked. Kou hesitated before looking at Harry.
"If it's not too much trouble… Are you strong enough for it?" Kou asked. Harry nodded.
Harry held his hands out in front of him, light gathering in his hands and expanding. Lupin and Sirius looked fascinated, but Snape, Ron, and Hermione merely looked interested. Harry held out the orb of light and sank it into Kou's chest. There was another flash of light that covered Kou's entire body and then Kou was in his dog form.
"It's easier to move around Hogwarts in this form," Kou said, his thoughts projected. Everyone in the room gave a start of surprise.
"I'll explain more about Kou when I get a chance. For now, let's take that thing to the castle," Harry said, pointing at Pettigrew.
Snape nodded slowly, levitating the traitor and heading back towards the tunnel.
Sirius turned to Lupin.
"Is it just me, or has Snivellus changed a lot?"
-0-
The trip through the tunnel was rather uneventful. Kou seemed alright with carrying Ron on his back, as Harry had put him there. Ron was gripping the white fur, marveling at the silky smooth texture. Hermione was smiling, chatting excitedly with Lupin.
Harry turned to Sirius when Sirius spoke.
"Harry… I was wondering… if you would like to move in with me… after this is all over…" Sirius asked slowly.
"Are you serious?" Harry asked.
"Of course, I thought you wouldn't want to. I just thought I'd-"
"Are you insane? Of course I want to move out. Have you got a house? When can I move in?" Harry asked, hurriedly. Sirius gave a small start.
"You want to… You… mean it?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah, I mean it," Harry said. Sirius gave a wide smile.
"Touching, Potter, but do remember that he's still a convicted criminal right now," Snape said from the front. Harry laughed.
"I've dealt with worse," he said. Sirius turned to Harry again.
"Harry… Why was that man… Kou… calling you Kazuki?"
Harry gave a deep sigh. "Can we save that until you're free and we're alone?" He glanced at Ron and Hermione. Hermione gave him an approving nod.
They exited the tunnel just as the moon slid out from behind the clouds. Lupin stopped dead. Then his limbs began to shake.
Harry instantly backed up, throwing a shield in front of Sirius, Ron, Kou, and Hermione. Hermione gave a small scream and Snape whipped around, cursing his carelessness.
"Oh no… He didn't take his potion tonight… he's not safe," Hermione moaned.
"Run!" Sirius said. "Run! I'll hold him off!"
Fur sprouted across Lupin's back. Harry dropped the shield and grabbed Ron to support him and free Kou. Kou ran forwards, tackling the werewolf and pinning it to the ground. Snape brandished his wand at the werewolf, looking alarmed, forgetting, just for a second that Pettigrew was bound by his spell.
The man transformed. Harry saw his tail whip through the grass and heard his feet scamper away.
"I WILL FIND YOU, PETTIGREW! MARK MY WORDS!" Harry roared into the night. Snape gave another curse and spoke.
"Potter, take your friends and run!" Snape said. "I don't care how much interaction between werewolves you've had before!"
Harry nodded and grabbed Hermione's waist, leaping high into the air, trying to get as far away as possible. He handed right in front of a lake, panting from the weight of carrying two people in his human body.
Harry could hear Kou's growls and then a werewolf's howl. He placed Ron and Hermione down, looking exhausted, throwing up a shield.
"Harry…? Will Kou… be okay?" Hermione asked nervously.
"Kou was trained directly by Ryuuko. I'm sure he'll be fine," Harry said, sitting on the grass. Ron whimpered a little, looking at him.
"We should get back to the castle…" Ron said, holding his leg.
"How?" Harry asked. "Lupin's a werewolf, kind of on the grounds… Almost in front of the front doors. I'd rather not risk both of your health," Harry said, looking around. It was getting darker… colder…
Sirius bounded over to them in dog form, barking. Harry stood and spotted Snape on the floor. He didn't appear injured, but both Kou and Lupin were missing. Sirius had a cut on his side, but then whimpered a little, transforming back to his human form.
"Noooo… Nooo….!" He groaned. Then Harry saw them.
Dementors. Hundreds of them were gliding towards them. Harry placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder, sending a string of Light into her and then did the same for Ron. By the time he got to Sirius, Harry was feeling the pull from his Darkness, swirling around him, threatening to overpower the light. Harry fought against it as he placed his hand on Sirius' back, pushing his Light into the older man, sweat dripping down his face. He looked at the dementors.
They circled him and Sirius. Harry felt his vision fading, the Darkness drawing him down, suffocating him. A white blur crossed his vision. A unicorn.
Then another silvery white blur streamed past his vision. Kou. Harry fainted.