Harry Potter: Otherworld

Battle of Words

***No own no sue. ***

*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135

I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.

***HP:O ***

Harry had a bad feeling. It wasn't because of something obvious, there were no signs of an imminent attack or an unusual amount of anxiety in the air. No, if anything it was the opposite. Normally the boy would have enjoyed the peace but now it set him on edge.

If the Lycan's weren't attacking them, where were they?

The very idea had him, and seemingly only him, on full alert. His sisters seemed to be taking things in stride, talking happily with Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. Even the occasional Auror, one of several stationed on the Express, had stopped by to check on them with a carefree smile.

It was as if nothing had happened, as if everyone had simply forgotten about the previous events and were more than happy to move on with their lives. Deep down he wished he could do the same, but such an attitude was never afforded to him, either in his previous life or this one. The very idea of others relaxing without such cares filled him both with jealousy and a fierce desire to keep them safe.

Still, there was a certain relief when the Express pulled into the station without issue or conflict and the students safely disembarked before making the trip to Hogwarts itself. "Everything okay Harry?" Harriet had questioned more than once, earning a somewhat forced smile and a quick nod.

"They probably got scared off." Amaryllis muttered as they began their walk into the castle itself. "I mean you beat the tar out of them three times, right? Even Werewolves must face the facts eventually. With Aurors and the staff on alert there's no way they would try something so stupid again."

"Yeah, you are probably right, and Hogwarts is safe so no reason to worry." The relief on their faces was worth the lie. Harry Potter knew the school wasn't safe, knew that during his own time evil had snuck in several times. If Lycans were truly trying to reach someone, even in the depth of Hogwarts, they would find a way to do so.

But he knew who the targets were now and made sure to keep an eye on Marie whenever possible. He was sure that after the information was mentioned the staff would as well. The girl had already proven herself to be more like Sirius than he first imagined, what with her impromptu charging into danger over the break, which meant further Gryffindor-like qualities could easily emerge.

Luckily his friends and he had done far worse, which meant he could recognize the signs of plotting and scheming for reckless behavior better than most could. When he did pick her out, however, he could see that there were no obvious signs of defiance. Her head was lowered, and the rest of her body was curled up on itself. Perhaps whatever her mother and father had said to her finally got through and she had learned her lesson.

He almost snorted at his own hypocrisy. Having someone else learn their lesson about charging into battle without a plan? True, he was far better prepared and trained than she was but still. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to spend some time talking to her in the second half of the school year, invite her to a few study sessions perhaps or keep her company.

***HP:O ***

Remi Lupin would, silently, admit it wasn't the best plan she'd ever had, but there was a serious lack of options to be explored. The attacks kept coming and there was no end in sight, no 'just hold on until this date' to be found.

It was a bit desperate, but she was a bit desperate at that point. If something wasn't done, if a student was seriously hurt because of the attacks… it was already difficult to forgive herself for not taking a more aggressive approach to start with.

Thus, a rough idea had been formed. Track down the pack responsible for the attacks, she could easily find Greyback's scent, then report it to the Aurors or Dumbledore or just someone.

Simple and effective.

Thus, the woman prowled snow covered side streets and back alleys, catching the occasional stench of her target, and shifting course as needed. It wasn't as if Greyback was hiding, just making her trail difficult enough so any interested parties would find it far too inconvenient to attempt to trace.

The beast likely hadn't even considered a fellow Lycan following her trail, else she would have done more to conceal her movements.

Further and further, she followed, snow barely crunching under her feet. Deeper into unknown territory, away from the public and into what felt to be colder winter air and finally she halted. It was an abandoned Muggle factory, something off the beaten path and with just enough simple warding to keep anyone from accidentally stumbling onto the structure, whether Magical or Muggle.

It certainly did not fit Greyback's usual preferences. She liked being outdoors, as most Werewolves did, and certainly would not be indulging in non-magical habitations.

Was it just to lay low while the Aurors searched for them or was there a different reason? Maybe their employer had insisted upon it? Maybe…

Remi froze, suddenly all too aware of the situation she had walked into. Her senses had been blinded by her focused intent and only at that moment did she pick up on all the other scents. She was surrounded, likely had been for some time.

'Stupid' was her last thought before being hit by a barrage of stunners and losing consciousness.

***HP:O ***

The boy-who-lived was almost embarrassed by how long it had taken him, almost a full day, to realize someone was missing from the castle, missing from what had become 'normal' since the start of the school year.

"Headmistress," said woman looked up from her meal to see the young wizard standing in front of the table, eyes full of concern, thus raising her own, "I haven't seen Remi Lupin since arriving back, is she at Hogwarts?"

Quickly going through her considerable mind, the woman prayed it was an overlooked fact. Perhaps the woman had been contacted by the Rosier's for a favor? Maybe the Aurors had wanted to speak to her, or she was picking up some supplies for her continued stay. Maybe…

"I will have the House Elves check immediately."

It wasn't time to dawdle, and they both knew it.

***HP:O ***

"Look at the pup, finally come home after all these years."

The voice was gravelly and had the hairs on the back of her neck standing up as old memories ripped back into her slowly awakening mind. It was dark, not just outside from what she could see from the windows but also inside, few magical lights providing any real illumination. What she could see was her trace had been correct. Steel and concrete made up all visible surfaces meaning they were likely in a muggle factory.

After a few more moments, and some light shaking of her head to clear away the last remnants of confusion, Lupin directed all her hatred towards the woman seated across from her grinning, as always, in a borderline-crazy manner.

"Greyback" She snarled, her statement only further widening the twisted smile full of razor-sharp teeth.

"And what brings you here all by your lonesome? Still wandering around like a helpless little orphan or…" The Lycan leaned in before taking a deep inhale, earning a disgusted flinched from the woman currently bound to a chair. "Mmmm young and male. So, you finally found yourself a mate hm?"

Remi responded the only way she could, by spitting in the woman's face. It earned her a backhanded blow in response, once more sending her vision spinning.

The pack leader rose, looming over her and looking all the dreadful monster she was. "You ungrateful little bitch. I gave you everything and still you disrespect me! Me the one who made you!"

Her huffed laugh was almost automatic, "You made me into a monster, nothing more. You took my life away, my future, any hope of having real friendships with anything other than animals like you."

This time there was no mistaking the rage in the elder's eyes and Lupin was sure that moment would be her end when a voice rang out. "Enough Greyback, she's no good to us dead."

Another witch, distinctly not a Lycan, stepped into the light eyeing their captive up with disdain.

"I'm no good to you alive either." Remi wasn't sure what they were planning but deep down she knew it was better to be dead than an unwilling pawn.

A slow, almost more evil smirk formed on the newcomer's face, "Oh, but that's where you are wrong. I know all about you Remi Lupin, about how close you and a certain young wizard are."

No

The prisoner's reaction was instantaneous, struggling and straining against the enchanted bonds. The thought hadn't occurred to her that anyone would know of her relationship with Harry, especially not that someone would use it against him.

Because they would. How many times had the boy thrown himself in harm's way for another? How many times had he risked his own health and safety? She could hope and pray that he wouldn't this time. Maybe he would see reason, maybe the other professors or his family would be able to talk him out of doing anything foolish and reckless.

But something told her otherwise. It was the same voice which whispered to her about their friendship, about how he wasn't taking advantage of her or using her but rather enjoyed her company. It was the voice which told her Harry was different, kind.

It was the same voice whispering now about how she had failed and not only would he come to rescue her but he would be walking into a trap. All because of her own recklessness.

What a terrible irony it was, her own attempts to prevent his harm might become the catalyst for said harm.

The two women were still talking nearby, no longer trying to disguise their conversation. "It might not be the precise vengeance I planned but it will work regardless. If he isn't already searching for her then he likely will suspect something soon enough. An untraceable letter and a few thinly veiled threats should be enough to put him exactly where we want them. Imagine the despair of the Rosier's when they learn it is not their family which will suffer but the one of their closest friends."

***HP:O ***

Their search turned up nothing, and after hasty Floo calls to both the Aurors and Rosiers Dumbledore confirmed Remi Lupin was missing. "It isn't like her to run off without informing someone." McGonagall argued while the other heads of house continued debating how to proceed. "Something must have happened."

"Ah yes," Snape intoned, "a Gryffindor charging headfirst into catastrophe, such an unheard of concept."

Minerva returned the glare and further arguments were interrupted by Riddle, "Marie Rosier did the same over winter break, it is not just a Gryffindor quality. Regardless there is a good chance she went after the Lycans by herself, it would be logical for her to be able to track them better than most."

There was clear alarm in the various faces, although to varying degrees, "We must do something Augustina!"

The eldest woman nodded, "I agree, and the Aurors have already been contacted but unless we have more information to go on, or if tracking Charms are usable, it will be a near-impossible search. Just as pressing is our control of this information. We don't want any students coming up with dangerous ideas to go out and search on their own." Her gaze, thought it wasn't needed, rested on the Defense professor who nodded in agreement.

"I've already spoken to him about waiting until we have more information. Hopefully it will keep him in Hogwarts until we can come up with a plan to prevent him from leaving. Perhaps we can speak to his parents and have them intervene."

Serena gave a very audible huff, earning the attention, and silence, of the others in the room. "Are you not his guardian while at Hogwarts? His mentor? If you cannot stress the dangers in wandering around the country after the numerous attacks which have already taken place, then perhaps he does not respect your opinion as much as you thought?"

An argument, possibly even a fight, was brewing until Dumbledore interrupted with a harsh "Enough". She stood eyeing the two with disappointment and earning slight flushes of embarrassment in the way only a former teacher or parent could. "I have also instructed young Harry not to put himself in danger and he has ignored me as well, thus precautions will be taken."

***HP:O ***

"I have a staff meeting to attend, we will likely be talking about Lupin. Stay here until we can figure out a plan."

Harry didn't like being kept out of the loop, especially when it came to his friends. Undoubtedly something bad had happened, and a 'staff meeting' only confirmed this notion in his mind.

Leaving things up to adults had never ended well for him, and despite his own promises he knew, deep down, if there was any chance of helping the woman, he would take it without a second thought. The problem was could he find her.

Tracking Charms would be difficult, especially with the witch owning so few things and being paranoid about such attachments. Some sort of locating spell then? He wasn't sure how such things would work and the time it would take for Hermione and Harriet to figure it out might be too late.

Then he heard the flapping of wings as an owl he didn't recognize flew in through one of the enchanted portals. It had a single envelope clutched which was immediately offered up to him.

Retrieving it and noting that the bird immediately departed he stared at the object for a moment or two before opening it and looking at the contents.

Mr. Potter,

We have apprehended a certain accomplice of yours, if you want your pet back you will come to the following address alone.

Do decide quickly, she will only amuse us for so long.

Fear gripped his heart as he reread the parchment again. It was obviously a trap, and he obviously had to go. It was one thing to stand by and let others take charge, to let adults shoulder the responsibility for once. It was another thing entirely to be directly called out with another's life on the line.

Even if Remi hadn't been captured the fact remained that he had a location and an opportunity to put a stop to all the madness once and for all.

Hastily grabbing his wand, and throwing a traveling cloak around his shoulders, he slipped from the room and headed out, a plan already forming in his head.

***HP:O ***

There wasn't much she could do. Such an obvious trap and she had walked straight into it and now the one person she had vowed to protect above all else might be hurt, or worse, because of her incompetence.

Still, there had to be something.

Maybe a warning could be sent out, or a signal for Aurors to investigate. Even if she could temporarily break up the gathering it might be enough to prevent him from becoming involved.

If the cost was her life she would gladly pay.

"You must be losing your edge, to need so many and a trap just to defeat one little boy."

Greyback froze, before turning and leaning in, an obvious snarl on her face, "What did you just say to me?"

Remi gave what shrug she could with her bindings. "I'm just making an observation is all. You have a lot of Lycans here and you are doing all this just to trick a teenage boy to come here without any help. Are you afraid he might humiliate you… again?"

The strike came swiftly and she had barely managed to brace for it before being uprooted and turned onto her side on the floor.

"You dare to speak to me in such a way? You!?"

After a few gasping breaths she managed a laugh, "Speak to who? Someone who claims to be an alpha but only attacks the helpless or children?"

With her enhanced hearing she could just make out a few mumbles from the group lying in wait.

Good, the dissent was starting.

"When was the last time you were challenged? Did you need others to help you then as well?"

The mood was shifting, confidence wavering, doubts forming.

Greyback wasn't a fool, she knew that such words would lead others to question her strength. The only way to clear up the doubts would be a display of dominance.

"Get. Up."

The magical bonds loosened and fell away allowing Remi to stagger to her feet shaking her head and doing her best to play up the confusion and dizziness.

It would buy time if nothing else, because attacking someone while they were weak was not the qualities of a leader, especially not a pack leader.

There was little chance of her winning this fight. Contests of strength among Lycans were just that, strength and while she might have had a decent enough chance if it were pure dueling skills her hand-hand fighting was only slightly above average.

Still, one step at a time. The witch was free now which meant her options were vastly opened. Next was to survive until an opportunity presented itself to obtain a wand.

Hell, maybe she could even get in a few lucky blows to help ease her conscience.

Her first attempt was an obvious lunge. It was easily sidestepped by the older Lycan but it also had her snorting with mockery. Next was just as sloppy, just as desperate, and again she was easily avoided.

"Hmph, is this all you are capable of? Such big words for…"

The third dodge, while she had been gloating, wasn't as clean, the distance not as great, and it allowed for Remi to land a blow to the woman's side.

Claws ripped across her face, drawing blood but luckily not damaging her eyes.

"Bitch!"

Damn, she couldn't afford any more shots to the face, especially if she wanted to be able to aim a wand. The problem remained, however, that there weren't any nearby, especially not unattended.

Still, if Remi could mitigate anything more serious than a few flesh wounds then the plan would still work. There still wasn't much of a plan but the foundations were laid and she had already come up with the general goal.

All she needed now was…

A metal door screeched open, and everyone froze before turning. There, in the doorway, stood Harry Potter.

Alone

And her heart filled with dread.

***HP:O ***

"Alright Harry, looks like we have a plan." Grace announced as she entered the room before pausing with a frown and glancing about. "Harry?" He wasn't there but she fought down the initial panic and went through other options.

He was probably either in the bathroom or looking up some spell to give assistance. Yes, that had to be it.

A quick search, however, proved that neither the bathroom nor the communal study area was in use. Before she could rush towards the Hogwarts library something caught her eye. Summoning the parchment she quickly skimmed over it, eyes widening in horror as the full situation was revealed.

"Fuck"

Riddle wasted no time in reaching the Headmistress' office and revealing the object, which, in-turn, had the Aurors being contacted almost immediately along with several of the professors notified.

They were out of time, likely had already been, but now it was a far more desperate situation.

***HP:O ***

He had some expectations, naturally, but knowing they were likely hurting Remi and seeing the blood on her face, the bruises, the injuries, was something entirely different. He wanted to tear them limb from limb, to give into all the dark urges that roared in his mind, to make them suffer.

But his friend was still in danger, still too close to hostiles which could turn on her should the situation not go in their favor. He wasn't one-hundred percent certain his magic was accurate enough to deal with a hostage situation.

So, he remembered his breathing exercises and forced his body not to react, forced himself not to just start throwing out spells but rather evaluate the situation and figure out how to get them both to safety.

"Well, I'm here and alone as agreed."

The woman's smile slowly twisted into something grotesque, likely matching whatever filth already filled her soul. "So you are, and here I thought you were smarter than this. I guess it just goes to show the ignorance of men."

Harry blatantly rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah you're a sexist prick good for you. Now let my friend go."

She sashayed towards him, idly twirling her wand between her fingers, "But what would be the fun in that? You two would run back to Hogwarts and we would be right back to where we started. No, I think we will hang onto her for a while, at least until you've been taught a lesson in manners."

He frowned, "So what, you want to duel me then? Show how superior you are to a schoolboy?" His words seemed to have an effect, and the woman's eyes lit up as if she had just discovered some deeply held secret.

"Yes… yes that is what we are going to do. In front of such an audience I will show them there is nothing to fear from a little brat. And when you are begging for mercy then I might consider letting your little pet go."

The statement was met with a growl from behind, "She is not going anywhere, and I will be the one to duel him."

Travers turned to address the pack leader directly and Harry idly wondered if he could just take them both out now while they were distracted.

Possibly, probably, but where would that leave them? It was obvious the surrounding area was full of werewolves and while the odds of him fighting his way out were reasonable, they dropped considerably if he needed to get out an injured Lupin as well.

What to do?

Drawing things out seemed the most logical answer. He had left the letter open and was reasonably certain Riddle would discover it and charge in with the cavalry. The only question was how long it would take and could he delay until then.

Plus, while the bureaucrat wasn't likely to be problem, based on how little of a threat she clearly considered him, Greyback was another issue entirely.

"You and your kind already had your chance, several of them in fact. What makes you think you will do any better now hm?"

"I have never faced him myself and you are a politician not a fighter."

The witch snarled, almost more Lycan-like than the actual one standing before her, "I am well versed in dueling while you seem to do nothing but throw muscle against a target and hope you come out victorious."

Greyback stepped forward and into the woman's personal space, who surprisingly enough didn't back away at the provocation. "I will break him."

"No," Tonee Travers snapped, "he is mine to torment now."

The demand in her voice drew Harry's attention, perhaps he had somehow acquired another crazed fan.

"He belongs to me. Only an alpha deserves someone with such power."

Okay, maybe two fans. Still, this was something he had grown used to and was something he could manipulate. Letting out the loudest sigh he possibly could Harry drew attention back to himself once more, "Look can you two just make a decision? I have homework to do you know. Obviously one of you must be in charge here."

"I am!" Both declared in unison, before turning towards one another once more.

"You are just hired muscle. Every step of the plan has been because of me. I paid you, I set up the train, I forced Dumbledore's hand. All you have done was fail every step of the way!"

The Lycan growled in response, "And you would have done no better on your own. I am the leader of the pack, not some prissy bureaucrat. You wouldn't know how to fight if you had to."

Instead of backing down the other woman gave a shove and readied her wand, "Want to bet on that?"

Harry Potter never imagined having people fight over him, and the Lockhart versus Snape fiasco of the previous year had cemented his opinion of disliking the notion entirely. Now however he found the absurdity of the entire situation to be advantageous.

He would put money on Greyback coming out victorious but hopefully the challenger would at least stall for enough time that either reinforcements could arrive or he would be able to extract Remi. Another glance in her direction had him making a gesture with his fingers, one he hoped would indicate 'walking' or 'running'. She saw it, frowned for a second before flinching and reaching down to a red spot on her pants.

Blood, which meant she was likely too injured to escape on her own and he didn't have enough medical knowledge to fix something more than a superficial cut or two.

"You have no right to him. You are a pathetic beta female, someone who depends on others for their success. You are not a woman of action, of leadership."

Harry just managed to stop himself from interrupting at the implied 'ownership' when the opposing woman laughed in response, "Oh please, you are nothing more than a filthy animal. A male's true value comes from his looks, you would tarnish him with your savagery.

The boy was starting to develop an eye twitch, fingers and magic itching to retaliate and show them what his 'true value' was. But he could see Remi quickly shake her head in her peripheral urging him not to and so he focused and took a calming breath.

It might not be as therapeutic to watch the two jackasses tear each other apart, but it would be a nice result regardless.

"He will be changed into one of us, brought into the pack, claimed by me!"

"No, he will be a trophy husband because that is all any man should aspire to. Sitting at home taking care of a woman's house and children until his wife returns and then catering to her needs!"

'No' he thought, 'I should be wiping the floor with you two.'

One of the nearby werewolves, whom he had nearly forgotten about, interrupted, "Alpha, we are running low on time."

The words, earning a silent curse from the teen, brought attention back onto him from both of the two competitors. Luckily, he managed to keep his cool and raise an eyebrow in response, "Well? I can't be in two places at once. I can't take care of you while also living outdoors as a Lycan."

His argument shifted the focus once more, "You can take any useless boy and turn him into one of your diseased packmates, Harry is clearly meant for more than rolling around in dirt and living in caves. I will introduce him to proper society as a beautiful thing to be admired and put on display."

"He is a warrior and there can be no greater honor for one such as him than to be the mate of a true alpha."

"Disgusting creature, I will show you just how pitiful your claims are!"

It looked as if the two were preparing to come to blows when a different Lycan shouted out in warning. A split second later the door he had entered from was blown off its hinges, it was just what he had been waiting for. Magic surged all around him as he jumped backwards, propelling himself through the air surrounded by currents of wind and arcane power. At the same time his wand was already pointed towards the downed woman, who had gone wide-eyed in shock.

"Accio Remi Lupin!"

Even if they had been calm and collected the boy very much doubted any of the hostiles could have reacted fast enough to stop the woman from sailing through the air. The pair were halted before landing onto the ground by another figure even as Grace Riddle prowled forward, murder in her eyes and wand drawn as Aurors began pouring in and a shout of "DMLE, surrender immediately" was echoed through the open space.

Chaos reigned even as Dumbledore gently lowered both Harry and his injured friend onto the ground safely outside of the building, and into the protective custody of several other Aurors including Tonks. Some Lycans began to attack, others attempting to flee, but the trap had already been sprung and any other entrances or exits to the building were sealed and warded.

Receiving a glare from the Headmistress, one he could not possibly interpret as anything other than 'If you so much as think about moving you will be in detention for the rest of your life' Harry gave up any hope of lending aid in the arrests and settled for keeping an eye out for any escapees and ensuring Remi was receiving proper medical care.

***HP:O ***

The battle, from what the young wizard could tell, was short and almost anticlimactic considering how many times the group had attacked civilians. Riddle had incapacitated Greyback with ease and while there had been some retaliation most had ended up surrendering or being rounded up within only a few minutes.

Injuries among the Aurors were few and, save for Lupin herself, were all minor and easily healed. Remi's wounds had been serious enough to warrant a trip to St. Mungos and while Harry had offered to accompany the woman Dumbledore had intervened even before Grace had spoken. "It is still a school night Harry and while I am sure miss Lupin appreciates the offer I believe it would be better to return to Hogwarts and rest up while you are waiting for your punishment for sneaking out."

There was a certain playfulness in the elderly woman's eye and while Harry smiled and nodded with a laugh deep down he knew there likely would be some consequences for breaking the rules.

Even if the result had been for the best.

A half-hour later and he was, once again, seated in the Headmistress' office with his parents, Head of House, and Dumbledore herself discussing what to do next.

"Clearly," Lily began, "you are grounded forever, and we mean forever. Your father and I have been debating on how best to keep you safe and at this point we are leaning towards 'hand cuffed to one of the adults in this room at all times'. However, we are not unfair parents and are open to any other lovely suggestions on how to proceed."

Harry raised his hand, as if he was in class, earning a snort or eye-roll from the adults present before being called on. "May I just point out that I am completely unharmed and did not need to engage in any violence at all? I think that should count for something."

"And it does, which is why we are considering letting you leave the house at some point this coming summer instead of just locking you in your room without your wand."

His father had meant it as a joke, the adults all knew it, Harry himself knew it, but he still couldn't help the memories which resurfaced and flinched at the thought, a gesture no one missed. "Harry? Is everything okay?"

The boy quickly nodded and hoped the conversation would simply move on. He would rather spend a few months in detention cleaning out cauldrons than explain being locked up and starved by the Dursleys.

Once more his actions didn't seem to fool any of the others, who looked torn between pressing and demanding answers and offering silent comfort. "Let's… talk about this tomorrow perhaps. It has been a very long day for everyone and this will give us a chance to sleep and come up with acceptable options."

It was Grace Riddle who was the voice of reason and Harry let out a silent breath of relief when the rest agreed.

***HP:O ***

A/N:

There will be an alternative version published later on where Harry takes a more aggressive choice in the confrontation but this was a fun option to write.

Previous Name**************New Name

Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle

Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore

Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy

-*************************Harriet Potter

-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter

-*************************Pandora Malfoy

Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini

Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott

Severus Snape**************Serena Snape

-*************************Marie Rosier

Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley

Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley

Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley

Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley

George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley

Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin

-************************Sylvie Rosier

Gilderoy Lockhart***********Gordana Lockhart

Oliver Wood ***************Olivia Wood

-*************************Carolyn Ricci