Gone to the Dogs

by Espeon Master Espo

The Animagus change can lead to a lot of interesting times, and helps you learn more about yourself. After all, it is a form that is often said to reflect the needs of user the best. Though what you need and what you want, are often two different things. Which also means, if something is wrong with the form, is it your needs or your desires that made that happen?

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 04

Angry Dogs Bite Back.

"I still cannot believe they blamed you for this mess!" Jasmine said, storming about Grimmauld's kitchen as the others watched on.

Anna, Samual, Sirius, Remus, and Hermione were all watching as Jasmine had gone on a tear about the sheer stupidity of the Ministry of Magic. They had arrived early that morning so they could meet with Dumbledore who had said he had a lot to talk about with them. Having seen the paper, while they were waiting, Jasmine had soon shown a temper and ability to rage that even Mrs. Weasley would have found shocking. The only reason Jasmine's kids were not there was both Dobby and the rapidly reformed Kreacher had taken the kids to the Hermione and Jasmine's practice room.

As Dobby said before he left with the kids, "Cannot let Mistress's mouth corrupt the puppies."

As for Jasmine's tearing into the Ministry and rant, it had been rather impressive so far. She had gone on nearly thirty minutes without ever seeming to repeat a single point. For Sirius and Remus, it was also a rather sharp reminder that Jasmine might have looked like James's son, she was also the child of the original Lily Evans nee Potter. Who had a temper that was even more feared than Molly Weasley's. Thankfully, Hermione had made sure to take Jasmine's wand away from her, otherwise they might have been in a lot more danger than they already were. As though Jasmine did not have her wand, she had found a rather long kitchen knife that seemed to server the same purpose. Where she had found it was beyond them. Nor were Sirius and Remus the only ones ready to duck for cover the moment the girl's magic let loose.

"I am going to ruin Fudge for this," Jasmine finished with a huff, slamming the knife one last time into the table, burying it halfway to the handle before she finally sat down.

The fact the table shook from the blow was enough to leave the everyone on edge. Once it became clear that Jasmine was not going to stand up and go on another tear, Hermione finally moved to comfort her. She had only held herself back, from calming Jasmine down as it was quite clear the girl needed to work out some of her frustrations. Plus, as Hermione still had Jasmine's wand, it was quite clear anything that might happen would be greatly reduced in destructive power. She had reckoned of course without Jasmine grabbing up a knife.

"Skip that," Jasmine said after a few moments as she looked at the knife, "The whole government needs dice up and rebuilt at this point."

"Why I don't disagree, rebuilding a government from the ground up is not easy," Samual pointed out.

"Since when have I ever done easy?" Jasmine asked, with a grim look as she stared at the knife.

"So, rebuilding the wizarding government is now on our to-do list," Sirius said, in almost an amused fashion, as he asked in an almost joking tone, "Any ideas how to do it?"

Jasmine's response was not one he had expected, "We first bury those death eaters in the ground, or lock them up forever. No escaping, no more second chances. We saw how they acted during the quidditch world cup. They are not sorry."

"We cannot just throw people in prison," Sirius pointed out, with a hint of anger in his voice.

"Oh, I am not suggesting that. They will get a trial using either magical oaths to tell the truth, or truth potion. As unless they are using memory charms to remove their deeds, they will know everything they ever did. Plus, I know that you can tell when you are under the effects of the Imperious curse, even though the effects of truth potion. Barty Crouch could tell when he was being controlled and when he was free of the curse effect. So no more get out of jail free cards by stupid excuse or dumb laws. They did the deed of their own free will, they signed away their own fate," Jasmine said with a look of grim determination.

"Remove the pureblood protections. You don't think small," Remus said as Sirius let out a low whistle.

"That is simple stuff, that should never had been allowed to continue existing," Jasmine growled out, "This stuff should have been dealt with already. The fact I have to deal with this now, let alone the fact my kids are now are risk should have never been allowed to happen. I will destroy every bit of the law and government that has been built to shield those idiots. By the time my kids start school this will either be a changed country, with Voldemort dead and buried for good, or I Will Be Leaving with my children."

Sirius glanced at Remus, who just shrugged before he said, "leave the country?"

Jasmine fixed Sirius with a rather pointed look, "Mrs. Weasley said it best, 'It is an adults job to make sure their children are safe.' I will protect my family. If Voldemort is stupid enough to follow me, then I will kill him. One way or the other, he will no longer bother me or my family."

The look the others had was a bit shocked. Yet they could also see a bit of Jasmine's canine nature was once again bleeding through. Someone was a threat to her pups, and she would attack until that threat was eliminated or she died. And right now, no one wanted to take odds on Voldemort getting out alive. Jasmine even without a wand had still been leaking out magic at a rate even Samual and Anna could feel. The fact that the knife had been buried so deep in the table showed she was channeling her magic even through something that normally could not do so.

"I agree with Jasmine," Samual said, looking first at Hermione then Jasmine, "We should get ready to leave."

"We should still do something," Remus said, a little stunned, "We cannot just leave the country to its fate."

"Why not?" Jasmine asked skeptically, "The country had fourteen years to figure out this problem. But rather than fixing it, they swept the matter under a rug and forgot about it. If anything, it got worse because they could not see the festering wound, they had left alone. Why should I care about fixing something for people who cannot be bothered to fix themselves? Or has the defeat of Voldemort by myself three times not been enough? With my fourth time being an escape with my life and the death of another student. Is that not enough help?"

Remus looked like he had been slapped in the face at this remark, "I…"

"Yes?" Jasmine asked, her eyes narrowing, "You know my life story now. You know why I would love a normal life. I have given this country and the magical world everything it has any right to ask of me. Several times over. Far more than it has any right, seeing how I have been treated over the last year. Right now, the only thing I feel I owe to anyone is Samual, Anna, Hermione, Sirius, you and my children. I am not going to keep on fighting Voldemort time after time, because this country cannot be scared to deal with thirty some odd people."

Remus honestly looked at a loss for words, as did Sirius. It was quite clear that the article, and the Ministry blaming Sirius rather than just admitting they were wrong was just another step to far for Jasmine. She had possibly reached her limit and would likely leave the country, and the only one that could stop her would be Hermione and her family. Something neither Sirius nor Remus would have placed bets on happening. Lily had been of a similar mind after her parents had died in a death eater raid before Harry had been born, the only thing that had kept her in the country, was the desire to see those who had harmed her parents pay.

Jasmine got up, and they were shocked to see she had somehow gotten her wand from Hermione without Hermione having noticed. There was a twisted grin on her face before she turned and left heading into the house. Sirius was not the only one praying that the house was still standing once Jasmine was done with it. The only thing that kept him from following her was the fact she would not do anything to crazy, as her children were still in the house as well.

Jasmine was in fact, not about to destroy anything. She simply had wanted her wand back, and was going to walk the house as she thought about what was best to do. Though she had said it out loud, Jasmine had no wish to leave the country, not really. Yes, she could escape with her family, but so many other families could not just up and leave like she could. Voldemort would easily ruin and terrorize countless families. And though Jasmine was many things, she still cared about others a lot.

Besides, Jasmine knew even if she left, Voldemort would likely chase after her. Everything he did seemed to concern her in some shape form or fashion. Well, not everything, but all his major plays of power sure seemed to involve her in some way. Mostly, he seemed to be doing it right now to save face. He had indeed lost to her four times, she had been lucky, granted. But the end result was all that mattered. If he kept losing to Harry or Jasmine, he would lose his followers sooner or later when they saw he could not even defeat a child. It might be a while before that happened, but if he kept losing, it would one day happen. Voldemort could not allow Harry Potter to remain alive. Meaning Jasmine was still firmly in his crosshairs.

"I really hate my life at times," Jasmine said, a little bit louder than she should have.

Having stopped next to a large set of curtains, that hid a life size painting of Sirius mother. Her voice was loud enough to waken the painting, who always seemed to be on moments away from a very vocal rampage. Unfortunately for Sirius's mother, Jasmine was in no mood for the paintings yelling or verbal attacks. Before the first word had finished clearly her mouth, Jasmine had hit the painting with a silencing spell that robbed her of her voice.

"I am quite done with you," Jasmine said, having heard the painting go off several times by this point, twice of which had been directed at her.

Sirius had said, that the painting was stuck to the wall with a permanent sticking charm. But Jasmine knew that there was more than one way to get around a spell. What she did not know was that no one up till that point had been able to silence Sirius's mother. All their spells had seemed to failed to last for more than a couple seconds, while any attempt to remove her magic wise had likewise seemed impossible. Dumbledore had yet to try, though that was more because he never dealt with her yet, nor had he been asked to help.

"Let's see," Jasmine said, as she looked at the painting with a thoughtful expression while it glared at her with resentment, "Sirius said normal removal spells are impossible, a switching spell has had no effect because she is basically part of the wall. Combined with an instructible charm, making removing a section at a time impossible as well."

Jasmine's eyes slowly moved from one corner to the next of the frame, before she looked around the edge at the wall. She was sure there was an easy way to remove it that they were overlooking. She thought about the few times she had dealt with similar stuff before, as Dudley had super glued her school books together once before. They were a lost cause, though it was one of the few times Dudley had gotten in trouble, at least with the school.

Jasmine could remember the teachers trying to open her book when she had told them what had happen, only for parts of the glued pages to come away with the cover. Her teacher said the only way to get them apart would have been a razer blade and a lot of work. Even then it would be impossible to get them apart without some of the page below them coming with the page above it. Uncle Vernon had not been happy he had had to pay for new books, and both Dudley and Harry had gotten punished.

Jasmine then grinned as an idea struck her, it took her a few moments to come up with a spell that would do what she wanted. One soon came to mind, one that no witch like Sirius mother would ever consider. The peeling spell, expect on a much larger scale. Jasmine raised up her wand, and pointed it at the top of the painting before pushing it forward with a sharp jab. Then still with her wand in the new position, drew the wand slowly downwards till it pointed at the base of the painting. With one finally pulling back of her wand, Jasmine ended the spell.

Sirius mother appeared to be laughing, seeming to think that Jasmine's attempt to remove her had failed. Only for the entire painting to slowly begin tipping forward and hit the opposing wall with a loud thud that echoed down the hallway. Jasmine could see Sirius's mothers look of stunned amazement as she realized that her painting had indeed been removed.

"No way," Sirius breathed out, causing Jasmine to whip around her wand at the ready, not having realized she had gained an audience while her attention had been focused on the painting, "How did you do that?!"

Jasmine laughed a little bit, as she turned back towards the painting and pointed to the back were a bit of wall still clung to the back of the painting, "I used the potato peeling spell, just made it bigger and strong, and covered the entire back of the painting. A little bit of the wall is gone, but otherwise, she has been removed."

"A potato peeling spell?" Sirius said dumbfounded, "That is what you used?"

"Yeah," Jasmine said a little confused by Sirius reaction, "Why, what is wrong with that?"

Sirius shook his head, "Molly and I have tried nearly every spell we could think of to remove that painting, and you used a potato peeling spell."

Jasmine rolled her eyes at this, "Hermione was right, you wizards don't have much logical sense, do you."

"Hay!" Sirius said, as he tried to look insulted but failed as he was just too happy.

Jasmine rolled her eyes, and glanced back at the painting, "I would suggest leaving it in your brother's room. At least till you can find a better location for her."

Sirius did as she suggested, not caring in the slightest that he was not getting rid of the painting yet. The removal of his mother's painting from its current location was the last big reminder of why he hated this house so much. Though he was still on the run, still hidden. Being able to visit Jasmine and her children had done a lot to cure him of his depression. Kreacher's reform, and knowledge of what his brother Regulas had done, had helped Sirius a lot in coming to terms with his family and his family's house-elf. The removal of his overbearing hate spewing mother's painting, was the last real bit of darkness that lingered about the house. In a way, the man was now as free as one could be, while still be stuck hidden most of the time.

Remus was looking at Jasmine with something akin to awe. He had been told of near war like actions that Sirius and Molly had waged to try and remove the painting. To see Jasmine remove it with one try, was like seeing Lily back. She had a knack for using spells in odd ways that no one else could quite understand. It was one reason she was a Charms Master. As it was one thing to know how to use the spell, it was another to figure out how that spell could be applied to different things. And not for the first time ever, did he reconsider, just had powerful his best friend's child really was. He had seen just how powerful and determined Harry had been, when Remus had been teaching. While this recent display did not show the same level of power the Patronus charm had, it still showed a brain that would make full use of that power if given a half a chance. A true mix of James's raw power and Lily's raw talent.

Jasmine returned to the kitchen where she found the Grangers all talking quietly. Jasmine could not quite hear what they were saying, so she guessed Hermione had cast some sort of privacy charm about them. Jasmine wondered what they were talking about, but figured if it really was important, then they would tell her once the charm was taken down. Before that happened though, Dumbledore finally appeared in a flash of fire along with his pet phoenix, Fawkes.

A glance at the man was enough to confirm something was very wrong. Dumbledore was showing neither his normal smile, or even normal calm demeanor. Jasmine could smell several scents on him that were not his own, suggesting he had just left a large group. And the look in his eyes said someone had messed up badly.

"So, who died?" Jasmine asked fearing the worse.

"No one thankfully," Dumbledore said, sighing and looking a great deal wearier than he had ever done so before, "Where is Sirius and Remus, I want to talk to everyone at once."

"Sirius was taking his mother's painting upstairs to leave in Regulas's bedroom. Remus is probably with him. They should be here in a few moments though," Jasmine said.

"His mother's painting?" Dumbledore said looking suddenly distracted from his own problems by this new bit of information, "The one with the permanent sticking charm on it?"

"Yeah, I removed it with a potato peeling charm. And told Sirius to store it in his brother's room," Jasmine explained.

Dumbledore suddenly chuckled looking every amused at this the weariness seemed to leave him, "And here I was thinking we would have to remove the wall. A potato peeling charm!"

Jasmine was a little surprised by the sudden changed in Dumbledore's demeanor, but felt it was a good sign. Whatever had happened, clearly, was a problem. But not such a big one that something so simple and silly could not still lift his spirits. As though he did sober up, and become a little more somber as Remus and Sirius reappeared, he did not become quite as weary as he had been when he first appeared.

"Well. It finally happened," Dumbledore began once everyone had sat down and looked at him, "The Ministry decided to run me out of Hogwarts."

"On what chargers?" Jasmine asked.

"Oh, kidnapping one Harry James Potter," Dumbledore said with a small chuckle.

"Well, that is impressive," Jasmine said, shaking her head.

"How do you figure?" Samual asked looking a little confused.

"Well, if Dumbledore wants to return to school. He needs to show I am studying aboard, by bringing me back from where ever it is I am studying. In doing so, they can go after me as they clearly want to. So, in order to keep me safe, Dumbledore cannot reveal where I am studying, meaning he has to stay on the run," Jasmine answered.

"Precisely my thought," Dumbledore said smiling, though it did not quite reach his eyes, "Of course, they had no intention of letting me find you anyway. So, I was forced to run."

"Doesn't that mean the Ministry now controls the school?" Hermione asked in shock.

"Not unless they are smart, and put Umbridge in control of the wards right away. Or at least before they leave my office. If they don't, they will find I am still in full control of the castle even if I am no longer there. So, while Umbridge soon might be considered the Headmistress, the school will not acknowledge her claim to the title," Dumbledore explained.

"A prank worthy of my father," Jasmine laughed out

"Quite. I must also say, the timing was rather fortunate for me. As I needed to be out of the school for long periods without anyone questioning my disappearance. You see, I have found out as much as I could from the locket you destroyed. It is indeed as I feared, the same kind of magic that the diary was," Dumbledore explained sounding much more somber again.

"Is it a horcrux?" Sirius asked, his tone unusually grave.

"Yes, though how did you guess that?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes focusing on Sirius.

"My family has collected many books over the years. One is 'Secret's of the Darkest Arts', a book that I would have destroyed after reading, if the wards on the library did not protect it from such magics," Sirius said in disgust.

"Basilisk venom?" Jasmine asked those had destroyed the locket and Diary.

"It is not that I cannot destroy the book. It is the wards themselves stop me from making the move to do so. I cannot remove the book from the library, even though I would want to, and while it is in the library, and powerful compulsion is on you to never destroy any of the books in the collection. And the library has too much information for me to just want to destroy the library itself, even for that one book," Sirius explained.

Jasmine nodded, wanting to test how strong the wards were later, but turned her attention back to Dumbledore, "So what is a horcrux?"

Dumbledore was silent for several moments before he finally spoke, "A Horcrux is a vessel for a small portion of a person's soul, separate from themselves. That for as long as it remains intact makes it impossible for its owner to be killed completely."

"That unto itself does not sound so bad," Samual pointed out, "I imagine it is much worse than just what you describe."

"You are right. Wizarding kind has studied the soul for a long time. We know a lot about it, and know quite a few different things can cause a soul to fragment enough to break it apart. Though nothing can keep it apart for very long. Emotional stress is among the most common things that most wizard kind knowns about. As with our young Jasmine here, has likely gone through a similar process," Dumbledore said, looking thoughtful for a moment before his eyes darkened again, "However, though the soul might break, it is always meant to return to being whole. To break off parts permanently is said to risk madness. Removal your emotional stability, and even your empathy. Something we see in Voldemort."

Sirius nodded and picked up as Dumbledore paused, "It is a process that involves murder, first to break your soul apart. As a person dies, they release magic upon their death, this process uses that magic to break your own soul into pieces. Using a ritual, you can then tie your soul to something else, the best way is to use the magic from a second person who just died to strengthen the horcrux. This will allow you to place long term protection spells on it, that will make it nearly impossible to destroy. If I were to guess Voldemort did kill a second person as to make sure the items he used were protected. Though that is only my guess."

"And we know he made at least two of these," Samual said, sounding disgusted.

"If I were to guess, he made more than two," Dumbledore said, with a heavy sigh, "Voldemort was not one to leave things to chance. Though I do not have proof of it, I think he made either three horcruxes, or seven. Numbers in magic do have some meanings and properties to them. Though, three, seven and thirteen are the most common numbers you will see."

"Why not a thirteen-part soul?" Anna asked, "I mean if you don't care, about how much you destroy your own soul, as long as you live, why not go for thirteen. Or more."

"There is likely a limit in how many times you could divide your soul. As though each time you make a horcrux it does not do a perfect halving or even quarter you soul, you still have less to give each successive time. Till he likely reached a limit where he could not make anymore, even if he wanted to. So I do think thirteen is quite impossible, unless he discovered a method we are not privileged to. But as he likely used the school's own copy of 'Secret's of the Darkest Arts' before I removed it from the library, it is likely we do not have to deal with that. Thankfully."

Everyone thought about what Dumbledore had said. It made sense at least, and it was a good thing that Voldemort could not just keep making more Horcruxes forever. Though this raised a question in Jasmine's mind.

"Why would he not just use a random coin or stone then? Something that would never be noticed or found among everything else. So far, he used a dairy, and that locket."

"You might have noticed, or maybe not. But Voldemort does not like to be considered common even among the magical world. His pride is too great to use an everyday object, without a good reason," Dumbledore answered.

"The diary was the link to the chamber of secrets, it was only common because it was meant to be found," Hermione said in sudden realization.

"I believe so, yes, as for the other objects. Well, the locket is not so common, it is in fact an ancient item handed down the Slytherin line. It is hard to tell with the damage through the lid, but what remains on the lid indicates an emerald "S" once decorated its surface," Dumbledore answered.

"What? He used a relic from one of the founders!" Hermione asked in shocked.

"Yes. I think he has collected two if not three relics in his time. You see, I have been collecting memories of those who have spent time around the young Tom Riddle, before his disappearance and return as Voldemort. And in that time, he came across the locket, you showed me. He was also aware of a cup that belonged to Helga Hufflepuff, and a ring that was passed down alongside the locket through his mother's family, the Gaunt, who are the last of Slytherin's line," Dumbledore explained.

"If you are correct, the means he is aiming for seven Horcruxes," Jasmine said.

"I think six, not seven. The seventh would be inside of him, or so I would guess," Dumbledore said.

"What about Gryffindor, or Ravenclaw?" Hermione asked.

"The only known Gryffindor Relics are the sorting Hat, and Gryffindor's Sword. One of which is protected by the school, and the other was hidden inside the hat till recently. As for Ravenclaw, there is only one currently rumored item to still exist. The Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. Though it has been lost for nearly a thousand years, and only the Gray Lady, who is rumored to have been Rowena's daughter, is likely to knows where it was hidden," Dumbledore answered.

"So, we have a dairy, that is one. That locket which is two. The cup, is three, and that ring is likely the fourth. If he somehow worked out with this diadem was, that is five. That still leaves a sixth, not including the part still in Voldemort," Samual said.

"Some of my information, suggests that his pet snake Nagini might be that sixth part. He seems unusually fond of her. Or so I have learned," Dumbledore commented.

"Well that is something, but now we need to find them. Assuming the Snake is one, finding it will not be too hard, though seeing as Voldemort will be near her, killing her would prove to be difficult," Sirius said.

"It might be safe to assume, that one of the remaining items is likely with one of his followers. Either in their possession, or stored in Gringotts. He gave the dairy to Lucius Malfoy, though I doubt Malfoy knew what it was," Remus pointed out.

"Which would mean the other items were hidden, or with other death Eaters," Sirius pointed out.

"We might be able to guess how many are with death eaters," Hermione pointed out, "He would only trust them with his most loyal and faithful followers. Who were those that he trusted most?"

"Well, the Malfoys were considered his best spy's. Seeing as he handed the dairy to them, it was likely he wanted them to use it at some later date to gain control of Hogwarts. But no one was really that faithful, or truly special to him outside Bellatrix Lastrange. She was the only Death Eater that was never hid her face behind a mask," Sirius said after a few moments of thought.

"Anyone else?" Hermione asked.

"None, that I can think of," Lupin answered.

"So, we can assume that she likely has one. Either in her possession, or more likely in the Lestrange Vaults in Gringotts," Hermione surmised.

"Possibly. It is still only a guess," Dumbledore pointed out, "But I think you are right."

"That leaves two still unaccounted for," Anna pointed out.

"Yes, and that is something I plan on fixing," Dumbledore said, "As I said, my removal is most fortunately timed. I have reviewed all the memories I have collected, and plan on visiting several locations that have connections to Tom Riddle and Voldemort. IF I am lucky, I will come across one of the locations he hid a Horcrux."

"What about in Hogwarts itself?" Jasmine asked, "As Sirius explained recently, things are being found in the school all the time. Why would he not hide something in Hogwarts as well?"

"It is likely that he wanted to, he visited the school twice since he left before becoming Voldemort fully. The first, I think was just to get a job, so he might mold the minds of young children. The second time, he came not long before he announced himself to the world as Voldemort. He knew I would not give him the job, but he still came. Yet, I am not sure if he came to search for one more item, or drop off one. So, it is highly likely he would have tried to hide one when he visited, but you know as well as I do how big the school is. And as I so nicely put it during the Yule Ball last year, 'Even I couldn't dream of knowing all of Hogwarts's secrets.'" Dumbledore answered and finished with a sigh.

"At least we have something to work with now," Anna said, "Even knowing hints and clues is better than nothing at all and taking blind stabs in the dark."

"Indeed, but I must ask you all to be careful. Never reveal this information with anyone you cannot completely trust. Should Voldemort learn of it, that we know about and are hunting his Horcruxes, he will likely move them to a safer location," Dumbledore said with a seriousness in his tone that allowed for no arguments.

Everyone nodded and gave their word they would not reveal anything, or talk about this unless they were alone, or had been part of this group.

"Dumbledore," Remus said speaking up after everyone had given their word, "I would suggest either Sirius or I join you. Voldemort is dangerous, and it took two people to get the locket free from just one of those locations. Kreacher nearly lost his life, and Regulas did. It would be best if you had back up, as losing you would be a devastating blow to the moral of this country. Worse once Voldemort moves into the open."

Dumbledore looked at Remus then at Sirius before nodded, "Yes, I think that would be wise. Kreacher's story about what they faced is warning enough that they might require two people to reach the defenses safely. I will contact you the moment I find a location that seems likely. Fawkes can then bring one or both of you to help me, as I would rather you keep up with Jasmine's and Hermione's lessons till then. I don't say this lightly, but I fear if we fail, they will have to finish what we started."

Jasmine was not the only one who noticed everyone's eyes suddenly flick to herself, Dumbledore picked up on it quite clearly, yet before he could ask Jasmine spoke up, "If it comes down to that I will fight him if I must. But my family comes first. If I feel I need to flee the country to protect them I will."

Dumbledore sighed, looking once again far older than Jasmine had ever seen him before, "He will follow you not matter where you go. To him, you are his greatest weakness."

"Why?" Jasmine asked narrowing her eyes, "Why is he targeting me. You know why he attacked me as a baby, why does he want to kill me?"

Everyone's eyes which had been moments before looking over at Jasmine, turned their attention to Dumbledore instead. It was clear, that like the Horcrux information, this was not something he wanted to give up easily. Yet like that information, it was something he had to do.

"There was a prophecy made a year before you were born. It told of a boy that would have the power to vanquish the dark lord. Born as the seventh month died to parents who had thrice defied Voldemort. There was more to the prophecy, yet Voldemort's spies only heard this first part I later learned," Dumbledore said his words heavy with regret.

No one spoke as Dumbledore continued, "Had he heard the whole thing, he would have likely never attacked you like he had. For it said that the dark lord would mark him as his equal, and he would have powers that the Dark Lord knew not. And that while neither could live with the other survived."

"That sounds like a load of nonsense to me," Hermione said, shaking her head, popping the tension that had filled the room.

Dumbledore smiled slightly, "Yes, you are quite right. The irony is by trying to stop the person destined to defeat him. He caused the terms of the prophecy to be fulfilled."

"Haven't I already vanquished him at least three times already? For that matter I am no longer male so would it not apply to me anymore anyway?" Jasmine asked.

"Yes and no, that is the thing about prophecy. They are often worded in such a way that even though you could claim it was fulfilled. It might still apply, even now," Dumbledore said, before his voice took on a warning tone, "At the very least I think you should realize this. Voldemort will likely continue to act as if the Prophecy still applies. Even if he dismisses it, both you and I are symbols to the wizarding world he will have to crush if he truly wants to have complete control. It is a slight against him he will never let stand."

Jasmine sighed, as she thought about it. Though the existence of the prophecy surprised her, it really did not change much in the end. She had figured Voldemort would always come after her, especially after what happened during her first and fourth years at Hogwarts. As while she had not humiliated him in front of his followers, she had still escaped him before he was able to kill her. And that was not something he would let stand forever; she would be killed by his hand if he had any say in the matter.

"Well, I guess that just means more training. I need to get to work on my dueling skills, I am going to make him regret ever targeting me," Jasmine said, looking back at Dumbledore with a look of determination not unlike her mother used to have.

Dumbledore chuckled despite the heavy conversation they had been having, "To be honest, I don't doubt he already does regret that."

The talk continued for nearly a half hour more, as the group had several questions. Jasmine listened to it, rather than partaking in it like she had been. She now knew what they needed to do to stop Voldemort once and for all. If she had to be the one to put the final nail in his coffin, so be it. She would happily bury the man in the ground if it meant she could live happily with her pups. Though it made her realize one thing she had to do, if worse came to worse, making sure they were taken care of should she be killed.

The group decided not to have any lessons that afternoon, but rather spent time just hanging out after Dumbledore left. None of them really felt like they would be up to learning or practicing much after the long talks they had had that morning. Even Jasmine's cooking was a little spotty, though she thankfully did not burn anything. Jasmine pulled Hermione's parents to the side after they had gotten the kids to bed.

"Samual, Anna. I want to ask you to do something for me," Jasmine said once she was sure the kids were fast asleep, she did not want them hearing this.

"Sure," Anna said, a little taken aback by the serious tone and look in Jasmine's eyes as she looked at them.

"We all know how wars go," Jasmine began figuring it was best if she got right to the point, "If things get bad. I want you to take my kids, and run. Don't wait for me. Don't look back. Get them out of here and to someplace safe. Please promise you will do that for me."

Samual and Anna both were surprised by the request. They had expected to be asked it at some point, seeing how close they had become as a family, even if they were not truly related. After the discussion, they had known it was possible as well, that Jasmine would fail. Though they did not want to believe that this would be the case. Still, they knew what they had to do, Jasmine was right, if worse came to worse, they would be responsible for protecting her children.

"I will do my best to protect them," Samual said, before pulling Jasmine into a hug that surprised her, "I only ask you protect my own daughter in turn. She cares about you more than you realize."

"I… I will do that," Jasmine answered back, the hesitation not from her unwillingness to keep Hermione safe, but rather Jasmine, like Samual knew Hermione would choose to stand by her friend's side to the bitter end.

Anna soon joined the hug, as they held their unofficial daughter. Jasmine's eyes began to water, though she did not quite cry as she was held by the people who become like parents to her. She felt both guilty and sad that she had to make them promise to keep her children safe, something she should be responsible for. Yet knowing that she might not live to see even their second or third true birthdays.

As they pulled apart, Anna stayed by Jasmine's side for a little bit longer, and whispered to the girl, "You have our blessing to be with Hermione. Just be careful what you do, and do not rush anything. You still have a good chance of making it out alive."

Jasmine started at Anna stunned, "I… but i…"

"We know how close you too are. If you were still male, we would have had Sirius and Remus give you the talk already. Though Samual and I would rather have a ring on your fingers, before that happened. We know what it like to be your ages, and we know what you went through which is why you have not explored at all yet," Anna said, seeing Jasmine's face turn slowly red, but what she said next left the boy turned dog girl speechless, "I am looking forward to calling you my daughter or son regardless of what happens one day. It is not often; a parent can say that about their child's best and first friend. You really are something special, as is what you have with Hermione."

Jasmine could not help but stare as Anna gave her one more hug, before retreating to her bedroom. Jasmine soon went into Hermione's own room, and curled up in her dog form on her small bed. Her dazed look, clearly noticed by her closest friend. She did not really pay attention to Hermione as her own mind worked over what Anna had not only suggested but hinted at. Jasmine had never truly thought about marriage before, but now Anna had suggested it, she really could not see herself being with anyone else. She changed back as Hermione wrapped her arms around Jasmine's body, clearly concerned for her friend.

"What is wrong?" Hermione asked softly, before guessing "Still worried about what we heard earlier today?"

Jasmine shook her head, "No, just asked your parents to watch out for my kids if the worse happened."

Hermione was silent, though her arms tighten around Jasmine's pulling her closer. Jasmines tail curls about Hermione's leg as it often did when they slept like this.

"They said yes. But that is not what… what surprised me," Jasmine continued, before realizing she might have said to much and fell silent.

Jasmine waited, knowing the questions would come. Hermione would question her till she got the answers she wanted out of Jasmine. It had been how things had always gone when she had been Harry. There was just no way she could keep secrets from Hermione. Yet as the seconds ticked by, and became minutes, Jasmine realized that Hermione was letting her keep her secrets for once and not pushing her.

Jasmine then slowly turned in Hermione's arms and kissed her for a few moments, before drawing back and saying "I will tell you later. But not yet, I rather give the moment its proper due."

Hermione looked confused for a moment before her eyes to widen. Whether she guessed what Jasmine meant to do or not, was not hard to figure out. The way Hermione seemed to hug her, and the kiss a few moments later made Jasmine think Hermione might have guessed what Jasmine had been hinting at. And if the kiss and hug were any suggestion, Hermione already had her answer ready for Jasmine's own.

Though things had clearly changed at Hogwarts, and with a bunch of new information available to the group. Things continued in much the same pattern as they had before for Jasmine and those close about her. Though with Dumbledore making more regular visits, and the prospect of a lot more to worry about, the vigor of their lessons took a sharp up swing in difficulty. More was added to their workload, as they also added stuff like legilimency and occlumency to their study time. As well as helping Hermione gain her Animagus form which was going slowly due to her focus on other things. Dueling practice was now a common thing, as well as the beginning of Apparition training.

Jasmine did not complain in the slightest at the heavier work loud, but dove into it with a drive that would have shocked her former male self. She wanted to make sure she survived the end of this war. And with the others help, she now had the best chance she would ever get. She had to live for her children, or at least give them the best chance. Even if that meant taking Voldemort and his minions down with her.

Jasmine still though, made sure to spent as much time as she could with her children. She doted on them, enjoying every second she had. Since due to their unique body childhood was even briefer than others had been. Thankfully the rapid aging had really slowed down. For as they reached six months of age, they only looked to have gain another year, rather than another four as Jasmine and the others had figured originally. Jasmine hope by the time they were really a year old they would only have appeared to reach four. Then by the time they reached two, their bodies would have slowed to a human normal. Meaning they would only look about five at this point.

Jasmine also noticed each child was beginning to show different traits and act more independent of the others. Rose was the prankster of the group, always looking for a laugh. While James was more inclined to explore, and find new things. Lily was the studious one, picking up short books and trying to read them. Though oddly enough, the people they tended to hang out with, did not seem to make sense with their developing personalities. They of course all loved Jasmine, but when she was not about. Rose would often find either Samual or Anna. James preferred the company of Sirius and Remus, though Jasmine privately felt that was because he saw them as alpha dogs and role models due to their scents. Lily however only ever wanted to hang out with Jasmine, but would spend time with Hermione if she had no other choice.

Lily was also the first one to call Hermione 'Mama,' something which had Hermione in tears of joy over as she embraced the confused girl as to why her mama was crying. When the other's joined Lily calling Hermione 'Mama', Hermione's reaction was a little more controlled, though the smile she had lit up any room she entered. Acting the part of the kids second parent and mother, really did suit Hermione, much like it did Jasmine. It mellowed her out, and gave her a patient she had never truly had before. But it also sharpened her wit, and gave her like Jasmine a keen eye for the white lies the children told to avoid getting in trouble. She was also the only one who could guess what the kids wanted, when in their dog forms outside Jasmine who could understand their yips with ease.

By the mid of April, Hermione announced they were ready for their OWLs. Which left about two months left before they would take their exams at Hogwarts, assuming nothing went wrong. This announcement along with the coming Easter break, saw a small break in the constant lessons. The Weasley's decided it was a good time to visit again. Which also happened to include Fred, George, Ginny, and Ron. They were a little shocked to learn about the studying that Jasmine and Hermione had put in, yet also impressed by the level of dedication they had shown to catching up.

It was an odd two weeks for Jasmine, as it was the first time she was regularly around people that were not the Grangers, Remus, Sirius or her children. While they had seen her animal traits before, they had never been around her or her changes for long. And she caught them staring at her more than once, when her ears or tail moved. Ron's eyes still looked longingly at her. He was doing better at hiding it, though it was quite clear that he wanted her. Even if she had not caught his gaze, his scent made it clear enough that he wanted her in his bed.

Jasmine knew there was not much she could do to help that. Though her lack of milk production had seen a marked decreased in her breast size. The smaller mounds in her dresses left no doubt her size. And with how her tail pulled the back of her dresses to her rear made her frame an easy guess. Jasmine knew, even if she would never admit it out loud, she had a wild lithe look to her body. It might not be entirely natural and just a product of her magic, but Jasmine knew she looked good to most any male out there that could get pass her extra dog bits.

Thankfully, Ron never made a move, as Hermione made a rather pointed claim to Jasmine the first day they were over. The kiss was none too subtle, nor as loving and as deep as either of them often enjoyed, yet it got the point rather sharply across to all the Weasley's. Jasmine and Hermione were dating, and nothing they say or did would change that. Not to say Molly did not try in her own attempts of subtle fashion. It was clear she did not feel that two girls should be together, not when there was a strong lad like Ron about. Jasmine and Hermione though pointy ignored all these attempts, as Remus, Sirius, Anna and Samual all approved of their being together and their opinion matter much more than Molly's did.

Still, they did not avoid Ron, as though he kept looking longingly at Jasmine, he was still their friend. And they did not just to want abandon him because he was acting like an average teenage boy who thought with his hormones more than his head. Thankfully, at least most of the time he attempted to act like their normal friend. He tended to act as if Jasmine was still Harry when he was around, and as such his words and phrase at times were a little awkward. It really showed Jasmine how much she had changed, or at least seemed to have changed since she had last spent a lot of time with Ron. Still Jasmine and Hermione tried to be his friend, but it was a losing battle until Ron changed a little himself, and stopped staring at Jasmine's body when he thought no one was looking.

It was during the second week that they all found out about Harry's Fate, as it were. Not her destiny, or the prophecy to beat Voldemort. But rather that there was a solution to Jasmine becoming Harry again. Though as of the moment, none of them were going to tempt that fate.

"But why not just take it, be normal again?" Ron asked, making most of the group wince slightly.

Jasmine glanced around the room, but thankfully her children were not present. None of them had yet revealed to the kids what she would have to do to really be Harry Potter again. Mostly because it would needlessly worry the kids about something that Jasmine never planned on doing.

"There are a lot of things that can change how we view the world that affect us for years to come," Jasmine began as she thought about the best way to put it, "My giving birth and my children have changed me, in such a way that I nor my magic views me as male anymore. Because how long I spent as a female, and raised my children as their mother, those two different lines of thoughts are linked together to me. To raise my kids, I must be their mother. This is something both my heart wants but also my instincts. Unless I could remove that desire, I would never be able to return to being Harry Potter."

"How would that happen?" Molly asked, looking curious.

"At this point, a memory charm and compulsion. You would have to remove close to eight- or nine-months' worth of memories and instincts. The long and short of it is, I would have to forget ever having had children or raising them and even what led up to that. That is something I cannot do. I rather be this any day, than give up my children," Jasmine said, finishing with a passion even Molly could understand.

Molly nodded looking impressed, "IF you ever need any help, just ask. My Floo is always open if you need some advice or even a hand. I know what it is like to raise a lot of children."

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Jasmine said with a real smile, "Though nothing against you. But I think we got it covered between the five of us."

Molly laughed, "Yes, I think you do. Though at least none of yours seem to be as bad as the twins."

"Hay, we are perfectly good," one of the twins said indignantly.

"You are planning on opening a joke shop. If you are perfectly good, it is perfectly good at causing mischief," Jasmine shot back without even glancing at the pair, "As it is, we do have one. Little Rose is showing a desire to cause some trouble. Nothing too bad, but give it time, and with uncles like Sirius and Remus, she will out do the pair any day of the week. Assuming Hermione does not catch her first."

"So, Hermione is the one to enforce the rules?" Ginny asked curiously.

"No, Jasmine does. I am just the one who is more likely to catch them," Hermione answered shrugging a little.

One other thing that happened due to time the Weasley's spent at Sirius's home. Was that Jasmine began to really look at her appearance. She was never unkept, having learned to take good care of herself thanks to Hermione and Anna's help. Her hair was long falling in waves down her back to her tail. Her fur on said tail was kept brushed out, as was the fur that covered her ears. Even in her dog form, her coat was kept well brushed out thanks to Hermione's diligent hand.

However, now she was looking at how she might look to others. More than once she looked at herself naked in the large mirror in the Granger's bathroom. Studying her appearance. She was shorter than Hermione, and likely would continue to be so. Her legs and arms were thin, her rear big, her body likely would have had an hourglass fire if it was not for the six extra breasts on her front. All eight of them were only a small B-Cup now, having acted like her dog forms own that had shrunk away as she no longer needed to nurse. Yet they still noticeable no matter what clothing she chose to wear, unless it was the thick Hogwarts robes which hid just about everything anyway.

IF she had been male still, Jasmine knew, she would not have been his first pick, but neither would she had been his last pick either just on her looks alone. She was an exotic beauty, and she had to admit, she was still at least human where it counted. Jasmine was still not brave enough to full explore in depth her body in a sexual nature yet. Yet she had had begun to at least check out her body in different ways to see how it differed. Both to learn more about herself, but also because she knew Hermione, though she had not said it out loud, had more than one fun session by herself. Though like with Ron, Jasmine could smell it, but just never said anything.

Pulling back on her clothes, Jasmine also began to wonder about something else. Like she was, she required a few charms to keep her canine traits firmly hidden, as well as a privacy charm over the hole in her dress so no one could spot her panties through it. But she could not help but wonder how different dresses and outfits would look on her body. She knew Anna and Hermione were not big shoppers, yet they would still be considering an outfit sometimes they spotted. And like them, Jasmine realized she was now doing the same thing.

Though to be fair to her, unlike Anna and Hermione, Jasmine really did not have to many outfits. And the ones she did have were practical in nature. She had nothing fancy, or made her feel beautiful. And after the Weasley's, Jasmine found herself wanting a dress that showed off her body. She might only wear it to impress Hermione, but she wanted one. She would find one soon, but first she had another item to get, one which she would need Remus's help with. She had to get to Diagon alley and soon, to meet with her account manager, just to make the basic checks that all was working out, but also for a little bit of shopping she wanted to get done.

A week after the Weasley's left back to Hogwarts, Jasmine finally got her chance. They had called off the lessons for the day, as the kids had gotten their canine vaccinations. And none of them were happy or wanting to do anything afterwards. Jasmine had gotten hers as well, as well as been registered as the puppy's official mother. They had also decided to do a blood test, to determine their breed as the father was unknown. Privately they all felt that the results would show them a pure-bred husky, just like Jasmine's own Animagus form. But wanted to see what could be found.

With her children distracted, and the others hanging out with them. Remus and Jasmine left the house for Diagon Alley. They did not have a lot of time till the others noticed they were missing. But they did have enough time to make a few stops. The first was Gringotts bank, which would have been short, but Jasmine decided to stop by her family vault. She was just going to get a little bit of extra spending money, as she could use her vault key for anything big like Muggles would use a credit or debit cards.

What she found in the vault, was something she had not expected. Gridhook had told her a few of her parents' items had been transferred to the vault on their death. So, she was not surprised to see the storage vault filled with odd books, her parents' old trunks and even some normal muggle paintings and pictures. Items she planned on looking at more closely later, no matter how much she wanted to stop and look at them now, she was on a tight time clock.

Still her steps slowed a little bit as she walked by the items and she could not help but glance at them. She stopped however, when she saw a small hand carved of stone sporting two rings. To wedding rings. Remus who was not far from her, noticed her focus, and let out a small gasp.

"Their rings!"

Jasmine reached out before drawing back her hand as if burned. She had seen these rings before, even if Remus's comment had confirmed it. These were her parents wedding rings. Sirius had told her about them once. James was a simple metal band, with only three stones set into it. Two emeralds, and one diamond. Lily's ring on the other hand, was a weave of three separate bands, one silver, one gold, then the final white gold. The first band held a Garnet, with was the birth stone for Lily. The second band held an opal, for October, when their wedding had taken place. The final band held the diamond.

Jasmine knew each ring had a different meaning as well. The first was the promise ring, the second added when James had proposed, and the third added during the wedding. As each was added to her finger, they would fuse changing from two rings to one. The final result was as unique as the person who wore them. They were charmed to be near indestructible, and only the owner could remove it unless they died. Normally such rings were buried with their owners as well. Yet, here were her parents' rings, in the vault.

"How?" Jasmine asked.

Gridhook who had come down with them, answered, "Your parents instructed that they were to be left here should the worse come to pass. A token of their love for each other and their love for you, something you could always carry with you. If you want, you may take them with you now."

Jasmine wanted to, but was so scared of losing them, and both Remus and Gridhook could see it even if they could not see her face.

"Take them," Gridhook said, coming over, "place them on a gold chain necklace, with similar charms to what are on the rings. Then it will never come off or get caught on anything, but also be impossible to remove unless you want to remove it. If you do that, they will stay safe with you."

Jasmine nodded, as she reached forward and hesitantly removed one than the other. She cradled them in her hand as if they were made of thin glass, rather than the near indestructible goblin spun gold. Silent tears threaten to spill from her eyes, yet she slowly gained control of herself and closed her fingers over the bands. She then carefully put them inside one of her inner robe pockets, if they escaped this pocket she would be surprised, yet she checked it ever few moments as they finally left the bank. Just to be sure.

Remus then directed Jasmine quickly to one of the local jewelry shops. There Jasmine had her own order placed, before then getting a necklace for the rings to hang on. Added to the necklace was the magical charms Gridhook had suggested. Jasmine though added one other thing to the necklace. Three figures were added, one boy and two girls, each with Opals that made up their bodies set between the two rings. Her mother, and father rings, and a small reminder of her children would hang from her necklace.

The shop keeper, once this was done, promised to mail the other order to Jasmine as soon as it was complete. With that done, Jasmine and Remus quickly returned to Sirius's house, and from there back to the Granger's own. Jasmine sighed with relief when no one questioned their disappearance. Only Samual and Anna had known why Remus and Jasmine had been gone, as they were in on the secret, as they had helped Jasmine with the idea.

Seeing her kids were still not up to much, Jasmine decided it was a great night for a long movie and a nice mug of hot chocolate. Hot chocolate, or more correctly chocolate in general was something they thankfully could have still thanks to their human bodies. They had to be careful as dogs, but they had a higher tolerance then most due to the magic in their bodies. As for the movie, Jasmine had picked out the recently released 'Lion King'.

Jasmine was soon cuddling with Hermione, Lily fast asleep on their laps while James and Rose fell asleep on the floor. The movie was not over yet, but Hermione had turned down the volume as to not wake the kids. The pair, smiled happily as they carefully picked up their children, and carried them one by one to their beds. They would be up again later in time for dinner, but for now they would let them sleep.

Hermione smiled and leaned over and kissed Jasmine, as she stood by the door watching her children sleep, "I never thought I would be so happy skipping school and being a teen mother."

Jasmine laughed quietly as she glanced at her girlfriend, "I do believe I am the mother. Maybe one day you will have that honor as well."

Hermione grinned, "Even if never happens. At the least, I am happy to have these kids call me mama."

Jasmine smiled and kisses Hermione lightly. Her mind flashing back to her purchase at the store, and the rings she now had hanging around her neck. Soon she would make this a lot more official, she was looking forward to see Hermione's face when she finally saw what Jasmine had gotten. Still, the reveal of her gift and promise would not be till after their O.W.L.s. Jasmine figured, it would be the perfect time and gift for finishing out their odd school year. A plan, that Jasmine felt nothing could go wrong with.

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( Espo here. Another chapter down, and more to come. Another nearly 11k in words.

Anyway to the things of note, though like Chapter 3 not much to comment on.

Mostly being Dumbledore's big Horcrux lore drop. It is likely he did intend to tell Harry much of this. However like many people, he simply forgot to make a note of it during the meetings. Many people don't realize how little time they have left, Dumbledore knew, but not that he would die the night he did. Second, when it came to the meeting, unless you make notes you often can forget key points. Which is why in business meetings, you prepare something before hand and not just wing it, less you forget an important point or factor. This is also why a large group is sometime more useful when finding out information, as others will think to ask things you might not think to ask about.

Another thing i will note, yes. Harry's account manager is GRIDHOOK, not Griphook. I did change the name on purpose, though there is not real reason behind the change other than i could.

Anyway, next chapter we see things begin to get going, Hogwarts and O.W.L.s is right around the corner. Things are going to get really interesting soon. Which reminds me i need to finish my bunker before posting that chapter...

Either way. Enjoy, and leave a review with your thoughts. Till next Sunday. Bye )