Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Bailey, her mate, her pups, and any alterations their shared presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
A Dog's Purpose Is Strange Magic 3 Chapter 8
The remainder of the ride to Hogwarts is left in relative silence. No one quite felt like talking or discussing about the dementors and what Harry experienced at their pleasure.
In retrospect, it's not something that can be easily shaken off especially considering how unnerving the whole experience was for all of them.
Luckily all manage to recover enough beforehand as the Hogwarts Express pulls into the Hogsmeade station.
It was freezing on the tiny platform with the rain finally tapering off into a drizzle. Good thing too or else Bailey wouldn't have been able to rid herself of all that extra water weight until tomorrow.
From a separate section of the platform, Bailey can hear Hagrid's voice calling all the brand new first year students to him for the annual boat ride across the lake. A cherished that appears will never outlive its time even in disagreeable weather such as this.
Unfortunately, none in their party have the chance to speak to the gentle giant. The mass of people around them was shunting them away along the platform toward the waiting stagecoaches. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Bailey follow the rest of the school along the platform and onto a rough mud track to the stagecoaches. As soon as they all climb inside and shut the door each coach sets off bumping and swaying in procession. Bailey doesn't understand why the students are under some belief that the stagecoaches are driving themselves with magic. She can very clearly see each of them being pulled by a skeletal creature that appears to be a black winged horse with leathery wings and partially reptilian skin. It's quite bewildering from Bailey's point of view.
Bailey remains closely pressed to her boy on their seat while Ron and Hermione are sharing the other. While Harry has mostly recovered Bailey can still discern from weariness that he is still affected in a way. Especially given the manner in which he continues to lean against the window with his eyes shut. Normally he's eager to peer out as they close the distance to the castle, watching the many turrets and towers draw nearer. That's not the case this time around.
Bailey hopes that he'll feel better after he partakes in the welcome feast.
Of the two of them Bailey sees fit to step down first so Harry can catch himself on her in case her boy has the misfortune to trip over his feet.
As Harry exits the stagecoach a familiar, drawling, delighted voice sounds in their ears from nearby.
"You fainted, Potter? Is what I heard on the train true? You actually fainted," said Malfoy, gleefully, elbowing past Hermione to block Harry's way up the stone steps to the castle, pale eyes glinting maliciously.
Malfoy and his goons must've been riding directly in the stagecoach behind them.
Wishing Malfoy had something better to do than antagonize them, jaw clenched, Ron said "Shove off, Malfoy."
"Did you faint as well, Weasley," said Malfoy loudly, grinning. "Did the scary old dementor fright you too-?"
Malfoy is abruptly cut off from the interrogation by Baily jumping at him. Barking in pleasure, tail wagging happily, Bailey licks Malfoy's face. Crabbe and Goyle prevent Malfoy from falling on his ass in the mud by catching his arms.
Sputtering, Malfoy demanded "Potter, get your dog off of me!"
"Bailey, come," said Harry.
Bailey obeys, trotting over to stand beside Harry's legs and wearing a very big smile.
Wiping his face with his sleeve, Malfoy said "You better control that mutt of yours, Potter! She does that to me again and I'll see she's kicked out!"
"Is there a problem," said a mild voice.
Professor Lupin had just gotten out of the next carriage.
Throwing Crabbe and Goyle's hands off of him Malfoy gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare. He scans Professor Lupin's clothes, taking in the patches on his roves and the dilapidated suitcase.
A hint of sarcasm layered in his voice, Malfoy said "No, Professor."
Malfoy and his goons then march up the castle steps without another word.
Shaking his head, Ron said "What the hell does Bailey see in Malfoy?"
"I have no idea," admits Harry.
Hermione prods the boys in the back to make them hurry otherwise their tardiness will make them late. They merge with the crowd swarming up the steps, through the giant oak front doors, into the cavernous entrance hall.
The door into the magnificent Great Hall stood open with the crowd pushing inside.
Just as Harry is about to follow the crowd toward it but has barely glimpsed the enchanted ceiling when they're intercepted.
"Potter! Granger! I want to see you both," called Professor McGonagall.
Harry, Hermione, and Bailey turn around to find Professor McGonagall expertly maneuvering her way through the ongoing crowd toward them. Separating from Rom the three of them make their way over to Professor McGonagall.
Stern expression softening a touch, Professor McGonagall assured "There's no need to look so worried. I just want a word in my office."
Professor McGonagall then ushers them away from the chattering crowd and accompanies her across the entrance hall, up the marble staircase, and along a corridor.
Soon enough they reach her office, and the moment Professor McGonagall opens the door the trio are met with a very big and welcome surprise.
"Whisper?!"
Sitting in front of a large and warm fire with a pile of soft cushions surrounding her is Bailey's eldest daughter Whisper.
Upon locking eyes with each other mother and daughter don't waste a single second. Whisper and Bailey rush toward each other, colliding in a joyful heap barking, nuzzling, and wagging their tails so delighted to finally be reunited after a whole summer apart.
As Harry and Hermione sit in the seats Professor McGonagall motions them to take Bailey can't resist curling up in front of the fireplace with her daughter and giving her face and ears a good wash.
Like Bailey, Harry and Hermione are stunned to find Whisper in this office with Professor McGonagall. When questioned Professor McGonagall quickly explains how this came about. Turns out, during the last few weeks of summer when the teachers returned to begin preparations for the start of term Professor McGonagall had encountered Whisper for some reason when walking the grounds. Bailey learns from Whisper that she and some of her siblings had noticed more activity back at the castle and were curious enough to investigate on their own not seeing anything dangerous about it. Whisper had run into Professor McGonagall, and something just clicked which left them dumbfounded. Professor McGonagall can shapeshift into a cast as her Animagus form so her disposition toward most dogs isn't really that marvelous in the first place. Gradually the relationship has steadily progressed to the point that Whisper, while not her Familiar as Bailey is to Harry, is now trailing Professor McGonagall around wherever she goes. Hermione and Harry are left completely flabbergasted by this development, but Bailey has her suspicions as to how Whisper and Professor McGonagall are a perfect match for each other. The main one is that Whisper is the primmer and more proper of her children and, in Bailey's opinion, matches well with the woman's no nonsense type of attitude. Whisper keeps her siblings in line and Professor McGonagall acts the exact same manner to the Hogwarts student body.
This is already a tremendous improvement compared to last year. Bailey is ecstatic that Whisper has picked her own human.
This now out of the way Professor McGonagall gets down to business as to why she's summoned them here. On the train, Professor Lupin had not only spoken to the driver but had sent an owl ahead about the incident with the dementor along with Harry's condition.
Madam Pomfrey soon enters the office much to Harry's cross chagrin. He'd rather there not be made a fuss over him. To him, it was already bad enough that he'd passed out when others hadn't. He tried to respectfully decline the treatment, but Madam Pomfrey wouldn't hear of it checking him over. Neither woman made an effort to conceal their shared disapproval of the dementors when the creatures were mentioned. This indicates that not all the staff inside Hogwarts approve of these dementors guarding the grounds. When Professor McGonagall suggests he miss the feast and spend the night in the hospital wing it is the final straw. Harry couldn't think he could bear the thought of Malfoy using that as an excuse to rub it in his face even further. The humiliation and ridicule resulting from that might almost be unbearable. Both women are pleased that he was already given chocolate by Professor Lupin to assist in his recovery. Looks like the man was telling the truth about that. Chocolate truly does have natural healing and rejuvenating properties when it comes to dementors.
Harry is then instructed to wait patiently outside the office as Professor McGonagall has a different private matter to speak to Hermione about.
Harry eventually decides to stay behind until Hermione is finished, but Bailey has other ideas in mind as does Whisper.
Time to bring the whole family back together.
Already having an indication of what they're doing Harry doesn't object when mother and daughter run off, heading to Hagrid's outside the Forbidden Forest.
Skidding to a halt beside the pen her pups resided in the previous year Bailey stares out into the forest beaming at the trees on the outskirts and the forest itself that goes for miles.
Somewhere inside there are the remainder of Bailey's cherished brood and beloved mate.
Throwing her head back Bailey releases a loud and long howl that echoes over the Forbidden Forest. Whisper joins in making the power behind it even stronger. The conjoined howl fades over the wind as it travels further away, expanding the distance.
Seconds go by and soon enough an answering call reaches them joined by six others.
Bailey can easily recognize those voices in a heartbeat.
Bailey's guess is soon confirmed to be correct.
One by one seven shapes burst out of the outskirts from the bushes and undergrowth.
Bounder, Friendly, Bold, Ranger, Charmer, and Dreamer.
All of her babies have made it safely through the summer grown up and strong.
They've made it.
And from behind him the one that made absolutely sure this was reality.
Her mate Brokefang brings up the rear.
Bailey is unable to contain herself any longer.
All of them collide in a fury of delighted whines, howls, and barks.
Bailey struggles to reach all of them at once to lick their faces, but they're all around her and this isn't successful. Her sons and daughters are just as exhilarated to see their mother after a long summer apart. Happy as they were to be under their father's protection and taught crucial lessons involving their wolf heritage by him nothing could ever replace the warm treasured love of their mother.
Brokefang expertly steps through the masses to reach her.
Brokefang and Bailey press foreheads and lick each other's ears, rekindling their bond.
The pups bounce around them eager to head to the feast, recalling the mouthwatering and delicious foods that'll probably be there.
Brokefang doesn't go with them. He's wild at heart and would not be comfortable there.
Brokefang won't go deep into the Forbidden Forest. He'll stay close by to see them every day.
Completely impatient the pups want to go and Bailey indulges them. With one last lick on her mate's muzzle, Bailey leads the way into the Great Hall and all the tantalizing food.
It was a delicate feast enjoyed by all, humans and animals alike. Filled with thrilled and jubilated barks, laughter, and the clatter of knives and forks as everyone partakes.
Bailey's offspring had a splendid time amongst the throng. Every single one of them was running around having fun, sneaking and accepting bits of food they could possibly get their paws on and was thrown to them. The first years this term have a splendid time. Overjoyed with the exuberance Bailey's pups are showing. The first years have no inhibitions toward petting the pups and squealing as the licking tongues tickle their faces and necks. There are some in these numbers that Bailey isn't required to warn her children to keep away from. Similar to the farewell feast they're smart enough to stay away from the Slytherin table. Although there's no need for them to go near there with all the rest catering to their every craving.
Bailey can't help but notice at the corner of her eye that Charmer easily gravitates toward the Hufflepuff student she'd been drawn to before. And the affection and interest seem to be reciprocated. Charmer basically spends all her time there beside the older boy. Even going as far as slipping under the benches and lying her head calmly on his knee. Simply drinking in his presence.
At long last, when the final morsels of pumpkin tart had melted from the golden platters Dumbledore gave the word that it was time for them all to go to bed.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione can't resist going up to Hagrid at the staff table, congratulating their longtime friend on his appointment as the Care of Magical Creatures teacher. The announcement had been made when Bailey and the others hadn't arrived yet. Good for Hagrid he deserves it.
Whisper being the exception, Bailey leads her pups out of the Great Hall and down toward Hagrid's Hutt.
Now that Bailey's back the pups are going to want to stay close to her again. So they'll be residing in the pen again. They could've gone back into the Forbidden Forest again if they desired to do so, but they wanted to go back to the previous arrangement by their own choice. During the day, if they feel like doing so they'll go out to hunt with their father, but otherwise will stay put unless Bailey comes down with Harry to spend free time with them. That's what they want.
Bailey's heart practically melts that they would do this for her. She loves them so much. They may have become fully grown in her absence with her sons being a smidge bigger Whisper and Charmer being her size and Dreamer a little smaller than her they'll always be her babies.
This term is certainly going to be better than the last.
Definitely.
No doubt about it.
Authors Note:
Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving this year!
For those of you on fanfiction I'm sure you've been facing the many unwanted ads when you're reading a story. Well, yesterday, I finally had enough, and I got an adblocker app. It worked! No more ads on any level! The one I got is Adblock Pro: Safari Ad Blocker. It really works. Just follow the instruction video that it attached to it.
Heads up everyone there's someone on fanfiction you need to seriously watch out for. Early a couple of months ago after I woke up I was checking my email and I saw I had a new guest review on my A Dog's Purpose Is Strange Magic 2 sequel. I took a look at it and got a very big shock. Some random person I've never spoken to before on here or anywhere else in my life was basically threatening me. Intimidating and practically ordering me to write a threatening letter to someone on their behalf, telling to stay off of for life or else they and everyone else close to them would be killed, disgustingly telling them to kill themselves. And at the bottom of the message this crazy person wasn't done. Warning me that if I don't send the letter then they would kill me and for confirmation to email them to make absolutely sure I complied with their demands. Of course I did nothing of the sort. Instead of doing what they wanted I reported them to the website, sent copies of this deplorable guest review message to police officer cousins of mine so they could have it on file, and I went to a nearby police station and reported it.
When I spoke to the police officers and they checked everything on the message they saw, that while the address and names of business were accurate the people and their names were not. They agree it was more than likely a scam because of the email address on the bottom in order to perhaps get access to personal information or potentially hack my computer. Despite that I'm still very happy they took it seriously as I showed and told them everything. All the same I'm still very happy that I brought this to the attention of law enforcement. Even though the entire thing might be fake I'm still very happy to have brought this to the attention of those who can do something about it if it was legit in some way. This may have been a scam, but it's obvious these people are beyond irresponsible if they try to goad people into sending death threats to random strangers just to get access to info.
Be that as it may if this does unfortunately happen to you do not send any messages to the email addresses they put down and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you bring the message to the authorities immediately whether it is legit or not.
Because it's a guest review it might not be visible for a couple of days as it loads if it is sent to you. But when it does you should definitely pressing the report abuse button and send it to the email that leads to the support staff that is available.
Just a heads up to those of you who aren't aware of this yet, Email alerts for this website are now only active if Email opts is enabled in account settings.
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.
