AN:

there was a mistake in the last Chapter 31 update. this should be corrected now! Enjoy!


Chapter 31: Losses Amongst Failures

Kiba's conscience returned quickly but the pain remained, he had not yet seen what he was going to transform into. The book that said that one should automatically be shown a image of the animal they're about to become but Kiba saw only the outline, no details. He felt the hairs all over his body grow in length and change color, his legs and arms swelled as his mouth and nose began to merge closer together. It felt incredibly strange, even more when his pajamas began to tear apart leaving his body exposed. The boy was down on all fours and stared at his hands. His nails became sharp and pointy as his fingers retracted into his hand itself increasing the pain he was experiencing, the same happened to his feet and he was nearly unable to stand then he also felt a tail begin growing from the end of his spine as his ears moved along his scalp and grew larger before he once again collapsed in to his side momentarily.

Hotaru watched in a sort of amazed yet scared trance as Kiba slowly got into his four paws. He took a look at this body, he was large and covered in black fur accompanied by his long and slender tail which he had trouble controlling. He carefully walked over to the pool of water near the statue of Salazar Slytherin, the memories that came back to him were unpleasant, maybe the chamber had been a bad choice for his transformation. He looked into the water and admired his reflection.

"A panther! I'm a Panther Hotaru" he said excitedly. He turned his ears, flailed his tail and tested the extend of his muscles. "I didn't expect this, it's awesome!" he admired his claws and slashed at the air. "i must be larger than a normal panther right?" he assured himself as he examined his size. "imagine if i had been a Wolf like Luna," he said "or if i were a Lion?! I could've been the house masc-" he looked at his reflection again and his sleek black fur had vanished, replaced by lighter fur and a golden mane. 'what the..?' he looked at his tail and it to had a golden bush at the tip. 'i can change my coat? No, I'm bulkier too.. what if i try a cheeta?' he focused, imagined a cheeta in his mind and before he even opened his eyes he felt the change. His frame was slender and his legs felt incredibly strong

'what is happening?' Hotaru asked 'did something go wrong?'

"not at all" Kiba roared happily "i can change into multiple forms" Kiba experienced further he tried other forms of large cats and they all seemed to work, he could even turn into a more common house cat or an Ocelot "I can turn into different felines!" Kiba concluded "what if that's not it?" Kiba focused and invisioned a dog but to no avail, he remained a bobcat 'hmmm.. what about?' Kiba focused once more and imagined a Nundu, a terrifying leopard with a neck like a pufferfish the breath of which is highly toxic but nothing happened. 'no magical creatures then..' he thought disappointedly. He focused on his own appearance and without trouble he transformed back into his own skin, he used a quick spell to fix his clothes before he and Hotaru apparated back to the Gryffindor's common room.

Kiba had only just appeared when half the Gryffindor's came down the staircase. "I'm telling you he was here!" Ron said, Kiba quickly his and slipped along the group once most of them had gathered in the common room.

"are we continuing?" asked Fred as he came down the stairs

"No, we are not. Everyone back to bed!" said Headboy Percy "off you go"

"But Percy," Ron intervened "Black was here.. he slashed the curtains.. woke me up" Ron was visibly shaking now.

"nonsense, a nightmare. Nothing more" Percy replied

"What's going on?" added McGonagall who entered the common room "I'm glad we won, but enough is enough"

"Professor, black was here" Harry says quickly and the professors expression changed

"in the common room?"

"in our dorm" Ron replied "he had a knife.. tried to get me"

"how on earth Would he have gotten in?"

"Ask him" Ron said pointing to the portrait of Ser Cadogan "he must know" McGonagall turned on her heels, exited the common room and closed the portrait. Her voice was clearly hearable from inside

"Ser Cadogan, did you by any chance let a man enter the common room tonight?" she agreed

"Certainly, m'lady" the Knight replied proudly

"you did… but.. but the password"

"he had 'em" Cadogan replied "had the whole weeks, in fact. Read 'em off a little piece of paper" Silence remained as McGonagall once again entered the room, her was a chalky white and she looked among the crowd.

"Which abysmally foolish person wrote down the passwords, and then proceeded to lose them?" she asked focusing her gaze onto a boy behind Kiba. He could hear him shake and whimper silently "will it always be you, Longbottom?" she sighed and positioned herself so that she could see all the students clearly "Sirius Black is gone tonight, but we can all safely assume that he will, at some future time, attempt to return. Now i soak for the entire staff, when i say, while we take every precaution to ensure your safety, it is incumbent upon yourself to act responsibly. Understood?"

"yes professor" the Gryffindor's answered in unison

"very well, of you go" she said before leaving the common room herself. Most Gryffindor's returned to their beds quickly leaving Kiba, Hermione and Harry behind. Harry sat in a chair close to the fire.

"he was right there," he muttered "he was close enough to touch.. i could've killed him!" Kiba and Hermione shared a look and Kiba tried to mouth some words

'why, Black, attack, Ron' he mouthed to her

'no idea' she mouthed back to him. Had black mistaken Ron for Harry? But they weren't that similar now we're they.. Ron was taller then Harry.. not to mention the hair. Had Harry been extra lucky that night?

'Maybe if i had been there i could've done something' Kiba thought looking towards his feet 'Sirius Black.. it's the third time he's gotten past the Dementors.. unless he's been hiding inside if it..'

Ron was suddenly more popular than any of his brothers had been. Everyone wanted to hear about that night and Ron was happy to tell the story to anyone who listened. However, that didn't stop the four from wondering why Black had spared any of them at all. Black had already proven once that the death if Innocents did not stop him, he was willing to kill to reach his goal.. why then did he spare them all and flee?

Harry and Ron headed to Hagrid's hut that evening and he told them about his upcoming trial. "suppose I've got a good chance to stand agains' the committee fer the disposal o' Dangerous Creatures," Hagrid said "Hermione's been down 'ere lots, helpin' me prepare. She's goin' through a tough time, let me tell yer tha'. Been cryin' too, scared tha' Black could've killed her friends.. yer two an' Kiba" Ron and Harry looked sad at those news, they had really been treating Hermione awfully. Hagrid's trial would be that coming Friday, that meant that he'd return somewhere on Saturday which was also the day of another Hogsmeade visit.

Kiba saw Hermione cheer up slightly as they walked towards the village together, however she was still visibly quite upset about all that had happened. Ron had split away from them to meet up with Harry and the two walked in to visit the book store and have a Butterbeer in the three Broomsticks. They sat down in the inn and waited for Madam Rosmerta to bring them their goblets, Hermione put both her hands around it and sighed. "hey, you're wearing it" Kiba said with a smile referring to the room her had gotten her and the two boys for Christmas. She was wearing it on her left ringfinger.

"if course, it's beautiful. I never thanked you for it properly" she replied. Kiba smiled at her, he himself was wearing the ring on his right index finger

"I guess i never did thank you for the Quill either" he replied. They sat in silence for a bit as more and more students poured into the inn until Kiba decided to speak up. "Hermione, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she replied absently

"Are you? You sure are working allot,"

"what are you implying? Do you think i can't handle it?"

"I'm just wondering if you're not overdoing it, I'm wondering if you get enough time to sleep" Kiba said

"I've got time enough" she whispered

"I mean.. maybe you should drop a subject or two" Kiba said softly "i can see that it takes it's toll on you"

"Don't.." she stopped him and finished her goblet "i think I'm going to head back"

"I'll join you," Kiba said leaving some galleons on the table for Rosmerta before leaving the inn with Hermione. That walked along the path towards the castle grounds gate when Malfoy came running past them with great haste shouting vague profanities.

"What's wrong with him?" Hermione asked

"probably got to close to the shrieking shack" Kiba said "it's Malfoy, who really cares" the two walked on in silence and entered the castle

"I'm heading to the library, I've got some research to do" Hermione mumbled as she returned the corner leaving Kiba behind

"Okay… see you later then" he said walking on. He looked down the hallway and saw Snape walk past closely followed by Harry who had his head hung low. Kiba followed after them until he reached the door to Snape's office where he held his ear close to the door to hear the professor speak.

"turn out your pockets" he repeated himself. Kiba knew that Harry had been in Hogsmeade and has most likely the map and a bag of purchases with him. "what's this?"

"spare bit of parchment" Harry replied

"Open it" Snape demanded "reveal your secrets" Snape added most likely holding his wand to the parchment "I, professor Snape, command you to reveal your secrets!" There was silence followed by another order from Snape "read it.."

"Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.." Kiba's heart stopped momentarily thinking that the Harry was surely in trouble "offer their compliments to professor Snape and…"

"Go on!"

"and request that the slimeball keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business" Kiba heard Snape growl angrily before he heard the sound of the fire cracking inside

"Lupin, a word please" he heard him say, and shortly after Lupin's voice was heard in the room as well.

"you called for me?" he agreed calmly

"indeed. I've just confiscated a rather curious object from Mister Potter, take look, it's is after all your area of expertise" Snape explained "surely it's full of dark magic" he added

"I don't think so" Lupin replied "it seems to me like a parchment that merely insults anyone who tries to read it.. i suspect it's a Zonko product"

"how would Mister Potter have come by it? From The manufactures perhaps?" Snape asked at this point Kiba one he had to do something, he burst into the room pointing at the parchment

"i gave Harry that" Kiba said, Snape narrowed his eyes at Kiba

"Mister Potter said that it had been Weasley" Snape said

"Ron got him everything else.. i gave Harry that parchment"

"See Severus, nothing to worry about" Lupin said. Snape reached for the parchment but Lupin held it away from him "however, i shall investigate it further to see if it may contain any.. hidden qualities. It is, as you are said, my area of expertise after all. Potter, Scamander, would you come with me please?" Snape started at the three as they left his office and Lupin lead them to the Defence Against the Dark Art's classroom.

"professor, I-" Harry began

"I don't want to hear it," Lupin cut him off "i happen to know that this map was confiscated by Mister Filch many years ago. Yes, i know it's a map. Now i haven't the faintest idea how it came into your possession. I am, however, astounded that you didn't hand it in" Lupin said

"Well-"

"Did it never occur to you that this, in the hands of Sirius Black, is a map to you?" he asked

"no professor" Harry said hanging his head low "why did Snape think i got it from the manufacturers?" Harry asked

"Because.. well, they would have thought it entertaining to lure you out of the castle" Lupin replied

"You know them?" Kiba asked

"we've met," Lupin said with a smile but his expression changed quickly again as he looked at the boys with seriousness. "i will not cover for you again, Harry, but after all you've experienced with the Dementors i had thought you take the threat of Sirius Black more seriously" he sighed heavily "now of you go, back to your common room… and don't take any detours, if you do I'll know" he said tapping the map with his finger. The two boys left defeated.. maybe Kiba should've done more to protect Harry, maybe Harry should've thought more about his actions and the consequences that may follow.. but both hasn't done either. Ron joined the two in the way to the common room and Harry told him everything and Ron was mad at Lupin for taking the map.

"He did what he had to," Kiba replied "he doesn't want Harry to do something stupid" he added. They reached the portrait of the Fat lady and had to avoid the massive troll that patrolled nearby. The portrait swung open and Hermione stepped out. She feels out a folder parchment to Kiba and her eyes met Ron's.

"Come to have a gloat?" Ron asked angrily she looked away from him and looked at Kiba who had scanned the letter he just received.

"of course not" she replied absently. Kiba now looked back at Hermione his expression shifting to shock.

"You've got to be kidding…" he muttered. He shoved the letter into Harry's hands and hugged Hermione, hey lip was trembling and tears were threatening to flow.

"They can't do this," Harry said "Buckbeak.. Hagrid…"

"Malfoy's dad probably frightened the committee into it," Hermione said releasing Kiba to wipe her tears away "they're all in his pockets. There'll be an appeal, though, there always is… but i doubt it'll make a difference"

"yeah it will!" Ron suddenly burst out "you won't have to do the work alone, I'll help"

"Oh Ron!" Hermione flung herself around Ron breaking down again. Ron was terrified and looked to Kiba for help and gently patted the girls head.

"count me in too" Kiba said. Hermione released Ron and wiped away her tears once more

"I'm so sorry about Scabbers, Ron" she said sounding genuinely apologetic.

"Oh well, he's gone now, he was old anyways" Ron said "Percy had him for close to Nine years before i got him… i'd say he had a good twelve years with us" ever since Black's second break-in it had become impossible to talk to Hagrid except during his Care for Magical Creatures lessons, and Kiba wasn't allowed to help Hagrid either. They managed to talk to him one lesson and talked to him about the trial.

"well, firs' the Committee members talked abou' why we were there. Than i had to get up, do my piece. 'S all my fault.." Hagrid said "got all tongue-tied an' I kep' droppin' me notes an' forgetting all them dates. An than Lucius Malfoy got up, yer can imagine what he said. And then he asked for the wors', did ol' Lucius.. an' the Committee jus' did exac'ly as he said"

"There's still the appeal," said Ron "don't give up hope"

"'S no good," Hagrid replied "Malfoys in control. Bes i can do now is make sure tha' the rest o' Beaky's time is the happiest he's ever had. I owe 'im that" Hagrid left the four and returned to his cabin with a handkerchief held to his face.

"Look at him!" the four heard Draco Malfoy say loudly to his friends. He had been standing nearby and was obviously tainting the Gryffindor's. "Have you ever seen anything quite as pathetic?" Harry and Ron made furious moved towards Malfoy but Kiba stopped then not realizing what Hermione was doing.

"How dare you call Hagrid pathetic, you foul and loathsome evil little Cockroach!" with all her strength she swung her hand at Draco's face colliding with it with a loud smack. Draco staggered and almost fell over but he was caught by his friends.

"Hermione-" Kiba had let Harry and Ron go and tried to pull Hermione away from Malfoy by the hand but she smacked his away and pointed her wand at the Slytherin boy who now looked deadly afraid "Hermione.." Kiba positioned himself between Hermione and Malfoy and carefully pushed her arm down allowing Malfoy to flee. Her face was flushed red with anger and her eyes were swiftly watering again as she looked at Kiba. She pushed past Kiba however and was then followed by the the boys her wand still firmly grasped in her hand. Her grasp tightened and her knuckles turned white.

"Harry, you'd better beat him in the quidditch final," she said through gritted teeth "you just better had, because I can't stand it if Slytherin wins" Hermione was absent for their next two lessons, astrology and charms and when the boys found her she was asleep on one of the common room tables. When they had woken her she scrambled off to apologize to the teachers.

The days rolled by and Kiba was on his way to Arithmacy after breakfast where he met up with a furious looking Hermione. "how was divination?" he asked her quietly knowing that she was currently in that class aswell.

"I quit," she replied

"What? You?"

"yes, divination is a very… well"

"i get it.." Kiba replied "no books to help you, huh?" he added jokingly. Hermione playfully smacked him with her book knowing full well that he was right. But divination was a controversial subject.. even among other teachers. Easter holiday had come and there was more homework than ever which caused Hermione to be on the edge of a knife, she was drowning in her workload. Kiba and Ron too care of the appeal in the meantime to let Hermione focus and Harry was getting more restless by the day since he's be facing Slytherin for the final after the holiday.

One night Kiba heard Harry get out of his bed to grab a goblet of water and he decided to do the same. Harry however was unresponsive staring out of the window, Kiba followed his gaze and spotted it too. Outside is the castle walls was Crookshanks gliding over the grass, side by side with a black dog, a black dog which was uncommonly large for one. "Ron! Wake up!" Harry hissed at the sleeping boy "look so you see something?" Ron got up lazily and looked it of the window and shrugged

"see a bunch of grass" he replied. Harry looked too and saw that the dog was gone and only Crookshanks remained. It seemed as if Harry acknowledge Kiba as he slid back into his four-poster without a word. Kiba dared another look and there it was again, the black dog, walking side by side with the ginger cat.

Time had flown by quickly and the day of days had come. The day of the interhouse Quidditch cup. For many Gryffindors this was a special day, it had been long ago that Gryffindor had last hoisted the cup, but for one Gryffindor it was the last chance. This was Oliver Woods last chance at the cup and his determination drive the team as they prepared for the match. All doubt in their minds had gone, replaced with utter focus for the match. Even Harry was no longer trembling with nervousness, he had full confidence in his ability to beat Malfoy and fend off any Dementors.

The match was intense too watch, as both houses were cheering on their teams. Gryffindor's lead was slowly but down but by but as Malfoy did everything in his power to stop Harry, going so far as to actually, physically, grab the end of his broom to pull him back. But later with oner intense chase to the snitch Harry bested Malfoy, knocking his arm away to secure the golden snitch. The Gryffindor's exploded with tears of joy and chants for Harry. Kiba himself had the urge to transform into a Lion and roar for the team but held himself back, knowing that he'd become an Animagus illegally.

Harry was showered with hugs, kisses on his cheeks and was even held up high by the crowd. Before Wood was eventually handed the cup. He looked at it blankly and broke down into tears. He had finally done it, in his seventh and last year no less. Gryffindor had won the quidditch cup!

The final exams week was quickly approaching as the late May heat came to Hogwarts. Once again students could be seen on the grounds and near the lake watching the giant squid. In their free time everyone wore as little clothing as possible. Girls were wearing nothing but tops and the shortest shirts and skirts while the boys wore mostly sleeveless shirts and shorts as well, this wasn't the case during class as the dresscode had to be taken into consideration. Hermione usually wore as normal, a short version of her skirt and her button up white shirt with a Gold and Scarlet tie. Ron had the short version of the uniform pants with his button up shirt left with the top two buttons unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up. Harry did the same but tied his tie as usual while Ron just let the tie hang loosely. Kiba himself kept only the top button of his shirt buttoned while he was wearing a white sleeveless shirt underneath, he had his tie tied loosely around his neck, but not as lose as Ron with his sleeves also rolled up to his elbows.

Ron and Kiba relaxed allot in the grass of the school grounds while Hermione was working in the sun near them. Ron couldn't be bothered with studying and Kiba seemed fairly confident in himself, but the two were mostly discussing the appeal which was coming up on the sixth of June and Harry was having trouble relaxing since he was still being highly praised by all Gryffindor's.

They received a letter form Hagrid erlier that day with the date and the information that an executioner was already set to come with them. But exam week came before that and it began with transfiguration and charms. Kiba achieved a high mark in transfiguration and confidently aced charms, oner if his best subjects. "well done Mister Scamander. Truly a great display of skill. Top marks!" Flitwick squeaked happily from attop his bookstack "you may leave.. oh, The Headmaster requested to see you" he added.

"thank you professor" Kiba replied as he left the classroom. He made his way through the castle to Dumbledore's office and ascended the spiral staircase. "hello, Professor Dumbledore" he says as he entered.

"Ah, yes. Kiba" Dumbledore said rising from his seat, Kiba saw a man standing opposite to Dumbledore, not yet facing the boy. He turned and his head was hung slightly and he avoided prolonged eye contact. "i'd like to introduce you to someone. Kiba, this is Newt Scamander" Kiba stared blankly at the seemingly slightly she man.

'that's my Grandpa?' he asked himself 'he doesn't look that old' the man had a few wrinkles and marks that could refer to several decades of age but he still looked young and springy, at least compared to Dumbledore.

"Hello," Newt said simply "it's about time that we meet" Kiba didn't respond, he couldn't, there he was, a man part of his family and he didn't even know what to say "i expect you have questions, shall we take a little walk?" he walked to the boy and gently ushered him out of the office and walked along side him through the castle. The silence between then was awkward, Kiba's mind was racing and twisting but no words were forming. "you do remind me of my daughter allot," Newt said "and as I've heard you take after me with magical creatures"

"I understand then, more then others do. I had their words in my head, like voices" Kiba replied without thinking "I've always been told you could hear them too"

"it's a common misconception," The man replied "I've grown to understand them, but not their words.. their feelings rather. I studied them for years, i couldn't stop"

"My mother.." Kiba said looking at the man beside him "did you see her before she.."

"I wish i had…" Newt replied "ever since she had joined the Order of the Phoenix she.. visited us less, Tina and I.. she did come to visit before she joined him"

"She didn't join him," Kiba cut him off angrily "she was on a mission when they caught her. She faked her allegiance to survive"

"And then she had you," Newt added "for so long i had thought her dead, and then when they found the dead Deatheaters, her arm.. her body.. i saw you, in the Orphanage.. you looked so much like her. Your eyes, your nose.. even your smile"

"and you left me there?"

"Tina and I wanted to take you, but the young woman was pretecting you as if you were her own. She said she was honoring the mothers final wish. But, if you're ever want a new home.. our doors are open for you" Kiba stopped in his tracks

"fourteen years.. that's how old i am" he said after a prolonged silence. "And now you show up, offering me a new home? You didn't come here for me, did you?"

"I-"

"Do i look too much like him now? Like my father?" he asked "i can see that look in your eyes.."

"I didn't come here specifically for you, that doesn't mean i didn't intend to talk to you." Newt said "originally i came here, to see if i could do anything for that Hippogriff, Buckbeak" he walked over to Kiba "i would've come to you sooner but, Dumbledore thought it would be better this way. And when it comes to it, i trust Dumbledore"

"you don't hate me then?" Kiba asked "even if i do look like him?"

"It's not who you look like that defines who you are. What's in here," he replied placing his hand on Kiba's chest "that bears your true colors.. so, if you need a new home, or simply want to talk over a cup of tea, meet your grandmother. You're welcome to stop by any time" he handed Kiba a card, written on it was a address.

"Thank you, Newt…" Kiba replied. Newt placed a hand on the boys shoulder and smiled.

"See you soon, Kiba" he said before he began to walk off. Kiba now realized that they had walked all the way out to the magical creature reserve and he quickly hightailed it back to the castle, knowing that he wasn't supposed to be out on the school grounds alone.

The following day was the magical creatures exam which was once again containing Flubberworms, and it was simply to easy for everyone. Afterwards they had to go into probs where Kiba felt like he had gotten the only legitimate score for his finished potion. Other Gryffindor's like Harry and Ron had their scores reduced for petty reasons. And that night at twilight came Astronomy which Kiba could also pass with relative ease. The following day began with defence against the Dark Art's where Lupin had set up a course through a pool full of Grindylows, potholes filled with red caps, a patch of marsh which house a Hinkypunk with the peak of the exam being the bake against the Bogart within a chest. Kiba's Bohgart was the same as it had been last time and he defeated it quickly receiving full marks from a delighted Lupin. And soon after followed Kiba's two remaining electives.. Ancient Runes was a difficult, yet interesting subject which Kiba managed to score full marks on once again and then there was Arithmacy. It was difficult to say the least, and Kiba got a good grade but want pleased with himself. He hadn't studied the subject enough, he knew it could get confusing difficult.

It was over. Exams were finished. It was done. On his way to the common room Kiba ran into Harry who had just returned from divination.. a thoughtful look on his face. They entered through the portrait hole and saw Ron and Hermione. Ron was leaving leaning on the table and Hermine was sobbing into her hands, Kiba knew quickly what had happened. He walked over to Hermione and embraced her softly "Hey, it's alright" he whispered. She wrapped her arms around the boy too and cried into his robes..

"what happened?" Harry asked

"Hagrid.." Ron said "the appeal was denied. Her lost. They're going to do it today" Kiba was patting Hermione's head as she began to calm down, releasing the boy and wiping away her remaining tears.

"we should go down to see him" Harry said "it's the last we should do"

"We can't…" Kiba whispered "You can't leave the castle, they're watching every entrance and exit to the grounds"

"We've got the cloak" Hermione replied her eyes lighting up and reflecting the flickering fire nearby

"Afraid not." Harry said "i had to leave it in the secret passage last time. And if Snape sees me near the entrance again I'm in trouble"

"I could go and get it" Kiba said "where is it?"

"The statue of the one-eyed witch" Harry replied "you enter through her hump"

"how?"

"Tap it with your wanna and speak the incantation 'Dissendium'" he replied

"Let's go" Hermione ordered dragging Kiba behind her. They left through the portrait hole and Kiba caught up to Hermione

"what's gotten into you lately?" he asked "hitting Malfoy.. quitting a class and walking out on a Teacher, and now you're willing to break the rules to see Hagrid"

"in flattered" she replied "maybe hanging around with the three of you has had some impact on me afterall" they reached the statue and opened the hidden door. Hermione practically dove inside as Kiba stayed back to keep watch and help her out and within a few minutes they were back in the common room. The four made their way to Hagrid's hut hiding underneath the cloak like they had done on their first year to reach the trapdoor. They had all grown a fair bit and the clash hadn't so it was increasingly difficult to keep their feet hidden.

"Yer shouldn't have come" Hagrid said as he tried to pour some tea "nothin' ter be done now. Newt even came along, wanted to take 'im to his home in secret" he dropped the kettle without even realizing it "but, i can't set Beaky free.. they know it was me"

"It'll be alright, Hagrid" Hermione said softly as she began to clean the tea from the floor.

"Shall i make some new tea?" Kiba asked

"Alrigh' should be a kettle in that cabinet over there" Hagrid sat down and blew his nose into his handkerchief. Kiba rummaged through the cabinet and found the old kettle which, by the weight of it seemed like something was inside. Kiba opened the lid and was surprised at what he saw. Inside the kettle was a Rat, extremely thin with patches if his hair missing.

"Ron!" Kiba yelled out running over to the ginger boy "look" he held the kettle towards Ron who jumped up excitedly

"Scabbers!" He practically shouted "i thought that beast had gotten you! Where have you been so this time?" Kiba heard the rat squeak uncomfortable but as always he couldn't understand him specifically. The moment was cut short however when Harry got hit in the head by a small rock, he turned to see who threw it, expecting to see a blonde Slytherins hiding in the bushes. But no, he saw Dumbledore and Cornelius Fudge walking towards the hut from the castle, closely followed by two ministry employees one of which had a large Axe strapped to his back.

"Dumbledore's coming" Harry said

"Yer better hurry off" Hagrid said tossing the cloak to Harry "before they see ye. Hi through the back door" they all slid towards the back door, Ron clutching his Rat tightly.

"Hagrid.. you'll be fine" Harry said turning back to the man before he to sneaked out of the hut and his behind Hagrid's large pumpkins. There was a nose behind them in the forest and Kiba whipped his head around to look as Hermione soon did the same.

"what is it?" she asked

"I thought i.. heard…. Is that?" Kiba stammered as he tried to inch his way towards the treeline but Harry pulled him back.

"We have to go. Come on" together hidden under the cloak they hightailed it back up the hill to the brdge near the stone circle where they could look down at Hagrid's hut.

Dumbledore stood on the steps to Hagrid's hut next to Hagrid appearing the same height as the tall man. Cornelius was standing a bit further away from the two with the ministry employees. The one carrying the Axe stepped forward and held his weapon firmly. They saw him step closer to the Hippogriff that was lying by the pumpkins. Neither Buckbeak nor the man could be seen now, all they saw was the Axe raised into the air. Ron dropped his head and looked to the side, Hermione pressed her eyes shut as her fists tightened and her body tensed up while Kiba and Harry stared almost blankly towards the hut in the distance.

One Swing. A loud thud. The Crows abandoning the ground and flying to the sky with cries if fear.

Harry put this hand on Ron's shoulder as he too dropped his head. Hermione whimpered and sunk to her knees sobbing into her hands. Kiba knelt down beside her and pulled her into himself allowing her to embrace him again, letting her tears flow free. They all felt that something should be said, but none had the words to say.

Kiba felt a tear in his stomach. A feeling that used to mean pain, anguish that now only reminded him of one thing.. Death. But it was strange, the slight pain he still felt was.. different. Was it because it was a creature and not a human? But how different were they? Maybe it was because of Buckbeak's innocence that the pain felt almost wrong. Kiba wanted to fix it, but how could he. There was nothing he could do anymore. Hatred seeped into his mind as he thought of Draco and his father Lucius.. those two.. 'one day… they'll get what they deserve. By my hands, or anothers.. i promise'

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