Chapter 34: Making a Difference

The next day was truly peaceful. Black had safely escaped on Buckbeak, Which Draco was certainly unhappy with. Exams were over, and the results they had gotten had put the four friends in a great mood. Add to that a beautifully sunny day and no classes to go to. The four were relaxing once more by the giant lake, watching the giant squid do what ever it liked to do and pleasantly talking.

"I can't believe you both beat me at DADA and charms" Hermione groaned

"what can i say, definitely my kind of subjects" Kiba replied

"same goes for me, except charms maybe.. i didn't have to deal with the stress of being in two places y'know" the four shared a laugh as they stared into the sky. Kiba looked over towards Hermione and saw someone walk towards the magical creature reserve behind her.

"I'll be right back guys," He said as he got up "just gotta talk to someone" Kiba chased down the dirty blonde and found her by the Thestral herd once more. "Can't get enough of them, can you?" he asked her jokingly

"oh, it's not that. I just think that I'm one of the few that can see them, and know they're here" she replied

"Hagrid and Dumbledore definitely know" the boy answered. "had a good year i expect?"

"certainly," she replied "though I'm not exceptionally good at anything really"

"no?" Kiba replied "I'd say your skills lie in Transfiguration" he said carefully. Luna looked at the boy and eyed him curiously

"My grade would tell you otherwise," she replied "how was your year?"

"a bit confusing, honestly" he replied "got through most of it just fine though" the two stood among the herd in silence, until Luna spoke up once again

"is there something you wanted to ask me?" she said "i noticed you following me here"

"ask? No." He replied "i wanted to thank you"

"What ever for?"

"for saving my life, that night at the lake"

"what are you talking about?" she looked away from him to hide her face, but Kiba saw right through her

"I know Luna," he replied "the first time i saw you transform it was right here. I know you're the white Wolf"

"what?"

"you're and Animagus, and i won't lie. I am one too" Kiba added before showing off his transformation this time becoming a Leopard. He transformed back into himself and looked at the girl "it's alright, your secret is safe with me"

"you've got it wrong," Luna replied "I'm not an Animagus"

"what do you mean?"

"I'm… a Maledictus" she replied

"A what?!" the boy asked in confusion

"It's a Blood-curse" she replied "it's passed down from Mother to Daughter. It allows us to transform into a certain animal.. But, eventually, we transform permanently"

"so, eventually you'll become a Wolf for the rest of your life? That's terrible.. I'm sorry"

"My mother was trying to find a cure, but one of her spells backfired" Luna dropped her head a bit but didn't cry "i was Nine when she died. She was quite an extraordinary witch"

"I'm sorry, Luna. I didn't.."

"it's alright. I do feel rather sad about it sometimes" she replied as she tossed a piece of meat to a juvenile Thestral. "I've still got my dad"

"nevertheless, your secret is safe with me Luna" Kiba promised

"And yours with me" Luna replied.

Kiba returned to the lake to find only Hermione and Ron there, but before he could ask Harry returned. "Where did you run off to?" Kiba asked

"Lupin's office. He resigned" the black haired wizard answered

"Resigned?"

"yeah, he's heading towards the gate now. He's leaving" Kiba looked into the direction of the gate which was hidden behind the telling that eventually turned into the forbidden forest, contemplating whether he should go see Lupin, or let him be.

"sorry, again, but I've got to see him before he leaves" without waiting for a response he ran once again straight for the trees, transforming into his panther form once he was out of sight. He dashed along the cold ground and approached the path to the gate carefully. He didn't see anyone and decided to climb into a nearby tree to peer over the walls. With one elegant leap he was in the three, using his nails to hold on he climbed higher until he could jump onto the walls that surrounded the grounds themselves. He looked and saw a carriges seemingly waiting for Lupin so he sat down on the pillar which one side if the gate was attached to and waited patiently.

It didn't take long before he saw Lupin coming. A bad hung from his shoulder as he clutched a cane in his right hand to steady his walk. Kiba sunk his body low and pounced, landing right in front of Lupin letting loose a low growl. Lupin stopped dead in his tracks. "a strange eye color for a panther" he said calmly. Kiba took a slow step towards the man and he took an equal step backwards "though, i would have expected you to take the form of a dog, Kiba" Lupin smiled as Kiba's ears pointed forward and his head lifted.

'how did he?' Kiba sighed to himself and returned to his human form "how did you know"

"my best friends were Animagi," Lupin replied "your think I'd be able to recognize one by now. How long?"

"not very, just after new years"

"Impressive. And how long did it take in total?"

"Four months," Kiba replied "roughly"

"that's quite the feat," Lupin answered "took James and Sirius longer than that"

"Why did you expect me too be a Dog?"

"Well" Lupin looked to the sky "i could tell you another time. I have to be off"

"so that's it? You're just gonna leave, you didn't even come by to say farewell"

"You have to understand, Kiba. My condition is nothing simple, and many out there would not accept me the way you and Harry do, much less anyone who values the safety of their children" Lupin said "it was too close, i could have done worse than i already did. Imagine if i had bitten any if you.. i couldn't bear the thought if it" he stepped closer and placed his hand on Kiba's chest carefully and lowered his face to be in equal level to Kiba's. Only now did Kiba also see a fresh scar on Lupin's face, one he had most likely received from Buckbeak or Sirius "I'm already ashamed for injuring you, Kiba. And in lucky it was you, anyone else and the ministry would've sent me to Azkaban"

"Because i don't blame you for it, and others would?" Kiba asked. Lupin simply nodded and stupid straight once more "its just.. we learned so much.. but nothing changed, it made no difference"

"That's not true, not nearly" Lupin replied "you saved Sirius from a fate worse than death and Buckbeak from loosing his head. You gave them their freedom. But you must keep moving, because sometimes.. change takes it's time"

"I guess that's true.. my life's been changing these past the years" Kiba admitted

"See, give it some time, I'm sure Sirius will be free sooner than you think" Lupin said "speaking of being free, any plans for the break?"

"A few" Kiba replied "visiting my Grandpa and Grandma. Finding a new place to live"

"A place to live?" Lupin asked his face filled with an expression of confusion "what about the Orphanage?"

"I ran away.. last year. I can't go back"

"Why not?"

"well, my best friend.." Kiba answered looking to the ground "she.. she was adopted, during my first year here. And no one told me, i found out last year when i came back. She was the only reason i could bear to stay there and with her gone, i saw no reason to stay"

"but you left, without telling the madam?"

"I left a note"

"that's not good enough Kiba" Lupin said "even if you don't want to stay there, you should go by and let them know that your fine. As far as i remember they seemed to care a fair bit about you. And tell you what" Lupin reached into his bag and grabbed a small piece if parchment on which he scribbled something "this house belongs to Sirius, he won't mind you staying there for a while.. you'll just have to take care of yourself"

"thank you, Remus"

"Just promise me, you'll let them know that you're alive and well"

"I will!"

"Goodbye, Kiba. Until next time"

"see you, Remus" the gates opened and closed behind Lupin as he climbed onto the carrige leaving the castle behind him. Somehow Kiba felt strange, Lupin was right, so much had changed.. so much that Kiba barely remembered how he had spent his days before ever knowing of the wizarding world. He looked down and read the writing on the piece if parchment. 'you'll find a safe place to stay at 12 Grimmauld place' it said followed by directions from King's Cross station and instructions on how to find the right building. He tucked the parchment into his pocket and made his way back to the lake.

The year had come to an end. Gryffindor had won the house cup three years in a row along with the quidditch cup for the first time since Kiba had been at the school and the next morning the quartet was in the train and away from Hogwarts. "So, Hermione. What are you going to do with that time Turner now?" Harry asked

"I gave it back, and i dropped Muggle studies as well. I wasn't learning anything really, and i might have overdone it a tad bit this year" she replied as silence fell over their compartment.

They rolled along the countryside and spotted a very small Owl desperately flying alongside their compartment window. 'please, please. Let me in' Kiba heard it hoot heavily. He opened the window and let the owl in. It dropped the letter into Harry's lap and circled above their heads happily. 'i did it!' it celebrated

Hotaru poked her head out if Kiba's chest pocket and looked up at the new animal among them as did Crookshanks. Ron noticed the cat looking and snatched the owl out of harms way. "it's from Sirius!" Harry burst out with excitement as he opened the envelope.

"You're joking" Kiba responded as he looked at the parchment. "read it out"

"'Dear Harry,

I hope this reaches you before you arrive back in Privet drive. I don't know if your Aunt and Uncle are used to owl post.

Buckbeak and I are in hiding, but there is no doubt that the Dementors are still after me. I'm planning to allow some muggles a glimpse of me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so the security will be lifted.

By the way, i didn't find the time to tell you, but it was I who sent you the Firebolt, and i must say it suits you well'"

"Ha!" Hermione jumped out of her seat and punched the air triumphantly "i told you!" she pointed at Ron and then at Harry.

"'consider it as a gift for all those birthdays i missed. I'm enclosing something for you, i think it will make your next year more enjoyable.

If you ever need me, send word, your owl will find me.

I'll write again soon,

Sirius'" Harry put the letter beside him and checked the envelope. Kiba grabbed the letter and read it over. "it's a permission form, to visit Hogsmeade" Harry said overflowing with joy.

"You missed something here, a PS" Kiba said "' i thought your friend Ron might want to keep this owl, seeing as it is my fault he no longer has a rat'" the three looked towards Ron who had the owl sitting in one of his fingers.

"Keep him?" he asked wide-eyed. He looked at his friends with uncertainty before to everyone's surprise he held the owl towards Crookshanks "what do you reckon?" he asked "definitely an owl?"

'definitely' Crookshanks purred

"That's good enough for me," Ron said happily "he's mine then" the four continued talking during the ride and Ron even mentioned the Quidditch cup. They reached the platform 9 and proceeded through the barrier where they said they're goodbyes and parted ways for the summer, Ron shouting out a promise that he'd be in touch for the Quidditch cup. Kiba watched his friends leave as he himself made his way to the Leaky Cauldron where he would stay just for the night. But sleep he did not, he sat at the table within his room writing a letter in which he apologized for running away and that he was alright and had a place to stay, the letter of course being directed at Madam Helaway and Sister Crawford like he had promised to Lupin.

The sun rose above the horizon and movement could be heard within the inn. Kiba headed downstairs and ate some breakfast before heading into diagon alley, more specifically Gringotts to exchange some galleons for Muggle currency, he strolled through a few shops buying candy and some pet food for both Kuzon and Hotaru. Before returning to his room within the Leaky Cauldron, packing his belongings and leaving. He walked aimlessly for a bit until he found a map of the city with the help of which he made his way to what would be his new home for a while. 12 Grimauld Place. He approached the buildings and saw both number 11 and 13 but was no 12. 'what did Lupin write on that note again, you'll find a safe place to stay at 12 Grimmauld place' before he had even finished his thought something emerged from between the two buildings, like it was creating more space by pushing the other houses out of the way. He watched as the dirty windows settled in place and the small fence popped up through the grass. He approached the small gate that cut off the sidewalk from the steps to the door and opened it, it let out a loud screech. Kiba approached the door and knocked, he wasn't sure what he was expecting with it and so he reached for the doorknob but before he touched it it turned and creaked open slowly just before two large eyes peered through the opening.

The eyes traveled from Kiba's head to his toes and back up. "Hello, I'm Kiba. I was told by a friend i could stay here for a while" the door opened further revealing an old house elf with leathery flappy skin and a grumpy expression. "what's your name?"

"Masters Black refer to me as Kreacher" he responded with a low and raspy tone

"who is it, Kreacher?" Kiba heard a voice call out from down the entrance hall.

"A boy, Master, by the name of Kiba" before the elf had finished his sentence a head popped into view down the hall. It was the head of Sirius Black, but allot fresher then last time. Cleaned, and healthier.

"let him in, go on" Kiba followed after Kreacher as he led him inside. "Kiba, how'd you find this place?"

"Lupin told me about it," he replied "i need a place to stay, you see. And he said i could stay here, that you wouldn't mind" Sirius narrowed his eyes a bit before placing one hand on Kiba's shoulder.

"well, my old friend wasn't wrong. You can stay here. Kreacher, bring Kiba's belongings to the Regulus' room will you" he ordered

"of course, master" the elf replied with a hint of distain in its voice. It snapped both his fingers and Kiba's trunk rose from the ground and traveled up the staircase.

"you'll be staying in my brothers old room"

"Thank you" Kiba replied

"Oh, it's nothing really. If your anything like your mother then it'll be fine"

"My mother?"

"Oh, yes. You don't know? Of course you don't"

"What is it?" Black shot Kiba a light smile

"You'll be staying a while, yes? Then I'll tell you later, i have to go" before Kiba could protest Sirius had disappeared and did not return for the rest of the day. Kiba spent the most time in his room thinking, weather Faye had every told him where the Kenway's lived.. but it was too no avail.. he had to find her somehow.

He woke up the next morning to find a table set with delicious breakfast. "Good morning, Master Kiba" Kreacher greeted him "Master Black had ordered me to be at your service at all times"

"Alright, thank you" Kiba replied as he sat down to eat. "Kreacher..?"

"how can i assist?"

"Would you happen to know where a, well.. rich muggle would live in London?"

"not quite Sir" the elf replied

"in looking for a rich man that adopted my friend.. that's why I'm asking"

"If you'd like a suggestion," Kreacher began "try Chelsea or Westminster by the River Thames"

"Thank you, Kreacher"

"Kreacher lives to serve" he bowed slightly and left the room leaving Kiba to eat. The young wizard wasted little time and left the house as soon as he was done eating. He took along his wand, a wallet he had bought to hold his money and a backpack fitted with the same undetectable extension charm as his trunk, in which he carried all the letters and parcels that had not arrived in Faye's hands. He got on a bus and made his way towards the River where he didn't the entire day searching for any sign of his best friend.. it what used to be his best friend.

Kiba hadn't expected to find her on the first attempt and before he knew it the sun was setting. He hopped into the next bus and made his way to Ilford where he quietly made his way to the Orphanage. When he laid eyes upon the building it didn't at all remind him of what was.. it was as if most of the memories created there were gone, as if Kiba had become somebody else entirely. He slid the letter through the gap in the front door and promptly left to go back to 12 Grimmauld place where he sat awake most of the night.

Kiba spent the entire week scouting the wealthy neighborhoods until he saw someone, a familiar face. But it wasn't a Kenway, or Faye herself.. no, it was Lucy. Lucy Crawford. It seemed like she had just gotten out of a car and was walking down the road. Kiba tailed her quietly, carefully and at a great distance. She stopped at the gate of a grand, white House. Large enough to fit twice the current inhabitants of the Orphanage itself. Kiba watched her tuck in her dress here and there before she pressed a button on a large pad next to the gate. Kiba ran to the gate and peeked through it to see Lucy walk up a neat path through the grass and flowers to the front doors of the mansion. They swung open to reveal a short man in a black suit and bowtie, Kiba couldn't hear what he said but he let Lucy in without hesitation.

Kiba thought quickly. He tossed his backpack over the gate and climbed up it himself. He landed in the garden, grabbed his backpack and climbed up into a nearby tree. Once he was safely out of view he carefully transformed, making sure to become a common domestic Cat. He climbed from tree to tree and made it to the roof of one of the balcony's. He hung his head over the edge and saw that the doors were open and he heard a voice inside. "Faye, look who stopped by for a visit" a woman's voice said

"Lucy!" he heard Faye shout excitedly. Kiba carefully jumped down to the balcony and looked through the doors into the room. It was much more colorful then her room had ever been in Leverton's. Kiba scanned the room and saw a few different guitars along with a sizable desk in which several books and folders were stacked. Her bed was large enough to fit three people and everything looked expensive being reasonable thought. On one of the walls was a large rectangular board on which a few pictures had been pinned but there was no camera in sight. He looked back to Faye who released Lucy from a thought hug and let her enter the room. Kiba hid himself the best he could whilest keeping the two in sight. "it's been a while. How are you?"

"I'm quite good, yourself?" Lucy said

"I'm alright, still missing the old days.." Faye replied. "I'm still adjusting to all of this" she sat on the edge of her bed as Lucy sat down in her desk chair.

"i can imagine. It's quite the update after all" they both chuckled lightly

"so," Faye started to break the silence that had followed their light laughter "what brings you to Westminster?"

"well, you. of course" Lucy replied reaching into her purse "and this" she handed Faye a letter, Kiba's letter. The one he had slipped into the Orphanage.

"Kiba.. he's alright" she whispered

"and staying somewhere in London" Lucy added "It didn't come by post. I found it on the floor by the front door one evening" Faye sighed heavily

"We shouldn't have lied to him, Lucy" she said quietly, Kiba watched closely and saw a tear slip from her cheek. "I should've just told him.."

"hey, listen" Lucy said raising the girls chin "We all make some bad choices at times, and that's okay, that's normal. But, keeping a friendship alive when both of you are apart is what makes it so much realer"

"I know, we promised we wouldn't forget one and other. And we promised to leave if we ever had the chance" she said "then he got into that new Scottish school, and i had the chance to start a new life"

"and you did, both of you. But that does not mean this new life can't contain things from the other" Lucy said as she stood from the chair and sat down beside Faye, pulling her into her side "and if i know Kiba, then he's probably looking for you already"

"you think so?"

"He's always been true to his words" she replied. Kiba stuck around for the remainder of the evening, listening to Faye singing and writing remaining transformed all the while. Eventually the moon had replaced the sun and Faye was asleep in her bed. Kiba retrieved his backpack and unpacked all the letters and parcels which he had put in one singular larger box making sure to leave his explanation letter ontop. Using his paws he knocked on the balcony doors before hiding in the nearby tree. It took a second, but the curtains soon opened and the door afterwards.

Faye stepped out onto her balcony and grabbed the letter atop the box. She's opened it and reactively her hand moved to cover her mouth as tears threatened her eyes.

'Dear Faye,

Hey there. Took a while, but i found you. I don't know why you didn't tell me that the Kenway's had taken you, but just know that i am truly happy for you.

This box you see here contains letters and gifts that i had sent to the Orphanage last year, seeing as they never arrived in your hands I thought i'd deliver them myself' Faye checked her surroundings frantically, looking for a sign of the boy in her garden.

'not a day went by that i didn't think of you, Faye. Not a day went by where i forgot my promise.

Stay in contact, will you?

Yours,

Kiba R. Scamander'

The boy watched as Faye dragged the heavy box into her room. This also promted Kiba to return home as well. He once again transformed into his human form and tossed his backpack over the fence and climbed over it himself. Before heading to the nearest bus stop to catch a night Bus. Kiba slept peacefully like never before that night, the thought of knowing where Faye was now soothed him.

The summer had been unlike any he had before. Not only did he feel happier then ever, for one he had plans to do things. He intended to purchase a guitar and had learned allot in the old piano within the house, and he had plans to go visit his grandfather. It had barely been two days before Kuzon entered the building one morning bearing a letter from none other then Faye.

'Dear Kiba,

I'm glad to hear you're alright. I'm sorry for how it all happened, i was trying to figure everything out. I would very much like to apologize in person, would you be about to meet me somewhere this week? Near big Ben at noon on Saturday? I'll be there.

Thank you for all the gifts, if only i had received them sooner. Hope to see you soon!

Yours,

Faye Wilder' Kiba suddenly felt warm on the inside, it was already Friday and he could finally see Faye again in little more then twenty-four hours. It was a thought he quite liked.

When the time came the next day, when Kiba made his way towards the giant clocktower he suddenly felt.. scared. What if it wasn't like it had been before? What if they had lost their once so unique connection? Kids couldn't bear it. He's rather remember how it was, then know it wasn't like it anymore. There were many people in the sidewalk near the lathe structure but to Kiba there was only one person. For him she stook out of the crowd like a sore thumb. And before Kiba could even comprehend it Faye had ran across the street and had jumped into his arms wrapping her legs around his waist almost sending him to the ground.

"H-Hey" he stammered as he hugged her back.

"Shut up" she replied harshly squeezing the boy even tighter.

"Faye, I-"

"shush" Kiba stood motionless for a while, the girl, his best friend still wrapped around him and he began feeling it. It was like Faye was pouring her heart out with the hug alone, it felt like the only so apology she could give him.. maybe it was the only acceptable apology. Faye slowly let go of him and stood back on her own two feet her eyes never leaving his "Hey" she said as she began to giggle. Kiba could only smile at her and join in her laughter.

"Hey" he replied hugging the girl tightly again.

"It's good to see you, Kiba" she said after a moment of silence

"Even better to see you.."

"listen," the two began walking aimlessly through the streets not paying attention to anything but each other "I'm sorry. I should have told you from the start"

"It's alright.. Faye, I'm just glad to see you again. I've missed you"

"I- I'm still sorry, i doubted you, for a while i thought you had forgotten me" the two had reached the River and sat side by side on the grass looking over the water "why did the Orphanage never deliver the mail to me?"

"they didn't know it was there, i trained an owl to deliver it to your window" Kiba replied. They never once checked your room" the two friends remained at the river for quite some tKinda Kiba telling her new stories and fate sharing her experiences from her new school and friends. But to the sadness of both of them, time was running out and both had to return home.

"Goodbye, Kiba. See you-" Faye said but Kiba cut her off

"Wait" Kiba took off the necklace Faye had given him and held it out to her. "i want you to have this back"

"No, i don't-"

"I'm not asking. You gave this to me to keep a promise," he replied "now I'm asking the same of you"

"And what do you want me to promise you?" she asked as she held on to the pendant

"don't ever stop being you, don't forget who you are" he answered

"only if you do the same" she replied holding out the pinky of her free hand. Kiba didn't hesitate, he locked his own pinky with hers and looked deeply into her emerald irises.

"promise" he whispered. Kiba let go of the rope of the necklace and embraced the girl "see you again soon, Faye"

"See you soon, Kiba" Kiba returned to Grimmauld place and quickly rummaged through is trunk for his picture book. The picture he had taken of Faye had developed properly and he placed it on one of the many and wrote her name beneath it.

Kiba had just finished his dinner and was helping Kreacher clean up when Sirius returned to his home. "Hello Kiba"

"Evening, Sirius" Kiba responded, his high spirits audible in his tone.

"in a good mood i see?" Black asked as he poured himself a goblet of liquor.

"Certainly, I've been able to reconnect with one of my best friends.. a Muggle" he added carefully

"There's nothing better then a good friendship," Black replied "James and I, ha, there was a slight chance you'd find us separated

"So i heard. But you must've had a friend to keep you in check right?"

"of course, don't forget about Remus. He was the level headed one, or he was supposed to be" Black said with a chuckle "your mother, she was best friends with Harry's" he added quickly

"She was?" Kiba asked, echoing Black's words.

"Let me ask you something Kiba," Sirius said sitting down at the head of the table next to Kiba "is there a girl you like?"

"Maybe, why?" Kiba replied suspiciously

"Well, i liked this girl too. She was gorgeous, kind, powerful. But i was scared to confess my feelings to her, was afraid she didn't feel the same" he explained "i spent five years trying to get closer to her, and then i asked her out"

"what'd she say?"

"she said: 'took you long enough'" he answered with a laugh

"who was she?"

"Amelia, your mother. I loved her" Sirius said sadness ruining his cheerful facade "and she loved me. And, well.. like James had done, i wanted to marry her before it was too late" with a flick of his wand a small red box appeared in front of them. Sirius opened it and turned it towards Kiba "so i asked her" Kiba looked at the ring within the box. It was silver and fitted ontop with a pink shimmering diamond in the form of a heart held by four, tiny golden prongs. On both sides of the center stone were small golden wings connected to the bottom of the center.

"It's beautiful.." Kiba managed to say

"your mother thought so too. She said yes, but wanted me to keep the ring safe until she came back from her mission" Sirius had suddenly gone incredibly sad "you, no doubt, know how the story continues from there"

"I do," he whispered

"i want you to keep this," he said pushing the small box closer to the boy "don't waste your time, the longer you wait, the less time you have together" Sirius stood up and tucked at his shirt lightly "i didn't mean to dampen yo-"

"Thank you," Kiba interrupted him "i promise you, this ring will be safe with me. For my mother" Sirius smiled weakly and turned to leave

"I have to go back to Buckbeak" he said "i can't leave him alone for too long"

"wait!" Kiba yelled after him. He grabbed the small box and closed it "I'm intending to visit my grandfather" Kiba said "I'm sure he wouldn't mind looking after Buckbeak"

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