A/N: Hello, a new chapter for Lycans. More on the start of third year and changes, to say some will not be happy. Writing has been slow between summer home projects and Muse playing Squirrel with writing time. Hope you enjoy. This story starts near the end of CoS 2nd year.
I only play in the sandbox created and owned by JKR.
"Normal speak"
'thought'
[bond speak]
§Parselmouth§
'French speak'
Lycans and a new start
Ch 16
3 September
Great Hall
Harry, Luna, Katie, and Susan were sitting at the Hufflepuff table enjoying breakfast when the school heard a loud and deep gong, and a slight tremor through the castle. When the gong sounded, Dumbledore felt a sudden and rapid change in the castle. Minerva saw the look of worrying surprise on the headmasters face with the sound. Severus Snape suddenly felt a heaviness in the Great Hall with the sound, along with several members of Slytherin House and a few students in the others Houses. Luna, Susan, and Harry felt the changes in pressure and power cross them as they knew the castle wards had shifted.
"Albus what happened? What was the sound for?" inquired Minerva.
"The wards have changed, but how?" responded Albus. 'But how? I have not heard of anyone claiming to be the heir of one of the founders,' thought Albus.
"What do you mean, Albus?" asked Minerva, as she slowly understood Albus' answer. "I swear if you paid more attention to what is happening in the castle and actually did your job as Headmaster you may know how and why the wards changed. You are to focused on your plans, schemes, and dealings."
Albus could only nod to Minerva, as he quickly got up and headed to his office to check the Headmaster's ward control stone. The physical location of the castles central ward stone has been lost to the collective memory of the headmasters. The last headmaster to physically interact with the stone was more than a century or two ago, before Albus attended school. Once he arrived in his office, Albus found that the ward control stone in his office would not respond to touch. It now only informed him that the wards set by the founders were active, charging and many useless schemes removed, many made by him. Albus blanched at learning the status of the wards, as no one living knew what the true settings of the wards were.
[Harry, Dumbledore did not look happy with that gong. What did you three do?] asked Katie.
"That sound was the announcement that the castle wards had changed," answered Harry. [You know Lady Hogwarts took us to the ward stone last night, and we reset and cleaned up the wards with her help removing useless power draining wards and taps, and reactivating several protective type wards and some environmental wards] said Harry. [We also set the wards to only inform Dumbledore of their status, but all control of the wards belongs to the three of us, the heirs.]
Katie, choked a little when she heard what was done, when she tried to laugh at the plight of Dumbledore while swallowing a bite of food. "Are you okay?" asked Harry. Katie, nodded with tears in her eyes.
"How long do you think it will take him to figure out what has fully happened and who has control?" asked Susan.
"Later today or tomorrow. We know that he hates to share any information and Lady Hogwarts will not tell him anything," replied Harry.
-x-
Mr. Filch noted the changes in the castle a few days after the gong sounded. The corridors, unused rooms and other spaces, along with the suites of armour were clean and required less effort on his part to care for.
=x=x=
Founders suite
With Harry and Katie gone for the morning Almach (Bella) changed from Midnight and made her way into the bathroom. She was feeling cramps and want to sit in a hot bath to allow the warmth to help with the discomfort. She was happy for the inconvenience and discomfort, that she was having. It meant more healing was occurring since her transformation and soon her ability to have a child again would return. She knew that this was only one small step in her total healing, and it was a welcomed one.
=x=x=
While Albus was up in his office trying to determine what the status of the wards were. Down in the dungeons two sixth year Slytherins found out their status when they went to bully and hex two first year mundane born Hufflepuff. The two Slytherins found themselves wand-less and stuck to the dungeon wall behind them. Professor McGonagall was informed by a house elf that the attempted attack had occurred. Minerva, collected Pomona and Severus from the staff table and lead them to the dungeon.
"Potter will be in detention for the week, if not expelled," shouted Severus as the three professors came upon the two Slytherins, hanging on the wall.
"Severus, Mr. Potter had nothing to do with this. He was sitting in the great hall when the attack occurred. The house elf indicated that this is what happens when the wards are triggered by bullies or hostile intent," answered Minerva.
Severus blanched hearing that the anti bullying wards were now active. He tried to cancel the sticking charm and found that he could not.
"Severus you will not be able to release them, even as their head of house," stated Minerva. "Now what were you two planning to do that put you in the situation you are in?"
The two Slytherins looked at one another, as they could only move their heads, and the stern look from the deputy headmistress and the two heads of houses, knew that lying was not an option.
"We were going to terrorize two first year mudbloods showing them that they are not wanted nor desired in the castle," answered one.
"Detention for the week with Professor Sprout and 30 points each," stated Minerva. "No Severus, they will not serve this detention with you."
Hearing that the two would receive punishment the castle released the two offenders, not so gently, while recording their names. Severus left his two co-workers with an angry sneer and his cloak bellowing behind him, on his way to see Albus.
Headmaster's Office
"Severus, what can I do for you?" asked Dumbledore, looking up from the headmaster ward monitoring stone as the head of Slytherin house stormed in.
"Did you know the anti-bullying wards were active?" asked Professor Snape.
"No," replied Albus. "How did you find out?"
"After you left the great hall a house-elf informed Minerva of an incident in the dungeon," stated Severus. "Minerva requested Pomona and I join her. There in the dungeon were two sixth year Slytherins stuck to the wall. I was unable to free them, and they were released only after points and detention have been awarded. I thought you said these wards had been removed."
"I could not remove the wards, but I had turned them off," answered Albus. "These changes are not good. It also seems, that I have lost control of the wards. You need to be cautious in your actions during class for now. Your known actions toward none Slytherins maybe construed as bullying, by the wards."
"Who has control of the school wards?" inquired Severus.
"That I do not know currently and will continue to work on this, hoping to have an answer before the evening feast," replied Albus.
-x-
Great hall evening meal
Albus was sitting at the head table and was still no closer to finding out how the wards changed, who now had control of the wards, and what wards were active. He had learned throughout the day of testing, is that the Headmaster's stone now only informed him that the wards were up and active, and if they were triggered. He could no longer activate, change or remove wards. His current belief was that a founder heir had returned, but who had those connections? All the lines were dead? The Goblins would know, but he cannot approach the little blighters or speak with them in any way, for now.
The rumour mill was running uncontrolled within the castle about what the gong heard this morning was and what reportedly happened to two upper level Slytherin students in the dungeon. Those with ill intent on their minds felt heavy pressure all day, and it was causing some concern. Those that leered or undressed other students in the castle, felt a heavy weighting and presence. Draco slowly learned to not sneer so much at other students. Every time he did he suddenly felt a heavy pressure on his shoulders. The day was not much better for Ron, as any time he glared at Harry or Hermione in class or made his typical rude comments about some of their classmates he also felt a heaviness. Fred and George, found that some thoughts on pranks brought on a heaviness while others did not.
Severus was eating, but not enjoying the fine meal prepared by the elves. The day had been a mess, with the changes in the wards and Albus's warning about his actions and dealing with the students. He noted the changes in the house points counters. Slytherin had lost numerous points throughout the day, secondary to bullying, hostile intent and for other actions, and was now sitting below the other three houses. He was unable to retaliate in Potions class or in the halls, as the magical pressure and ill feelings he had, got stronger when he thought about acting. It seems that the castle took offence of his biased and favouritism in awarding and deducting points and giving detention, and was making its presence known.
=x=x=x=x=x=
6 September
Malfoy Manor 0745
Narcissa had about finished her morning tea and getting ready to leave for her visit with Lord Black and was sitting in the family dining room when Lucius entered.
"Why are you dressed up?" questioned Lucius.
"I have a meeting with Lord Black this morning to discuss family," answered Narcissa.
"Then, wait until I am dressed, and I will join you," responded Lucius.
"I will not wait. You were not invited for the meeting. This is Black family business, and you are not a Black," stated Narcissa.
"As the father of the next Lord Black it is my business," replied Lucius.
"You can try, but the wards will not let you in, and they are most painful to unwanted guests," said Narcissa, remembering what happened in the past to unwanted visitors to Blackmoore Manor. With that Narcissa finished her tea and left the room and gathered her things and left out the front door. Right at 0800 the port-key in the letter activated, taking her to Blackmoore Manor.
Lucius could only stare at the spot his wife just left from and seethe in anger from being snubbed and his wishes refused. She will pay for her actions and refusal. Narcissa will relearn her place in the house of Malfoy, or she will spend some time with the toys.
-x-x-x-x-
Blackmoore Manor
Narcissa arrived in the front garden of the manor and was greeted by Vodkey, head house-elf, at the door.
"Master is waiting for you in his office. This way," greeted Vodkey, before leading her to Lord Black's Office.
When they arrived Vodkey knocked on the door and then showed Narcissa in when Lord Black called out to enter. After showing Narcissa in, Vodkey closed the doors and popped to the kitchen to prepare a tea service.
"Narcissa, welcome back to Blackmoore Manor. I hope you had no trouble with Lucius," greeted Arcturus.
"Good morning Lord Black. Thank you for seeing me, on short notice. Lucius attempted to include himself as 'the father of the next Lord Black', any family business should include him," replied Narcissa. "I suspect that I will be punished for refusing his demands on attending."
"None of that Lord Black. Uncle or grandfather would be more suiting for our conversation, until otherwise directed or dictated," responded Arcturus. "Tea?", inquired Arcturus seeing the tea service arrive. "Please, come and sit we have much to discuss. It would have been nice for Lucius to attempt to attend, I think that bouncing off the wards would refresh his memory that the world does not revolve around him. If he attempts to harm you in any way call for Vodkey and let me know."
Narcissa made her way over to the seats by the fireplace, hiding her smirk at the thought of Lucius bouncing off the ward, and informed Uncle that she would like some tea. Arcturus made her a cup of tea with the requested cream and honey. Once he was finished preparing the teas they both sat down and enjoyed the taste of tea.
"Narcissa, do you know why I invited you to the manor?" inquired Lord Black.
"No, not really. Other than in response to my letter wishing to meet with you," replied Narcissa.
"I was surprised by your short letter on the 2nd, but I had other matters to discuss with you," answered Arcturus. "The items of concern were discovered over the summer, more specifically after your sister Bellatrix escaped Azkaban. It came to my attention that Bellatrix was used as payment to the faux pure-blood and his cause by Walburga and your parents. It seems that you were also included in that payment."
"What do you mean as payment and faux pure-blood?" asked Narcissa, hoping to keep the quiver out of her voice.
"I had forbid anyone in the family from joining that half-blood imposter / charlatan or for supporting his plots and ideas," stated Arcturus. "Walburga, Cygnus and Druella were fanatical in their 'Pure-Blood' beliefs and that anyone not of old pure-blood should be ruled over. Their false lord was claiming to be working to protect the Wizarding world and our ways, but in truth he was attacking and harming any magical family that did not bow down to him completely, like his followers. Many pure-blood houses, whether light, grey or dark, ended under his reign of terror. He did more to damage or destroy our world than protect it. I learned from Lord Potter over the summer that Tom Riddle, Voldemort's real name, is a half-blood."
"But how were Bellatrix and I considered as payment?" inquired Narcissa, to help Arcturus get on track.
"Since Walburga, Cygnus, and Druella could not directly give money or support to Voldemort and his supporters, they circumvented my decree by writing marriage contracts for the three of you," answered Arcturus. "Andromeda was able to get out before the contracts were finished. I found journals at Walburga's home that detailed how you and Bellatrix were manipulated and forced into the marriage contracts with Lucius and Rodolphus. I then found the contracts and Bellatrix's contract had multiple compulsion charms on it from several people. The battle of these compulsion charms lead to her insanity. Your contract has a single mild compulsion charm to find Lucius acceptable."
"But how does this help them with supporting You-know-who?" asked Narcissa. She did not see Voldemort as her lord like Lucius did, and could not say his name.
"By selling you two off in the marriage contracts they could give money to the cause, as gifts to their daughters or niece," replied Arcturus. Hearing this Narcissa was fighting her emotions at learning she was sold off to be used as payment and conduit for her parents very bigoted beliefs. Beliefs she did not fully agree with.
"What happens now?" asked Narcissa, once she had her emotions under control. She felt dirty, disgusted in the fact her parents only saw her as merchandise and a way to pass money, and that her feelings towards Lucius were not even real or her own.
"I would like you and Andromeda to see Healer Bell for full medical exams. I want to know what all was done to both of you by your parents and Walburga, and what has Lucius done to you," stated Arcturus. "I know that Lucius has violated the terms of the marriage contract, and he will be paying for that, when the time is right. Narcissa do you want to stay in the marriage or would you prefer to leave and return to the House of Black?"
"What would happen to Draco?" inquired Narcissa.
"That would depend on him," replied Arcturus. "Does he behave and act more like Lucius or does he show any of the traits of a Black. From what I have heard and learned about him is that he displays no Black family traits, acts like a Gryffindor and relies on his father to get what he wants."
Narcissa reflected on the child she carried for 9 months and gave birth to. Ever since he could walk he followed Lucius around and would mimic him in all of his actions. Grandfather was right he did not truly show any traits of a Black. From what she observed of him since starting Hogwarts, he behaved more like a Gryffindor and relied on Lucius's money and position to get his way and status inside of Slytherin.
"Draco has not truly talked with me since he started Hogwarts," commented Narcissa. "Of late when we talk it is more like a master and servant talking. There is little showing of emotion or acknowledgement that I carried and gave birth to him. If and when he talks about House Black it is about the money and influence he will have as Lord Black. He does not understand what responsibilities come with the title."
"From my findings, your observations are spot on about your son," replied Arcturus. "I believe if given a choice he will follow after his father."
"Regardless of Draco's decision, I want out and away from Lucius," replied Narcissa. "Once Lucius found out I was pregnant with Draco, he stopped showing any compassion towards me. Only cared that I remained healthy for Draco. After Draco was born he never romanced me or treated me with love, respect and compassion. He even refused me another pregnancy and threaten me with infertile womb if I did not stop. Lucius tried to get into my bed once, after his threat, when drunk lets say he never tried again. He seeks his relief from whores or the girls he has captive in his special dungeon, at the manor." Arcturus raised an eyebrow at Narcissa's last statement. "I have known about his stash of play things, shortly after we moved into the manor."
Arcturus just nodded and watched his great niece and saw the disgust and dislike for Lucius in her eyes and face as she talked about her life while living in Malfoy Manor. 'This change in her towards Lucius goes against the charms on the contract. Her treatment and threats from Lucius have countered or weakened the effects on and in the contract,' reflected Arcturus. "Once I have the medical reports back I will call both you and Andromeda for a meeting," stated Arcturus.
Narcissa looked at her great uncle and nodded her understanding. He may be old, but the power still radiated from Lord Black, and she did not wish to direct his anger towards herself. She could tell that, what she had told Lord Black set his anger on fire.
From here the meeting digressed into a friendly and family chat of the miss deeds of a young child growing up with her sisters. There was also a discussion about Harry Potter and the strange feelings she had on the platform before the Express left for Hogsmeade. Arcturus observed during these discussions to see if any inkling of Bella was awakened by Magic. He was not quite sure, but Narcissa did get a far off look at times talking about her childhood antics, as if slowly remembering a younger sister. Arcturus did not give out much detail but did answer some of Narcissa's questions about Lord Potter.
=x=x=x=x=x=
10 September
Great Hall
Harry and Katie were eating breakfast when the owls arrived to deliver mail. Harry quickly picked out Hedwig from the mass of owls and made some room for her to land. Hedwig had a single letter today for him, and he gave her two rashers of bacon for the letter. Hedwig ate her bacon and then hopped onto Katie's shoulder rubbing her head on Katie's cheek before departing.
Harry quickly read over the letter seeing it was from Lady Greengrass and that they would meet on 18 Sept to draw up the contract for Astoria. Harry passed the letter to Katie and looked over towards the Slytherin table and saw that Daphne and Astoria were reading a letter before they looked in his direction. Daphne gave him a small nod of her head, Harry returned the gesture.
[Daphne and Astoria, received a similar letter] said Harry.
[Love, that is good. The sooner we can help Astoria the better we can protect Daphne] responded Katie.
-x-
1300
Defence Against Dark Arts Classroom
Harry and Hermione made their way to into the classroom after lunch. They were joined by Neville. Ron was still being a little put off by their meeting and talking with Slytherins. He missed that the ones they studied with were all from the Neutral faction and Houses.
The trio had already suffered through double potions with Slytherin and Professor Snape. Snape tried to deduct points and give detention for flimsy reasons to the members of Gryffindor, but none of his declarations were accepted.
The classroom door had just closed when Professor Lupin stood up from his desk.
"All right class, can anyone tell me anything about Boggart's?" asked the professor.
Hermione kept her hand down, compared to the past two years, when the classed was asked. It had taken a little work from Harry, Katie, Neville, Luna, and Susan to break her habit.
Seeing no hands, Professor Lupin decided to refine the question. "Can anyone tell me what one looks like or where they live?"
Dean Thomas raised his hand.
"Mr. Thomas." stated Professor Lupin
"No one knows what their true shape is or how they look," stated Dean.
"Correct Mr. Thomas. Five points to Gryffindor," replied Professor Lupin. "As Mr. Thomas stated, we do not know what a Boggart truly looks like. They are shape-shifters and take on the image of their victim, that will frighten or terrify them the most. Now does anyone have any other information on them?"
"Ms. Granger," stated Professor Lupin, seeing her hand up.
"They live in secluded places or abandon homes," answered Hermione.
"Correct. Five points to Gryffindor," stated Professor Lupin. "A Boggart can be found in secluded places in the woods or cave, or an unused room in an old home or even in a wardrobe."
"Now how can you protect yourself from one?" asked Professor Lupin.
"Mr. Potter," stated Professor Lupin, seeing his hand.
"Confusion. Having a friend along will confuse the Boggart," stated Harry.
"Very good. Five points to Gryffindor," stated Professor Lupin. "One of the best ways to get a way from a Boggart is having one or more people with you. The more people confronting the Boggart makes it harder to focus on one person and their fears. The resulting shape could be quite amusing to see as the Boggart mixes different parts of the presented fear into it shape."
From here Professor turned and gave a short lecture on Boggart's. This included the Boggart-Banishing spell, its incantation and requirements for the spell. He had the class practice the incantation before leading them to an unused classroom with a wardrobe standing at one end.
"Now in the wardrobe is a Boggart and you will line up and each will be given a turn," stated Professor Lupin.
"Professor?" asked Daphne, raising her hand.
"Yes, Ms. Greengrass?" inquired Professor Lupin.
"Won't the Boggart be confused by the group of students facing it as it comes out?" Daphne inquired.
"Correct. Five points to Slytherin," replied Professor Lupin. "For this practical you will line up in a single line. The Boggart will then be able to focus on the front student and take the feared shape." Many of the students nodded, now understanding that for the group confusion to work, not one of them needed to be front of the others.
"Mr. Longbottom," called Professor Lupin, motioning him to approach.
Neville approached the Professor. "Now Mr. Longbottom, what are you most afraid of?" inquired Professor Lupin.
"Professor Snape" stuttered out Neville, loud enough for several to hear.
"Yes, he can be quit menacing," responded Professor Lupin. Professor Lupin now quietly questioned Neville about his grandmother and her how she dressed. He instructed Neville to imagine Professor Snape wearing her hat, coat and carrying her handbag. Once done Professor Lupin had Neville take the marked spot on the floor.
Once everyone was in line behind Neville, Professor Lupin asked if everyone was ready. Once he got confirmation he unlocked the wardrobe.
The wardrobe shook for a few seconds before the door opened and out stepped Professor Snape. Professor Snape's eyes bored holes into Neville who cringed back under the stare before he pointed his wand and incanted "Riddikulus". Professor Snape rapidly changed looks to wearing a vulture hat, Tweed long coat with a fur collar and carrying a large red handbag. The Boggart froze as the students broke out into laughter as the site.
Neville moved to the back of the class and next was Dean Thomas. The Boggart turned into a bloody disembodied flying hand, "Riddikulus", the hand was caught in a rat trap.
Parvati Patil was next and her bloody Mummy, tripped over its bandages collapsing into a heap losing its head.
Ron was next up and his giant spider, lost it legs.
Daphne Greengrass was next, and the Boggart transformed into her dead little sister, "Riddikulus" and the Boggart became a happy carefree toddler.
Millicent Bulstrode was next in line and the Boggart transformed into Voldemort, "Riddikulus" and all saw a baby sucking on a dummy.
Several students also presented with Voldemort and watched him turn into a baby or small animal.
Hermione stepped up, and the Boggart turned into Professor McGonagall chastising her for her failure in class, "Riddikulus" Hermione was receiving an award for highest NEWT scores in over a century.
As Harry stepped up the Boggart transformed not into the expected Dementor or Voldemort, but into Katie laying in a blood pool with several severe wounds slowly dying. Before Harry could react, Professor Lupin stepped in the scene changed to a full moon, "Riddikulus" and the moon changed into a deflating balloon and jetted back into the wardrobe.
[Love, what's wrong?] inquired Katie, feeling the fear over their bond.
"Everyone back to the classroom. We continue this at a later time," stated Professor Lupin. With that the Professor herded the students towards the door while Hermione stayed with Harry, making sure he was okay before leading him from the room.
"Are you okay?" asked Hermione?
"Somewhat," answered Harry. "I was not expecting that."
Hearing this Hermione pulled her best friend into a hug. She was surprised when Harry returned the hug.
[Nothing now] answered Harry. [We'll talk later.]
[Okay] replied Katie, still concerned.
"Thanks," stated Harry, when he released Hermione.
"Your welcome. I thought it might help, since Katie is not here," replied Hermione.
With that the two best friends made their way to the classroom to join the rest of the students and Professor Lupin. Professor Lupin was waiting for them by the door as the last of the other students passed through the door. He checked to see if Harry was okay and able to remain in class or needed to see Madam Pomfrey. Harry declined and returned to the classroom.
-x-
Founders suite
Harry, Katie, and Bella were sitting in their bedroom by the fire place when Harry asked Katie about Defence class.
"Katie, has Professor talked about Boggart in class?" asked Harry, as he rubbed Katie's back as she sat in his lap.
"No," answered Katie. "I do not know if he will, that was supposed to be covered last year, but you know how that went."
Harry snorted at Katie's comment about last year's defence class.
"Does this have to do with the fear I felt earlier?" inquired Katie.
"Yeah," stated Harry, tightening his grip on her. "Professor Lupin lectured about them in class and then took us to unused classroom where one was locked in a wardrobe. We all were to take turns facing the Boggart and using the Boggart-Banishing charm. When it was my turn the Boggart did not turn into Voldemort or a Dementor, but you, lying in a bloody pool dying."
Hearing this Katie and Bella both moved and wrapped their arms around Harry.
"What happened then?" inquired Bella.
"Professor Lupin stepped in front and the Boggart became a full moon, and he sent it back to the wardrobe as a deflating balloon," replied Harry. Each enjoyed the embrace as love and comfort was shared between them.
"You know the Professor is a werewolf?" asked Harry.
"Yes. We both noted the scent on the express," answered Katie. "I have also noted the scent in the classroom."
"With him standing right in front of me and with the full moon as his Boggart, I could not miss the smell of the wolf," stated Harry.
"So that would explain why he looked so tired and beat on the express," commented Bella.
"Yes, it would. He must have transformed the night before," added Katie. "He was not at breakfast the next morning, so he must have transformed again on the first."
"If that is the case then he will be out of teaching nights there is a full moon and possible a day or so after," summarized Harry. "We will need to check the Lunar Charts to see when the full moons will occur and see if he misses those days."
"Do you think he will be a problem when we run?" asked Katie.
"I do not know. He could be if he is out, running in the forest," replied Harry.