I'm sorry for the late upload. I am trying to release one chapter of this every Friday.
Ok, let's go
Chapter 5: Repercussions
To say the least, Hagrid was shocked at what he witnessed before him. "I think I got it from here Firenze, you and Dirshah can take off. Good luck with your hunt." Hagrid offered as he turned around, heading back towards the castle, back towards the repercussions that awaited the mated duo.
Hagrid marched the pair all the way up to the castle, the early morning sun sparkled off the dew of the grasses as they marched. It was still really early, and being a Saturday, the group was thankful that the halls were relatively empty. The bodies that did sparsely populate the halls were still gripped by drowsiness to the point that none bothered to pay them any attention.
Entering into the spiral staircase of Dumbledore's office, Hagrid had to hunch over and squeeze his large frame through the relatively small space. Harry and Hermione both had a claustrophobic feeling as the semi familiar space appeared smaller, both from their growth and from the half giant that shared it with them.
Arriving at the top, before anyone could knock, Dumbledore's voice rang out an "enter", slightly startling the unseemly group. Swinging the door open, everyone stepped in, finding Dumbledore seated at his desk, spectacles sitting low on his nose as he scanned the documents in front of him. Looking up, surprise washed over his face. "Do introduce me to your friends, Hagrid" he greeted softly.
"It's us" Harry replied back, hoping to similarly piece the puzzle together as he did for Hagrid. A slightly puzzle look overcame the elderly wizard as he stood up and stepped around his desk. Coming to stand before the pair flanked by Hagrid, realization dawned on him.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say James Potter stood before me as he appeared at graduation. If it weren't for your mother's eyes I'd have hardly recognized you Harry" he answered, "I am to assume this is the young Ms. Granger" a nod answered him from Hermione as she shifted uncomfortably on bare feet from side to side, much preferring the soft floor of the forest under her feet than the hard stone of Hogwarts.
"I think that will be all Professor" Dumbledore kindly dismissed Hagrid. After departing, Harry and Hermione storied Dumbledore of what had happened, leaving out some of the spicier bits, though a knowing look twinkled in Dumbledore's eye, their story ending at meeting Hagrid beside Firenze. "He has always been one of the kinder Centaurs to grace our forest."
Dumbledore walked past the pair, stopping at a small before turning back to the pair. "I believe we need to see Madam Pomfrey, though I would prefer a bit of modesty while traversing my halls." Waving his hands over the table, student robes materialized where once was nothing.
"If you don't mind, I'll kindly wait outside while you fix yourselves up. It is not often I leave people alone in my office." Dumbledore instructed, a slightly stern warning given to the pair not to take the situation lightly before departing out his office door. Changing in silence, unknowing what to say to each other, both donned their respective clothes before similarly departing the office and meeting Dumbledore at the base of his spiral staircase.
Walking through the rapidly filling hallways became eerie for Harry as he was observed by people. He figured they looked like a conspicuous group, two individuals who resembled people old enough to have graduated, dressed in Hogwarts student robes, being escorted by Professor Dumbledore. He would rubber neck too to see what was going on.
The trip to the Hospital Wing was relatively short, Harry thankful for the trip to be over. Entering, the group was greeted by Madam Pomfrey, "What have you brought me Albus?"
Turning in theatrical grandeur, Dumbledore swept his hand over the paid, "I present to you Harry James Potter and Hermione Jean Granger." The matron appeared puzzled before leaping into action.
"Why does it not surprise me that you would grace this wing one last time after the year you've had." Pomfrey commented as she began casting diagnostic spells on the two of them. Harry spun the tale to the matron, summing up what had happened.
As he concluded, the door banged open behind them, announcing a new arrival. The billowing cape and slicked black hair of Snape entered dramatically into the hall while Pomfrey continued diligently working. "Couldn't even stay out of trouble for the last month of school" Severus snidely addressed Harry, coming around to stand opposite of the matron performing her spells, while Dumbledore stood before the pair. Loathing eyes gazing upon the new form of Harry, "How very much like your father" He finished in his condescending way.
"What's he doing here?" Harry questioned Dumbledore, hooking a thumb in Snape's direction. Dumbledore had taken on a frown at the verbal confrontation before him. He had been given reports of the conflict between student and professor, but had rarely had it performed live before him.
"Severus, I expect more decorum in the dialogue between Teacher and Student." Dumbledore chided, giving a stink eye to the professor he was growing weary of tolerating. Turning to Harry, compassionate authority firmly affixed to his face, "Professor Snape is one of the finest Potion Masters in the world. I had hoped he would be willing to create a wolfsbane alternative for you and Ms. Granger." he answered Harry.
Dumbledore turned back to Snape as he began speaking, "What would his condition even be called?" he inquired, crossing his arms over his chest, his cloak coming to rest covering his arms, giving him an almost sinister appearance.
"From my time studying Greek, the closest I can find as a comparable term would be Ailuranthropy." Dumbledore answered as he took some documented notes from Pomrey and started perusing the information. "If you managed to create a potion, a Felisbane you might call it, this could be the achievement of a lifetime."
Attention piquing at the prosperity of fame and fortune, Snape stepped forward and quite rudely grabbed the notes Dumbledore was still reading, an exasperated sigh escaped his lips at the disrespect shown to him. Snape turned and started pacing around as he made mental notes.
Having finished his own study of the documents, he returned them to Dumbledore. Gently taking them, Snape turned, flushing his cloak into the billowing nature before banging the door open again and retreating through the doorway.
Dumbledore returned his attention to Harry "I am sorry Harry, but I must be off as well. I've informed Professor McGonagall of the situation, I am sure she is going to be checking up on you to see how you are handling yourself." he explained as he came around beside Harry, offering a comforting pat on the shoulder before heading towards the door.
"Professor, if I may," Harry began, pausing Dumbledore midstep, turning back to face Harry. "Firenze talked about Egyptian Magicians being able to control their forms, do you think we'll be able to control our forms?" Harry asked, looking to the wisen wizard who had always offered him support and guidance.
Stroking his beard, Dumbledore answered the query, "I do not have an answer for you on that Harry. I am sorry that my extensive knowledge is failing you in your time of need. I would imagine that as you grow, you will become more familiar with your newfound abilities and may gain command over them. I would speculate from Greek stories that anger may bring about your transformation, try not to get too angry until we've found the answers you're looking for."
"Great, I'm the cat version of Bruce Banner." Harry returned, retreating until his feet hit a bed, sitting down on it before throwing his weight back in exasperation. Hands came up to massage his forehead from the mild stress headache that knocked at his cranium. A saddened look took over Hermione's face at Harry's words, her expression going unnoticed by the young wizard.
As Pomfrey finished her notes, she granted them permission to leave, instructing them that if they had any other questions or new symptoms arise to return to her. Other than their cat condition, the rest of them seemed to be perfectly healthy, excessively so considering their age.
At the dismissal, Hermione bolted from the wing, sprinting through the door that was closing behind Dumbledore. Craning his head up, Hermione's actions troubled Harry as he gazed at the slowly closing door Hermione had just slipped through.
Guilt sank in on him, he had essentially assaulted her, r ped her, after his transformation. 'She must hate my guts right now.' Harry thought as he fell back down. 'If only I had been able to control the beast, I wouldn't have had my way with her.'
—-
Hermione sat in Myrtle's bathroom, thankful for the sanctity of the haunted room as tears streamed down her eyes and sniffles came from her nose. Myrtle was thankfully absent, where she must be was anyone's guess. Ever since their exploits in their second year, Myrtle seemed to be a freer person, her murder was finally solved, absolutely, after 50 years.
Hermione was startled from her sobbing as the main entrance door opened and closed again. Stifling her sniffling, Hermione attempted to remain silent, hoping the intruder would remain ignorant of her presence. She heard the steps approach her door before a familiar voice spoke out, "Hermione, would you please come out." Of course it was Harry.
"Go away." Hermione cried out, unleashing her restrained sobs. She had attacked the very person she loved, the person who meant more to her than anyone in the whole world, besides her parents that is. She felt shame at what she had done to Harry in the woods.
"Hermione please,." strain evident in Harry's voice, sadness dripping from his tone. She heard him retreat away before a soft bang announced he had rested his weight against the stall opposite hers. Further clattering and ruffling clothes signaling his descent into a seated position on the floor.
"I am so sorry that I attacked and r ped you, Hermione." Harry got out through quite sobs of his own, "It wasn't me in charge, the beast had control. I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now, but I promise to gain control of this beast, to gain control of myself. I can't lose you Hermione." Harry confessed as he lost the battle of controlling his emotions and began openly weeping, his hands coming up to cover his face.
Harry looked up as the door to the stall opened, revealing Hermione to him, even with bloodshot eyes from crying, she still remained absolutely gorgeous in Harry's view. "YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BE SAD ABOUT, I'M THE ONE WHO ATTACKED YOU, I'M THE ONE WHO HAD MY WAY WITH YOU, YOU SHOULD BE ANGRY WITH ME, NOT SAD." Hermione practically screamed at Harry, anger replacing her sadness in an unexpected way.
She collapsed onto her knees before Harry on the ground, whimpering softly as she spoke again, "I'm the one who turned you into a 'Cat Bruce Banner'." She finished before falling over onto the cold hard floor. Harry rushed forward with cat-like reflexes and caught her.
Bringing her into his embrace, he cradled her meak body, unable to fight him off from the emotional turmoil within her. No more words were said as they cried into each other, both ashamed over what they had done.
Comfort eased Hermione's sorrow, her sniffling subsiding as she relaxed into Harry's arms. Curiosity gnawed at her, "How did you know where to find me?" she mumbled out, interested to discover how Harry had known where she was.
"I asked myself where Hermione would go, and when you weren't in the Library, I thought to look here." Harry answered with some levity.
"Myrtle told you, didn't she?" Hermione asked, having noted the absent spirit earlier. Harry didn't answer as he just hugged Hermione closed to his chest. 'I guess that answers that question' Hermione thought as she basked in the warmth of Harry's embrace.
—-
Dumbledore was back at the paperwork on his desk that tended to pile up from his position as Headmaster, Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock. The faster he could get somewhat caught up, the sooner he could start researching how to help Harry. A sharp knock echoed off his door. So caught up in paperwork, he failed to notice the alert ward he had set on the entry to his office.
"ENTER" Dumbledore bellowed, uneager to answer to what distracted him from his work. The slick blonde figure of Lucius was revealed by the opening door. Candlelight reflected off his shiny hair as he strode in, having a posture that owned the room.
"This is a surprise, Lucius." Dumbledore called as he dropped the quill he was holding onto the stack of papers. "What brings you to my office? The next governor board meeting isn't for a few more weeks."
"I have called an emergency board meeting after receiving information of another werewolf attack at this school." Lucius informed, not bothering to respectfully greet the famous wizard. He stalked up to Dumbledore's desk before gracefully seating himself in front of the desk.
"There are those that would like to remove you from your post as Headmaster." Lucius informed, Dumbledore eyeing the man cautiously "A teacher disappeared 2 years ago, petrifications last year, and now werewolf attacks, 3 of them, all under your tenure. You'll finally be shown for the fool you are." Lucius finished haughtily.
"I am afraid you have your facts wrong, we haven't had a werewolf attack since Professor Lupin forgot his potion while in the task of apprehending the dangerous fugitive Sirius Black." Dumbledore offered, hoping to bide time to find out what the senior Malfoy wanted.
Lucius's facade began slipping at the startingly realization that his facts were compromised. "It is my understanding that Mr. Potter and that mudblood friend of his are now both werewolves, surely from another attack." Lucius responded, attempting to maintain his composure.
"They are not werewolves," Dumbledore spoke, correcting the information, "they are something else." he patronized the greasy elder Malfoy, not finishing his answer, goading at the patience of Lucius.
"Pray tell, what are they?" Lucius demanded, the coolness slipping from his voice.
"Werecats." Dumbledore answered, a slight gleam in his eye knowing full well the lack of regulations around such a magical species. The last known werecats belonged to the Romans over 1500 years ago, as such modern legislation was non-existent.
"Changing terms won't change the situation. You've lost control of this school. The 'hero' of the wizarding world has been corrupted, under your watch no less." Lucius angrily responded, gesturing with his cane in an accusational manner towards the headmaster.
Dumbledore withdrew his spectacles, dropping the next to the quill before leaning back in his chair. He had cracked Lucius, now he could probe his intentions, "And what do you wish from me? You wouldn't come here to inform me of your intentions without wanting something in return." He knew enough of the cunning man to know that there was a game afoot.
Apparent composure returned to the man as he lowered his cane, lightly striking the floor as the base met the stone. "Legislative." Lucius answered menacingly, "Agree to let me introduce legislation to class these werecats among the werewolves at the next Wizengamot, and perhaps I support your continued tenure as headmaster." Lucius offered.
While Harry becoming corrupted would play well to the public, staining the image of the light faction for the foreseeable future, classing the hero of the light as a dark creature alongside werewolves, that could permanently tarnish the light faction. Dumbledore was appalled at what Lucius asked of him, but terrified that if he was removed from his post, he would be unable to protect the young man that he tasked himself to look after.
He blamed himself for the deaths of Lily and James, it was he who suggested Pettigrew be the secret keeper, not Sirius. He knew Pettigrew was second guessing his position within the light faction. He hoped by granting responsibility to the young man that he would see his own worth and remain a loyal asset. Needless to say it didn't work out that way.
Defeated, Dumbledore nodded a concedement. Lucius sneered a smile at the old man, confident in his victory, Slytherin cunning carrying him to the finish line. Rising from the chair, "I shall see you at the board meeting tonight." He finished, flourishing his dark silk robes as he departed the headmaster's office.
Depression rampaged within Dumbledore. Pinching his nose, he tried to think of ways around the conundrum that presented itself to him. He may have been a Gryfindor during his time attending Hogwarts, but you didn't become the greatest wizard of the last hundred years without learning from the 4 other houses.
—-
Harry and Hermione had their hands locked in unison as they ascended the stairs towards the tower, neither were eager for the inevitable reintroduction to their house in their new forms. Turning onto the last stairway, they were intercepted by McGonagall. She stood posed awaiting them. "I had expected to see you sooner." Sternness light in her voice.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, professor." Harry answered, confident in his steadier voice.
As Harry and Hermione stepped off at the top, McGonagall presented a key to them. "This key is to the head boy and head girl room. After Percy passed his tests, he was eager to start his internship for the Minister and departed yesterday. It has been cleaned and your personal belongings deposited in it." She explained as she stepped forward.
Harry reached out, the cold key greeting his hand. McGonagall kept a firm hold on it as her other hand came up to lightly grip his. Looking into the respected professor's face, Harry was given a reassuring non-verbal message..
Releasing his hand, she spoke again, "I am doing this to grant you and Hermione some privacy in your trying time." she explained to the pair, "I do hope you won't abuse it. I am hoping you will present yourself to your housemates at some point. Your friends should know what happened." She lectured as she looked on them with sorrowful eyes.
She knew from her time tuteling Remus that their lives were going to be far more difficult now. "Rumors have already spread when you didn't return last night." Harry's hand in Hermione's, and her's in his, gripped each other assuredly. They would be here for each other.
"Thank you Professor, I think for the time being we will seek refuge in our new room." Harry spoke up to his teacher, "but we will meet with our friends before the end of the weekend." McGonagall nodded as she turned to head down the stairs towards her office to finish grading papers.
Harry knew where the head boy room was, thanks to the Marauder's Map and a pranking expedition Harry and Ron had conducted after Percy gave them an unjust detention for being in the common room after lights out while playing chess. Stepping before the door, the key slid into the lock and clicked. Opening the door revealed the brightly lit room.
Stepping into the space, there was a living room area, a miniature version of the Gryffindor Common Room. A sofa mature the one in the common room sat in the middle, a fireplace sparkled on the side wall. No heat radiated from it, it was solely a magical way to light the room.
Two doors mirrored each other, separated by a large window that overlooked the Forbidden Forest. Harry knew that these were their respective bedrooms, one would belong to him and one to Hermione. Going to the one on the left, Harry opened it and was greeted by the belongings of Hermione stacked neatly atop the bed.
Hermione released his hand before slunking into her room and gently closing the door, emotions still wracking her. A dejected Harry ventured to the other, finding his stuff similarly stacked on the bed. Taking a quick bit of time to organize his minimal belongings to allow him to inhabit the space for the time being.
Harry sat on his bed, staring out the window of his room towards the forest, not really looking at all. He was lost in thought at the predicament and the unknown obstacles they were to overcome. Standing he walked up to stand in the doorframe of his room, looking out into the living space.
Hermione's door remained closed. Deciding space was warranted, given what had happened within the last less than 24 hours, Harry turned back into his room. He eased the door shut, but left a crack through which light streamed into the darkened room.
Stripping down to his boxers, Harry decided to take a nap. The stress of the events and a lack of sleep from the previous night had started to take its toll. Rolling into his sheets, It wasn't long before slumber overcame him.
—-
Harry was awakened by something unknown. Looking around, light softly came through the window as the day passed on the other side. Dismissing it, he gripped the warm body that was snuggled up to him. Wait, what? Looking down, the top of Hermione's head greeted his site.
When had Hermione gotten into his bed? Harry didn't mind as he shifted his arm around her, pulling her tighter into him. A content grunt came from the sleeping form of Hermione. Harry smiled down at her, placing a small kiss to her hair. Finding himself content with the situation, Harry relaxed into Hermione, allowing sleep to retake him.
I hope you guys enjoyed Chapter 5 in my series.