Lycans a new start

by SackettWT

Harry had just finished 2nd yr and his plans for the summer changed when he finds himself alone near Whitchuch. A friendly visit with Katie ends with large changes in both their lives. The newly form bond and their changes leads to changes in the lives of friends and allies. Who are their real friends? Only the Pack will know.

15. Chapter 15

A/N:A new chapter in the story of Lycans. Inspired by stories from Whitetigerwolf and Kaleb-yamato, and the challenge from timbarney110, challenge not followed. This story starts near the end of CoS 2nd year. We have reached the 3rd year. So let the hounds out. Thank you for the read and reviews. So on with the story

I only play in the sandbox created and owned by JKR.

"Normal speak"

'thought'

[bond speak]

§Parselmouth§

'French speak'

Lycans

Ch 15

1 September

Founders Family Suite

"Mr. Potter, Ms. Bones, and Ms. Lovegood please approach the door and touch the crest," instructed the ghost. There was a subtle flash of light around the three and the door, and all heard the sound of locks unlocking and a seal breaking. After all the noise died away, Harry grabbed the Door handle and opened the door. The party moved into the flat's common room and look in astonishment of what they were seeing.

"Welcome to the Founders suite," stated the ghost.

"Thank you my Lady. Who might you be?" greeted Harry, once his brain re-engaged.

"Sorry my Lord, I am Lady Hogwarts and this was the home of my friends and family," replied Lady Hogwarts.

"Does the Headmaster know you exist?" asked Luna.

"Yes and no," responded Lady Hogwarts. "He knows the castle has a sense of sentience, but not who, how much or presence. I cannot stay long, until the wards are corrected."

"Can you stay long enough to tells us about the suite and how to get to the master ward stone?" asked Harry.

"I can stay to show you the suite, but must rest and will be able to return tomorrow to guide you to the ward stone," answered the ghost.

Lady Hogwarts then informed them that all the schools house-elves respond first and foremost to the Founders and Heirs. The Headmaster can no longer order the house-elves to harm the students as he has done in the past. While she led them through the common room, guest suites, and the founders' family suites. The common room had a fireplace at each end of the rectangular room with portraits of Merlin and Morgan le Fay above the fireplaces. Along the wall opposite of the main door were four pairs of double desks, office size, with a portrait of a founder above each pair. Between the middle pair of desks was a short hall that lead to four guest suites. At the ends of the room between the fireplaces and desk were two staircases the lead to the balcony and the Founder private suites. The floor of the common room had sitting areas near each fireplace and open area by the main door. The wall with the main door had two doors for Loo's and the rest of the wall was covered with book cases, floor to celling. Off to the left of the room was a small kitchen and eating area around the left-hand fire place. The Founder suites, each had a small sitting room that then lead to the master suite and four family bedroom suites. When the tour was complete it was decided that they would stay in the Gryffindor family suite instead using three different suites, for the time being.

"Harry we can change rooms when needed, and we can have the house-elves remove or fix the family suite doors," stated Luna. "I think once you start selecting your wives for your houses is when we can change."

"Luna, Susan, I….. You both are special and over time I will want both of you to be close," answered Harry. "Just because I start adding wives for my other houses does not mean you are not important to me." Katie pulled Harry into a hug and placed a light kiss on his cheek. Both girls blushed at Katie's action and with what Harry had said.

While the teens and ghost were talking a large black cat was exploring the suite and all the rooms. She found the large cat beds near each of the fireplaces and how the enchanted cat hatches worked. When Harry and Katie retired for the night they found Midnight napping on their bed. Dobby and one of the Hogwarts house-elves had already put away their clothes and set up Hedwig's perch near one of the windows in the common room. The two teens grabbed their night clothes and headed for the en suite for a quick shower before bed. As the water turned on, the large cat hopped off the bed and transformed into a black haired beauty. Bella quickly put her cloths in the dirty bin and joined her Alphas in the shower.

All three Lycans enjoyed the shower and the presence of one another. The warmth of the shower the gentle caresses and snuggles soon had all three relaxed from the stressful trip on the express. Once they were done and relaxing, Bella ate some of the chocolate that Harry and Katie had saved for her. Even though Bella could have her own bed, she felt obligated to stay with her Alphas and slid in behind Harry as he held his mate.

=x=x=x=x=x=

2 September

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa was up early and wrote a quick letter to Lord Black asking for a meeting with him to discuss family business and the new Lord Potter. She was still reflecting on the feelings of being stalked on the platform and the sense of protection that came with it.

-x-x-x-x-x-

Hogwarts Great Hall

Breakfast was just starting when Harry and his girls walked in and headed to their respective tables to pick up their schedules for the year. Seeing that Ron was not present, Harry grabbed Hermione and pulled her along with Katie and himself to join Angelina and Alicia.

"Harry, where were you last night? I never saw you or Katie arrive in the common room?" asked Hermione.

"Katie and I were in our new quarters. As Betrothed and head of house, we are allowed marriage quarters," replied Harry. Hermione nodded to the answer.

They had only been sitting a few minutes with Harry saw Neville enter the hall and motioned for him to join them. The group was about halfway through their meals when Professor McGonagall showed up with their timetables. Harry and Katie quickly compared their tables to see how their days would match, and to verify that Harry still had Runes and auditing Arithmancy. Then Harry, Hermione, and Neville compared their tables. Then Harry and Hermione asked Neville why he was taking Divination.

"Neville, Divination would be a good course to take if they would teach about all the different types and way of using the art," stated Harry. "The way the course here is taught would require the student to already have the seer gift."

"Neville, Harry is right." added Hermione. "I thought of taking the class, but looking at the book and how it was taught, I decided against it. I may take a divination course later some place else to learn more about it, but not here."

"I don't know," stated Neville. "I thought of Runes, but that looked difficult and complex and my magic is not that strong. You both know that I struggle to cast any spell or charm."

"I think runes would be a good course for you Neville," responded Harry. "I know you kick butt in Herbology, but think about all the runes that are used to control the temperature, humidity, and water in the green house. Don't you think it would be good to be able to fine tune those runes for you greenhouses? Besides, runes do not need casting, but more of charging once done."

Neville thought for some time and then got up and approached Professor McGonagall. The two had a short discussion before Neville returned with an updated timetable, switching Ancient Runes with Divination. The first class of the day was Charms followed by Arithmancy for Hermione and Harry, then Transfiguration before lunch. After lunch was Care of Magical Creatures.

As they walked to Charms, Hermione thought back to the discussion on the train and was thankful that she had taken Katie's, Harry's and the other advice and dropped Divination and Muggle studies. Even though she wanted to take all the classes, she understood that without the gift Divination was useless, the way it was taught, and Muggle studies was incorrect about the Mundane world by about 50 years or more out of date.

Ron showed up to breakfast with less than 30 min left and commenced to shovel food onto his plate in a large pile and then started to shovel it into his mouth. He had not finished one mouthful be for shoving the next one in. Worse was when he attempted to talk while shovelling the next bite in. Ron was slightly complaining that no one woke him up.

'Thankfully we were done eating,' thought Harry, seeing the manners of his first friend.

=x=

"Oi, we're you going? Divination is this way," stated Ron, as the group left charms class for their next period.

"Ron, Hermione and I have Arithmancy now, and Neville is heading to the library to work on his Charms essay. None of us took Divination," replied Harry.

"Bloody hell. Why it's an easy Owl," retorted Ron. "Come on lets go get your scheduled change, so we have the same classes. I can't let my best mate over work himself."

"Language Ronald," scolded Hermione.

"No Ron. We chose to take classes that will help us after Hogwarts," stated Harry, moving away from Ron's attempt to pull him. "I do not fully know what I want to do yet, but Divination would not help in what ever I choose."

"Ron you need to go, or you will be late," said Neville, as he and Harry left.

Ron Weasley fumed all the way to Divination. He was Harry's Best Mate and best mates stay together and take the same classes. Someone has dosed Harry with potions or something for him to change. 'I need to write mum and talk with Professor Dumbledore, about the changes in Harry,' thought Ron, as he reached the trap door to Divination.

Meanwhile, in the Library Neville completed most of his charms paper before heading to transfiguration, and meeting up with Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Harry enjoyed his first class of Arithmancy and could not believe the hand-out last spring was so wrong about the class and what it would cover. 'I will give the class a couple of weeks and then approach Professor Vector about staying,' considered Harry. 'I wonder if the summary I got last spring was wrong on purpose to keep me out of the class?'

=x=x=x=

Gringotts

While the students were starting their first day of class as Hogwarts, several people including witches, wizards, Goblin, and mundane were arriving at the white marbled bank in Diagon Alley. All the arriving guest were directed to a large conference room where Account Manager Rockclaw was waiting for them along with Director Ragnok.

"Welcome to Gringotts. Time is money," greeted Rockclaw. All guests took up one of the empty seats. "I am Account Manager Rockclaw and this is Director Ragnok."

Present for the meeting were Dowager Longbottom, Lord Black, Lady Greengrass, Mrs. Bell, Master Barchoke, and Drs. Grangers.

"The Heirs of the Founders, of Hogwarts, have returned, and they have collected their rings," stated Director Ragnok. "The Heirs have decided to terminate the board of Governors for Hogwarts and replace it with an advisor proxy council. Dowager Longbottom and Lord Black you have been asked to remain to assist and advised the Proxy's." Madam Longbottom and Lord Black acknowledge the request and agreed.

Director Ragnok, then picked up a piece of parchment and read. "Lord Slytherin has selected Master Barchoke as his proxy," started Director Ragnok. "Lord Gryffindor has selected Lady Greengrass as his proxy, Lady Ravenclaw has selected Drs. Grangers as her proxy, and finally Lady Hufflepuff has selected Mrs. Bell as her proxy."

Lord Black and Madam Longbottom about fell out of their chairs when Director mentioned that Master Barchoke was the Proxy for Slytherin. By the time Director Ragnok mentioned the Grangers as Proxy for Ravenclaw they were grinning and about laughing, as protocol would allow a pure-blood of their standing.

Meanwhile, Master Barchoke looked at the Director Ragnok and Account Manager Rockclaw with a toothy grin and a glint in his eyes of the pending fun he was about to have. Master Barchoke, knew that the King had selected him for a new endeavour, but he had no idea how explosive it would be.

"Director Ragnok, did anyone verify that Lord Slytherin was feeling well when he selected Master Barchoke?" asked Lord Black.

"Witches and Wizards present when the names for the Proxies were presented had a similar reaction," replied Account manager Rockclaw. "Once some more information was provided the same were chuckling at the uproar and chaos the selection will cause, as Lord Slytherin also selected Master Barchoke to sit his seat in the Wizengamot."

Lord Black was able to keep a semi straight face at hearing the new information. Internally he was about to bust a gut from laughing. He knew that Harry had something planed for the new school year, but had no clue that it would be this big and explosive. It was just the kick in the arse they needed.

Richard and Emma asked how they were to attend meetings if the castle and other such locations were warded against mundanes? Rockclaw answered by presenting them with charms that would allow them to see the castle and cancel the effects of muggle-repealing wards. All the proxies were informed of their seats for both the Governors positions and the Wizengamot.

"Lord Black, the Heirs have requested that you introduce the proxies to the Wizengamot after you held the first Governors meeting and cleaned house," stated Director Ragnok. "The Heirs are interested in seeing what the fired members try in the Wizengamot, after their proxies take up their seats. Gringotts has also started a full audit of the Hogwarts books and were directed to collect any and all gold removed in appropriately with penalties. This will include the bloated pay, gifts, and expenses many of the former governors gave themselves."

"These four Heirs are going to stir up all kinds of problems for some factions in the Wizengamot," stated Dowager Longbottom. "They most likely will start a panic within the Ministry, as the Founders can easily veto any ill-conceived law."

"That will be the second hit the Wizengamot will have." stated Lord Black. "I will introduce the new Proxies at the October meeting. I plan to remove Lucius at the September meeting, and cause other problems for the Ministry. This will allow us to meet with the former governors and inform them their presence is no longer required, and to inform them that their past actions will have consequences."

==x==

Lunch saw Ron still angry at Harry for not taking Divination with him, and glaring at Neville and Hermione for keeping Harry from his best mate. Ron was also upset that Harry would not sit with him for Lunch and did not want to play Wizard Chess. Instead, Harry was sitting with Katie and the other chasers talking about their classes and how bad Wood would be this year, during practice.

While Harry and Katie had been in class all morning Midnight had been out patrolling the castle halls. Partially to refamiliarise herself with the castle and secondary to look for a rat. She knew that she could get into Gryffindor tower as Katie and Harry are in the house. She thinks she can get into Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff as Luna and Susan are betrothed to Harry. Likewise, she had never been in any of those houses as she was in Slytherin as a student. After her morning stroll and fact finding, Midnight made her way to Katie in the Great Hall. Katie slipped Midnight some chicken.

After lunch Gryffindor and Slytherin students headed down towards Hagrid's hut for CoMC class. Once there Hagrid led the class to the paddocks which were holding a herd of Hippogriffs, for the class. Hagrid went in and collected one and brought it out to explain more about the creature and how to properly interact with one, in case they ever come across one.

"Now, who would like to approach Buckbeak?" asked Hagrid, after explaining how to properly approach. While Harry was watching the Hippogriff with fascination he did not see the rest of the class back up, leaving him alone. "Thanks Harry," responded Hagrid, once Harry realized he was alone. Harry followed Hagrid's instructions and greeted Buckbeak, and soon was off riding the magnificent creature, with some help from Hagrid.

Throughout this time and while Harry was flying Malfoy had not listened to anything Hagrid was saying about the creatures before them and complained to his bookends and Pansy, about having to suffer the oaf. He had not been able to open the course book, until Hagrid explained to the class. Hagrid had been lecturing on the social structure, interactions within the herd and with outsiders.

Harry and Buckbeak had just landed, inside the paddock, and Harry was moving away from Buckbeak towards the paddock fence when Hagrid motioned for the class to approach the fence. "Now who else would like to approach Buckbeak or one of the others?" inquired Hagrid. "Do not attempt to ride any of them." Slowly Hermione, Neville, Daphne, Tracey, and Fay entered through the gate. They all stood still in a line facing the four Hippogriff that were approaching them. Once the Hippogriffs stopped moving Hagrid had them spread out some and slowly approach. Neville was on the far end with Daphne to his right then Tracey, Fay and finally Hermione.

Now is when Draco decided to show he was more Gryffindor than Slytherin. He and his tag-a-longs moved to and over the fence ignoring the looks from Hagrid and the other students. 'I'm a Malfoy and all of you are beneath me,' thought Draco, as he sneered at them. He shoved Neville aside, after climbing over the fence, and continued to rapidly approach Buckbeak.

"You stupid bloody bird. You are no threat if Potter can ride you," yelled Draco as he approached, stopping to stand beside Daphne. Harry was helping Neville back up when he saw and heard Buckbeak rare back in offence to Draco's approach, attitude, and noise.

Before Hagrid could get there to calm Buckbeak. Buckbeak came back down striking out with his right front claw. Harry spun around and pulled/shoved Malfoy out of the way of the attack. Several heard the crack as Malfoy landed awkwardly on his left hand and arm, just before they heard the scream from Daphne as she saw the claw strike across Harry's back as he shielded her body. What no one saw in the short time span was the balancing step Buckbeak took on the uneven ground as his body came down for the strike. The strike would have caught both Malfoy and Daphne.

Hagrid reached Harry and Daphne and placed himself in front of Buckbeak and calmed the hippogriff down before leading him and the other hippogriffs away.

"Hagrid you need to get Harry and Malfoy to Madam Pomfrey," said Hermione, when Hagrid returned to the students.

"Yes, you're right Hermione," responded Hagrid, once he recognized the injuries. "Seeing Mr. Malfoy can walk Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle escort Mr. Malfoy to the hospital wing. I will be watching all three of you." Seeing Mr. Malfoy moving towards the castle, Hagrid gentle picked Harry up and carried him to Madam Pomfrey, "Class dismissed." Hermione, Ron, Neville, Fay, Tracey, and Daphne all collected their bags and started to the castle, Hermione also collected Harry's bag.

Daphne saw the way Pansy was running towards the castle and to Professor Snape, most likely, cast a quiet tripping jinx at her. Pansy tripped and fell loosing her hold on Draco's and her book bags. Both bags slide down the hill back towards Hagrid's hut. Once she got back up she saw that there was no one still near the hut to ask, so had to go back and collect their bags.

Messrs. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle arrived in the hospital wing just before Hagrid did with Harry. Madam Pomfrey saw the injured Malfoy and directed him to a bed. She only got a quick Immobulus on the arm, before the doors opened again with Hagrid carrying Harry. She directed Hagrid to a bed across the room.

"Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle, you are not to leave," informed Madam Pomfrey, as she left to assess the new patient. "Hagrid what happened?" Poppy asked.

"Harry was clawed by Buckbeak across the back," was all Hagrid could get out. Hagrid was feeling terrible that one of the students got hurt. Nodding Madam Pomfrey turned Harry over and removed his robes and shirt. There across his back were three long, and somewhat deep, lacerations going diagonally from right shoulder to left hip. Madam Pomfrey summoned privacy screens around Harry's bed and went to collect needed supplies.

"What about my arm," whined Malfoy when he saw Madam Pomfrey going back towards the screens.

"Mr. Malfoy your broken bone can wait a few minutes, while I treat a more serious injury," replied Madam Pomfrey, as she went back behind the screens.

Poppy was just starting to clean the wounds on Harry's back when she heard the double doors open again. 'What now?' thought Poppy, as she continued to clean the wound. Soon there was a knock on the screen before she heard Professor McGonagall ask to come in.

"Poppy anything I can help with," asked Minerva when she entered.

"Yes keep everybody else out and see if you can get a complete story on how these two were injured?" requested Poppy. "Once I have Mr. Potter's wounds cleaned, closed and dressed I will fix Mr. Malfoy's forearm."

Minerva went back outside the screens and started to talk with Hagrid along with Ms. Granger, Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Greengrass, as all four were waiting near the doors. She also talked with Mr Crabbe, and Mr. Goyle, away from Mr. Malfoy to see what their version of events was. All retelling of events by the six questioned people matched and collaborated.

Professor McGonagall had just finished talking with the six and now had a clear picture of what had happened today in CoMC class, when Madam Pomfrey made her way back over to Mr. Malfoy. Madam Pomfrey recast a couple of quick diagnostic charms to confirm it was a clean break and followed with a bone knitting charm to repair the break. When finished she wrapped the forearm/wrist in a splint and placed the arm in a sling to rest and restrict the use of wrist and arm.

"Mr. Malfoy, you are not to do anything strenuous for the next 48 hours. You will also have to take a small dose of Skele-Gro to reinforce the bone knitting charm," instructed Madam Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey had just set the cup of Skele-Gro down in front of Mr. Malfoy when the doors to the hospital wing slammed open.

"Potter, detention with me for the week and 100 points for blatantly attacking another student," yelled Professor Snape. Severus had only taken two more steps before he found a wand pointed at his hooked nose at point-blank. His eyes had to uncross as they left the glowing wand tip to the follow the wand up to its owner and was looking at a riled Med Witch.

"Professor Snape you will keep your voice down in my ward, or you will be spending some much-needed quality time in here and not your dungeon playing with your potions," stated Madam Pomfrey. "Understand?"

Professor Snape nods his understanding and slowly backs away from the angered Med Witch.

"Professor Snape, your detention and point deduction are removed," stated Professor McGonagall.

"Headmaster you are not going to allow this blatant attack on Mr. Malfoy to go unpunished?" demanded Professor Snape, when he saw the Headmaster walk into the ward.

"Severus, until I know the facts. Yes," replied Dumbledore, seeing the look on Minerva's face and that of Poppy.

"Albus it appears Mr. Potter's actions kept Mr. Malfoy from being injured by an enraged hippogriff, of his own doing, and kept Ms. Greengrass from bing scarred, by the same creature," informed Professor McGonagall.

"Ms. Parkinson informed me that Potter attacked Mr. Malfoy from behind, breaking his arm," retorted Professor Snape.

"It would seem that Ms. Parkinson is not providing the whole story," responded Professor McGonagall. "The story I have from Professor Hagrid, Ms. Granger, Ms. Greengrass, Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle all agree with one another and will differ from what you were told by Ms. Parkinson."

"Minerva what did you learn about what happened?" asked Dumbledore.

"Mr. Malfoy, was not paying attention, or chose not to, to the lecture at the start of the CoMC class, nor did he pay attention to the demonstration provided by Professor Hagrid and Mr. Potter. He approached the hippogriff not as instructed by Hagrid, but with his usual pompous arrogance and offended the creature. Mr. Potter reacted from what he was doing pushing Mr. Malfoy out of harms range and shielded Ms. Greengrass with his body," summarized Professor McGonagall. "I received the same information from all six of those questioned, independently. Ms. Parkinson would you like to explain what happen, if what I explained was wrong?"

Pansy looked at Draco and the Professor Snape for any help with the question. She knew what she had told Professor Snape was incorrect, and she saw it as a chance to get Potter in trouble.

"Well Miss Parkinson?" asked Professor Snape.

"What they said was correct," answered Miss Parkinson softly, while looking down at the floor.

"Very well then, 20 points from Slytherin for not listening and following the directions of a professor, Mr. Malfoy," stated Dumbledore. "20 points from Slytherin for lying to a professor, Miss Parkinson and two nights of detention with Professor McGonagall. No Professor Snape she will not serve them with you. Finally, 20 points to Gryffindor, Mr. Potter for protecting fellow students."

"Wait until I inform my father about this abuse and the lack of response in destroying that creature for attacking me," stated Draco.

"Mr. Malfoy, your arrogance and attitude lead to the events of today," responded Professor McGonagall. 'It would not surprise me that Magic did not create a minor life debt today.' "I believe having the Board of Governors look into the events will determine the happenings and provide the proper response and corrective actions."

"There is no need to involve the Governors in this matter," responded Dumbledore. "They are far to busy to be bothered with minor class squabbles."

'Oh, but the new Governors' council will be involved Dumbledork,' reflected Katie, as she entered the hospital ward and made her way to Harry's bed. 'You, Snape and Malfoy will not like their actions.'

[Be nice love,] remarked Harry, as he saw Katie heading towards him.

"I believe an impartial look at the events is what we need," commented Katie, as she reached Harry's bed. "Minor class squabbles? An heiress of an Ancient and Noble house is almost disfigured by the actions of a lesser House is not a minor issue."

"Appropriate points deductions and detentions have been issued," replied Dumbledore.

"Headmaster you have shown that you are not impartial in most cases," added Harry, after being allowed to sit up by Madam Pomfrey. "As an example; if Professor McGonagall had not already been here in the hospital ward when Professor Snape stormed in with his detention and point deduction would you have countered his actions? By your track record, no you would not have rescinded his actions. You will not back up the other Heads of House against Professor Snape's very bias point deductions and handing out of detentions, even when confronted with hard evidence that he was wrong. You will not ensure that the offending party, if a pure-blood, is properly punished."

"Harry, you must learn to forgive and not hold these grievances and prejudice. It will only lead you down the wrong path of hate," replied Dumbledore, in an attempt to placate and show how disappointed he was in Harry's statement.

"Headmaster, you are doing just what Mr. Potter confronted you with," responded Madam Pomfrey. "You are trying to make Mr. Potter feel responsible for the actions of Mr. Malfoy and Professor Snape. Now everyone out unless I have told you to stay."

"Poppy I need to speak with Harry," stated Dumbledore.

"I said everyone out. That includes you to Headmaster," replied Poppy. "Headmaster, you will not harass a student with questions while they are here. Mr. Malfoy once you have finished your potion you can leave. I want to see you tomorrow morning to check on your arm." Madam Pomfrey, watched as Professor McGonagall turn the Headmaster around and ensure he left the ward.

Madam Pomfrey made her way to Harry and Katie and let Katie know that she could stay for a few minutes, and that Mr. Potter must rest until he is released for dinner. As she left Katie and Harry, Poppy placed some privacy wards up to let them talk in private. Katie looked towards Daphne and motioned for her to come over before leaving.

"How are you feeling love?" asked Katie. "I will get a letter off to Lord Black, Madam Bones and Solicitor Tonks, after I leave. I think Dumbledore will try to prevent any messages getting out if I wait."

"I am doing better now that Madam Pomfrey cleaned and closed the wounds," answered Harry. "Call Dobby if you need to send the messages. I do not think Dumbledore will think to block house-elves."

"Why did you save Malfoy?" inquired Katie.

"When I turned around, from helping Neville up, I saw that Buckbeak had taken a slight turn and his attack would also hit Daphne. So I rushed over and shoved Malfoy out of my way and kept my back to Buckbeak, shielding Daphne," answered Harry. "I was not concerned for Malfoy, but for Daphne. The strike would have possibly got her in the face, neck, or chest."

"Well I can agree that she was more important than Malfoy," replied Katie. Daphne was blushing slightly by their comments. "Now you rest, and I will be back before dinner to walk you down."

"Daphne, get a letter to your mother about what happened," stated Katie, when Daphne arrived.

"Why?" asked Daphne.

"From what Harry said, you could have been disfigured during the accident," replied Katie. "This should allow your mother to stop all contract talk until after Samhain. Allowing you and your parents to observe the heir in question to see how he and his parents respond to what happened."

"I would not put it past Lucius Malfoy to demand more concessions from your family if you had been harmed, even though it was by Draco's actions," added Harry.

Daphne looked between the two and nodded her understanding of what they were saying, and she had to agree that they were correct. She bid them farewell and left to send a short message to her mother.

Katie closed and gave a gentle hug and kiss on his lips before she left him to rest. She let Madam Pomfrey know that she was leaving and would be back for dinner. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle had left the hospital ward while Katie was talking with Harry and headed back to Slytherin common room.

Katie quickly made her way to their room and was greeted by Hedwig when she arrived. "You knew I was going to need your service's girl?" asked Katie.

Hedwig bobbed her head and clacked her beak while giving Katie a look of 'Yes I knew you needed my services.' By leaving from the suite Hedwig would not be diverted by the hastily placed wards Dumbledore had put up on the Owlery.

As Katie was talking to Hedwig, Lady Hogwarts was checking on the house-elves and instructing them they are not to listen to the headmaster or to add any potions to the food or drinks. She was also calling all the castle ghosts to inform them that they were not to report the activities of the students to the Headmaster unless there was an open attack on a student, or other hostile encounter. After diner, she plans to take the Heirs to the ward stones to start correcting the damage done by countless headmasters.

=x=

Great Hall, Dinner

Katie got her letters off to Lord Black & Sirius, Madame Bones and Solicitors Tonks, before she returned to the hospital wing to escort Harry to Dinner. When the two arrived in the Great Hall the noise level dropped as everyone turned to look at Harry. The rumour mill had been running rampant since the events of CoMC class.

Daphne was also able to get her owl and letter out to her mother, before attending dinner. She then talked with Astoria about what happened and for her to stay on her toes and with friends in case Malfoy or one of his cronies try something in retaliation.

At the staff table, Snape was scowling at everyone, even his own house. Dumbledore was watching the students and Harry with more interest as he entered with Katie and went to sit for dinner. As they walked in they were met by Ms. Bones and Ms. Lovegood, who joined them for the meal. The small group was greeted by Ms. Granger and Mr. Longbottom as they approached the Gryffindor table and joined their friends for diner. Ever since getting together the group of four Gryffindors had moved down the table some and sat with the twins and other two chasers. Since Ronald had his falling out with Harry, he joined Dean and Seamus for meals. 'Harry needs to repair his friendship with Mr. Weasley,' thought Dumbledore.

Over at the Slytherin table Malfoy was attempting to play up the severity of the injury, to include how he received it and the amount of agony he was in from the broken wrist/forearm. It all fell on death ears, as many in the house had heard what had happened in the class and with Parkinson afterwords. The house was not happy with the point loss caused by the two third years.

=x=

Founders suite

Hogwarts

While Harry was resting in the common room, after dinner, with Luna, Susan and Katie, Lady Hogwarts moved into the room, from down the back stairs and called to the group.

"I am glad to see you all here. How are you feeling Harry?" ask the ghost.

"Tired, sore and stiff," replied Harry. Madam Pomfrey may have healed the wounds, but the tissue was still tender and tight.

"Good, to see you getting better. I came by to lead you three to the Ward stone to begin correcting ages of mistreatment," stated Lady Hogwarts.

"Who all can come?" asked Harry, not wanting to leave Katie.

"Only the three heirs," answered Lady Hogwarts. "Do not worry about the headmaster stopping us. Three of the House-elves will move you to a location near the stone."

Luna, Susan, and Harry made sure they had on their founders rings and nodded that they were ready, and three Hogwarts house-elves appeared and took each one of their hands and elf popped them to the ward stone anti-chamber. Lady Hogwarts was there waiting for them and then led them through a door to the ward stone room. She informed them that they were deep under the castle and that the stone pulled power from the numerous ley lines running under the castle, as well as the ambient magic that has collected over the ages. The three heirs and Lady Hogwarts spent the next few hours correcting the neglected wards and removing wards added by previous headmasters that were not needed, and generally cleaning the whole castle ward scheme.

One of the first items corrected was who could enter the two rooms and how they could arrive. The wards were locked down to only the Heirs of the Founders could enter and by house-elf only. Any other person or method would stun or incapacitate the person. Next the headmaster control stone was locked out, the headmaster would be notified of events triggering the wards, but would no longer be able to interact or make changes to the wards. The hall monitoring, anti-bullying, and hostile intent, and environmental wards were cleaned and reactivated. The wards in the common rooms and dorms (along with the rest of the castle) were activated that would monitor and incapacitate any who attempted to assault, coerce or rape a witch, or any student. Lady Hogwarts showed them how to time delay the activation and set control to only them by using their blood. It would take a few days, but the castle would slowly become warmer and clean with the environmental wards working again.

"Is there an Animagus ward to alert of the presence of an Animagus? If so can it be set to only notify the founders or their heirs?" inquired Harry. Lady Hogwarts looked at them, then the stone and nodded yes.

With that Lady Hogwarts showed them how to set the Animagus wards, set to only inform the three of them, and the Animagus ward would notify the three heirs when one crossed the wards. If one was already inside the wards it would not alarm until the Animagus left and returned. Finally, she showed them the tap added by the Marauders to make their map work. It was decided to keep that tap, as the pack would retain control of the map. They also found two taps by Dumbledore, along with a few other power draining taps placed by the other past headmasters, all were disabled and removed from the stone and wards.

"Lady Hogwarts, once the wards are corrected would you be able to scan for any hostile magic surrounding the DADA position?" inquired Harry.

"I should be able to, but will not know until the wards have changed and charged," answered Lady Hogwarts. All three of the heirs nodded, as that is the best they could hope for now.

The three heirs returned to their rooms and while they were sleeping the Wards at Hogwarts started to change and began to power up. Lady Hogwarts felt refreshed, youthful and empowered as the many useless wards placed by countless headmasters and one too many name Dumbledore fell away. It would still be a day or two before she could scour the castle for the curse or what magic was affecting the DADA position. By that time the Lady of the castle will be in much better shape and have more access to the power intended by the founders for her to protect her charges. Until that time she waited and watched as the school wards continued to charge and change. They should be ready by breakfast to announce their change.