Chapter 5
-o-
Daily Prophet
DARK MARK SEEN OVER SURRY. WITCHES AND WIZARDS IN A PANIC
Written by Gregor Asphodel
Dark Mark seen in Surrey, over the hamlet of Broadmoar. For the first time in thirteen years a Dark Mark has been seen. Responding Aurors found a family of five dead. The DMLE will not release the names, but it is known that Surry houses many wizards and witches, including Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived.
Details are scarce and the DMLE is being very tight lipped. After the well-publicized attacks last month by werewolves, there are many people feeling concerned and scared.
When asked about these events, Minister Fudge was quoted last night as saying, "This is the deranged work of mass murderer Sirius Black. How the man escaped Hogwarts and Azkaban is still unknown, but the DMLE has its top resources on it. I will be talking with my offices later to get more resources. We can't have a crazed lunatic roaming the countryside."
Minister Fudge and Headmaster Dumbledore, who is also the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, have both seen many upset and scared people asking how Black could escape from the likes of Dumbledore, the man who defeated Grindewald and the Ministry. Many are questioning how the Minister and the Chief Warlock has allowed the funding to be cut to the DMLE, which is now at 40% of what it was ten years ago. Could this be how Sirius Black escaped and is still at large? The DMLE just doesn't have the proper resources?
It is also a mystery why no one knew where the famed wizard, The-Boy-Who-Lived, had disappeared to after that night he defeated Black's Master until last month when he made headlines
There is some conjecture that the mass murderer Sirius Black is trying to find his intended target still, The-Boy-Who-Lived, after escaping from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sirius Black is a well-known supporter of YOU-KNOW-WHO and is probably seeking revenge for his Master. Is this a sign of a single deranged man trying to live the 'good ole days', or could this be a sign of something larger happening?
-o-
August 19, 1994
London, England
Madame Bones had called them in the middle of the night for an 'all hands' meeting in the morning. It was just past eight now and Tonks was disgusted with the paper still in her hands. It had arrived just before she had stepped into the briefing room. It was a crowded room, with much of the Auror and Hit Wizard force here. Over a hundred people sat around her. Seeing the assembled mass and the thunderous look on Madame Bones face when she walked in, Tonks was worried. This couldn't be anything good.
"Quiet," Madame Bones said in a loud voice and the room quieted almost immediately. Everyone here had a huge amount of respect for their Boss. "At a little after ten in the evening, a Dark Mark was reported over the Creevey household in Broadmoar. This is the real thing, everyone, even if the Minister doesn't want to acknowledge it. The Mark was verified to be made by someone who knew what they were doing and the scene in the house was horrendous."
The scene inside, well, Tonks was glad she didn't have to see that. There were a few pictures of the scene, and what there was turned her stomach. It sounded as though the people had been tortured and mutilated before they had been administered the Killing Curse. The youngest had been only four. The fact that two of the children were wizards enrolled at Hogwarts was concerning as well.
"Colin just finished his second year and his brother was due to start in the fall. Their sister had already shown signs of magic too," Amelia told them.
Amelia looked around the room. "The Minister is towing the line this was the work of a lone assailant, Sirius Black. Evidence points to at least one magical, most likely a former Death Eater or someone trained by a Death Eater. We don't know if it's possible to cast a Dark Mark without being marked. Either way it is disturbing. There is signs of two, maybe as many as four more involved. We suspect they are werewolves or a similar creature because of the missing body parts."
"Boss, I didn't think werewolves could turn without a full moon."
"They can't and we don't think they were turned, but as you all should know from your Defense Classes, many werewolves prefer human flesh, whether changed or not."
"Shite," Smith said next to her. "It's been years since we have seen the wolves like this."
Tonks looked at him, but Madame Bones was continuing. "People are going to be running scared. What isn't reported in the Prophetthis morning because the Minister was able to bury it somehow," the disdain for the man evident in her voice, "was that they were not the only ones attacked last night. The Cresswells were also attacked, but were able to fend off at least one wizard and we think Fenrir Greyback. This has spooked the Minister and the Wizengamot and the Minister approved funds this morning to higher twenty-five more Aurors and seven new Hit Wizards."
This caused a murmur in the room. For years now, the funds for the DMLE had been reduced. Last she knew, there were 129 active Aurors and 34 Hit Wizards. The lowest number in over a hundred years. Tonks was paying attention.
"We all know what is going to happen at Hogwarts this year and the Ministry here at home needs to ensure people this is a safe place to come," she said looking around the room.
"Boss, this is a lot of stuff for us all to handle. How many are you looking to post at the Quidditch World Cup or in Hogsmeade or Hogwarts if we can't find these people?"
She gave Robards a sharp look. "Hogwarts will have a dedicated squad from Blue Group and special details when needed. Once we fill another squad with five new Aurors, then another will be assigned for Hogsmeade. We will open a new branch office to have at least ten Aurors stationed there. The French Ministry is promising a squad for the tournament and the ICW has promised eight Aurors and two Hit Wizards until end of June. The ICW resources are due in two days and will help with the Quidditch World Cup as well."
There were a few whistles around the room. That was twenty Aurors assigned to the events and Security at Hogwarts. That made her feel a little better. She had grown rather fond of her assignments over the last month. The International Confederation of Wizards Aurors and Hit Wizards were no laughing matter though. When they respond, they would defer to the local laws until they ran afoul of the ICW Laws and Statutes. Anything they do would only be accountable to the ICW.
"Now, Albus Dumbledore is not in support of any Auror on the grounds unless for sanctioned Tri-Wizard events and the Minister is trying to play interference with the ICW. The DMLE is taking the view that the ICW is welcome and expected to participate. Our Aurors will be lead, with Shacklebolt Heading up the Hogwarts group. As far as I am concerned, the second the other schools have delegates over British soil until they leave is a sanctioned event. The French and Polish Games Heads arrive August 24 and plan to stay through the end of the tournament, this means you will not be denied access to the school grounds while they are here, no matter what the Headmaster wants. The Board of Governors have voted and agreed. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang plan to arrive October 28th and leave by June 26th. "
"They all agreed?" This time it was a surprised woman in Yellow Group.
"I have the Boards approval as of yesterday. I don't know if it was unanimous."
"But that was before these attacks, Boss," Smith said next to her.
"It was Smith. This was my condition for our support of this event. The last one held at Hogwarts saw three duels that ended in serious injury or death by those not in the tournament, never mind the two hostages and one champion that went home in a wooden box. The Minister is looking for a clean Championship. I am looking for everyone to survive. Is that understood?"
"Yes," most of them chorused.
"Now, back to last night. Yellow Group is taking lead on the investigation of July 22 and last night. You have Room Eight with Greene. Green Group, you are going to be assigned to a special detail. Yaxley will have a meeting in Room Five for you after this. Blue Group, you are taking on detail for some special packages. Meet with Higgs in Room Three after this. Blue Two, you'll be meeting with Shacklebolt. Tonks, your reassigned to Blue Group Two and here," she said tossing a silver badge across the room. Tonks went to catch it and it dropped to the floor. She sat up, looking abashed as a few teased her. "Congratulation, Auror Tonks. You just got promoted. Shacklebolt will explain later. Nason. This one is yours," she said tossing another silver badge. "Congratulations. You are filling in Tonks spot in Black Group and welcome to the Aurors."
There were some claps and jokes at them.
"All right. Black Group, sorry to do this to you, but until we get the extra Aurors your on call and response."
"Joy," Smith said grumpily. "How did you get so lucky?"
Tonks gave him a cheeky smile. "I'm cuter."
The man laughed. "Didn't think the Boss swung that way."
She chuckled. "Yeah, well, no accounting for taste."
"Listen up. Cut the chatter," Amelia said around the room. "We have six days before the World cup and twelve days before the Hogwarts Express leaves London. I don't want to bury anyone else. This is serious. I expect you all to treat it that way. There are a few more reassignments on the board. Check it on your way out and report to your next meeting in ten. Now get out of here."
When she went to get up, Smith extended a hand. "Welcome to the Corps. Always knew they would make a mistake."
"You mean they keep you on," she retorted taking his hand.
The man gave her a wry smile. "Be safe kid."
"You too. I hope I don't get taken off our current assignment," she told him following the other Aurors out of the room. Those not in the room were on assignments they couldn't be taken off of and would be filled in later.
"Potter is different than I thought he would be. Nothing at all like the Prophet and those books make him out to be. Pretty modest if you ask me."
"I like the kid. His girl is worth keeping around too."
Smith nodded. "Bright girl. I hope Sasha is half as bright when she goes next year."
"I don't know. Still trying to figure out how you passed the NEWTs and entrance exam."
He shrugged. "I know, considering it was harder than when you went through."
Tonks went to hit him on the arm and instead tripped. Smith caught her. "Still think we should just put you in a bubble charm."
"Tonks," a man called out from behind him.
"Captain," she said whirling around to see Captain Phillip.
He reached his hand out to her. "Just wanted you to know when Amelia asked about either promoting trainees or bringing back ex-Aurors, I put yours on the top of the list. Don't prove me wrong."
She shook his hand, squeezing it hard. "And have you and Moody on my ass for getting blown up or something."
The man chuckled. "You better believe it."
-oOo-
August 21, 1994
Devon, England
The morning after his big breakdown had been rough. Harry had locked himself in his room after he woke. He didn't want to talk to anyone and felt so... wrong at having broken down like that. He wasn't supposed to cry or show emotion. Hermione, though, had sat herself outside his door and tried to talk to him. When he didn't respond, she had taken to just sitting there. The few times he opened the door to go to the bathroom, she had tried to get him to eat or talk. Harry ignored her as best he could. He felt ashamed, and then more so as his heart panged to see the hurt and concern in her eyes.
It was the middle of the second night he opened the door to find Hermione sleeping on the floor, curled up in a blanket. Feeling guilty, he had picked her up, thankful for the workouts Wood put them through, and carried her to her bed. She had protested feebly, saying she needed to be there for 'Harry' but the bags under her eyes and the stains on her cheeks told him that she probably hadn't slept for two or three days. She whimpered as he tucked her into her bed.
When he closed her door, he turned around to find Mrs. Granger in her doorway. She was looking tired and rough around the edges. "Harry, we will never throw you out of this house if you need a place. Dan will never raise a hand to you."
Harry had looked at her. She had been nothing but nice to him. "I'm sorry you heard that," he told her. His stomach grumbled.
"Harry, you have nothing to apologize for. Just... just let Hermione in. She cares for you and doesn't want to see you hurting." After a few, Harry nodded. "Are you hungry?"
He wanted to say no, but the pangs in his stomach were getting bad. "Yeah," he told her, deciding to let her in a little.
She had nodded her head towards the stairs. "How about I make you a sandwich and then you can have a lie in."
After that, he had sat next to Hermione when she took up watch in the hall next morning.
"Mum said you carried me to bed last night," she told him, looking tired and concerned.
"I couldn't leave you on the floor," he told her.
She reached towards him and squeezed his hand. Harry squeezed back before he let her weave her fingers into his. After that, Harry tried to let her in.
He would work out first thing in the morning. A few days in, Hermione started to come out with him. He didn't say a word during the first week she dropped out halfway through or tossed up her stomach contents while trying to keep up with him. Instead, he would let her recover, pick her up and encourage her to keep going.
They would study runes in the morning and then research werewolves and laws most afternoons. The Anti-Werewolf legislation from last year made it almost impossible for someone infected with lycanthropy to do anything in the wizarding or muggle world to earn a living. It was something that made her distraught some days. Harry did all he could to comfort her, but he wasn't as free with his touches as he had been.
Occasionally, she would prod him to see how he was doing or ask him to talk about his relatives more. When he told her he didn't want to talk about something, she didn't press him, even if he could see it was eating at her. He had told her a few more details, but really didn't like talking about it. As it approached the full moon, she asked less questions, becoming more withdrawn most days, burying herself in books and filling her second spiral bound notebook. Sometimes she would poke her head up, like the day before the full moon.
"Harry, I think Professor Snape and our Defense book has it wrong. I don't think silver is a poison to them," she told him thoughtfully.
"Then what is it? Professor Lupin avoids it." Sometimes he still called Remus by the name he first knew the man by.
"No. He only avoids ingesting or being cut by it, except when it's in certain potions."
"So what does it do if it's not a poison," he asked.
"I'm not certain," she said looking at her notes and biting her lip.
Since that night, he also noticed that Mrs. Granger had not tried to stop him if he did chores around the house or made a meal for them. Instead, she thanked him for doing the chores or praised his cooking. He found he enjoyed doing it for her as she was starting to look more haggard and worried. She had been to see Mr. Granger a few times, each time her eyes looking more pinched, but still trying to keep a brave and happy face on for Hermione and him. He could tell Hermione was getting depressed that she wasn't allowed to go along on those trips.
Now that cooking wasn't a chore he found it more pleasurable, especially as Hermione started to join him. It was one of the few times of the day she wasn't usually dower. He tried to teach her how to cook, only being half successful at times. It was one of those mornings where Hermione was at his side, her hip touching his, as he tried to show her how to judge when to flip a fried egg. "So, you want over easy or medium," he asked her, looking at the bubbling edges of the white albumin.
"You like it runny, right," she asked him.
"Only the yoke. I thought we were making these for you?"
"I only asked you to help. I didn't say who was eating them. So when do I do this?"
Harry tried to hide his cringe. He nudged her hip with his own. "Hermione, how can you be so good at potions and not at cooking?"
"Potions are really logical. Fried eggs aren't. Should I do it now?" Her last sounded unsure.
"Now," he told her.
She let out a quick breath as the yolk broke. "Every time," she huffed in annoyance.
"Your lifting the egg too high. It's easy. Here," he said reaching around her. She let him take her wrist and easily responded to his touch as he guided the thin metal spatula under the egg. He quickly lifted and twisted her wrist. Her body followed his lead and the egg landed in the pan with no damage.
"How...how did you do that," she asked. Her breath brushed across his face. He hadn't realized that as he helped her, he had wrapped his other arm around her waist and his cheek was pressing into hers. She leaned into him and Harry noticed how nicely she fit against him.
"Practice," he told her. There was something about her being so close that had him holding his breath. She wrapped her free arm around the one holding her waist. Taking a breath, he smelled the flowery shampoo she used and her breath smelled of peppermint. They hadn't been this close since that night, but his mind was definitely not in the same place. She shifted her head and kissed him on the cheek. It was the first time since his birthday. "Can I practice like this?"
Harry could feel his heart thudding in his chest. He turned his head. "Herm..." he didn't get to say anything else as her lips met his. He was so shocked, he didn't respond at first. After a few seconds, she pulled away, uncertainty in her eyes. Harry, realizing she had just kissed him felt a smile creep across his face. Her eyes lost their uncertainty. He wasn't sure how this was supposed to work, never having kissed anyone before so when he leaned down, his lips met hers in a chaste meeting. This time, her eyes had a much more satisfied look when he pulled back. They were half closed and sent a thrill of excited heat through him. He moved to kiss her again and she met his lips. After a second, Hermione started to move her lips against his and he responded. He was sure it was sloppy and not what a kiss should be, but he was enjoying it. Hermione pushed his arm into her stomach.
"What are you doing," Tonks shouted striding into the kitchen. "Trying to burn the place down?"
"Shite," Harry exclaimed, pulling back. Smoke was pouring out of the pan. The thudding in his chest as much from the sudden danger as it was from what he had just been doing. "Out of the way," he said moving Hermione and grabbing the pan. He quickly moved it to the sink and turned the water on.
Hermione glared at Tonks. "I was enjoying that," she said angrily to the Auror.
"Well, things were about to get hotter in here than two teens making out," she retorted.
Hermione made a disgusted sound at her. "Why did they make you come inside anyways!"
"Because of this," Tonks yelled back and took a newspaper out of her pocket. She put it on the counter next to Hermione.
Hermione looked at the paper and Harry saw her eyes go large. "That's not a..."
"A Dark Mark. Yes."
"Why didn't you tell us? Gah, why can't we get the Prophet! This is horrible," Hermione sounded appalled. "Did... did anyone die?"
"Five. I didn't tell you because your mum didn't want you to worry with everything else going on."
"What is the Dark Mark and who died," Harry asked. He looked between Tonks and Hermione, who had been acting more like sisters than anything else.
"The Death Eaters would use it when they used to kill people that opposed them," Tonks said. "I saw it once when I was younger. The McKinnon's didn't live far from us. Mum cried for days."
Hermione put a hand to her mouth. "Oh, Tonks."
At the mention of the Death Eaters, Harry walked over to the counter. His insides clenched. Twice this summer he had had very vivid dreams, or nightmares, about the man that created such animals. "Tonks, who died?"
"The family was called the Creevey's. That has not been released to the press yet, but I thought you might know them." Tonks did not look happy.
"Colin," Hermione squeaked.
Harry had a sudden revulsion that he had been so annoyed with the boy. Colin was always taking photos of everything, especially him, but he didn't deserve to die.
"They are hunting muggleborns," Hermione said. She moved towards Harry and wrapped her arms around his. Harry put a hand on her arm. "I know the others attacked last month. They were all muggleborn or raised."
Tonks looked at her shocked. "How did you know that," she asked.
"I pay attention at school. You realize only about 10% of the students are Muggleborn? Someone is trying to kill us."
"Hermione, I will not let anything happen to you," Harry told her.
"Why does it smell like something is burning," Mrs. Granger asked coming into the kitchen.
"You should ask your daughter and her boyfriend," Tonks said changing tact and dropping her serious mood. "I found them kissing and the pan burning."
"Tonks," Hermione cried out. Harry snapped his attention to Mrs. Granger, his heart pounding almost as hard as it had a few minutes ago. He squared his shoulders.
Mrs. Granger raised an eyebrow. "I see. We'll have a talk later, my little woman."
"Yes, mum," Hermione said behind him.
"I am going to the safe house this morning. Air out this smoke and clean up this mess. Tonks, make sure these two don't get up to too much trouble," Mrs. Granger said. "Remus should be here very soon."
Harry didn't miss the change in mood. Hermione clutched his arm. He knew what day this was. If Mr. Granger did well after tonight, he would come back home, then they could figure out what happens next. Harry was already working with Remus to fund the Safe House from the much larger Potter Vaults that he had had no clue about until after his birthday. He was going to have to talk to Remus about setting up a fund for the Grangers and Entwhistles as well. He didn't want any of them to suffer the way Remus has or to have to worry about the Anti-werewolf Reforms.
He still wasn't sure if Annabel was going to go back to Hogwarts yet. It had been reported that she had been bitten, so Harry was sure parents would be against it like they had been Remus when he was exposed. The laws would also not allow it. He still wanted to hex Snape for letting that out.
He also noticed a look pass over Tonks face at the mention of their old Professor. It took her a second to respond. "So, can you define 'too much trouble'?"
Mrs. Granger gave them a look. "My daughter knows the limits. Now. Auror Kingsley was here late last night. I see you saw the news. He asked that you two modify the wards. He only wants the immediate family, Harry, Remus, Tonks, Fawlsey and himself allowed right now. No one is to leave the house today. That means both of you. I should be back by noon."
"Yes, Mrs. Granger," Harry said. The wardstone in the basement would only allow Hermione, himself or Remus to change permissions. Harry had a feeling there was something else going on for them to go on lock-down like this.
There was a small crack outside the back door. Harry could see Remus holding the hand of a young girl with long dark hair and dark eyes who looked like she wasn't feeling totally well. She was looking around curiously as she pulled on Remus' hand and said something.
"I guess Theresa wouldn't leave his side," Mrs. Granger said. "All right, you two. Behave today."
"Mum," Hermione called as her mother moved towards the door. Her mother stopped and Hermione moved around him to hug her. "Can you tell dad I love him," Hermione asked.
Mrs. Granger's features softened as she hugged her daughter back. "Of course, Hermione. He should be back home this week."
"I hope so," Harry heard Hermione say. "I miss him."
They separated and Mrs. Granger walked out the door. As it opened, Remus looked up from talking with the girl. His eyes caught Tonks. Even in his sallow state there was a need in his eyes. Harry felt bad for Remus that he had to go through this. Now the younger girl at his side and Mr. Granger. Harry frowned. "Good morning, Terry. I like your hair. Did Missy Prim do that?"
The girl smiled. "Yes, Mrs. Granger. Who is that," she asked looking in the house towards him.
"That's my daughter's friend, Harry Potter."
She looked at him curiously, but there wasn't the usual recognition or excitement he received from wizard raised children. "Is that your daughter? She's really pretty," the girl said nodding towards Hermione. "The other lady is too. I like her pink hair."
Mrs. Granger smiled. "Tell you what. Maybe you can come over next week and meet them."
The girls face brightened. "I can leave the house? Oh, can I really Uncle Remus?"
Remus gave her a strained smile. "We can probably do that. I'm sure Harry and Hermione wouldn't mind."
Hermione moved towards them and Harry followed. He was not going to let Hermione be in any danger and something tickled at him to protect her. "Of course not," Hermione said leaning down so she was eye level with the girl. The girl cocked her head to the side and took in a deep breath. "I like how you smell," she said before looking at Harry. "He smells like you. Like the pink hair lady smells like Uncle Remus and Mrs. Granger smells like Mr. Granger."
Remus gave them a look. Harry wasn't sure if it was concern or something else. Hermione looked at the girl, as though lost for words. "Right," Remus said quickly. "I think we should get back, Theresa. Mrs. Granger would like to spend some time with Mr. Granger today."
"Yes, Uncle Remus," the girl said easily.
"Jane." Remus extended an arm before they apparated with a slightly louder crack than normal.
A moment later, Hermione stood up. She turned on her heels. "I need to go research something," she told him and left him and Tonks standing in the kitchen.
"What was that about," Harry asked himself out loud. He ran a hand through his hair. Tonks shook her head as though coming out of a daze.
"Dammit," she said quietly. Her tone was a bit harsh when she spoke up. "You heard Mrs. Granger. No going outside today and stay out of trouble."
"Sure," he said still unsure what was going on. Harry moved to clean up the mess Hermione and him had made. As he worked, he thought about what had happened, his mind alternating between soft lips on his and the boy who always had his camera.
After that, the day had been quiet. Mrs. Granger came back a little after lunch looking concerned and careworn. He was just cleaning up lunch after making sure Hermione had eaten a half sandwich. He couldn't convince her to eat more. She had books and notes all over her bedroom floor and refused to leave. Fawlsey and Tonks were still at the table. He offered to make Mrs. Granger a plate, but she politely refused and went up to her room.
When Harry went back upstairs, he found Hermione's door closed. Leaving her be, confused now over this morning. He had thought Hermione liked him. She had kissed him. He had kissed her. Then she had run away. Maybe he was a bad kisser?
Not wanting to follow that thought trail he decided he would open his new Runes books. He still had much to cover from last year, but Dumbledore had approved the change and he had gotten a study schedule to try and catch up. Hermione had been helping. Especially once they had received their new letters the day after his birthday and had gone to Diagon Alley to get their supplies last week.
This time of the day, the sun was on the back of the house, so Harry sat in a chair like in Hermione's room and started to read. There wasn't much else to do. At dinner, he made them pizza, hoping to cheer up Hermione and get her out of her room. Again, he had to bring her a plate and she absently thanked him as she furiously wrote, a dozen or more pages of torn out notes from her notebooks lay around her. "Hermione, you should take a break."
She shook her head. "Harry, I think I almost have it. Did mum come back," she asked reaching for a slice of the pizza he had made. She took a bite and chewed absentmindedly.
"A while ago. What are you working on," he asked her.
She waved him off. "I don't want to say anything yet."
After that, she went back to her research and he left her, closing the door. He really wanted to talk about that morning, but he figured it was a bad time. She was probably working on something to help her father and kissing him was probably the furthest thing from her mind at the moment. Colin and his family were weighing on his mind too. As where the others. Harry knew Justin, even if the boy thought he had tried to kill him twice. Harry had nothing to do with the basilisk, but he had saved him from the incompetent Lockheart, even if most of the school thought otherwise.
It was with these thoughts that Harry retreated back to his room. The house was quiet as the sun set. He was forced to turn his back to the window as the long rays of orange pierced the room. He leaned against the chair. His mind was lingering on the kiss this morning, not the book and parchment on his lap. It had been one of the most thrilling things he could remember, but with Hermione ignoring him, he was coming to the conclusion that Hermione kissing him was just a fluke. Probably just stress from the day. It was a depressing conclusion. He should probably tell her it didn't mean anything to him if she brought it up. She didn't need to worry about him right now.
Harry put the book down and stood up. He stretched as the last rays of the sun moved across his room. Harry didn't always sit this much so he leaned over to stretch for the floor. Going out into the hall, he knocked on her door. "Hermione?"
She didn't answer. He tried again. When she didn't answer again, he thought a cup of tea and maybe being teased by Tonks was better than wallowing in his thoughts. He knocked one more time. "Hermione," he said to the door.
He heard something rustle in the room. After a moment, he sighed. She was trying to avoid him now. Harry turned away when he heard something thump in her room. "Hermione," he called out. He thought he heard a cry of pain. He turned the doorknob and slammed his shoulder into the door. There was another sound, like something crashing on to the floor and breaking. "Hermione! Open the door!"
He slammed his shoulder into the door as something else broke. Grabbing his wand out of his pocket he called out, "Alohamora!"
The door burst open as he hit it this time. Something growled and Harry froze. There was stuff all over the floor. A bookshelf on the walls was broken and books were in a pile on the floor. Hermione's reading chair was missing a leg and lay on its side. What made his heart just about stop was seeing her jeans and shirt in tatters by a wolf looking creature in a heap on the floor. This one looked different than Lupin, but more like the one that had attacked him a month ago.
It had a thick coat of chestnut fur that stuck up along its back. It was smaller, but with the longer limbs and barrel chest of a werewolf. It looked a more majestic and healthier version than Remus or the other one. "Hermione," Harry asked. The creature looked up at him, confusion and pain in eyes he knew well. When Remus had looked at them when a werewolf, he hadn't seen anything of the man he knew in his eyes. Here, he recognized his best friend's expressive brown eyes. She whimpered at him.
"Harry! What is going on," he heard Fawlsey call up as he rushed up the stairs.
It was almost instant. She growled, her teeth baring and shakily getting to her feet. The door behind him opened. "Stay out!" Harry rushed the door, slamming it on Fawlsey. Hermione, as a werewolf, took a stumbling step. "Coloportus!"
"Harry!" Fawlsey yelled through the door.
"Get Mrs. Granger away!"
Hermione shook her head and growled again. His back was to the door and he watched her stand. She was taller by a good head or more than she was before. He didn't miss the claws on her hands or that her snout was full of teeth. "Harry! Open the door!" This time it was Tonks.
"Hermione's turned. Get out of here," he yelled back at them.
"Merlin's balls. Harry, get out of there," Tonks yelled.
"Hermione," her mother cried out. Hermione moved towards him, growling and looking at the door. She wasn't focusing on him.
"Tonks! Get her mother out of here. Leave me here."
Hermione was walking on all fours, getting closer to him. Harry thought it crazy that all he could smell was her shampoo. "Fawlsey. Get her out of here," he heard Tonks, a little calmer now.
"I'll send the Captain back," Harry heard Fawlsey.
"No! I am not leaving my daughter," Mrs. Granger called out. Hermione's growl deepened. She was almost too him now.
"Now, Fawlsey!." Tonks was insistent. A second later, there was a crack of apparition. "Harry, I'm coming in."
"No. Stay out there. She's almost at the door. Be quiet. It's bothering her." Harry waited for a response, but none came and it was quiet. Harry watched her silently moved next to him. Her ears flat against her head and her mouth in a snarl. He was surprised how quietly she moved, like a hunting wolf.
"Hermione," Harry said quietly, trying to get her attention. He couldn't let her leave her room if there were other people in the house. Her ears perked up to hear his voice and she looked at him. Her features fell some and the growl stopped. He tried not to shy away to see the intelligence and viciousness in her eyes. She leaned in close to him, sniffing. Harry did everything he could to not move or shy away from her. Her eyes didn't leave his. After a few sniffs, her eyes mellowed out and she sunk down, her muscles loosening and her demeanor far less threatening. After a few seconds, she began to whimper. Her wolfish face took on a look of shocked sadness.
Harry let out a breath. "Hermione, can you understand me?"
She looked at him. Impossibly, she nodded. Everything they had read said that the only cure for the rabid animals they were on the full moon was wolfsbane potion.
A scared look came over her. For some insane reason he would never be able to explain later, he crouched down to her. He had seen people do this with dogs. Reaching out his hand, he put it within biting distance. She watched him for a moment before leaning forward and sniffing his hand. She whimpered again before pulling back. "I'm not going anywhere," he told her sitting on the floor across from her. He could guess at her fears. "You don't want to hurt anyone and I won't let you. Your mum is away for the night so it's only me you and Tonks."
Her eyes looked so sad.
"Tonks," he spoke as loud as needed for her to hear him through the door.
It took her a few seconds to respond. "Wotcher, Harry." The young Auror's voice sounded strained.
"I have her laying down. I am not going to leave her. Can you keep anyone else from disturbing us?"
Hermione whimpered again and moved towards him. He didn't move and let her place her head in his lap. "Yeah, Harry. I can do that. Take care of our girl."
Harry never got a chance to respond. There was a crack out back. Hermione jumped up, yipped like a wolf and scrambled up. "Hermione, NO!" Harry called out. He jumped on her, tackling her to the floor before she could charge her window. He had not known how strong a werewolf could truly be until then. Before Hermione had turned, he probably would have been able to stop her and overpower her. Now, he found himself whipped around as she fell and rolled.
"Son of Morgana," he heard Tonks curse over Hermione's growls and barks.
"Hermione, stop," he called out as she struggled to get up. He was wrapped around her neck and shoulder. His voice had a tone of panic in it. "Hermione, stop!"
She twisted and as she did, his arm slipped. "Ahhhhh," he cried out when she bit his arm. It felt like fire was suddenly searing the wound. She yelped and scurried away from him. Harry rolled over holding his right arm. The pain wasn't as bad as that time he was bit by a basilisk, but it was bad. "Harry!" Tonks yelled through the door.
"Get away," he yelled at the door. He heard the pitiful sound of a dog in pain. Looking up, Hermione was huddled between her nightstand and the corner. The wolf looked horrified at what she had done, tears running over the fur of her muzzle.
Chapter 6
August 22, 1994
Somewhere in Devonshire, England
Remus lay on the floor panting. The transformation back was just as painful as the transformation into the wolf. The wolfsbane potion helped immensely, but it could not stop everything. It took him a moment to focus after the last of his body settled. "Master," a squeaky voice came to him. Remus pushed himself up and looked towards the bars of the cell door.
"Yes, Prim," he said in a strained voice. It always took a few hours for his voice to recover.
"The others have changed back. Can I let them out now? Ms. Theresa and Annabel shouldn't be left in these cages," a middling age house elf spoke. She was dressed in a very well maintained green tea cozy cut to make a dress. The hair in her ears was fluffy and combed out straight. It was easy to see that the house elf was loved, well taken care of and served her master with care.
"Yes. Please, bring us all our clothes. Let me and Alexandra out first and we will take care of the others. Can you have breakfast ready in a half hour? I am sure the girls will be hungry." Remus did enjoy Prim. He wasn't sure how we would ever be able to thank Lily if he was ever to meet her again. This safe house had been set up years ago for him and others. He had avoided it though. His guilt at what had happened to his friends all those years ago leaving him to wander on his own.
After meeting Harry last year, he had realized what a fool he had been to abandon their son and had moved to find out about their Will. When he had been able to obtain a copy from the Goblins at the beginning of June, he had been surprised to find out that Lily had left her elf, Prim, to him and the safe house with a small fortune for him and his kind to find a better life.
More surprising, and angering, was that the Will had been suppressed for twelve years, leaving Harry in an abusive environment and almost denying him his inheritance. Harry had his school vault, but the rest of the Potter fortune had been locked away and if not claimed by his seventeenth birthday would have been forfeit to the Ministry. Remus had seen to that as fast as he could. He had also moved to claim his role as Harry's Guardian.
He regretted that they had not declared who their secret keeper was. There was a special space reserved for traitors and betrayers in the depth of Tartarus, and the man was going to feel the full wrath of his own actions. If Peter had been named, then that would have made it viable to get Sirius' name cleared, though he doubted that with the smear campaign against his friend for the last year if clearing his name would find the man a better life. Sirius would be on the outskirts of society, much like himself. Remus couldn't deny though that he missed the man's company.
The one point that Remus was still fuming about was the witnesses of the Will. Alice and Frank Longbottom, who had been tortured into insanity and could be excused for not executing the Will, the next witness could not. Their trusted Headmaster and Leader of the Order of the Phoenix had his name very boldly affixed to the bottom of the Will. It was his responsibility to know it existed and ensure the Goblin's and Ministry made its clauses legal after what happened to the Longbottoms. He was sure it had been Lily to name him Executor of the Will, Potter Estates and Guardian of Harry before Sirius and then the Longbottoms. Almost thirteen years ago, he should have taken Harry and not had the poor boy sent to the two people the Will had expressly forbid.
Now, Remus would do as right by Harry as he could, starting with making sure the father of his mate was protected and as prepared as possible.
The elf had popped away to return only a few seconds later with a large wicker basket. She put his clothes in his cell and unlocked it. He dressed into his slacks and shirt, but left his coat and shoes there. He picked up his wand. "Uncle Remus," Theresa was calling.
"I'm coming, Theresa," he called out. At the far end of the narrow hall, another cell was opening. A broad-shouldered woman in the later years of her life with a few wisps of grey in her dark hair and hazel eyes that were calculating, with a kind hint, walked into the hall. "Alexandra, will you get Annabel? Dan, we'll let you out in a few," he said passing the cell. Mr. Granger was sitting up, still looking disorientated and hadn't seemed to hear Remus.
Theresa gave him a toothy smile when she saw him. The girl had taken to him, thinking he looked like one of her Uncles. It was probably a good thing. He had been worried after what she had seen and that she was the only one to survive. Out of the three new werewolves in the house, she had been the one to adjust the best so far. She was already in her favorite shirt with a unicorn and jean pants. "Uncle Remus," she said with a smile.
"How are you feeling, Terry," he asked her.
Her smile grew. "Better. You smell different though." She sniffed. "I can smell a lot of things."
"I'm sure you can," Remus said with a small smile. After the first change, the enhanced senses would settle in. Apparently she was a sniffer. Remus was as well. Smell, hearing and sight were all enhanced, but most werewolves had one that was dominant over the others. "Do you have any pains or anything?"
She shook her head. "Can I get out now?"
Remus flicked his wand and she bounced out of the cell to hug him. Remus wrapped an arm around her. "Come on, let's get Mr. Granger."
She nodded but didn't let go of him. They turned to the cell that was across for them. Dan was moving and buttoning up his shirt. Remus looked at him. He smelt the difference in the man. Dan was an Alpha. There was no way around it. Remus had never submitted himself to an Alpha, preferring to be cast out of a pack or challenge. Dan, though, he was a healthy man in his prime. There was a confidence and surety of purpose that radiated off him and it was easy to see the other people in the house, including the very independent Alexandra, had started to defer to him as the full moon approached. Last night, it had been very apparent.
Annabel had been having a very rough time. Not all werewolves took to the wolfsbane potion the same. Remus suspected she would need a larger dose next time. But she had been scratching around her cell and banging against the bars. A few well-placed growls and calming empathic words they shared while in wolf form, and she had calmed down because the Alpha had told her too. Remus had the instinct that he would need to submit to the man or challenge him. Remus wasn't deluded what the outcome would be. The only positive was that Dan was a very intelligent man that thought things through before he acted and seemed to care deeply for those around him. Traits not often found in their kind. He was getting a full appreciation of where his daughter had gotten her brilliance and bravery.
"How are you feeling," Remus asked.
Dan stood up, rolling his shoulders and cracked his neck. "Much better. A little soar. How are you, little one?"
She smiled at him. "Better. You smell like power."
Dan looked at her confused before looking to Remus. Remus shrugged. "Every wolf has a dominant sense. I think Theresa smells things and that is how she interprets it."
The girl turned her head. Alexandra was helping Annabel out of her cage. The girl looked worse for wear, with some bruises on her face and leaning heavily into the one-time Healer. "She needs to get to bed. Have Prim send up my bag."
"Of course, Alex," Dan said before Remus could answer. Alexandra looked at Dan before nodding. She gave a look to Remus to let him know she knew Prim would answer to him. Yes, Dan was an Alpha.
"You ready to get out," Remus asked him.
Dan looked at him. "Is it safe? I would like to see Jane and Hermione today."
Remus smiled. The man cared very much for his pack. His wand flicked and the cell unlocked. "Let's see how you are doing and maybe we can take a trip this afternoon. Now that you have turned, it may be safe to have Hermione and Harry around."
Dan frowned. "Can I just see my wife and daughter first?"
"Of course, Dan."
He let Dan lead them up into the house. The ten-cell basement was not the place he wanted to spend his days or nights, but it was necessary. Prim had a large breakfast on the table. Again, Remus didn't know how to thank Lily or James. The funds they had left would feed the ten this house was designed for for the next hundred years or more. He was grateful because there were steaks, lamb, toast, eggs, beans, fruit and kippers. The meat was on the rare side, but that was the way he liked it. Dan ate his just barely seared on both sides.
It was in the middle of the meal that a crack came from outside and he felt that someone was at the edge of the wards. Remus had locked the place down last night just in case one of them had escaped and the wolfsbane potion hadn't taken, like with Annabel. "Someone is here," Dan said looking up from his plate. Changing usually took energy and Remus had always found he was ravenous the next morning. That was part of why the wolf needed to eat when changed. It took much out of the person.
"I got it."
Remus got up and walked to the entry hall of the large house. Looking out the window, he could see a ragged looking Tonks with a woman in yellow robes. The wards were designed to keep smell out when activated, which is why he hadn't smelt her. His brow furrowed. Tonks' hair was jet black today, her eyes grey and her features more classical cut. She typically took on the more rounded face of her father, but today she looked like her mother. He wondered if that was her normal appearance when she didn't use her metamorph abilities. Either way, she was attractive.
It was the woman in yellow robes that worried him. Those were the robes of a WCS Representative. The woman was a larger woman with light brown hair up in a bun and carrying a leather satchel.
Remus opened the door and walked down the slate lined path towards the front gate. "Good morning ladies, how can I help you."
"It's Harry and Hermione," Tonks said before the other woman could say anything. "Remus, she's a werewolf and Harry was bitten."
Remus rocked back on his heals, taking a few steps back like he was hit. "But Andromeda said the potion and tests were negative."
-oOo-
London, England
Dan sat on the side of the bed where his daughter was sleeping. His girl lay perfectly motionless except for her chest moving with each breath. It was a comfort to know she was alive. Jane was in a chair next to him, distraught and bewildered.
His lips pushed together tighter. His daughter smelt... different. When he had last seen her, in the same damned hospital less than a month ago, he had noticed he could smell her. It was a scent he couldn't quiet describe at the time, but it had been his daughter. Now, she smelled different. It was a change that hit as his senses and it took quite a bit of willpower to not growl at her. She was his daughter, but she was different now. He also wanted to seek out the other end of her scent, but not for anything good.
"Why is she sleeping? It's almost noon."
Jane moved closer to him. She sounded close to tears. "They wouldn't let me see her until she was sleeping. They said she was besides herself and so distraught they had to give her some potions to calm her down and get her to sleep."
Dan had gone through the change last night with the help of that absolutely foul-tasting thing Alexandra had given them, but it had allowed him to know who he was and apparently left him feeling only a little sore. The two elder wolves at the house had told them before the potion, it was typically hours to recover from the transformation, not the minutes it had taken him this morning.
His daughter hadn't had that luxury. Yet, she hadn't seemed to go crazy like had been explained to him either.
Dan closed his eyes. Remus and Alexandra had explained things to him in the last few weeks. One of the things they had said was that a werewolf would never harm its mate, even if changed and rampaging. It would protect its mate. Its mate usually got hurt only if they put themselves in danger. The wolf didn't always know its strength. What would be a simple push in human form, could be powerful enough to throw them across the room. If its mate was hurt, it would either kill the source or cower in shame. Was that what he was smelling on her? Harry?
There was a knock on the door. "Come in," Dan said.
Healer Tonks came in, looking dour. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I am so sorry."
"How did you not know about this," Dan said at her in anger. "How didn't you know that my daughter had been bitten?"
"Dan, easy," Jane said. Her touch and reproach calmed him some.
"She wasn't bitten," Healer Tonks replied. "She had some scrapes, but nothing that looked to be made by a werewolf. We found no puncture wounds. No trace of lycanthropy. Nothing. I just don't understand."
"Well you better understand. Now my daughter is going to be cursed just like me," he said with pain.
Healer Tonks shook her head. "I just don't understand."
There was a silence for a bit. Dan needed it to cool down. Since the day he knew his daughter was going to be a witch and had seen some of the amazing things he had, Dan had always thought magic could do anything. Now, it had let his daughter down and him. "How is Harry," Jane asked.
Dan curled his lip. There was something about the boy he didn't like.
"You have signed the Muggle Foster forms," she asked his wife.
"Three days ago. I am his Guardian," Jane told her.
"He's scared. He's worried about Hermione. Remus is with him, but I think he needs someone else."
"And his wounds," she asked.
Healer Tonks looked years older in a matter of seconds. "We have started a new brew of the ostendo potion and it will be ready in two days, but there can be no doubt he's infected. It was a werewolf bite. We are going to retest your daughter too, see if we can figure out why it didn't show anything."
"Did Harry say what happened?" Dan looked at Healer Tonks.
She let out a breath. "Do you mind if I sit," she asked taking a chair from a table against the wall. He shook his head. When she was settled, she started.
"He said that Hermione had locked herself in her room all day researching something. After dinner, he had gone up to read. When he tried to check on her, he heard something in her room. Hermione must have realized what was happening. She had magically locked her door. Harry had to use his wand to open it. When he realized she had turned, he locked the door with him inside and tried to get everyone else out of the house. I know you were taken to the DMLE last night, Mrs. Granger."
She nodded. "Why would he do that though? Remus told us when werewolves turn if they don't have the wolfsbane potion they will kill anyone near them."
Healer Tonks shook her head. "I don't know. The behavior Harry described was not that of a normal werewolf. He said her eyes never changed and she listened to him when he tried to calm her down."
"Harry is Hermione's mate," Dan said. There was no other explanation.
Jane gripped his hand. "I knew they were getting closer and I could see they liked each other. Tonks said she caught them kissing yesterday morning."
A growl escaped his throat and his muscles tightened. Healer Tonks gave him a weary look and put a hand in her pocket. Even with the black hair boy not in the room, he felt it. He felt the wolf pull at him to either claim his daughter for the pack or reject her. Options he didn't want to have anything to do with. So he tried to stamp them down. The growl in his throat subsided.
"Yes," Healer Tonks said wearily. "Nymphadora told be the same thing. Dan, do you need to take a step out for a few?"
He shook his head. "No. These are things I need to work through," he told her.
"Dan, if you need to go back to the safe house, I can look after Hermione," Jane told him.
He shook his head. "I have missed too much over the last few weeks and I don't want to be separated from you again."
"If you keep having this reaction every time we mention Harry, I will not allow him to be released back to your house, Foster Parent or not. Remus will not be able to overrule my decision either."
"Harry can't go anywhere else, Healer Tonks. He has just gotten settled and I can't do that too him. The things his relatives did," she said with emotion. "I won't abandon him."
Healer Tonks looked at her. "He had opened up some about his time at the Dursley's?"
"I have already made reports to Child Services. Being a Doctor, I am obligated to report everything, and I will not make him feel as though he is abandoned."
"What did they do to him, Jane," Dan asked. His feelings of challenge towards the boy fading. Dan had been assigned to escort Child Services for a while. Some of the things he had seen still haunted him. She looked at him but didn't say anything. "What did they do?"
"Is this on the record or off the record," she asked Healer Tonks.
"I would prefer on the record. I have given all the evidence I can of my findings. I know the investigation is still open and they are still trying to find who his guardian was to just leave him there. I have suspicions of whomever it was also was the one that poisoned him and your daughter," she stated.
Dan took in a sharp breath. "You mean the same person that put Hermione under those spells and potions did the same to her friend?"
Healer Tonks nodded. "From what I can tell, some of those potions were probably in a Harry's system for years. Most likely a decade or more."
"He's only fourteen," Jane said shocked.
"Jane, what happened to him and why would they have him potioned at the age of four?"
Jane tearfully told them of Harry's breakdown and some of the conversations she had overheard with the boy and their daughter. Dan's anger at the boy was gone, to be replaced with rage at the people that could do those things to an innocent child. He was a police officer. His duty was to protect people, especially those that couldn't protect themselves. He didn't care what he felt for Harry because of his daughter, the boy was part of his family now and he would be damned if anyone in his family would be hurt. "Jane, I will never lay a hand on him," Dan told her after hearing what Harry had said about him.
"I know Dan, but I don't think he truly trusts any adult. Not after the way he has shied or pulled away from me or gives most other adults a wide berth. Remus is the only one I have seen him allow to touch him, besides Hermione, without flinching. He is terrified, Dan."
"That explains most of his reactions. Thank you, Jane," Healer Tonks said.
"What do you mean," he asked her.
"Harry hasn't allowed anyone but me, my daughter, Remus or Jane to approach him today without lashing out and he keeps asking for Hermione."
Jane took in a sharp breath. "The lycanthropy enhances his natural instincts. That is what Remus said."
"And his instincts are telling him to run from adults," Dan said angrily.
"Just like Hermione's wanted to be close to Harry this last month," Jane said. "The signs were there. She was very protective of him, always wanted to be around him. I have never seen her want to hug or to be that close to anyone before. They held hands so much I thought they were already going out, but Tonks was pretty sure yesterday was their first kiss."
Dan sighed. "Mates," he said again. "Hermione has always been reserved. Yesterday, my instincts to be with you and Hermione were so high that Remus agreed to lock me in the cage early because I tried to leave and get a taxi back to you. I bet her instincts were telling her to be with her mate."
"You are probably correct," Healer Tonks said. "Mrs. Granger, I know you want to be with Hermione, but I think Harry could use a little of your time. I can get them a room once she is awake and calm enough."
Dan clamped both his hands over hers. "Go. I have our girl."
Jane was ruthlessly tamping her emotions down. Dan could tell that the first time they were back together in their room, she was going to break down. He knew this must have been stressful for her. She stood up and kissed him. "I won't be long."
He shook his head. "Stay with him as long as he needs."
She gave him a peck on the cheek. "I love you."
"Love you too."
-oOo-
August 24, 1994
London, England
Harry was still in St. Mungo's. Three days now he had woken in this room. He wanted to get out. He wanted to do something besides pace around the small room or sit. He wanted Hermione.
Harry was sitting on the floor leaning against the door. He had tried to leave a few times, trying to find his best friend. There was an urge to be with her that he couldn't explain. It ate at him that he couldn't be by her side. He could smell her. She wasn't far away, but it might as well be the other side of England because the damned Aurors and Healer Tonks wouldn't let him see her. He hit his head against the door a few times.
"Careful, you might break the door," Tonks gave a strained joke.
He looked at her. Her hair was a bit mousy looking today. Its normal vibrancy was muted to a lackluster blue. Her eyes looked careworn and tired. Normally, he would find himself caring about her appearance, but today she was one of the ones keeping him from Hermione.
"Let me out of this room," he told her.
"I would like to, Harry, but I can't yet."
He growled at her and she looked a little apprehensive. "Give me my wand then."
Her grey eyes regarded him with a calculating look. "Can't do that either, Harry."
His growl grew deeper for a moment before he let it go. If he hadn't liked Tonks so much, he might have risked her wand again to get at her. As it was, she had been far faster and skilled in her wand than he had ever expected when he tried to break out of the room yesterday. It gave him a grudging respect as to why she was an Auror and why she had been promoted six months early. Since that day, only Fawlsey or Tonks were in the room with him. Tonks was the only one he didn't try to attack again or constantly growl at. Fawlsey had had to use his wand a few times.
"Tonks, let me out. I need to get to her," he told her.
Tonks looked at him sadly. "I know you do, Harry, but she is refusing to see anyone."
He growled again in anger. He could smell her. He smelt the very light traces of her shampoo. There was also the smell of sweat, a musk that tickled at his nose and the undeniable scent of fear. He could smell the same thing he thought of as fear on the other Aurors. Tonks was the only one that didn't smell of fear. She did smell like Remus though, besides her other smells.
The other aggravating thing besides smelling Hermione and not being able to get to her was the low-level burn running through his body. He could swear he could tell you where his veins and arteries where. As well as any vessel that bubbled up to his skin. It was not a pleasant feeling, but his concern for Hermione was overpowering any discomfort he was in.
He hit his head against the door again.
It was quiet for a while after that.
He smelt and heard people coming to the door. He didn't move. When the knock came, he let out a small growl. "Can I come in," Healer Tonks asked.
"Can I see Hermione?" He could not keep the aggravation out of his voice.
"We can talk about that," Tonks mum said through the door.
"Is he coming in too," Harry asked. He felt the hair on the back of his neck raise. He was not a fan of the other scent with her. It was a dominant scent he was not willing to submit too.
There was a pause. "I would like Mr. Granger to be part of this conversation."
"Where is Remus," Harry asked. "I only want to talk to Remus."
There was another pause. "Harry," the deeper voice of Mr. Granger came through the door. Harry couldn't stop himself from growling. There was something that made Harry want to jump at the man through the door. When he didn't respond, Mr. Granger spoke again. "Harry, please let me in. I can tell we may not be... compatible with each other, but we both care for the same young woman. Please let us in."
Harry's lip curled into a snarl before Tonks gave him a look. "Harry, stop it. You are a better man than that."
He looked at her, blinking. In the last few days, she was the only one to tell him when he was being mental. He shook his head, trying to clear it of his dislike of the man. "Fine. Give me a moment," he told them. Getting up, he moved to the other side of the room, taking a chair in a corner. That left Tonks in another chair between him and the door.
"Can we come in now?"
"Yes," he told them. Tonks twirled her wand and a mechanical lock click. A second later, the door opened slowly. Healer Tonks moved into the room followed a moment later by Mrs. Granger and then Mr. Granger. Seeing the man had Harry grabbing the sides of the chair with both hands. He had a sudden urge to attack the man. The urge passed slowly as Mr. Granger didn't move across the room, instead, he leaned against the wall next to the door, crossing his arms and keeping an even expression. Mr. Granger was of average height with darker hair and eyes than his daughter. He was well muscled. The man's biceps flexed occasionally, as though he was fighting the same instincts Harry was.
Healer Tonks took a seat next to her daughter and Mrs. Granger sat on the edge of the bed. He didn't look at them, keeping his eyes on Mr. Granger.
"Can I see Hermione," he asked them. Mr. Granger's hand flexed.
"I would like to talk to you for a few moments first," Healer Tonks said.
"Actually, we would like to talk to you," Mrs. Granger said.
Harry still didn't take his eyes off of Mr. Granger. "Mrs. Granger, I only want to see Hermione. Please let me out of this room."
"In a short bit. Harry, I wanted to talk to you before you see her. This is about you, and I know how private you are about these things," Mrs. Granger said gently. The tone of her voice finally caught his attention. Moving his head, his eyes followed Mr. Granger until he was facing her, then his eyes snapped to her.
He waited for her to talk, unsure if he could unless it was about her daughter. "Harry, I want you to know that I signed the papers to be your Foster parent and have received approval. When Remus isn't around, I have responsibility of you."
He nodded. When he didn't say anything, she went on. "Harry, that means you will always have a place with us."
He nodded again.
"Do you have any questions?" Mrs. Granger looked at him as though expecting some response. He shook his head.
"Alexandra said he might be this way," Mr. Granger said.
Mrs. Granger pursed her lips. "Harry, do you understand?"
He nodded again and she sighed.
"Next, I would like to talk to you about your condition," Healer Tonks said.
Harry continued to focus on Mrs. Granger. He was finding if he didn't focus on one point, it was easy to get distracted and right now he needed to stay focused. They had said he might see Hermione soon. His hands were still clutching the chair as tight as he could, stuffing his instinct down. "Andromeda, he's listening," Mrs. Granger told her.
"Harry, I don't know what to say, but the ostendo potion cannot confirm you have been infected." He blinked. Confusion. He had been bitten. He could feel something in him. Thoughts of running wild on the hunt had been in his dreams for the last two nights. He knew he was infected.
"Tell him everything," Mrs. Granger said.
Healer Tonks sighed. "Harry, Hermione is testing negative too."
This was enough to snap his attention to the blond woman. "Impossible. She turned and now I will too," he said holding up his arm to show them. It was healed now, but the puncture marks of Hermione's teeth were visible. It was almost impossible to get rid of werewolf marks, and he had bled and went unhealed for the night.
"I know, Harry." She sounded liked she had failed him. "I don't know what is going on, but there is little doubt you are infected or that Hermione is also. Whatever you two have is different than what we know about lycanthropy. Dan, can you confirm he is a werewolf?"
Harry looked at Mr. Granger. The man was still regarding him with an even look. "If you are asking if he smells like us, then yes. His scent is changing."
Healer Tonks nodded. "Harry. You do know what this means now?"
"I am a werewolf and fall under all the laws and restrictions passed by the Wizengamot and the ICW. It also means Hermione does." It was unsaid that Mr. Granger did as well, but that had already been known.
"Yes. Mrs. Granger has told us you and Hermione were researching all this the last month." Healer Tonks said.
Some of the distress Hermione was feeling suddenly made sense. "We aren't going back to Hogwarts," he said sadly. "Hermione must be devastated."
"I think she is more upset she hurt you," her mum told him. "But, yes, she is upset about that too."
"Even if you could, I am not sure it would be wise before your first turn, Harry. You are showing signs of being very irritable. I am not sure being around people you don't already trust is a good thing," Healer Tonks told him.
"It doesn't matter anyways. We can't go to any school. Can I see her? Hermione must be devastated," he asked, feeling some of his emotions settling to understand some of what was bothering her.
"Yes, we will let you go to her in a few," Healer Tonks said. "Harry, we want to keep you and Hermione here for a while so we can figure out why the ostendo potion does not work on you and why she was so lucid while turned. I think the two are related."
Harry slumped his shoulders. "Does it matter where I go anymore? At least I can have a roof over my head," he told her thinking of Remus.
"Harry, you will always have a roof over your head," Mrs. Granger comforted him.
Harry eyed Mr. Granger. "Mrs. Granger, I am not sure I should be around Mr. Granger."
"Dan will not hurt you, Harry."
Harry shook his head. She didn't understand it. Harry would not be controlled by another man again. He had broken away from his Uncle. Mr. Granger could tell. Harry smelt the way the man was a dominant force.
He felt like his world was falling apart around him. He had finally found a home, but he couldn't go back, not for long. Then there were the laws.
"Tonks," Harry asked looking at the Auror.
"Yeah, Harry," she responded.
He took in a deep breath before slowly letting it out. "Can the DMLE do something with Hermione's and mine wands? I know we can't have them anymore, but I don't want them snapped."
Tonks looked at him. He now was able to piece together why she couldn't give him his wand. It was impossible now for him and Hermione to take their OWLs or attend Hogwarts, meaning they couldn't legally use or have a wand. Hermione had been very thorough in her research, knowing it wasn't just her father affected. He had read much the same stuff, making sure she didn't miss anything.
"Harry, I won't do that," Tonks told him. He hung his head. He knew their wands would need to be snapped, but he had hoped.
"I understand. Can I go to Hermione now?" He could hear the hollowness in his voice. She was about the only thing he had left now. Ron would not want to be around him once he found out. No one he knew would. Harry wouldn't blame any of them. He also couldn't be selfish enough to ask Sirius to return.
"Harry," Mr. Granger spoke up. He looked at the man, the urge to fight him gone. There was a certain despair he knew to understand he couldn't be a wizard. He would be a third or fourth class citizen no matter where he went now. It also made him very vulnerable against other witches or wizards. He would have to do what most werewolves did, forsake society and find somewhere to go.
Mr. Granger's eyes softened. "My daughter needs you right now. I won't stand in your way and I am hoping we can find a way to get along. Remus and I would like you two to come live at the safe house until we figure out what to do next."
Harry nodded. There wasn't a next that he could think about.
"Right, now let's get you to my daughter," Mrs. Granger told him. "To let you know, she is trying to chase everyone away."
He nodded again.
"Tonks," Healer Tonks said to her daughter. Harry missed the incredulous look from the Auror or the equally hard look from her mother saying this was a onetime thing.
His eyes were still locked on Mr. Granger's. Harry was not submitting to the man. Instead, there was an understanding of a truce. Not that Harry was in any mood to challenge him. He was reeling from what they had talked about.
"You can lift the wards, please," Healer Tonks told her daughter.
"Sure, mum." A moment later, Tonks spoke up. "Done. He can leave the room now."
"Come on, Harry," Mrs. Granger said softly getting up. The other ladies stood up too.
In the last few days, Harry hadn't thought about what being bitten really meant. He had been so focused on Hermione. Still in some shock, he let them take him. He wasn't even aware that they only opened the door across the hall. The smell of her intensified many times. Harry lifted his head.
It was dark in the room, with only the light from the hall entering the room. Harry blinked once and his eyes started to adjust to the low light. There was a fleeting thought of how useful that could be to see in such low light. It was very fleeting though as he saw a very wild, bushy haired lump in the corner. She was in a pair of jeans and a jumper, even if it felt slightly warm in the room. Her head was leaning against the wall, arms wrapped around her legs. Harry's heart just about broke to see her just staring away into nothing.
He took in a deep breath.
Harry walked over to the corner. She didn't move to look at him or anything. In only a few days, she looked to have lost weight. Her eyes were slightly sunken.
Sitting next to her, Harry didn't say anything at first. Instead just trying to let her know he was there. When she finally looked at him, Harry let out a breath. "Hey, Hermione."
Her eyes looked so broken. "I hurt you," she said.
Harry covered his forearm for a second before taking his hand away. He held up his arm. "I'm all right. See?"
The conflict in her rolled off in pungent waves. "Harry, I'm a werewolf." A tear rolled down her cheeks. "Now you will be too."
Harry looked at her. "Maybe," he told her, knowing she spoke the truth, but hoping he could get some life back into her.
She feebly shook her head. Harry was thinking she was feeling dizzy. He doubted she had eaten or drunken much lately. "There is no maybe, Harry. I bit you when I was a full werewolf." Her eyes took on a more focused look as she finally met his eyes. "I know full well what happened when I was turned. There is no treatment for that. You know this. Don't act stupid with me, Harry Potter. I know you are more intelligent than that."
He sighed. "Hermione, I know full well what it means. I also know why you are so upset."
She closed her eyes and leaned into the wall. "Why does it matter anymore? We will go with Remus and my father and just vanish. That is our fate now." Harry reached out a hand. Hermione pulled away, as though knowing he was doing it. "I can hear you, Harry. I can hear your heart. I can hear you move. I can smell you too."
Harry couldn't hear her heart, but he smelt her. "So you're just going to give up? That's it, Hermione? You are the brightest witch I know."
"I'm so bright I didn't know I was putting you in danger. I'm so bright all I could do was lock the door. Something you walked right through."
Harry shifted to put his back against the wall and sat a few feet away. All he wanted to do was hold her, but she didn't want him near. "You win," he told her.
She snorted, turning her head so one eye could look at him. "We can't win."
It was a very bleak future for them, but he had hoped, ever so slightly, that if she was with him, then it might be bearable. He just couldn't stand to see her like this. "What if we go somewhere else?"
"How? Remus explained you need to remain on British soil to get your inheritance."
"I have my trust vault. That has no restrictions on use and no one can take it away from me. Remus said there is over 23,000 galleons in it. That would be enough to move to France or the United States. They have scholarships for hardship cases, and I think we would qualify," he told her.
She peeked an eye at him. "Harry, you have millions in your Potter Vaults, not to mention other stuff you don't even really know about."
He turned his head to look at her. "Hermione, I've never had money except when I am in the wizarding world, and even then I still only buy what I need. I don't really need much either. G 23,000 can last us at least until we graduate, probably for a while after. Your father could work in America with almost no restrictions as long as he proves he is controlling himself at the full moon. I really don't want to give up my wand."
"You were really listening to me as we looked up everything," she said to him, turning her head against the wall so both of her eyes could look at him. In the very low light, her eyes looked more golden, but he could see the hints of brown that he liked so much.
"I listen to everything you say, Hermione."
A light returned to her eyes that had been missing when he came into the room. "You really would leave everything, wouldn't you?"
"To see you have the opportunity to do what you want, I would give up anything." His voice was sincere. "Hermione, after leaving my relatives, I don't have anything or anywhere really to go. I'm not really giving up anything here, as long as you would come with me." More light returned to her eyes. "If you stay, I will too."
It was all he could think of. Many countries had similar or worse restriction on werewolves. There were some progressive countries, like France, Sweden, Norway, Canada or the United States. Most were in between, but Harry wouldn't go anywhere that might limit Hermione. What did he have to lose? A Fortune he never knew he had or needed? A few friends he would miss, but wouldn't want to risk them being exposed? If he lost Hermione, then he really would have nothing.
"Harry, term at Ilvamorny starts in a week. We could never get a transfer in that time."
"Maybe not, but didn't you say that Ilvamorny had a late start application or you could start end of first quarter? When was that again?"
He could see the gears in her head start. Her features took on some life. After a moment, she spoke. "November the first. We would have to start then. The MACUSA does not allow you to attend if you have not turned yet. We would miss two months, but we can get the syllabus and study. It might put us behind a year, or maybe not, but they offer the International Wizarding Levels instead of the OWLs, which would mean they would be recognized by most governments, and the Advanced Aptitude Levels."
"Would your parents agree," Harry asked her.
"You know my father is listening outside the door? I think he would agree. Would Remus follow?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know."
She reached a hand out towards him. Harry moved over a little so he could take it. "You really would give up everything for me? Why am I so important? I hurt you and now because of me you'll be cursed like me."
"Hermione, I don't have anything to give up except you. You're my best friend, and..." he wasn't sure if he should say it. It was a scary ledge he was looking over, but it should have seemed like nothing compared to the insurmountable mountain it was to be a lycanthrope in Britain.
"And what, Harry?"
He wove his fingers into hers. He really didn't have anything else to lose. Except her. "I was hoping that kiss might have meant more."
She squeezed his hand. After a moment, she unfurled herself from the corner and moved to his side. He wrapped his arm around her. She looked up at him. He could see the spirit he knew in her was coming back. When she moved her head up, he moved his down to meet her. It was a chaste kiss. When she pulled back, tears where leaking down her cheeks. "Harry, I'm so afraid. I never meant to hurt you. Why didn't you leave me?"
"Because you wouldn't have left me or let me hurt anyone," he told her.
She leaned her head onto his shoulder and he pulled her close. She reached over and traced the marks her teeth had left on his arm. "Why didn't you use your wand, you daft boy."
-oOo-
Dan looked at Remus, who had been kept out of things with a non-scent charm on him. "That is all it takes? Ten minutes and she is better? She hasn't eaten in two days, refused any treatment or to talk to any of us and even attacked me when I tried to get her out of her funk."
Remus looked at him. "Dan, as we talked yesterday. You are an Alpha. You see how the other three at the house act when you tell them what to do or suggest things."
"What are you saying," Jane said to him, then looked at her husband.
Dan took in a breath. Now knowing what had been bothering him about his daughter and Harry, it made sense. His daughter was fiercely independent, never bowed to anyone but Jane and him at time, but even then, she had always done it on her own terms growing up. Hearing the stories of what Harry had done, and his daughter, it made sense. "Dan, what is going on?"
"You understand," Remus asked. "Harry is my pack, but for now we are with you."
Dan nodded.