Ch: 7-8 - Cultivation/HP Fics

Chapter 7

August 25, 1994

Hogsmeade, England

Albus was happy for the carriages and thestrals that Hagrid maintained. It was pouring out and walking was not one of the things he was in the mood for today. He could have apparated to the Three Broomsticks, but he felt a more mundane form might be better for this meeting.

Of course, if Fawkes was around...

Much to his consternation, Fawkes was being as elusive as Harry. He knew the Weasley's had seen Harry on his birthday, and Ronald had been able to talk to the boy through owl a few times, but none of the letters had come to him and he had been forced to either wait on news from the Burrow or to visit the ramshackle place. Molly was also starting to look at him suspiciously at his interest in the boy. Maybe visiting the Burrow five days in a row last week was a bit much. Harry was staying at Ms. Granger's, but Albus could not find her residence. He knew she lived in Devon and that it was a muggle neighborhood, but somehow it was unplottable and undetectable. He knew it wasn't the Fidelius, because he could remember the general area, he knew of her house, but he couldn't find it either.

He knew of only two sources that would allow or be able to cast such advanced wards and he didn't like what that might mean. The DMLE or Gringotts. Ms. Granger wasn't that advanced yet, though given a decade she could be.

He was still trying to determine how the Granger house had been warded. To be so well hidden without a Fidelius, it would require the approval of class IV wards, not something that was typically granted to a muggle residence. But, again, it wasn't typically being supervised by the DMLE. The DMLE was already too involved with Harry for his liking.

Amelia Bones was an extremely competent witch that did not bow to the powers above her, instead being just as adept a political player as Lucius Malfoy or himself. Over the years, she had been able to check some of his plans, but never like this. The attacks over the last month had given her a great amount of power and political capital with her very hard stance on things. The protection of Harry and other muggle-borns or raised being one of those hard stances. It had hardened the Purebloods, but she had gained some crucial allies in those that didn't believe in the Blood Supremacist beliefs.

Personally, Albus could care less if someone was a mudblood or a Pureblood. His own mother had been muggle-born. He cared about maintaining the wizarding world he knew, keeping it from the muggles and ensure that magical blood didn't die out.

To do this, Albus needed capital, both monetary and political. It had been a hard shock when a month ago he had been informed that he was no longer the Potter's Executor. It had happened the same time that a new Guardian had claimed the boy and his devices had failed. Since then, he had not seen Harry, or Fawkes. He had also been hobbled to move certain priorities through the Ministry without the galleons to persuade some people. The Dumbledore vaults weren't inconsequential, but he would rapidly burn through them in months if he kept paying out in the way he was. Lucius' pockets were deep, the Potter's were much deeper, and his accounts were a few sickles compared to theirs.

Now, he was going to the Hogshead to meet Remus Lupin in the middle of the morning. The owl he had received last night had seemed rather urgent and he knew the man had been working on something new to do with the werewolves. If he could have them subdued if Tom came back, that would remove an attack dog from Tom's arsenal that Albus didn't want loose again. Problem was, Lucius and his sort had started to make it much harder for anyone that might be affiliated with the Ministry and Albus doubted they would side with anyone that didn't promise their lot would get better. Albus didn't want to promise that. He felt that the beasts should be contained, given jobs so they can make a living, but not be allowed to turn anymore and let their race die out. If he could offer wolfsbane potion to all of them to mollify the creatures, he would, but that was beyond his means, even with the 5% a year he had been allowed to withdraw from the Potter vaults.

The carriage pulled up to the Three Broomsticks and he cast an imperturbable charm to keep the rain off him. The Inn was sparsely populated in the mid-afternoon. "Afternoon, Rosmerta, " Albus greeted.

"Afternoon, Albus. You here for a pint or a nice oak aged mead?"

"I wouldn't say no to your mead, but I have an appointment. Has a man by the name of Remus Lupin been in yet?"

"Ah, yes. He has already paid for a private room. Would you like me to show you?"

Albus looked towards the door to his right. "First one on the right?"

"Last room," she told him. Albus couldn't keep from raising an eyebrow. That room was for the higher payers. He was surprised enough that the man could afford a private room, even after what Albus had paid him to teach last year.

"Thank you, Rosmerta." Albus excused himself and made it down to the private room.

When he opened the door, he found Remus finishing a large bowl of stew and a flagon of butterbeer. He was sitting at the end of a table that had four seats on each side and one on each end. The room was decorated in finer accouterments for wealthier clients. The man didn't get up, instead regarded Albus through hooded eyes. Albus frowned. This was very unlike the man. After a moment, Remus motioned for him to a seat. Albus took the other end of the table.

"Good afternoon, Remus," Albus greeted.

"Albus," Remus said in acknowledgement.

Albus frowned. This was not how Remus usually acted. "This is fine settings for how we usually meet."

Remus nodded putting down the bread in his left hand. "Yes. I have a new employer. He insists that I don't live in the shadows."

"Then I assume he knows your condition," Albus asked.

Remus nodded. "Albus, I know we usually do this dance, where you wish to know how I am doing, mostly so you can gauge what is going on with my kind or the underworld I have had to associate with. I don't have the time for that today, and neither do you."

His eyes narrowed. Remus was looking healthier than he had seen him be in a long time, even when he was at Hogwarts just over two months ago. "All right, Remus. What is it that you need today?"

"I need your assistance. As you know Harry has not had the best life at his Aunt and Uncles and the DMLE has removed him from that house."

Albus eyed the man. This was not what he had expected. "Remus, I do not know what you are talking about. Harry has lived quiet peaceably with his Aunt and Uncle..."

In an uncharacteristic move, Remus growled at him and hit his spoon on the table. "Albus, I took your job last year because you asked me to protect Harry and you could give me what I couldn't get elsewhere. I know that you fed me the same potions you fed Harry and his friends. Harry was abused and treated like a slave from the time he was old enough to move a broom. I need you right now, otherwise you would never see me or him again."

Albus couldn't keep the frown off his face. The was not the same Remus Lupin that had left Hogwarts in June. There was something different about him. He could see a sense of purpose behind his eyes. He was healthier. He was not the meek man he knew. "You took an Alpha," Albus said conversationally.

Remus nodded. "I have accepted to coexist with one that shares the same aims I do."

This was very disturbing. Remus had always fought against the call of the wolf, the pecking order that a pack is, always choosing his own path. He rejected the violence that was his kind, making him a pariah with both wizards and his own kind. For him to take a pack, and claim a pack, because to a wolf that was an important word, was something different. "Then what do you need of me," Albus said, deciding to play his game for now. He would need to find what exactly was going on and probably obliviate most of this meeting. Albus could not have others telling him what to do.

"I am not the only person who knows all the secrets I have discovered. If you plan to do anything to me, then I assure you, Albus, your secrets will become very public." Albus saw no lie in the man. The question was how many knew and what secrets did the werewolf have?

"And why would I that care you know some secrets, Remus? This is very unlike you."

"I am protecting you right now, Albus, because I need you to protect Harry, his mate and anyone else of my pack."

Albus looked at the man. Understanding suddenly hit him. "You know where Harry is! Where is he, Remus? He must be put in a safe place immediately. I call upon your Oaths to the Order to do this."

Remus didn't flinch as Albus stood up and slapped his hands on the table. He projected his magic to enforce Remus' oath and to cower the man. Albus looked at the man, waiting for him to immediately call Harry to him. After a moment, Remus shook his head. Albus eyes went wide and he felt a shiver of fear. "No, Albus. Harry is in a safe place right now and he will not be moved. If he comes back to Hogwarts this year, then he will return to a safe place of my choosing whenever he wants or when school is not in session."

"I call upon your Oaths to the Order of the Phoenix, Remus John Lupin. You will bring Harry to me right away and I will place him where he is safe."

Remus growled at him and for once Albus could see the shadow of the wolf cross the normally even keel man. "I do not follow those Oaths anymore, Albus Dumbledore. As part of the Oaths, we all swore to protect those that could not protect themselves. Those Oaths dissolved once I found out how Harry had been treated and isolated at the hand of the man that made me swear those oaths. I am also suspecting that certain events in the last few years had your hand in them too."

This was getting to the point of ridiculous. Albus moved his hand as fast as he could and drew his wand. He knew it was faster than Remus would be able to while the man sat. He didn't see the bowl sailing at his head as he lifted his arm. The heavy wooden bowl hit him in the forehead and Albus fell backwards to the floor. He saw spots in his eyes and felt something trickling down his forehead. Remus walked over, wand drawn and kicked Albus' wand away. In all his years of being a top dueler, he had never had anyone throw something like that at him without magic, instead of drawing their wand.

Remus crouched down. "You can retrieve your wand when I leave. I do not claim it. Now, listen."

Albus looked up at the man, trying to keep his anger out of his eyes. "You will never work or be allowed anywhere near a wizarding place again," he spat at the werewolf.

Remus sighed. "At one time, I respected you above all others, and would have given my life for you. After all I have done for you, and given up, you shall do this one for me, Albus. Call it a life debt, if you want. I call this on behalf of my friends' son, Harry Potter, for the killing of his parents and my friends."

Albus felt his magic pull and recognize his words. Somehow Remus knew the truth that it was him that had coaxed the Potters to live in Godric Hollow and give the Secret Keeper to Peter Pettigrew. Albus knew full well who Peter was by that point. There was a fear that ripped through him. How much more did Remus know? The prophesy? Or Tom's secret? "What do you want?"

"I want three things. One for each Death."

"There were only two Potters that died that night," Albus said. He knew he had to pay the debt, but he would not do anything for free. He already wanted to kill Remus for doing this, but he could not until the life debt was paid.

Remus looked at him coolly. "Lily and James that night in Godric Hollow. That is two. There is also Fleamont. I have found more secrets than you think on the missions you have sent me on."

Albus could not keep his eyes going wide. He had not been directly involved in that one, but he had not warned the Potters either they had been hunted. He had gotten word a few days before. Saving James had made for a very loyal attack dog. And had allowed him to be involved in the Will and other decisions, though Lily opposed him often. Yes, he owed the Potters three, if not four life debts. In all his years, no one had been able to figure out his machinations like this and call him on it.

"I can see you know what I mean. James found out shortly before he was killed. Now, first, you will protect Harry, his mate and every one of my pack, Mr. Granger's and Harry's if he comes into his own. That means true protection, where you will do what you can to protect their well-being and will not control them or include them in your machinations."

Albus looked at the werewolf as Remus waited for a response. Albus knew that to satisfy a life debt, he must acknowledge the terms. Why was this so important to Remus. Why was the pack... unless? His pack. Harry was part of his pack. He was to protect Harry's mate. Werewolves only talked that way if... "No! It can't be! Remus, what did you do! This is because he was taken from his blood relatives!"

Remus shifted a little. Albus didn't miss that the werewolf stayed just out of his grasp. "Albus, the wards were down before that night Silas Rowe attacked him. It was the only reason they could find Harry. The DMLE verified the blood wards failed towards the end of June, leaving only the ones not related to his family blood. I can only assume that was you that set up the mostly illegal wards, or at least that is my conclusion now my mind is clear. And for your other question. Yes, Harry is now a lycanthrope. He will have his first turn in September. This brings us to the second point. Will you help him like you did me, or am I to move them somewhere else? Of course, the new Anti-Werewolf laws passed last year prevent them from attending Hogwarts or any other educational facility in Britain. For Harry to claim his full inheritance, he must remain on British soil until his seventeenth birthday. Can you see our problem?"

Albus couldn't keep his eyes from bulging. He needed the boy. If the signs were right, Tom would return by the end of the year and he needed to know where Harry was. Son of Morgana, he cursed internally. How would Remus know all this? Why would he not know this? His spies in the DMLE hadn't said anything like that. Some of the color left his face as he came to a realization. "You're his Guardian."

Remus nodded. "As I always should have been. But you knew that, didn't you, Chief Warlock."

Albus looked in the direction of his wand. It was half across the room. There was no way he would get to it. He hadn't been disarmed like this since he was fourteen. "Remus, are you sure Harry was bitten? If it's just a partial transfer..."

Remus growled. "Harry is my pack now, Albus."

"How could you be such a fool to take him with you and expose him like that," Albus said angrily.

"I didn't, Albus. I don't play with my charges like you, manipulating them into situations they have no business to be in. Don't think I didn't protect that boy. I left him in a spot he should have been safe. But like the best laid plans, things go wrong. He should have been in no danger. Don't question my methods." Albus could see the anger in Remus. His wand moved to point at him and Albus had never felt so vulnerable. Even if he performed wandless magic, the man was too close to his baser instincts and it would not be the same without his wand. Remus would be his equal or more. Albus would not escape unharmed.

"Now, will Harry be going back to Hogwarts or not? He and his mate are already talking of leaving the country, and I won't be able to dissuade them. They need to get their OWLs and NEWTs and you know the law will only allow that to happen if they attend Hogwarts. Only those where both parents are Pure-blood or half-blood can schedule those tests outside of school."

Albus looked like he had just swallowed a bushel of lemons. "Harry cannot leave Britain. Harry turns at the next moon?"

"He does. He and his mate want to have a life. They are already looking at how to move to Canada or the United States."

Albus could see years of planning evaporating. If Harry left, then a crucial piece of the puzzle in finally redeeming Tom would be truly out of his control. Remus terms severely hampered him, but there were other ways he could achieve his aims, but only if Harry was around. "Remus, he cannot leave the country."

"Albus, I don't want him to either. He is young and doesn't truly understand the family legacy he has. I am not sure there is much time left to change his mind. He almost has the pack Alpha convinced." Remus looked sad. "I would like them to have a far better fate than I have had to date."

"Remus, we can't have them around the school though. Parents will be upset, and I will never be able to convince the Board of Governors. If he is more like your kind, then he may be a danger for a while." Albus was trying to figure out how this could be achieved. Maybe the laws could be changed to allow for OWL and NEWT testing to those with a muggle parent. His other question was who was his mate? Could he afford not to include her? Could he afford not to have the boy at Hogwarts?

"No, Albus, I will not have him around others before his first turn. He is highly excitable right now, especially when it comes to Ms. Granger. They will need to start late, and I would like a study packet so they do not fall behind. I would recommend you provide private rooms for them and the cells you provided me last year."

"How many?" Albus hadn't missed the plural and the inflection that meant more.

"Three for now. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Annabel Entwhistle. Though, Annabel is not sure if she would like to attend yet and she is refusing to go back home. She is having a tough time adjusting. She may not come back until next year. I am not sure if others may come, but in a few years Theresa Finch-Fletchley will be of age to attend Hogwarts."

"You know they will face a great deal of prejudice and ridicule," Albus told him. He needed Harry but was not keen to have so many young werewolves in his school at one time. Helping Remus had been a necessity. He needed a spy and it was the best way he could get one at the time.

Remus shrugged. "These children will need to get used to the prejudices, as much as I would shield them. I also think Harry and Hermione will find a way to get over it."

That was what he was afraid off. "If they become dangerous, they will need to be removed."

Remus shook his head. "Unacceptable. If they stay in Britain, they will attend Hogwarts. My guess is that Minerva will receive an owl for a request of records transfer in the next day or so. You cannot deny that, per the ICW treaties with Britain and the MACUSA, and it must be sent within seven days of receipt of request. Thus, neither of us have much time."

"What is your third boon so I may pay off this debt?" Albus needed to get to the Ministry very soon.

Remus looked down at him. "I would like my old job back for the year."

"I already have a Defense Professor," Albus told him. He was also still dealing with some very irate parents from last year.

"I heard Moody has volunteered to teach. I will teach alongside of him or in a class with any that will have me, even if it is just Harry, Hermione and Annabel. If you want, I can focus on Dark Creatures and wards. I don't care what you want to do, but I will be at Hogwarts this year and any year Harry or any of our pack is at Hogwarts. Find a way to make it happen."

Remus stood up, putting his wand away. The look of disappointment on Remus face brought up Albus' ire. "I once revered you, Albus. I thought you were different than the filth we were fighting. Do these things and your life debt to Harry will be paid."

"Remus, Harry must be protected, and I will do what I can, but there are things you don't know."

"I don't care, Albus. These are the terms. You know what will happen if you choose to ignore or violate them." Remus looked down his nose at him. It was a pose that spoke of the man's disdain. "We can talk about what I don't know once Harry and Hermione are safe in the walls of Hogwarts. I await your owl."

-oOo-

August 26, 1994

London, England

Hermione sat in a chair. She was ready to leave this place, but she knew why they were there. When she had finally been able to wrap her mind around what Harry had offered, she had asked for several books from her house. Tonks had happily retrieved them. As she read the one containing the laws passed by the Wizengamot last year, she was struck at how vague so many of the laws were. The Anti-werewolf Law was just as vague. In a little over one thousand words, the entire population of werewolves had been reduced to almost no status. And in those thousand words, it came to one sentence that made their life unlivable in either the muggle or wizarding worlds. It banned werewolves from attending any institution or public place 'where a number of wizards, witches or muggle congregate for work or learning.'

What bothered her was the word 'number'. There was no definition to it. It could mean one or it could mean hundreds. No wonder Remus had been avoiding any place where he might stick out or be recognized. The only exception to this rule was St. Mungo's or Ministry approved places. The Headmaster must have received an exception for Remus last year.

That was the crux of the matter. Given the current mood at the moment, wizarding Britain was not in the mood to deal with werewolves. Who would want to expose their children to the potential? It was a fear she could understand. If she had known, she would have done everything in her power to not expose Harry or her mother.

She was afraid. She never wanted to hurt anyone like that again. The fact she hurt Harry was still a punch in the stomach. The fact he forgave her and was sitting on the floor next to her, a book open in his hands, was unbelievable to her. Perhaps more so was the fact he had kissed her again. Three times since yesterday, actually.

He was intent on the potions book in his hand. He had been reading since this morning when she had finally told him what she had been working on that day. It had been about silver and how it worked on lycanthropes, but she hadn't gotten far. She was missing far too much information and the thing seemed mental looking at from this side of the equation.

Thus, it had been surprising that Healer Tonks had listened to her and requested her notes.

Looking at Harry, she found herself drifting off from her task. His green eyes were scanning the pages of their textbook. She had rarely seen him so focused on anything to do with school as she had over the last month. She had also never seen his brilliant green eyes so determined or intelligent. Just thinking of it, made her feel warm inside.

The fact that his sloppy hair gave him a slight bad boy appearance, or that the Stone Roses shirt he liked so much didn't really hide how muscled he had become over the last few years. He was still small for their age, but he was not the scrawny pipsqueak that had come to rescue her from a troll.

She found herself thinking of how he had hugged her or held her close over the last few days. It made her feel warm just thinking about it. She very much liked the green-eyed boy. He turned another page as she looked at him.

She was wondering just how hard his abs might be if she touched them when he looked up. She had seen him without a shirt one day working before her turn.

He wasn't really focusing on her. "Hermione, you said you thought silver wasn't a poison. Which silver did you mean?"

She had to blink a few times to get the image of what was under his shirt out of her head. "I'm sorry. What was that, Harry?"

"Silver. What silver did you mean wasn't a poison?"

She shook her head, the gears in her head starting to click back over to her logical side. "I don't understand the question, Harry. What do you mean by type of silver?"

He held up the potions book and she realized it wasn't theirs. "Harry, what book is that?"

"Healer Tonks let me borrow a few of her potion books. This one is on advanced Potions for canceling the effects of other potions. I have seen several references to normal silver of varying purities, but also Hagsbestian silver and dragon silver. There was one mention of quick silver, but I really don't want anything with mercury in it."

She stared at him. She had read their potions textbook front to back a dozen times. It was the same book for year one to five. She had never heard of these ingredients before. "What is Hagsbestian and dragon silver," she asked putting her book on the table next to her chair and moving to Harry's side. She took the book out of his hands as she moved so that their hips were touching and she was just about cozied into his side. Harry wrapped his arm around her.

She really liked when they were this close. She did all she could to focus on the book. "See, in this potion to purge certain susceptibility potions, it mentions that you have to use pink tea leaf salt to remove the Hagsbestian silver. There was another one further back that mention dragon silver was best to cure certain burns, but it was nearly impossible to get."

Hermione read the paragraph Harry pointed out and then turned the pages back to read the entire chapter on purging and reversing potions for weakening ones resolve or decision making. Harry sat there, his head close to hers, probably rereading the same stuff.

It was three paragraphs. The first describing why silver was used in some susceptibly potions, mainly it was a counter to strong will, which she didn't fully understand yet. The next described the incredible lengths it took to control the silver in the potions. If not done right, it was a horrible poison instead. The last was how the salts made from certain magical tea leaves would purge the silver out of someone's system.

The author stressed that only very skilled Potioneers or Masters would be able to make them because of the time and skill required. The antidotes were equally hard to produce and disastrous if made wrong.

Hermione had a sinking feeling as she reread the paragraphs again. On the third time through she was convinced. "Harry, how many people do we know that are Potion Masters? And I mean real Potion Masters?"

She felt Harry stiffen and his heart thud in his chest. His disdain was heavy in his voice as he connected the pieces. "Snape."

-oOo-

August 30, 1994

London, England

Amelia Bones knew she was a formidable woman. She could see it by the way people gave her respect when she would walk into a room, or the way her enemies would tread delicately around her. Even though she knew it, she did not like throwing it around. Her power came from her actions, and today was a day she was going to act.

The Wizengamot had met in an emergency session three days ago. It had been three days now of ten to twelve hours locked behind closed doors as they worked on three new proposals that had risen the ire of many caucuses and would be extremely controversial, no matter which way it went.

Before them now where three very different bills, and all were regarding the lycanthropes. She had opposed the Anti-Werewolf Laws of last year, knowing it would rile them and set them against anything the Ministry might try in the future. It had also led to more attacks in the last year than in the last five.

She had her scribes and secretary pull together all the information the DMLE had on incidents involving the werewolves. Most were just petty crimes, people trying to find a way to eat or have a few galleons in their pockets. There had been some honest attacks, but nothing like the last two months. This was something different and she had a feeling the laws from last year had something to do with it.

She also felt that she wouldn't have twenty-five of her Aurors dedicated to protecting certain targets or have Harry Potter bitten. The headlines on that had broken the day they went into session. They had tried to keep it buried, but word always gets out. She was just surprised it had taken four days. The reaction so far had been mixed. Some already condemned the boy while others cried out that the Savior of their world couldn't be expelled from it.

Thus, the Chief Warlock had called an emergency session to address the issue.

She stood fully in the repeal and reform side of the issue. As did a good third of the Wizengamot. It was the rest that wanted something different. She knew the first would not pass. There wasn't enough support. That was why she was throwing her support into the Werewolf Reform and Integration law. It kept all the restrictions and penalties of the Anti-werewolf laws, but allowed a path for any werewolf to reintegrate into wizarding society as long as they registered and followed certain guidelines, rules on control and ensured they were safe on nights of the full moon.

The last she wanted to see go down in flaming defeat. It put more restrictions on the beasts, including making them impotent and allowing for cold-blooded murder should one be found in places they don't belong.

Her only complaint about any of them was the travel restrictions. For any werewolf to legally leave Britain they would need to apply for a leave, that could only be granted by a Committee of the Wizengamot, not the DMLE, and only if they were traveling with a responsible witch or wizard. She knew that would mean that they would be trapped in this country. That would be one of the items she would look to overturn at the Winter Solstice.

The Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore, banged his gavel. "Day four of this session shall be called to order. Final copies of the legislation were presented to all voting members yesterday. There will be no amendments offered today. If anyone wishes to make any appeals or rebuttals, you shall be granted five minutes. This will be strictly enforced. Before we do this, Madame Amelia Bones, Head of the DMLE, has requested thirty minutes to go over information that her office has compiled on this topic. Madame Bones," Albus inclined his head towards her.

She inclined her head back. There was something about the man that had always rubbed her the wrong way, even when she had sat in his Transfiguration class over forty years ago. "Thank you, Chief Warlock." She flicked her wand and the large chalk board she had brought began to full itself. She walked up to it. "My fellow colleagues and members of the Wizengamot, I would like to present the data that my department has been able to gather from the last fifty years of crime related to werewolves and make a case that the current laws are too harsh and should be over turned."

She looked around the room. It was obvious that Lucius Malfoy and his caucus were not happy or were ignoring what she has putting on the board. Others were looking at it thoughtfully or in shock as it spelled out every major legislation regarding the creatures and how every time one was passed, crime and attacks went up, many times very noticeably. Others were not surprised, and she knew those were her allies or those already committed to vote her way.

"What is this non-sense, Madam Bones? All I see are useless numbers and a history lesson," Lucius drawled and a few around him guffawed.

"This, Lord Malfoy, is the crimes and attacks related to werewolves and how it increased every time the Wizengamot passes another law to cut them out of our society. The new Anti-Werewolf Laws of last year show the greatest increase, more than tripling what had already been a decently high rate. As I said then..."

"Hem. Hem," a particularly fowl pink toad tried to interrupt her.

"Madame Umbridge, you are not a voting member of this council, so you do not have rights to speak at the moment," Amelia cut her off before she could say anything.

"Now see here," Cornelius started. "We are hearing final say before we vote. Everyone should be allowed to speak."

Dolores looked smug and went to open her mouth again.

"We are, Minister," Amelia said in a cool tone. "If this were a normal session, then any Head of Department would be able too. Undersecretaries do not rank as such, and this is not a normal session. You yourself called for a recensendum contionem. As we all know, that means only voting members can speak of this in this session. As you have now spoken, I assume you are taking up your place as a voting member, Minister."

The man gave her a shrewd look. So far, Cornelius had been very good at staying out of it. She knew he was hoping to abstain so that he could ride the wave of what happened. Now, he would be required to vote, and it would be recorded.

"Madame Bones, would you please continue. I would like to get to a vote before noon if we can," Albus prodded.

"Of course, Chief Warlock." Umbridge looked thunderous, but she knew if she spoke out of turn again she would be removed. Three days in the DMLE cells was the least of the punishments she could face. "Now, as you can see, every legislation has driven the wolves away from being able to find work or to associate with wizards or muggles. The last law was the most severe, driving them further underground and making them more desperate."

"Given this information, the DMLE is in support of loosening these restrictions and giving them a way to have a peaceful coexistence with the wizarding world," she spoke loud to the room.

"You can't be serious," Mr. Nott said. "Are you saying you want to offer these animals jobs? And what happens when they steal from their employer, or decide that dinner should include one of us? Or your niece, Madame Bones?"

"I am very serious, Mr. Nott. These animals, as you call them, are still people. At one time, they did work next to us. Attacks were only known by the feral lot that did not wish to be part of our world. Now, they have been so marginalized, they have little choice but to be criminals. Given the chance, I believe that many will take it and these crime numbers will go down."

Lucius gave her a discerning stare. She thought she would have to fend off an attack from him when Lady Longbottom spoke up. "I am in support of some of this legislation," she said aloud and many turned to her. "I have known and still know some people infected with lycanthropy. I now understand that two of my grandson's friends are in such a state. He is worried about them and I am too. I think that all that want it, should be given a chance to redeem themselves."

"If you are talking of Harry Potter and his mudblood bitch..." Lucius started with a sneer.

The gavel from the Chief Warlocks bench stopped him. "We have a certain decorum in this chamber. You will refrain from using derogatory terms."

Lucius lipped curled before he schooled his face impassive. "The boy and his girl are now one of them and should be treated as much. Personally, as I tried to amend, I think they should all be hunted and put down like the feral mutts they are." There were a few nods around him. Others pursed their lips but didn't say anything.

"Most are not feral, Lord Malfoy," another person spoke. She recognized Lord Patil. He was a dark skin man with more a traditional sherwani long coat with a ceremonial dagger at his side. Lord Patil was a very reasoned man and one she thought of as a good ally. "Most are thrown into being a creature against their will and would prefer to live the life they once had. They only turn to the wolf becuase there is no other way for them right now."

"You speak as though you are enamored with them, Lord Patil. I suppose you would allow them into your house," Lucius said. "I am sure they would love your daughters."

Lord Patil squared against the man. "Lord Malfoy, I assure you I hold no ill will against any of them that wish to seek an honest life. Until last year, I had several employed on my lands and they were nice and honorable people that did the work asked of them and never bothered my family in that way."

"People," Malfoy spat. "They aren't people. They're beast that would prefer to rip your spleen out and eat it."

"Lord Malfoy, that is enough," Albus said. She looked at him. The Chief Warlock didn't usually constrain the talk in the chamber. There was something different today. She made her case as best she could after that.

A little before noon, everyone that wanted to speak had, and the vote was called.

Chapter 8

August 30, 1994

London, England

Inactivity and Harry Potter did not go hand in hand. It had been nine days since he had stepped outside. More than seven and a half since he had been at the Granger's house. It was showing that he didn't like to be cooped up. He was pacing the length of the short room he was sharing with Hermione.

"Harry, why don't you do another fifty pushups," Hermione suggested.

He looked at her. She was sure his arms must be getting sore. Last count he had done that five times since this morning at her suggestion. "I've already done enough," he told her. "What I want is to go outside and run around or my quidditch workout. I want to do something. I thought when Healer Tonks said they wanted to do some more tests that meant a day or two, not another week!"

Hermione tried not to sigh. She knew Harry was not one to just sit for long periods. She had to admit, it was wearing on her too, and Harry was not helping.

"I know, Harry. I was not expecting it either. Healer Tonks said we should be going home tomorrow."

Harry pulled at his hair and picked up his pace, meaning it was five strides to cover one length of the room. "I don't have a home, Hermione. I can't go back with your father. I know you say he is a good man, but there is something about him that makes me want to attack him. I feel like I need to fight for you or something with him."

"Harry, I am not some prize for you to win," she said irritably.

"You don't think I don't know that." He stopped pacing and looked at her. His eyes radiated his discomfort to talk about her father like this. He looked so afraid he was going to lose her. She hadn't had the heart yet to tell him she felt the same thing around her father. He was the man that had frightened away her nightmares when she was a child. The man she looked up to as much as her mum. He was her father, and she had the same instinct to fight or run from him. She didn't like it and couldn't explain it. She was wishing Remus had more time to explain some of this stuff, but he was busy trying to organize their flight from the country.

She got up. "Hermione, I just... I just don't know." He flushed. "I just don't know what I would do without you."

Walking over to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. The fact she could do this and not need an excuse now was marvelous. That Harry wrapped his own arms around her and pulled her tighter was better. Since the night she had bitten him, Harry didn't shy from her at all. "Harry, you will never loose me."

She backed away and took his face in her hands. He closed his eyes and nuzzled his cheek into her left hand. Her poor boy had been through so much. More than anyone should be expected too. A shiver ran through her as she realized she called him her boy. Harry was HER boy and she would be damned if she let that go. Maybe it was the wolf in her. She didn't know, but she would never leave Harry.

As though claiming her right she pushed up on her toes and kissed him. It wasn't the chaste kisses they had mostly shared the last week. She pulled his face into hers and planted her lips on his. He responded quickly and his arms around her pulled her hips to his. She felt a flush run through her as he kissed her back. It quickly turned into the sloppy embrace that left chap lips and each party lightheaded, intoxicated with hormones. Even so, she tried to pour into it everything she could to let him know he would never lose her. When his tongue suddenly licked at her lips, she let out a moan and her knees buckled. It was a good thing he was holding her.

She wasn't sure how long they kissed before Harry pulled back. They were both breathing heavily. She wasn't sure when her hands had wandered into his hair but it was even messier than normal. His hands felt hot on her hips. She was as bothered as though she had been in her bed, in private, thinking of Harry...

"Why'd you stop," she asked, not happy he had.

"Someone knocked on the door," he told her.

She didn't quite process what he was saying. She liked the smirk on his face. She shifted at the warmth it brought between her legs. "What," she asked. "Why did you stop?"

There was a bark from the hallway. Her eyes suddenly snapped into focus. "I will take you out of here if you don't quiet down," she heard Remus say. "This is risk enough as it is."

Harry let her go and covered the distance to the door in two bounding steps. He flung the door open and he was knocked to the floor as a black dog bowled him over. If she hadn't known who it was, she would have been at his side. Instead, she gave the large dog an exasperated look. She was happy to see him, but he could have waited a few more minutes. Harry looked genuinely happy as he tried to fight off the big dog who was trying to lick his face. More interesting was that Padfoot had a smell that she immediately liked. It had a hint of what she thought of as Harry. He was one of the few she found she liked like that so quickly. Remus was another.

Remus shut the door and started to cast his wand. "We haven't got long. Sirius, stop acting like a mutt."

The mutt yipped and jumped off of Harry. A few seconds later, Sirius was standing up, his arms wide and Harry rushed into them. She had only seen him be so free with Remus and her. "Hey, pup. Good to see you."

"What are you doing here, Sirius? They are going mental looking for you. Fudge is blaming all the attacks on you," Harry said, his smile falling. She moved to his side.

"I heard what happened and came as fast as I could. And here is the brilliant witch that help save me."

She found herself hugging him when he extended his arms. "You shouldn't be here, but thank you for Harry," she told him before pulling away. Sirius was looking healthier than he had a little over two months ago. He had gained some weight and his eyes didn't look as haunted. He was also in fine clothing. She liked him dressed like that. The ragged robes he had last time did not suit him.

Sirius held her at arm's length before looking at Harry. After a moment, he nodded. She was curious what that was about. "Sorry to interrupt your snogging session, but Remus is right, I don't have much time." He let her go and moved back to Harry. "You look good kid. Put on some muscle?"

She turned to see Harry's face. It was a very cute crimson at the knowing look Sirius was giving him. "It was rather enjoyable," she told Sirius, not giving into his teasing.

Sirius chuckled. "I bet it was. To business though, then I teach you how to protect yourselves," he said with a wink.

Her mouth dropped open. Harry's eyes bugged out. "Sirius, we don't have the time. Now, listen you two. The Wizengamot has just passed a bill that affects us. They are calling it a Reform bill, but I don't trust the Ministry."

"What did they pass," she asked. There was a sinking feeling as she recognized how fast Remus heart was going and the smell coming off him.

"We can't leave Britain. Not any time soon," Remus started.

"Merlin's balls," Harry swore and ran a hand through his hair.

"How long ago," she asked. "How can they do this? We have rights, even with the Ministry."

"Hermione, let him get through this," Sirius said.

"A few hours ago. I only just found out before I took Padfoot here. I was able to get him in with some help, but we only have less than a half-hour. Listen, now, both of you." Remus was quite insistent. "There is going to be a new Werewolf commission. One in the DMLE and one in the Wizengamot. The Wizengamot is going to control the international permissions of all werewolves. If any of us try to travel without their approval, it's a one-way trip to Azkaban for a few years."

Harry had moved next to her and she wrapped her arms around his waist as he put one over her shoulder. "When does it go into effect? Can we leave right now? What about a plane or ship?"

Remus shook his head. "I would not think they would think of that, but they have some means of knowing. It was part of the Anti-Werewolf Law to know when any of our kind went close to areas where many wizards or muggles would congregate. The commission is active as of today, but I doubt they will have it ready before the Solstice. That is the next major legislation session and they need to make the Commission. They did not vote on it today."

"Those bloody bellands," Harry hissed.

"James would be proud of your vocabulary, pup," Sirius said with a smile.

"Sirius, now is not the time."

"Why did you take Sirius here. If we can't escape then Sirius should still be in hiding," Hermione said. The last week of planning was now for naught. She couldn't let herself fall into despair again though.

"There is more, Hermione. The Head of the DMLE has been tasked with establishing a werewolf registration and a Reform and Integration Commission. It is supposed to give those of our kind a path to live among witches and wizards as long as we meet certain conditions. It also required all those with the gift to achieve a minimum of five OWLs or IWLs before their sixteenth birthday if they wish to keep their wands. You both need to write McGonagall as soon as we leave to let her know you will be attending this year. Harry, you can't attend until you have your first turn next month. Tonks said that Madame Bones was going to come to talk to you both tonight or tomorrow morning about this. If you want to continue to get your OWLs and keep your wands, you will do what she wants. We can figure out a way to get you out of this later."

"Remus, I feel like they are putting us on a leash and will yank it the second we walk out of line," Hermione told him trying to process what he said.

"They are, Hermione," Sirius told her. "Until we can get permission for you to leave, we must play their game. We have some cards to play, but I think we should be careful how we do."

Harry stood up tall. "Hermione is not going back without me," he said in no uncertain terms.

Remus nodded. "I agree. If she asks that, you make sure it doesn't happen. I don't want either of you separated right now, even here. I can't be here this evening, but Mr. Granger will be. Sirius and I have some business."

She felt Harry stiffen and his smell changed to one of power. It was all she could think to describe it. It was soothing, familiar, intoxicating and sensual. She needed to concentrate. "Harry, we need my father if Remus can't be there."

"I wish I could stand with you, pup."

Harry nodded his head. "I am glad to see you here, Sirius, but I don't understand why you would risk this?"

"I had to see you. There is too much I have missed. You protect this one," Sirius said looking at Harry and then her as he lovingly slapped Harry's cheek. She wasn't sure which of them he was talking too.

She tightened her grip on Harry, issuing a growl. "Harry is my pack. A pack protects its own." She would make sure Harry was protected.

"Yes, it does. Harry and you are my pack. We protect our own," Remus said in a solemn tone.

"And I will protect you all," Harry just about growled.

Sirius looked between them. He gave each of them a look before his eyes fell on Harry. "Oh, bollocks," Sirius swore. Sirius wore a grave face. "He's your Alpha! He's just barely fourteen. Lily would kill you to let him claim that. You know how dangerous that is even for an adult in his prime."

She blinked at Sirius. Things started to make sense. The tension between her father and them. The way Remus protected both of them. The way the only people she found soothing had a scent of Harry. They were a pack. The smell made sense. Hermione felt like she was falling for a second as she realized the truth of it.

They were a pack. Sirius must be part of what Harry considers pack, or family. That was why she found comfort in him being around, because Harry did and the pack followed the Alpha in almost anything. She was happy she was holding Harry as she understood why she had an issue with her father. He must be an Alpha too and Harry was not his pack. Oh, shite, she thought to herself. Harry, and thus her, couldn't live with her father, not unless Harry submitted to him or she abandoned Harry.

It also made sense her attraction to him. Could Harry be her Alpha and her mate? That would make her part Alpha too. Shite! Shite! Shite!

It wasn't a question. She would never abandon Harry. He was hers and she was his. To a wolf, pack and mate came before anything else. That was her family. She had meant what she said earlier, even if she hadn't understood the import.

"Harry is going to be an Alpha no matter what we do. You know who his parents were. Both were Alpha's in their own way. He has already claimed his mate and she claimed him," Remus said pointing to Harry's arm. "And James would probably encourage it and have a sense of pride," Remus commented. "Either way, Harry is going to be an Alpha. I could sense it in Dan before his turn. Harry already has the scent and the irritability when his mate or any of us are in trouble."

"What do you mean I'm an Alpha and Hermione is my mate," Harry sounded strained. She was grateful he didn't try to pull away.

Remus rubbed his face. "I am sorry I have not been around. There is much I should explain to both of you before the next moon, but this plan to leave needed my attention. I have failed you again, Harry." The man looked years older.

"Remus, you haven't failed us. We needed someone to do what you get this move done and I don't trust anyone else," she told him.

Harry nodded. "She is right, Remus. There is time for you to explain to us. What we need now is what we are going to do."

Sirius was walking around with his hands in his hair. "Of course he's an Alpha and his mate is one too."

"We do as I told you. Agree to Madame Bones requests. Get your wands back. Do not separate from each other. You are moving tomorrow; I just need to work with Dan to figure out the arrangements. I assume you don't want to go back to your father," Remus said sadly looking at her.

"And what are you, Remus? The Beta?"

"And you're the Omega. We don't have time for this, Sirius," Remus said irritably.

Harry's smell changed. She thought it was... sad? "Hermione, I won't keep you from your family."

She knew instantly why Harry changed. "Oh, Harry. I am not going to leave my family. I just don't think you and my father should be around each other unless you need too."

"So you will leave him," Harry was morose.

She turned his head so that his eyes met hers. "You listen here, Harry Potter. My father is not going anywhere. I am not going anywhere either. Until we all settle into our new situations, I think this is the best course. Remus, I will go wherever Harry does."

She could see the conflict in Harry's eyes, and the relief when she told him she wasn't leaving him. She knew Harry would never force her to do anything. "Thank you," he told her and she felt a shiver pass through her. Harry didn't often just give in.

"Now, the last part, and we only have a few minutes. Sirius was asked to return by Dumbledore," Remus started.

She couldn't keep her growl down. She could feel the beast within her now wanting to boil to the surface. "I don't trust Dumbledore," she told him. Remus raised an eyebrow. "It was that man that sent Harry back to the Dursley's year after year and who put Harry there to begin with. We also have some reason to believe that Professor Snape made the potions we were given. Professor Snape would only do that under Dumbledore's command."

Remus regarded her for a few before shaking his head. "How did you figure that out?"

"Harry had a few books from Healer Tonks on antidotes last week. He came across a few that could only be made by a true Potions Master and given the focus of the potions, I would say there was only one person that would have that focus in our lives. It was Dumbledore trying to keep Harry with his relatives and suppress anything that would have brought him closer to me." She stared at the man, her anger not at him, but Remus being a good focus of it right now.

"You really are the brightest witch of your age."

Sirius laughed. "That took Remus months of research and you solved it in a week."

She gave him a fierce look and tried to step around Harry. He held her where she was though. "Sirius, this isn't a laughing matter," Harry spoke up. "Healer Tonks tested us for a few very rare, but very powerful ingredients. We both have hagsbestian silver in us. There are only a few potions that are known to use it. Hermione wasn't wrong. It takes a true Potion Master and Snape is one."

Remus let out a breath. "I didn't know you could get anything like that anymore. Merlin. You two must have some power that he had to use ones that strong."

"And we were breaking them," Hermione said. "Harry and I should not have been able to write to each other all this summer, but we were."

Sirius ran a hand through his hair again. "Sorry, pup. I know this is serious. Remus, I hate to say, but I think we need to go. There are a few things we need to do and I still need to talk with Dumbledore today."

"Harry, do you claim Sirius as part of your pack," Remus asked.

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"There are things that you can't know about yet, but if Sirius is part of your pack, Dumbledore can't touch him."

"Remus, old friend, what did you do?" Sirius gave Remus a questioning look.

"Not here. You are right. We need to go before Tonks gets in trouble. Remember what we said," Remus told them. "You must claim Sirius as your pack."

"Sirius already is," Harry said. "You and him are all I have left of my parents. If they loved you and saw you as friends, then why shouldn't I?"

"James was as loyal and trusting too. He would be proud of who you are becoming," Sirius said. He spread his arm. "Come here, pup." Harry moved to hug him. Hermione didn't let go of Harry's side and he wrapped them both in his embrace. "Keep each other safe and we will see each other again soon."

"Be safe, Sirius. Remus, please do what you can," Harry said pulling away.

"Of course, Harry. You two be safe and stay together. Don't let anyone separate you until we can get you to a safe place tomorrow."

"I'll make sure he stays put," Hermione said.

Sirius rubbed her head, mussing her hair. Hermione tried to push his hand away. "Get off," she told him irritably.

"Just treat our boy right," Sirius said with a grin, moving out of the way before her hand could catch his arm as she swiped at him.

"Someone's coming," Harry told them. She heard it as he said it. Four people. Two of them hitting the floor like they meant business.

Sirius morphed into a giant dog and Remus moved to the door. He opened it just a little. "Tonks is keeping them busy. I really didn't expect her so soon. Sirius," Remus snapped. Sirius, silent as night, slipped out of the room. "Stay together. It would be better if you pretend you hadn't talk to us," Remus told them before following.

Hermione looked around. She was trying to figure out if them just standing in the middle of the room was the right thing to do or not. As the door closed, she had heard Tonks telling someone 'they were indisposed'. Harry was looking at the door. Her mind caught Tonks meaning. "Harry, kiss me."

Harry shook his head and looked at her like she was mental at that moment. "What," he asked her.

"Kiss me," she said taking his face and pulling him down to her. The second his lips met hers, the same feeling of pleasant warmth came back. It took Harry a few seconds to respond. He pulled back just enough to say, "Tonks told them we were doing this, didn't she?"

She smiled. "You catch on quick, Potter."

Harry moved in and put his hands on her hips again, pulling her into him. She put her hands on his abs. They were just as tight as she thought they might be. She lost herself in his kiss. He was getting better. They walked down the hall to their door. Hermione didn't care. Part of her mind was working on what Remus had just said. Her body and her illogical side felt warm and pleasant. Again, a grown escaped her lips when he used his tongue against her lips. She did the same this time and when he pulled her in tighter, she felt something against her leg and stomach that brought a whole different warmth she hadn't quite felt before.

They knocked. Harry kept kissing her. They were teens. That was when she heard her father growl. It took a great amount of strength to pull away from him when the second knock came at the door. "I think we should let them in," Harry told her.

"I kind of like this better," she said giving him a quick peck on his lips. Harry gave her the same grin he had earlier and she wanted to snog him senseless. Now was not the time though.

"We are coming in, whether you are decent or not," Tonks said opening the door. Her father growled louder.

"Are you all right, Mr. Granger," a woman with a command in her voice said.

"Fine, Madame Bones." Her father's voice was strained. She felt guilty about doing this to her father. She still loved him dearly, but it was a good cover.

Harry and her straightened up as Tonks, her father, Healer Tonks and a woman with grey hair, a square jaw, sharp brown eyes and a monocle walked into their room. There was something about the woman that spoke of power and a very serious nature. She wore robes similar to an Auror but cut with more flare and sporting a gold stitching design on her collar and sleeves.

Harry moved and tried to shove her behind him. She didn't like being manhandled and hit his arm. "Harry," she said in a low voice. He seemed to realize what he was doing and stopped.

Her father raised an eye at them. He wasn't looking too pleased at them at the moment. She felt a flush come to her neck, and she tamped it down. Harry's arm hadn't dropped though. It was still across her midsection, ready to move her again. She understood between the look her father was giving them and the obvious power Madame Bones was projecting that felt the same urge. There was a low-level rumble coming from her throat.

"Please stop that," Harry said out loud.

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, unsure who he was talking too. A second later, she could feel the power emanating from Madame Bones drop. She could feel Harry relax some. She did too. "My apologize, Mr. Potter. I forgot how susceptible lycanthropes can be to power projection. Amelia Bones, Head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement. I am pleased to finally meet you." She held out her hand. Harry waited a moment before reaching out his own hand.

"Harry Potter, ma'am," he told her before pulling his hand back.

"And this must be Ms. Granger," the woman said reaching a hand out for her. She had to gently push Harry's arm down to shake Madame Bones hand.

"Yes, ma'am. Hermione Granger. It is very nice to meet you."

Madame Bones nodded and took out her wand. Harry tensed again, stooping just a little, as though ready to jump and his hand was back across her, trying to push her back. She felt her hackles raise that the woman would so casually pull her wand and have it pointing in their direction. She didn't resist him this time but was not going to let him get hurt either. She felt coiled herself, ready to pounce herself. The woman regarded them for a moment, not moving.

"Madame Bones, I told you to take it slow. Harry, no one here is going to harm you or Hermione. Madame Bones just wants a conversation. I think she was going to conjure some more chairs," Healer Tonks told him.

"Indeed, Healer Tonks," Madame Bones said cautiously. "Mr. Potter, I am going to conjure a few chairs. I do not wish any harm to you or your mate, Ms. Granger."

Harry calmed before nodding. He reached for the two chairs that already were in the room. He made sure she was sitting before sitting himself. She felt slightly trapped to see four adults in a rough semi-circle around them. She sought Harry's hand and could feel his own apprehension. She could hear his heartbeat elevated and this smell that emanated unease. Her father's smell didn't' help either. It was sad.

"Harry, we aren't here for anything bad," Healer Tonks said again. She was trying to be soothing.

"Yes. I was rather hoping we could have a talk about something that I hope will be good news," Madame Bones spoke up.

"You will want to hear this, Hermione. Harry, you too," Mr. Granger told them.

Harry squeezed her hand. She had not expected to have this reaction. She wasn't sure how much was her or was from Harry. "We will listen," she told them.

"Thank you, Ms. Granger. Now, the Wizengamot voted earlier today on a bill that will help those infected with lycanthropy. It will allow you to attend Hogwarts and your father to work," she said as though delivering good news.

"We don't want to go back to Hogwarts," Harry told her. She squeezed his hand. They were supposed to be cooperating.

Madame Bones blinked. "Why would you not want to go back," she asked.

"Hermione and I have already sent out applications to Illvamorny for a late start November first and submitted a transfer of records to Hogwarts. We plan to leave October first"

Madame Bones frowned. "I am sad to tell you, but you cannot leave Britain right now," she told him. "And I doubt you will before October the first."

"Then we have a problem," he told her. Hermione was wracking her brain at the game he was playing. This was not like him. Then again, Harry had been Harry and not Harry since that night.

"I agree with Harry. This is a problem. Free movement unless we have been accused and stopped by a court is our right," her father said looking at Madame Bones.

Hermione could tell this was not going the way the woman thought it would. "There is no problem. The Wizengamot voted that all those with lycanthropy cannot leave without permission from the Werewolf Travel Commission."

She suddenly got where Harry was going with this. "Madame Bones, we submitted for a temporary asylum with the MACUSA so that we could move rapidly and attend Ilvamorny in November. We expect to have an answer next week. If they grant it, we will fall under the conventions of the ICW Asylum laws until we are on United States soil. That could mean the Ministry is at odds with the ICW."

The woman took in a deep breath. Hermione had not linked that with the rapidity of everything in the last hour and the fact her head was still partially on the kiss with Harry. She made a mental note not to snog Harry like that again before they have to do something important. Good thing Remus had been busy and had made them all file those forms two days ago. Otherwise, it could take six months or more to get the proper approvals to move and go to school. If they still claimed British citizenship, then it would be easy to attend, but they had to break away. Madame Bones regarded them. "That might be a problem, but until that happens, you are still British citizens. If they choose not to grant the Asylum, then you will be hear until the commission agrees to let you go."

"What are you proposing and what is the new law," Harry asked her. He had given them a powerful card she had not reasoned out. Now that her mind was focusing on this she wouldn't miss something like that again.

Madame Bones reached into her robes and took out a few parchments. "The Werewolf Reform and Integration Law passed a few hours ago. It does not negate the Anti-Werewolf Laws of last year, but it does allow you to get around them. If you are willing to submit to a Registry that documents you, your wand and where you call your primary residence, then I can offer you a way to attend Hogwarts."

She felt a chill go through her. "I don't trust putting my name on a magical Registry or for my wand to be so easily identifiable," she told Madam Bones.

"I can understand that, Ms. Granger," Bones said giving her a look as though she was trying to decide what to think of her. "I can assure you that there are clauses in the Law that will prevent anyone from copying your information or from accessing it without proper permissions. It will not be made public."

"And who assigns the permissions," she asked.

Madame Bones eyes narrowed slightly. "How old are you, Ms. Granger?"

"Almost fifteen," she told the woman. "Who assigns the permissions?"

"The Head of the DMLE."

"And what prevents it when a new Head is elected by the Wizengamot from changing those permissions or making the registry public?" Hermione was not going to let this go. Now that she was thinking more clearly, she was wondering why this woman would come to see them in person. Her suspicions were up.

"Hermione, I don't think that will be an issue," her father said.

She turned to him. "Dad, the Ministry does not work the same way it does in the Muggle world. There is no check or balance on what the current Minister or certain Heads decide to do. The Head of the DMLE has as much, if not more power, than the Minister. They have done things like this in the past and then turned around and used it to hunt or control creatures that they deemed dangerous. Ask Madame Bones what happened in 1865 when the Ministry tried to declare a hunt on Vampires. The ICW came in and the Minister was sent to Numengard and there was almost a war between us and most of Europe. So you will excuse me if I don't trust this."

"Binns never talked about that," Harry told her.

"It was in our textbook and talked about in Hogwarts: A Historybecause the ICW had to set up a blockade in Hogsmeade when two of the Governors that voted and fought to keep the law sought Asylum in its walls. Are you prepared for that again, Madame Bones? Or will it more likely be your replacement at some point? I already know that the ICW is not happy with the Anti-werewolf Laws from last year, but the Prophet won't report on that, will it?"

Madame Bones was giving her a shrewd look. "No, we are not looking for conflict with the ICW, but you have brought up the possibility twice already. You seem to understand more about our laws than most of my Aurors, Ms. Granger."

"Hermione reads, a lot. I have been reading some of the same law books. This Registry is illegal to the ICW Creatures of Intelligence Rights that they are trying to pass and will vote on in December. What happens if this is found illegal, but the Ministry has already changed its purpose? Will the Registry be destroyed? Will a copy be kept?"

All the adults were looking at them as though this was the first time they had heard anything like this.

Madame Bones pursed her lips. "I will work with the Department of Mysteries to setup firm requirements that cannot be changed without a new Registry being made and to ensure that if the ICW proposal passes that the Registry is destroyed. Do you two see any other issues with this?"

"It depends on what the rest of the law says," Harry told her.

"Be polite," she admonished, even though she knew she was being just as guilty.

"Is it true what they are saying, Madame Bones," her father asked. She knew he was used to the Muggle world, where law and order had far more importance in society. There was an expectation between Muggles and their governments that did not exist in the wizarding world.

"I cannot refute any of it," she said cryptically. "Can I get onto the rest of this? I have some questions I would like to ask and still have much to do today to get this in place as soon as possible."

"You are telling me that the Ministry of Magic has pulled a trick like this in the past and people were killed before some international group came in and stopped it? That sounds an awful lot like fascism, and I do not want to be part a government like that," he told her firmly. She felt a pride in him.

"If you don't, Mr. Granger, then you will not leave this country any time soon. How long can you and your family survive without you working or your daughter not attending school? If she does not get her OWLs by end of next year, then her wand will be snapped and she will never legally be allowed to own or use one again," Madame Bones said tersely.

"Dan, please let her speak. I know this is not what you are used too, but we can talk of this later," Healer Tonks tried to sooth.

Tonks had been quiet the whole time, but she didn't look happy with the conversation. "What else is there," Harry asked. He sounded cold and angry.

"Yes," Madame Bones started. "If you agree to sign the Registry, then you can obtain work and learning permits that allow you to go anywhere. It will not restrict jobs, education or movement in Britain."

"And what do we need to do?" Hermione was looking at her and was getting a feeling of what was coming.

"There is a Werewolf Reform Commission, the WRC, being formed in the DMLE. Everyone that Registers and wishes to integrate will be assigned a Representative. They will ensure you are following certain rules. You will need to take wolfsbane potion every full moon and be in a place where you will not be a danger to others. It will have to be verifiable you followed these actions. Within five days of the full moon, evidence of this must be submitted to your Representative."

"You will not be allowed to work or study in the Muggle world. The Wizengamot thinks there is too much danger with that," Madame Bones said in a serious tone.

"That is it? It seems too simple," Hermione stated.

"Those are the rules. There will be guidelines too, but they will not be required."

"What type of guidelines," Harry asked next.

"It is not recommended for you to be with anyone that does not want to be with a lycanthrope. It is not recommended for you to work in any job that might aggravate the beast, like butchers, dining areas or establishments, stressful places such as an Auror or other similar position. There is a list I can leave with you." She put a parchment on the table near Harry.

"What happens if we don't follow the guidelines?"

"It depends. If someone is hurt, you will go against the Wizengamot for assault. That is typically a fine, but it can be time in the DMLE cells or Azkaban. If you kill someone, then you will be considered for the Veil. If you attack anyone during the full moon then you will face at least Azkaban, maybe the Veil. Your pack will also be looking at facing the Wizengamot."

"And what if it was in self-defense of an actual or perceived danger?"

Madame Bones looked at Harry. "There is no provision for that."

Instantly getting Harry's meaning behind the question, Hermione spoke in her rapid know-it-all tone. "There is under the ICW. Britain signed the Conventions of Intelligent Rights in 1834. That allows for any wizard, witch and creature of intelligence or near intelligence to have a right of defense in situations where they are engendered or perceive danger. Are you telling me that the Ministry is breaking the treaty? I doubt the Goblins would like that," she told the woman, obviously unsatisfied with the Wizengamot or the DMLE.

Madame Bones actually paled some. Apparently the Wizengamot did not believe in past treaties or abiding by their magically binding contracts. That particular convention was signed after the Goblins in eight countries threatened to rebel and shut down Gringotts and two other Goblin banks after three of their members were executed in Germany for killing a group of wizards that had stormed their den thinking it was a dragon's nest. Professor Binns had been good for something.

"I will take that under advisement as we come out with the official rules and guidelines and their punishments. If this touches on the Conventions of Intelligent Rights, then it will need to be postponed and vetted with the Goblins and the ICW if the Wizengamot does not approve a change."

"Madame Bones," Harry asked.

"Yes, Mr. Potter," the woman said, obviously shaken some at this conversation. "Why are you here? I don't think this is a typical thing for the Head of the DMLE to come and talk to two teens about a law that is obviously very flawed."

"No, Mr. Potter, this is not," Healer Tonks said. She sounded and smelled angry. "Amelia, I agreed to this because you said you can help them. So far, you have only upset them and basically told them they just need to lay down and die if something happens to them, because if they don't, they will anyways. If that is all you have to say, I want you out of my Ward right now. Then you will find a way to get approval for them to leave this country before October first."

For the first time, Hermione felt the woman lose some control over herself and project a power that was at least equal to the Head of the DMLE's earlier. Tonks stiffened and her wand jumped to her hand as she stood and pushed her chair back at her mother's reaction. She looked torn for a second as to what way to go before she stepped towards them, placing herself between the witches and them.

Madame Bones looked thunderous for a second before she schooled herself. "I am trying to help them, Andromeda Tonks. I have been trying to protect them since Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger were attacked in July. Why do you think they have had a Auror guard on them when I can barely afford it for the time I have."

It was obvious how upset the woman was getting. "This was the best deal that could get through the Wizengamot and after talking with these two that are more astute than some of the top Barristers I had looking at this in the last three days, if it is not changed now, then I have every right to believe the ICW will be marching into the Ministry by the end of the week. We are already under warning from the ICW for the Anti-Werewolf Laws and Albus Dumbledore is the only reason they have not tried to depose Fudge and half the Wizengamot already."

"Right now, if they were to take this and last year's law to the ICW, then it would be overturned, but that would be two years or more away if Aurors didn't show up right away. In that time, their wands would be snapped and they would be put on a banished list, never being able to practice magic again."

"Your daughter told me of Mr. Potter's request and I would like very much not to snap his or Ms. Granger's wand either. Not with a mind like that. You said you were only fifteen?"

"In thirteen days," Hermione told her.

"Not even fifteen and she was able to tell me more than people five times her age. When I go back, there is going to be a major review of our treaties with the ICW and these laws. Some of them I think can change without the Wizengamot approval. I don't think that even the Purebloods would like the ICW stepping into this. They are not as lenient and stay out of things unless there is a chance for a major breach of the International Statute of Secrecy or breaches of Treaties. I would say this could threaten both and with an ICW Auror squad here, there are eyes that will be looking at this that wouldn't normally. Ms. Granger, how did you get all this information?"

Harry squeezed her hand. "Most of it is just being logical. Some of this was when I was trying to help Hagrid save Buckbeak last year and Auror Tonks has helped us get copies of many laws from the Ministry and ICW when I was trying to help my father, and now us. Some of it was stuff Professor Binns taught us."

"Guess I need to stay awake in class," Harry said next to her. She squeezed his hand back.

"May I borrow any notes you have on this and a list of laws you reviewed?"

"Of course, Madame Bones." She looked at Harry, unsure where this was going. "You still have not answered why you are here?"

Madame Bones looked at them. "I will not try to bullock you. I know the Registry will not be public, but as you know both your conditions have gotten out to the press."

"Yes," she snarled. "Ms. Skeeter had some colorful things to say."

Madame Bones snorted. "I see you have the same opinion I do, but the fact is, it is out there. As such, I would like to ask for your support in refining and selling this law. I do not want lycanthropes to live in the shadows anymore if they don't want. It causes too much trouble."

"And you think putting us on the cover of the Daily Prophet will do this? I will not support the current law or the one you obviously still have in your hand," Harry told her.

Hermione understood but had to stifle her grown anyways. This was the opposite of what they were supposed to be doing. "Madame Bones, may I have a few minutes to talk to Harry?"

"Yes, but no more than a few minutes. I need to get back and get these changes done within the next thirty-one hours. This part of the law is active as of midnight tomorrow, so I only have until then to complete the review and do changes before it would need to go back to the Wizengamot."

"Right. I'll just cast some privacy charms then, if you are good with that, Boss?"

"Of course, Auror Tonks."

"Harry and Hermione, can Dan and I join you?"

"Yes, please," Harry answered Healer Tonks.

In a moment they were sitting by themselves. Auror Tonks was on the other side of a shimmery barrier talking with Madame Bones. "How is it that my daughter has been living in a world that is run more like a fascist regime than a government? I had assumed the Ministry was more like our Parliament."

"We have been trying to explain this to you, Mr. Granger. I thought Remus had done a good job," Healer Tonks said.

"Not with the history lesson of the fact of how things interrelate or the fact that they can tell me if I can go or not just based on my classification. That is illegal on so many fronts," her father said angrily.

"Not in the magical world, Mr. Granger. The Ministry can do just about anything it wants. Healer Tonks, I don't want to do this. My name is already too popular," Harry said putting his head in his hands. She put a hand on his shoulder.

"We will never be able to just be who we are. They put our pictures on the front of the paper and they will use it for anything, and everything related to werewolves. It will give the Ministry all they need to hold us up as the Poster Children of the Law or the scapegoat when something goes wrong. I don't think Remus knew about this when he said agree with her," Hermione said to the adults before turning to Harry.

Harry shook his head. "No, I don't think he knew about this."

"When was Remus here," Healer Tonks asked.

Hermione couldn't keep the guilty look off her face. She wasn't supposed to say that either. Apparently kissing Harry did more to her than she thought.

Harry sighed. "Just before you came. He had just found out about this law and wanted to warn us."

"Someone else was here too," Mr. Granger said. "I can smell it."

"A friend," Harry said setting his shoulders.

Mr. Granger narrowed his eyes. "A friend who smells dangerous. If you are endangering Hermione, we are going to have words, Harry."

Harry growled at him and she had to put herself between them. "Stop. This is the last thing we need right now. Dad, trust me. It was a friend who would protect us. We trust him."

"Who was here? Only Remus, my daughter and I should be allowed in here right now," Healer Tonks asked.

"A friend. We can't say anything else. We need to answer Madame Bones. I don't want to do this," Harry told her.

She looked at him. She was trying to work out a scenario where it would be in their best interest to. She could only think of one thing. "You said the Prophet was already reporting that Harry was bitten?"

"Yes. They have already published yours and Harry's name. I am just trying to figure out how they got some of the information they did," Healer Tonks told them.

"I am still very upset about that," her father said.

"Why didn't we know? I have been asking for a daily copy of the Prophet for over a week now," Hermione said aggravated. "I would have liked to know."

"I stopped it because you two are already irritable enough," Healer Tonks said. "I'm glad I did. You realize you two have been through more than two dozen books on potions and laws in the last seven days? How would this have gone if you two weren't so well read. I have rarely seen anyone spin around Amelia Bones like that."

She grumbled an acknowledgement at her. "Harry, I think we should agree."

Harry shot his head up at her and she felt a pull for her to change her mind. "I don't."

"I know you don't, but listen. Our names are already out there. This will get us into Hogwarts until we can transfer, and once we do, it will be headlines as to why we left and it would give a platform to push for changes or just make the Ministry miserable as they deal with the aftermath," she told him.

"Hermione, your mother has done a brilliant job teaching you how to think for yourself," her father said with some pride.

"You taught me too dad," she said contritely.

Harry sighed. "Fine, Hermione. If you think this will work."

Chapter 1841 - Ch: 7-8