Chapter 31: A Sirius HalloweenNotes:
Here is the next chapter. Hope you all like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Hello Mr. Potter. My name is Emmaline Vance and I am with the Ministry of Magic's Child Services. I am here to ask you a few questions about your treatment at the Dursley residence and your current stay at the Tonks residence." Harry sat in the chair provided to him by Madam Pomfrey as they did their interview at the Hospital Wing, with the Healer overseeing in case of emotional outbursts. Vance looked over her papers. "You lived over ten years at the Dursley Residence, placed there by Albus Dumbledore. Did you meet the man at any point in that time?" Harry shook his head. "No ma'am." Emma wrote down his replies as she continued to ask him questions. "Did you receive medical attention at any time for any injuries, vaccinations or regular checkups?" Harry shook his head. "No. My first checkup was in the summer of 1992, at the request of the Tonks and Peverell family. They had to provide a court order to Mr. Weasley for him to take me there." Vance frowned. "And you were at the Weasley's home, why?"
Harry blushed. "Huh, my mail was getting intercepted by an unknown third party at the time. The Weasleys came over and checked on me before I spent the rest of the summer with them." Emma nodded. "And Dumbledore or The Dursleys gave permission for that?" Harry thought for a second. "My uncle did. I don't know about Dumbledore. He never showed up at their residence. I only ever saw him at school." Emma sighed. "And your years prior, how was your living arrangement?" Harry frowned. "I was given a cupboard under the stairs as my room, despite there being another room in the house. I wasn't allowed much time to shower, few if any proper meals, all of which I had to cook for everyone else too. I received several beatings from my cousin and my uncle, the latter of whom preferred it was done with an old rusty belt. Madam Pomfrey and Healer Tonks have photographs of my scars." Emma nodded. "The images were submitted as evidence. Now, did their behaviour change at all, in the time since Hogwarts?" Harry smiled a little. "I was told they were approached about their illegal activities concerning me and were offered a contract to behave themselves. They kept it until this summer."
Emma looked over the notes. "The contract has been reviewed. Quite the detailed contract. Now, in the period of time from July 30th to September 1st, you were in the custody of the Tonks family. How was it?" Harry's smile widened. "It was great. Andromeda took me for another physical and checked on my health. They celebrated my birthday for me and provided me with my own room. I tried to offer to help with the chores and Andromeda agreed, but with her always doing most of the work. I spent some time with the Peverells in the Tonks residence too. I got to leave the house and see my friends and see the sights in London for a bit. Spent more time among magical families and made a few new friends. Ted and Andromeda are also very thoughtful. They always check with me before making any plans." Emma nodded as she wrote more things down. "Have they informed you about your position as Heir of House Potter?" Harry sighed but nodded. "Before I received a book on my family's history as a present, I had no idea. Ted Tonks filled me in on a few of the legal responsibilities and Andromeda was teaching me some etiquette. I know I don't have to do anything until I am fifteen, but they wanted to prepare me rather than letting me get blindsided or to miss out completely on my responsibilities."
A few further questions and Emma reached the point of the visit. "While not standard procedure, it is requested that we ask the opinion of a child in a custody dispute. Right now, the three parties vying for your custody are Albus Dumbledore, The Malfoy family and the Tonks family, the latter supported by the Peverell family. What are your feelings about the three?" Harry made a face of disgust. "I have had bad relations with the Malfoys from the start. Draco has criticized and belittled my friends for two whole years and remains antagonistic towards me and his father behaved the same way the one time I met him. Dumbledore, while seemingly a great man, has never shown any interest in me outside of school and has failed at any responsibilities he might have claimed to have to me. The Tonks family has been nothing but kind, supportive and understanding. They have made it clear that the time I have with them is up to me and that I am always welcome to stay. The Peverells have shown the same degree of support towards me. I would rather be with the Tonks family until I am of age." Emmaline signed her report and she and Pomfrey took their oaths. "What was discussed here won't be repeated to anyone not part of the Investigative Panel and the DMLE, not even to Dumbledore. My apologies for the disservice our Department has done to you, Mr. Potter. Enjoy your school year."
Harry sighed as soon as she left and Pomfrey came over and offered him some tea. "It has a bit of Calming Draught in it, to help with the nerves." Harry thanked her and drank from his cup as Pomfrey sat down, looking guilty. "I want to apologize to you, Harry. As your Healer at the school, I should have looked harder into the unusual circumstances around you, especially when you didn't arrive for a physical or provide any copies of your medical records. I simply didn't think Dumbledore would have neglected you like this." Harry nodded. "It's ok, I understand. I am grateful for your care this last year. My scars are mostly gone and I am feeling physically better." Pomfrey smiled. "I am sure those morning runs you and Neville perform are doing you quite good too." Harry blushed a bit. "Yeah. I just feel better now. Even my Quidditch practice feels more comfortable." Pomfrey shuddered at the mention of the sport. "You've avoided being long under my care for the last two years from that awful game. I would be thankful if you kept that up." Harry finished his tea and picked up his bag as he stood up. "I'll try. Thank you for the tea and the company." He left the Hospital Wing, feeling more comfortable about his hopes to stay with the Tonks for the next summer. Though if he was being honest with himself, he wanted to spend more time with Hazel and Teddy.
-∞-
"Never took you as the Butterbeer type." Croaker moved the mug of butterbeer away from him. "I'm not, but then again, I am not here. Maintaining a disguise and all is a bit harder for use without your talents." Hazel nodded as she and Tonks sat opposite from Croaker and Amelia, both dressed in unassuming clothes. They had to step out of the Castle and meet them in a room in the Three Broomsticks to keep their interactions quiet and hidden from Dumbledore. "So, what brings you both here?" Croaker swept the room for eavesdropping spells and animagi and sat back. "Updates on what's going on. Your stay at the Castle prevents us from using our comms effectively, especially with Dumbledore sustaining heavier wards than usual, so an in person briefing at Hogsmeade was the next best thing." Amelia eyed Hazel. " We also wanted to update you on the intel you acquired. Your son's concerns seem to be valid. The release of the Carrows coincided with the dismissal of the girls' governess and their caretakers, both of whom were replaced by those that are more… in line with the Carrows agenda." Hazel bared her teeth. "Marked or sympathizers?" Amelia sighed. "Sympathizers. We approached the former staff at the Carrow Estate and while their oaths covered much of what happened within the Estate and their time was relatively peaceful, they all made it clear they feared for the safety of the girls."
Hazel eyed her. "And the DMLE's response?" Amelia looked at her, guilt clear in her face. "Nothing for now. If your son's hunch is right, the girls will avoid going home until the end of the academic year. We are powerless to do anything until then. Should they show up with signs of mistreatment after their return home, we can then make enquiries and interview the girls." Dora reached out and restrained Hazel, who looked furious. "So you want us to do nothing, just like with Lockhart?" Amelia sank in her seat. "The law is clear. The line between the government overstepping its authority and the right to intervene in cases of child abuse is a tricky one to handle. Hearsay won't give us much." Hazel settled down. "I will see what we can get from the girls. Will a memory help in beginning a proper investigation?" Amelia nodded. "It will now." Hazel sighed. "I'll see if we can reach out to them here, safely. This is why I swear Hogwarts should have a summer program." Croaker sighed. "I don't disagree, but Dumbledore, while a supporter of progressive ideas, is also known for not disturbing the traditions of anyone. Hogwarts has never had a summer program. He will use that as an excuse to ignore the needs of the children."
Dora, certain her partner wouldn't lash out again, turned to her Boss. "What's the word on Sirius Black? Things have been quiet at the castle." Croaker turned to Amelia, who Hazel looked at critically. There was a flinch on her face for a second as his name was spoken. "Sirius Black, as you know, has continued to evade all attempts at retrieving him. We believe he is using a wand he acquired somewhere, potentially from a witch or a wizard that has refused to come forward out of shame from being caught off guard. His last sighting was in Dufftown, as reported by a muggle who recognized him from the reports being made in muggle news media. Her communication led to the dispatching of Aurors, but our dear Minister also sent in the Dementors, causing mass hysteria. Black escaped in the chaos." Hazel rubbed her hair. "Why is Fudge so intent on using the Dementors? It's clear Black can evade them." Croaker nodded. "True. Sadly, we believe the Minister is being instructed to use them by his Undersecretary and by Lucius Malfoy. We believe the removal of his wife from the Black Seat in the Wizengamot has driven the man to seek Black's death."
Hazel sighed. "With the Tonks currently disowned, the only Black descendants with any claim would be Draco and Harry. He must be trying to hedge his bets. Secure the Black Seat, push for Harry's custody from a stronger position and gain control of the Black Family wealth in its entirety." Amelia tapped the table. "That is what we believe. Fudge is following through, hoping to gain some personal glory by having his people catch Black. The Undersecretary probably wants recognition for the idea and the support of the traditionalists." Croaker eyed Hazel. "No, you can't kill her yet. She's too highly placed." Hazel sighed deeply. "Fine. So we will have to double our efforts in the coming days. If he is close, we need to catch him. What's the word about the maps?" Croaker shook his head. "The makers of the two were quite well versed in enchantment. They are exceedingly well encoded. Our Enchantments Division is equal parts overjoyed and frustrated." Hazel frowned. "The passwords don't give you full access?" Croaker waved his hand. "We wish. Your map is a lot more intricate, made by a more sophisticated Enchanter. The one from here is crude, but still well protected."
Dora watched a brief smile of pride on her partner's face that vanished quickly. Her eyes had flickered as they usually did when a memory surfaced and dampened her mood. Dora turned to Croaker. "So, anything else?" Croaker winced. "Your guard duty might get interrupted soon. MI5 has determined the location of a group of weapons smugglers in one of the docks on the Irish Sea. They have intel that suggests Witches or Wizards are part of the defences but aren't frequently there. They want to take the warehouse without calling us first, just in case it's a false alarm." Hazel rubbed her face. "And we are on standby to help clean up their mess if they get unlucky. Great." Amelia gave her a sympathetic look. "I can guarantee some guards at the Castle should you be called. Sadly, Mad-Eye took a bit of a hit from a curse a few days ago in Knockturn Alley. He's still at St. Mungos, recovering. He won't be part of the replacement detail." Dora shook her head. "Alastor must be furious." Amelia smiled. "He was, until I sent him a few bottles of whiskey. I got a notice from the hospital about sending liquor to a patient, followed by a very brief thank you from the staff."
Hazel stood up from her seat. "Well, make sure you send those Aurors with the MI5 assault notice. Well go back to the Castle and see if we can set a few more ward tripwires. I'll find a way to reach out to the Carrow Twins." Hazel eyed Croaker. "I would suggest you ask Lupin about the map, but despite Dumbledore's failures concerning Harry, I don't see the man answering your questions willingly without informing the Headmaster. His Werewolf nature also makes Obliviation and Mind Arts difficult." Croaker stood up. "Well consider it if Black gets too aggressive with his break-in attempts. For now, keep the Castle and the students secure and keep the Dementors in line. Umbridge or Fudge might eventually come in person to command them to take Black if he is in the area. Don't give her a chance and don't kill her or make her disappear." Hazel narrowed her eyes. "Aye, boss. Leave the toad alive and not lost." Amelia watched the two agents leave before turning to Croaker. "Maybe we should insinuate to the Minister to keep Umbridge close to him. Your orders were vague enough for her to look for viable loopholes." Croker rubbed his face. "Agreed. Gods, it's like working with a Goblin." Amelia shook her head. "Don't let her hear you say that."
-∞-
OW October 31st 1993
Hazel sat back on the sofa she conjured for herself as she read the book on how to read and speak Druidic. While her Runes class was interesting, they focused heavily on Futhark and Runic languages. While the languages were fascinating, they simply lacked the intricacy and almost ethereal quality of Druidic Script. She reached over and petted Isabelle's back, getting a soft purr in response. The summer since she torched Ripper had been very unpleasant. Dumbledore dared to grace her with an appearance after she ignored the people knocking on her door since she arrived at the Cauldron. While a bit of an extra expense, she had tipped Tom well enough to not let anyone follow him up as he brought her her meals. She would explore the Alley in the early morning and late at night, when everyone was suitably quiet and the stores were a bit empty. She bought a few premade potions from the apothecary, as well as getting the food supplies for Hedwig and her new pet. Isabelle was strangely attached to her, refusing to let her out of her sight, but Hazel didn't mind. Hedwig liked her and the three had a few quiet days in the summer, until Dumbledore showed up.
He, of course, started by trying to guilt her on her expenses at the Alley, until Hazel asked him how he would even know how much money she had. She had successfully cornered him into revealing his position as her Magical Guardian. He then tried to use it to force her to return to her relatives but Hazel had been looking a lot into what his position meant. He had no legal authority to force her to do anything not associated with her Magical Education. When he tried to bluff his way, she dropped a bomb on him. "Maybe I should contact my Godmother. Put an ad on the paper or something. She is my rightful Guardian after all." Dumbledore had frowned at her. "Hazel, the woman is mad and dangerous. She is a follower of Voldemort and has escaped Azkaban, probably with the intention of killing you." Hazel scoffed at the man. "So, no different from my first defence teacher. Listen, you old goat. I don't care for the Dursleys or about these wards of yours. I want a summer to myself and I am getting it. So stop sending your stooges after me, leave me alone and I will see you at school. Or I will park myself in the middle of the Alley inviting the Blacks to get on with it. I am sure I will get some peace and quiet after that."
Dumbledore sighed. "Very well, but you will be leaving yourself with not many funds." Hazel hummed. "Sure, how about you stop spending my money on the Dursleys for the care they don't provide. Oh wait, you probably won't. So don't come to me complaining about me using my money to see to my wellbeing when you are the only one squandering it. Go take that high and mighty ego of yours back to your tower before I try and find a lawyer to sue you for every failure you have taken because everything has to go your way. Oh, and if the new Professor ends up being a murderer or a rapist, I am going to make sure you are held responsible." Hazel used a bit of wandless magic to slam the door in the old man's face. The soft string of curses she heard from the door before she silenced it was delightful. The rest of the summer went as expected, peaceful and quiet, at least until she got on the train. Her seating options were either with the two people who constantly shadowed her at school or with the sleeping form of the man she assumed was the new Professor. Better the devil that you know. A few hours of mindless conversations of the walking argument ended suddenly as the train pulled into the station.
Getting dragged into the stupid memory of her run in with the Mirror of Erised wasn't fun at all but at least her screams woke up the Defence Professor and his spell made the Dementors flee. She politely refused his chocolate. Quirrell might have been a bastard but he had a point about accepting strange gifts from people with questionable motives, no matter how nice they seemed. Getting tired of hearing complaints and the bickering of her House, especially about Quidditch, Hazel took the only appropriate response. She stopped spending her evenings in the Tower. Isa had been a bit bothered by their entrance into the Chamber of Secrets but, after inspecting literally every square inch of the place, she settled down. Still mad at her wand's lack of performance, Hazel practiced her wandless magic further. She found some interesting books in the Hogwarts library about Transfiguration and Conjuration and tried them out in the chamber. She had laughed herself silly when she made herself a supremely comfortable bed and sofa, though she had to constantly reinforce or recast the spells to make them last. She kept practicing Conjuration because it just seemed the most useful to her, especially with her relatives literally giving her scraps of everything. She'd never have to sleep on that shitty mattress ever again.
Casting a tempus, Hazel noticed that Curfew was coming up. Not wanting another dressing down from her eternally absent and uncaring Head of House, Hazel pulled the cloak over her and Isa and the two walked the halls back to Gryffindor tower. The fact she found the Fat Lady portrait ripped and torched seemed like a bad sign. The empty dorm was another. A few long and exhausting minutes of going back down the stairs and Hazel found the entire school sleeping in the Great Hall. She looked down at Isa, who was resting in Hazel's crossed arms. "So, do you want to go into that endless sea of auditory torture?" The cat gave her a shake of its head and a pleading meow. Hazel chuckled. "Didn't think so." So Hazel returned to the Chamber of Secrets, overpowered her Conjuration of the comfiest bed she could imagine and the two slept peacefully to the sound of running water and slow breathing. That night she dreamt of thin hands caressing her hair gently and a soft kiss on her hair, before hearing a comforting song, one that felt strangely familiar. In her twelve years of life since that dreadful night, Hazel swore that was the best night ever. The news of the breaking in attempt of Gryffindor Tower didn't spoil at all the next morning. Hazel went ahead and slept there as much as possible the following months and years.
-∞-
NW October 31st 1993
"You know, you could have asked us to do a bit of recon before you stormed the place. You all might have avoided this mess in the first place." Several bullets ricocheted off the top of the barrier Hazel, Dora and three MI5 agents were hunkering behind as the spells and gunfire dissipated safely behind them. The lead agent looked at her and sighed. "Duly noted. Can you do anything about this mess?" Hazel whipped her wand up and deflected a massive fireball aimed at them before looking over at the agent. "Sure, what's the order of the day? Non-lethal, Lethal or Lethal with exceptions?" The agent rubbed his face. "It was non-lethal, but my three dead agents would say otherwise. Let me call this in and see if we get an updated status on our orders." Hazel nodded and flicked her wand back, resulting in what sounded like a massive crash of water onto the position of the criminals. "Sure, take your time. Not like we didn't have our own duties to deal with." Dora slapped her shoulder. "Oy, be polite." Hazel blinked at her as she casted Glacius across the gap between them and the shooters. The shots and spells noticeably slowed down.
Dora raised a kinetic shield and looked over. She paled. "Hazel." Her partner waved her hand. "Frostbite will set in after about five minutes, I'll defrost them then." The agents looked over and they all had amused grins on their faces as they watched the criminals desperately trying to break through the frozen blocks of ice that Hazel had turned their lower extremities into. Someone who was clearly a witch or wizard seemed to be trying to defrost them all. Eventually the lead agent looked at Hazel and smiled. "New orders. Selective non-lethal approach. Stun as many as you can but as long as you don't take these four targets out, we will be grateful, even if you leave a few of them dead." Hazel looked over the photographs shown to her and whistled. "Want to tell Mad-Eye we found his twin?" Dora shook her head as she looked at the photographs. "Nope. I don't need the bastard pissed at me for comparing him to a gun smuggler." Hazel smiled at her. "Wuss." Dora swallowed her comeback as Hazel shifted into an eagle and took to the skies. The gunfire picked up again as people started exiting the building. Dora heard her partner over the comms. "P4 spotted at the back of enemy formation. P1 through P3 not outside. Standard approach." Dora sighed. "Acknowledged." Dora looked at the agent. "Your 4th target is out there. My partner is starting her attack."
Dora and the agents watched as a shower of spears descended onto the target as Dora's eyes focused on a rapidly descending body. "R1, I swear you better not be free falling." The body shifted into the form of a bird before it pulled out of a dive. A few minutes later, Hazel 's voice came over the comms. "No comment, R2. P4 is alive and restrained. We got a forest of targets in need of stuns. I am sealing the warehouse's exits and windows. Agents can move on the building in two." Dora repeated her status to the agents and after two minutes, the warehouse was properly surrounded by the authorities. She heard her partner's voice speak up over the comms. "Hey, BM. What's the policy on knocking out Muggles with magically crafted aerosols? Asking for a friend." Dora bit her tongue as she tried not to laugh as Horatio entered the call. "Just do it, R1. Boss can handle the clean up afterwards. It's the least lethal idea you have suggested so just roll with it." Hazel responded. "Right then. No agents enter the building until I give out the all clear." The agents kept their eyes on the now windowless building until a few minutes later the building shuddered as it returned to its original form. "R1 to R2, the warehouse is secure. Send the agents in."
Hazel sat at the center of the large space of the warehouse, three people bound together next to her. She motioned to the lead agent. "P1 through P3, all accounted for." The lead agent stored his weapon and smiled bitterly. "Mind if I send a letter to the top brass asking for more support from you guys? I have three letters to write up that I really am not looking forward to." Hazel gave him an understanding look. "Send it up. We have our own missions and orders but if the time is right, I am sure our Boss will happily oblige in less magical operations. I cleared the powder from everyone, including their lungs. Give them two hours or so to wake up, based on body mass and metabolism. The bigger they are, the faster they burn through it." The agent nodded and looked over his shoulder. "You heard her, got everyone looked over and contained quickly. Send for Forensics. I want this place cleared out of any valuable intel, before the associates run for cover." Dora came in from outside. "I dispelled the spears and healed what I could. They all have the equivalents of firearm wounds. The agents can handle the rest." Hazel nodded and raised her hand. "Mission Accomplished, BM." The two look at each other worriedly as Horatio takes a while to answer. "SB spotted at Hogwarts. Get there fast now!" Hazel cursed under her breath. "Damn it! I knew it was going to be tonight."
-∞-
Hazel and Dora apparated to the front of the Hogwarts gates. Hazel drew her wand and tapped it against the heavily warded gates. "Dumbledore has the place in lockdown. No way in or out through here. Not for you, anyways." Dora looked towards Hogsmeade. "Or for SB. How well will the wards seal a hidden passage?" Hazel shrugged. "One way to find out." The passageway underneath Honeydukes was surprisingly well warded when they both arrived. Hazel eyed the point where the wards met the tunnel. "The tunnel was created with the wards in mind. There are rune sequences along the wall, probably set to act as a repeater and activator. This ward here is reinforced. No way in or out." The five other passageways were equally well sealed or caved in, blocking anyone's access. Hazel and Dora arrived at the Shrieking Shack, their wands drawn. Hazel stopped Dora as they reached the entrance of the passageway. "Look." Dora lowered her lit wand and kneeled down at the ground where Hazel was pointing. "You always clear our tracks. These must be someone else." Hazel conjured a ruler and placed it beside several tracks. "At least two people have been through here, there are two different shoe sizes. Signs of a dog and rats too."
Dora eyed Hazel. "Animagus?" Hazel nodded. "Probably. Let's check the wardline." They walked into the passageway, keeping their wands, or in Hazel's case a ball of light in her hand, lit. They stopped at the wardline and Hazel frowned as she checked the walls. "This passageway wasn't made by the same people as the others. No rune sequences activation points or repeaters. The ward here is the Castle's, weakened by passing through ground and stone." Dora pressed her hand against it and felt it give in quite a bit. She pressed her wand against it and remembered what Hazel taught her about peeling wards. She felt her wand carve a slit into the ward and the two of them entered through it. They watched as it repaired itself before Dora shook her head. "Well, that's unhelpful. Anyone well versed in wards or enchanting can slip right through." Hazel nodded. "Yup. Which means most Heirs and Heiresses from old homes around the age of fifteen." Dora sighed. "Sirius was an Auror and an Heir, even if unwanted by his mother. He would know how to slip through this." Hazel pointed her wand back down the passageway. " Homenum Revelio. Animalis Revelio ."
Seeing no responses, the two exited the tunnel onto the school grounds and stared at the closed doors. Dora eyed Hazel. "Any idea on a way in?" Hazel looked to the side of the Castle walls. "Not for a Dog. Boss said SB was in the wards by the time we arrived. Those dog prints might have been him escaping and we missed him." Dora sighed. "Great. Now what?" Hazel smiled. "Now we see if the castle needs wards to seal open spaces from flight." Taking flight as owls, Hazel and Dora split up and checked the several locations with open access to the sky, including the Astronomy Tower, the owleries for the Slytherin and Hufflepuff dorms and a few other opened windows. After finding Nova and Hedwig sitting comfortably in their respective roosts, both clearly not concerned over the events of the evening, Hazel and Dora made for the castle proper. They landed together just to the side of the entrance to the Great Hall, startling the two Aurors and Professor Lupin when they turned the corner into the guards line of sight, the werewolf lowering his wand when he recognized them. "How did you get inside?" Hazel shook her head. "Can't say. We will be writing a report to the Director and we aren't sure how long it may take to correct the vulnerability. The less people that know, the better." One of the Aurors, whom Hazel recognized as Proudfoot, nodded. "Understood. Hestia and I have scoured the immediate area, no signs of the man. Dumbledore confirmed he is out of the wards now."
Hazel eyed Lupin for a second before looking to the doors of the Great Hall. "We are going to pull out my son and Mr Potter from the Hall. We can keep them safe in our chambers and help reduce Mr. Potter's stress levels." Hazel had to restrain a growl when another voice joined the discussion. "Is that really necessary? The boys are safe in the Hall." Hazel glared at the Headmaster who seemed to appear from just around the corner. Hazel had to restrain herself from raising her wand against him. "Them being safe might be fine for you but I value their mental and emotional health. Harry is aware that Sirius Black may be after him and having the whole school looking at him all night long won't give him any rest for tomorrow's classes. As I have the authority to take them, I will. If you excuse me." Hazel pushed past the old man into the Hall, despite his protests, and she noticed every student's attention being directed towards her, the majority of them very much not asleep. She sighed. "Sirius Black is no longer on the Hogwarts Grounds and the entrances are currently secured by wards. You are all safe. Please take this opportunity to mingle and rest up for tonight." Hazel motioned for Dora to head for Teddy as she made her way to Harry who looked at with a smile. "Hazel." She smiled back. "Harry. Care for a quiet night?"
After he said his goodbyes to his friends, Hazel and Dora escorted the two up to their chambers. Dora sat them at the sofa's as Hazel went to transfigure the bed in the guestroom. "Dobby." The elf popped in. "Yes, Mistress Peverell?" Dora's hair and face went red. "For the last time, we are not married. Get some cups of Hot Chocolate for everyone here." The elf popped away as Teddy and Harry looked at her with amusement. Dora glared at them. "Not a word. Hazel and I are not married." Harry smiled. "Sure, so why did I see a few hickeys on your neck this summer?" Dora blushed as Hazel returned. "Despite what the elves say, we are not married. We are just in a long romantic relationship. Marriage will come later." Harry nodded. "Andromeda explained a few things, including about how members of the old magic families courted each other." Hazel shook her head as she took the cup offered to her by Dobby. "Then you know you don't need to think about it until you are fifteen. Now, how are your friends doing?" Teddy smiled softly. "My roommates are ok but we all just have our own interests. We just say hi in the mornings and at night."
Harry looked guilty. "Daphne and Tracy got into a fight with Draco and his bookends in the Slytherin Common Room over their friendship with me. Daphne dealt well with it and Theo helped her out. Word is that they might be leading a bit of change in the Slytherin students about their behaviour, despite Draco's posturing." Hazel hummed. "Of all the students in their year, Theo could be the best bet in getting Draco to quiet down. He is Draco's better in the Traditionalist's views. Did Daphne say anything about Gemma Farley?" Harry nodded. "She gave her and Theo her support. Some of the older students weren't happy but she is the top Slytherin and the seventh year Prefect, so they all quieted down." Teddy looked to his mom. "Astoria said there were some problems in Ravenclaw. Some of the students were bullying a second year girl called Luna. She stepped in and got Professor Flitwick involved. A lot of students got in trouble for it, even a prefect." Hazel smiled. "You know, I think Astoria barely missed being a Gryffindor. Might explain her being a Hat Stall." Harry chuckled. "Daphne would have been insulted by that."
Teddy drank from his cup. "Are Hestia and Flora going to be ok?" Hazel rubbed his hair. "They have until June to be safe and I promise I will try to get them looked after. Just be patient with them. They are Slytherins, which means they will want to handle it themselves, even if they can't really manage it. Pride is part of ambition, after all." Conversation settled down for a bit until Harry spotted a picture of his parents on one of the tables. "Hazel, did you know my parents?" Hazel shook her head. "Not really. I saw some of your Dad's stunts and his skill as a Chaser, but everything else was hearsay. I didn't know we were related as Peverells until much later. I keep a picture of them since, in a way, they are the only other family I know of. My parents died when I was young too. When I came to Hogwarts, I was told they were Gryffindors so I picked that as my house. Worst mistake I ever made." Harry looked at her oddly. "Why?" Hazel looked him in the eyes. "Because everyone judged me by their standards. I wasn't athletic, brainy or popular. I sought a connection, but Gryffindor doesn't care too well for its students, not like Sprout does, or even Snape for that matter. McGonagall always treated me coldly, as did Dumbledore. I struggled academically for it. My OWLs were trash and I left the school before I completed my NEWTs. By the end of it all I was just… tired of the school."
Harry lowered his gaze. "Sorry I had to drag you back here." Hazel stood up and hugged him from behind. "I am here because of work, Harry. I am also here because of Teddy. He and I grew up to depend on each other. This job is helping us come to terms with the fact I won't be able to see him as often in the next seven years. Yes, there are bad memories here for me. A lot. But being with you, Dora and Teddy here… you are helping me make some good memories. So I am grateful to be here, even if Dora complains about me in the mornings." Dora grumbled. "Who gets up at five in the morning on a weekday?" Three hands went up and Dora glared at them all. "Traitors." Everyone laughed at her and Harry smiled. If he was honest, he picked Gryffindor for the same reasons as Hazel. The Hat wanted him in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. It even offered him Slytherin. He would never regret not going to Slytherin, but he could see himself as a Ravenclaw. That night he and Teddy went to sleep in the guest room, with Hazel placing his parent's photo on his bedside table. Reading his Mom's journals was great and hearing a bit about his Dad from Professor McGonagall was good too. But Harry found moments like today better. With Ted, Andromeda, Dora, Hazel and Teddy, he didn't feel like a kid who lost his parents. He felt like he had what he always wanted: a family.
Notes:
So, despite the Padfoot worthy pun for a title, how was it?
Next Chapter?: Harry's first winter with his family
Got some writting done and all my scene outlines are complete for the final chapters. Now if I can just go one day without feeling all stressed out, I might be able to write more than one scene at a time.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days.
Chapter 32: Cold Winter DaysNotes:
Here is the next chapter. Hope you all like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Remus winced in pain as he woke up, feeling slightly disoriented. He moved to where he usually placed his discarded clothes during his transformations, his eyes still struggling with the low light of the inside of the Shrieking Shack, but he pulled his hand back the moment it came in contact with a metal bar. The sting of burning silver woke him up completely. He looked at his surroundings and his eyes stopped on a woman reading a book just beyond his reach on the other side of a silver cage, her long white hair tied into a braid and her eyes glowing eerily green. "Why are you here?" The woman turned another page of her book. "Doing my job." Remus frowned. "I am not Sirius Black." Hazel hummed. "No, but you are a close second, aren't you? He was your chum at school after all. A fellow Marauder. Isn't that right, Moony?" Remus winced at hearing his old nickname. "How do you know that name?" Hazel closed her book after marking her place with a leather strap. "Well, based on an enchanted bit of parchment, it was either Moony or Padfoot. You don't strike me as a Prongs or a Wormtail." Remus found a chair being conjured into his cell and his clothes were thrown to him through the bars. "Get dressed. I am in a steady relationship and you aren't even all that appealing to me."
After putting on his clothes, with his bones aching several times while doing it, Remus looked around again. "You letting me out?" Hazel smirked. "Not just yet. My particular orders are to keep the students safe but my backup orders are to aid my partner in capturing Sirius Black. You, as the only other Marauder I can figure, are my source of intel on the man. So let's start on the obvious question. Who are Prongs, Wormtail and Padfoot?" Remus sat in his chair and a table sprang up in front of him. He eyed the witch, unsure of what to make of her. She was hostile to him. His instincts screamed at him to get away from her as fast as possible. Yet her scent was partly familiar to him. "Have we met before in our youth?" The bitter laugh that came from her made him wince. "Oh no, Moony. I had no youth. I was an adult from an early age. Killing someone will do that to you. But no, we never truly met. I believe you might have been among relatives of mine, but this isn't about me." A silver lance landed just beside his hand on the table. Remus flinched before it vanished. "It's about you and Sirius Black. Talk." Remus stared at the witch, those green eyes confusing him. "The Marauders were a group of children. Myself, Sirius Black as Padfoot, James Potter as Prongs and Peter Pettigrew as Wormtail."
Hazel frowned. Three out of four Marauders were the same as hers, but only one name matched the group from her world. "Who is Peter Pettigrew?" Remus blinked at her. "Peter was our friend. A bit shy, not very brave but a wiz at Potions. Whenever our pranks needed a potion to work, he was our guy. He was the last person who had the map before he lost it in our seventh year to Filch." Hazel tapped her fingers on her book. "Where is he now?" Remus looked at her oddly. "You must have been too young to hear. He died after the attack on the Potters. Sirius killed him as soon as Peter confronted him about the attack, on a street in London. Thirteen muggles died with him." Hazel looked at him. "You just said he was shy and not brave. Why would he go after a known killer?" Remus clamped his mouth shut. His mind started working that out. "I… that's what the witnesses said." Hazel growled and Remus felt his wolf react in fear. "I don't care about witness stories or hearsay. I want to know the people. You just told me he was shy and cowardly. Why would Peter confront Sirius about the deaths of the Potters in the middle of a street with witnesses, if he believed the man was capable of murder? Wizards don't tend to care about Muggle witnesses when they go out killing. This doesn't match his personality. Was Black hiding his true self or did everyone get the wrong impression of the incident in London? Let's try something else. Tell me about Sirius Black and not what you think of him now. Who was he to you and to James Potter before Halloween of 1981?"
Remus thought back, a small smile on his face. "He was the jokester of the group. He loved pranks. He and James got on well together, thanks to Orion being close to Dorea. They were practically brothers. We each had our area of expertise and we shared our knowledge for classes. Mine was Charms, Peter's was Potions, James' was Transfiguration and Sirius' was Defence. We were always close, but James and Sirius were closer. Despite messing around, Sirius never allowed his grades to fall. James did for a while, until after his fifteenth birthday. He matured after that, but he and Sirius stayed the best of friends. They both went into the Auror Academy, got assigned to Moody and joined the Order. James was great in a fight, but Sirius was better, even after he took a curse aimed at James. Something about being in the middle of a fight just clicked with him. He often joked about beating Mad-Eye's record." Remus blinked for a bit and looked at Hazel. "You actually remind me of him. You're caring for your son one moment and punching me the next. You don't happen to have the Black Madness, do you?" Remus wanted to swallow his words. Hazel looked equal parts insulted and proud. The rage, though, was quite evident in her now glowing eyes. "Who seemed the most loyal to you? Who out of Sirius and Peter did James Potter trust above all?" Remus didn't hesitate for a second. "Sirius."
Hazel sat back as Remus seemed surprised by his own answer. Hazel wanted to scream and cry. Because Sirius sounded just like her Godmother. Her skill set had been Enchanting and Healing, not Defence, but that didn't mean she couldn't curse like the rest. She was a Black after all. Hazel swallowed the lump in her throat and did her best to keep the tears in her eyes before she looked at Remus again. "We found animal tracks through one of the possible exit routes from the castle. Were any of them Animagi?" Remus looked sad. "They all were, for me." Hazel stood up quickly. "I don't need you falling into a daydream filled with self pity. I need to know their Animagi forms." Remus glared at her. "A scraggy black dog, a Rat and a Stag. Sirius and Peter are the first two, in that order." Hazel cursed. "Damn it all to hell." She glared at Remus. "There are dog and rat prints in the escape route. What are the chances Peter lived? What if every witness got it wrong and Peter was the one attacked, not the other way around? Because everything you have told me says that Sirius would rather fight to the bitter end and die for James Potter." Remus stared at her, feeling how her words matched his own feelings concerning his friends. It certainly seemed more likely. "Then what happened at Godric's Hollow? Why would Sirius turn on them?"
After dispelling the silver cage, Hazel threw the Were his wand back. "Not what everyone assumes. You keep your nose out of the investigation. You might even get a letter asking for help with that parchment of yours. For now, do your bloody job." Remus nodded but he stopped as soon as a wand was at his throat. "One last thing. Keep our discussion between us. I don't want anyone to get wind of it, not even the Headmaster. The wards here are being adjusted and I added several more just for a private chat. You talk and we might lose both targets now. If that happens, you better hope the curse on the Defence Position gets you. Or I will. Got it?" Remus felt his wolf react again. What was it about this woman that terrified his wolf so completely? Those green eyes stared at him, filled with so much rage. He nodded. "I won't say a word." Hazel lowered her wand. "Be here an hour before sunset every full moon. I will seal you in the cage. You miss our time and I will personally drag you out of the castle and let the Whomping Willow give you a licks before locking you up again." Remus watched her leave and for some reason he felt relieved. Keeping his wolf contained was always a fear of his. The fact the wolf feared her made him feel secure in the knowledge he'd never hurt anyone under her watch. Yet something kept nagging at his mind. What was it about Hazel Peverell that felt so familiar to him?
-∞-
Harry watched the flap that led to the Quidditch pitch get pulled violently by the wing and rained outside. Wood had made them practice in bad weather before, but never this bad and never during a game. The Twins came up beside him and looked at the flap as well. "I think the Slytherins were right to skip this match. This weather ain't good for anything but watching through a window next to a toasty fire." George nodded his head. "Quite right, Fred. Too bad Hooch and Wood are cut from the same cloth. They would send us out to fly under a dragon migration." Harry shook his head. "Why did Diggory agree to this?" Angelina and the girls moved in front of him, the dark skinned girl ruffling his hair in passing. "Because the Hufflepuff team got gutted last year after graduation. Diggory got to be Captain as the only surviving player besides their Keeper, who has also only played for a year. He couldn't say no to an early game to test out his players and the bad weather gives him a bit of help against us." Alicia lifted the tent flap but lowered it again as soon as she got her face drenched. "More like running his teammates into the ground." She turned to Harry. "Diggory is going to be after you a bit. Keep him distracted as much as you can with the snitch or just catch it. Either way, we win." Harry nodded as he settled his nerves.
Wood came up and took the lead as everyone walked out onto the pitch. No one wanted to fly out just yet. The two teams approached Madam Hooch but Harry's eyes locked onto another figure. Fred bumped into Harry's shoulder. "Is your cousin bringing us some good news? Would love to get back under a roof." Harry watched as Hazel walked towards Hooch, the rain bouncing off an invisible barrier over her head as she seemed to be muttering to herself. Hooch sighed. "Can I help you, Instructor Peverell?" Hazel lifted one finger up as she continued muttering before she threw a small disc onto the floor. The effect was instant as the wind and rain stopped entirely. Harry could hear the relief from the stands as the entire Quidditch field seemed to be shielded. Hazel pulled a strap of leather over her pages and closed the book. "I swear, the forgetfulness of Wizards and Witches is as bad as their stupidity. The barrier is the full playable range of the game and it's tied to the leylines so it will hold for the day before the disc burns out from the magic running through it. Why no one thought to make a permanent barrier in case of severe weather is beyond me. Anyways, you knuckleheads can exit the barrier if you want to take an impromptu shower. It's not designed to keep you in or anyone out, just the rain and severe wind."
Hazel turned around as both teams watched her back as she left the field. Wood leaned over to Harry. "I think I love your cousin." Harry gave him the stink eye. "Trust me, she's taken. You are also not her type." Wood shook his head and turned to the equally happy Hooch and Diggory. After everyone was done getting dried off, the game started with the players taking to the skies. Harry did as instructed and kept blocking Cedric's view of the game as the match got underway. They both chased after the snitch a few times until Harry pushed into him a bit, forcing both to lose sight of the golden ball with wings. Harry could hear the stands clamouring as the Gryffindor Chasers kept scoring repeatedly, the Hufflepuff side too untrained to do much against the veteran chasers. As soon as they had a healthy lead, Harry focused on catching the Snitch. Cedric, however, took their earlier roles and reversed them. He kept chasing Harry away from the Snitch as the two fought over getting ahead of the other. As the match dragged on, Harry noticed a change in the soft wind. It suddenly got cold. An amplified voice echoed through the pitch. "Dementors! Everyone is to take cover. Professors that can do it, cast your Patroni now! Have them shield the stands!"
Harry saw several white magical animals shoot into the crowd as he tried to move down to the pitch with the other players. He felt the cold increase and he heard his mother's voice again, followed by her screams. His grip on the broom felt weaker as his vision blurred. The feeling vanished as his vision was filled with a blinding white light. He turned around and felt his mouth drop open. A massive Skeletal Dragon chased the Dementors away from the pitch, its maw open and emitting a blue flame. He watched as several cloaked figures shot out through the barrier, many sporting blue flames on their cloaks, the air filling with a rank smell of burning cloak and flesh. The massive magical creature turned and flew circles around the pitch until it faded away. He heard Hooch call the game to continue and saw the snitch was too close to Diggory. He had heard the last announcement from Lee as well. He rushed down and used his broom to block a throw from the Hufflepuff Chasers as Katie swooped in and caught the ball. His chasers headed straight for the Hufflepuff goals as Harry blocked one of the opposing Chasers. He heard the stands cheer as the point was scored before Hooch blew the whistle. "Diggory has caught the Snitch but Gryffindor scored first." Lee Jordan announced the results. "The scores are 190-180! Gryffindor wins thanks to a quick intercept by Potter and score from the Gryffindor Chasers!"
The teams landed on the pitch and shook hands under the loud cheering from the stands, Diggory giving Harry a big smile. "You're getting good at this, Potter. Nice switch in strategy at the end." Harry smiled and shook his hand. "You were good too. Felt those blocks in my ribs. Still do." Cedric's cheeks grew flushed. "Sorry about those. I know they are legal but I think I hit you a bit hard." Hooch congratulated all of them as Harry moved towards the lockers with the team. He got ambushed by a hug as soon as he got out into the open. "You did wonderfully out there. Your Dad would have been proud." Harry blinked as he saw Andromeda pull away. "You came?" Andromeda smiled. "Of course we did. Ted might have cheered for his old house but I was backing you up completely. Teddy too." Teddy hugged him. "I sorta bet that you'd win, even if Cedric got the Snitch. Didn't think it would actually happen." Harry hugged him back. "Thanks Teddy. It means a lot. Where's your Mom?" Teddy chuckled. "Probably sending Aithusa after the Dementors. She'll probably chase them all the way back to Azkaban. They weren't supposed to get on the grounds. Mom was very mad. At least Aithusa had a bit of fun setting them on fire." Harry felt his hair getting ruffled as he got pulled along, a smile fixed warmly on his face. He loved having a family.
-∞-
"Happy Christmas Harry." Harry smiled as he got pulled into a hug. "Happy Christmas Teddy." The boys sat at the table as Ted joined them within the Tonks household dining room. "Glad you could join us Harry, even with all the added drama of the manhunt." Harry shifted his chair closer to the table. "It's fine, sir." Ted shook his head. "It will be when you call me Ted." Harry blushed. "Sorry, Ted. Some habits are hard to kick." Ted hummed. "Indeed. Though having others helps with that. Nymphadora being an Alcoholic is a good example of that, since she was one until Hazel and Teddy made her go dry. For the most part." Dora huffed as she sat down, her very much alcoholic eggnog in her hand. "Hey, I wasn't that bad." Ted raised an eyebrow at her. "Really? Aberforth seemed quite sure you wrecked his bar once. Must have been the other seventh year Metamorphmagus from Hufflepuff." Dora blushed. "Yeah, well, a bad break up would do that to you." Ted shook his head and turned to the kitchen. "So, how was last night? Your door was silenced." Dora eyed Teddy as she drank from her eggnog. "Not as good as you might think." Teddy gave her a sad look. "Nightmare?" Dora nodded. "Yeah. Apparently she has those a lot around Christmas." Harry looked between them and Ted noticed.
"Hazel's life has left its scars. She has nightmares that can affect her mood. Didn't know they tended to be around a certain date." Teddy looked towards the kitchen. "Mom has nightmares around Christmas and around the Summer Solstice. Those days she remembers her Godmother the most and I think that hurts her a lot." Harry drank from his hot chocolate. He hoped that he didn't follow suit, especially around Halloween. His day this morning had been great, at least. Presents from his friends at school arrived, including Hermione's typical book, this time on Alchemy as he expressed an interest in the course, after the last year and a half of potions had gone well enough. Snape kept his complaints in class to a minimum and no longer seemed interested in docking as many points as before from him. He still favored the Slytherins, but it didn't seem as blatant. The Weasleys sent Harry a bunch of candy and Molly's usual knitted sweater. The face Hazel had made when he pulled it over his head had been fun to see. The Tonks gave him a few more gifts aimed at adding more personal touches to his room, including a few cool carvings of a stag and a doe. They had been his parents Patroni.
Dora gave him a weird book on personal hygiene which earned her a glare from Andromeda and Hazel while a laugh from Ted. Ted told Harry to save it for when he got himself a girlfriend. Teddy got him a cool necklace made of black dragon scales and leather. It had some enchantments, including some warding against fire. Hazel's gift had been one of the most interesting. It was a pocket watch. Teddy got a similar one too, though his colors and emblems were different. Hazel had smiled. "As an Heir to House Potter, one of the traditions is to have a pocket watch with your family crest on it. It has space for a wizarding photo of your choice. Use it in your Potions class to keep a closer eye on your brews." Hazel had pulled Teddy to her as he opened his and saw the picture. Whatever it was made the young Hufflepuff smile for the rest of the day. His thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell. Dora stood up. "I got it." Harry stood up and smiled as Susan and her Aunt arrived. Andromeda came from the kitchen and hugged Amelia. "Thanks for coming today."
Amelia smiled. "Thank you for having us." Susan came to Harry's side and presented him with a gift. "Happy Christmas, Harry." Harry blinked a bit before he smiled. "Happy Christmas, Susan." He opened the gift and smiled. "Thank you." He wrapped the wand holster to his arm as Amelia and Susan sat at his side, the former speaking up. "You might want to look closely at the bottom." Harry frowned and looked. His eyes widened at the inscribed tag on it as Amelia explained. "James was one of ours. There is a tradition that Auror wrist holsters are stored at the DMLE before being returned to their family. Took a bit of work finding that since there had been no one to return it to at the time. A lot of good Aurors didn't come home that October." Harry nodded, his eyes a bit watery. "Thank you." Susan smiled at him. "So, any Quidditch gifts?" Amelia sighed and Ted gave her a knowing look. Harry smiled at Susan. "Someone sent me a broom but Hazel is having it checked out. I should have it by the time we are at Hogwarts. It was a Firebolt." Susan beamed. "Can I try it when you get it back?" The two chatted away as Hazel and Andromeda set the table after setting the big oven roast and the rest of the food on the table. Amelia looked at Hazel. "Who sent the Firebolt?" Hazel looked at her closely. "We think it was a certain godfather making up for lost time." Amelia sighed and looked at Harry, rubbing her ring finger absentmindedly.
Hazel, for her part, looked over at Harry, feeling a little guilty for having the Firebolt be checked for anything dangerous, even if Harry had agreed to it. She had recused herself from telling Harry about their investigation into Sirius Black as they got back from Hogwarts. The boy deserved better than to feel and see the anger in her voice, especially when it was undeserved. Andromeda and Dora sat him down and explained the likelihood he was innocent and warned him about the dangers should he see a rat or a black dog. Harry's comment on the Weasley's pet rat had made Hazel apparate to the Burrow just a few days prior. Mr. Weasley confirmed that Ron's rat had gone missing some time during the school year. Hazel asked him to keep an eye on it, saying it could have been used to introduce a cursed object into the school. Mr. Weasley agreed to inform her if Ron ever got it back. She was grateful that Harry would also be on the lookout. As everyone sat down and ate, Hazel sat closely to Teddy and her son smiled at her. "Sorry we were so busy this last month, Mom." Hazel kissed him on the hair. "It's ok. I was a student too and I know what December exams are like." The two sat together with Dora on the same sofa as the after dinner party started. Hazel used her Conjuration skills to sporadically make mistletoe appear on the roof. Ted and Andromeda gave each other a kiss that made Dora blush, while Hazel gave Dora one that left her Partner breathless. Still, the kiss Susan gave Harry on the cheek was the highlight. For a non-Metamorphmagus, his face took on a most impressive shade of red.
-∞-
OW December 25th 1993
Hazel stirred awake in her bed in the Chamber of Secrets. The Castle had been attacked again before the beginning of the Yuletide Recess. Fearing for the safety of the students, the Wizengamot had ordered the school to close down and for all the students to go home for the holiday. Not interested in spending Christmas with the Dursleys, Hazel left a note for McGonagall and Dumbledore telling them she was staying in the Castle. She heard quite a bit of grumbling from the Aurors about the possibility of her being in the Castle and that they were to catch her as soon as she was spotted but they never did. The Hogwarts Elves and Dobby were more than happy to keep her fed and safe. On Christmas Eve, the Elves provided her with a ton of food and she might have overindulged, especially on the dessert. She certainly felt her stomach a bit full but she was too thankful to them to not eat as much as she could. That night she conjured herself a Christmas tree and messed around with the lumos charm, creating several balls of light in a variety of colors, all of them flying through the air. She remembered getting into the bed and rubbing Isa's back. "This was the best Christmas ever, Isa. I only wish I had someone else here with me. I am so tired of being alone." She fell asleep soon after, hence why she was confused when she woke up.
Looking over a table full of breakfast and a few gifts, she thought that maybe Dobby had stayed in the chamber last night with her until she felt Isa pull a bit of parchment to her. Hazel frowned as she read it. Said parchment was soon dotted with wet spots, as tears raced down Hazel's cheeks. Her Godmother had somehow found her way into the Chamber and left her the food and gifts.
To my dearest Hazel,
I am sorry that I wasn't there for you as I should have been. I was a spy within the Death Eaters, meant to be Dumbledore's eyes and ears with regards to the attacks they carried out. My gift in healing allowed me the chance to serve the Death Eaters without having to get my hands dirty. At least, not as much. I won't lie to you. I am a killer. I killed the Longbottoms. I watched as Barty Crouch and the Lestranges drove them to insanity with the Torture Curse. The bastards gloated about it all the way to their trials. I watched my extended family and a close friend of Lily's be driven to madness. I did the only thing I could for them. I gave them a swift and merciful end. Neville and Augusta deserved better than to watch their family wither away, their minds gone forever. Despite this, I cannot help but care about you and to regret never getting the chance to watch you grow. To keep you safe. But I am here now, even if I cannot interact with you directly just yet, for your safety and mine. I will watch over you and protect you until my demented cousin is either dead or gone. Afterwards, I promise to be there for you, always. Happy Christmas, my little sapling.
With love, your Godmother
For the first time in her life, Hazel could say that she cried out of joy. She knew it. She knew her Godmother wasn't just another Death Eater like her mad cousin. She hugged the letter to herself and whispered "thank you." repeatedly. She ate her breakfast slowly, still under the effects of the heavy meal from the night prior before she checked her presents. One was a book on how to take care of unruly hair, which made Hazel giggle. Another present was a book on the Potter family, which she was thankful for. She had looked everywhere in Diagon Alley and found so little about them. The last thing was a wallet. She frowned at first until she read the note attached to it. She opened the wallet and felt new tears fill her eyes. Her Godmother sent a picture of her together with her parents as they dropped Hazel into the woman's arms. She could see the love and joy in her Godmother's face.
Hazel held the wallet to her chest and spent the day quietly in the Chamber, practicing a few of the new defence spells she had been assigned. While Lupin had agreed to teach her the Patronus Charm after another painful run in with a Dementor as she jogged around the Quidditch pitch during a game, he had told her to wait till after the Yuletide for her first lesson. So she practiced the other spells from his class. Or more specifically the classes he missed. Snape had been interestingly direct with his lesson on Werewolves, including the spells needed to conjure Silver Arrows and Spears. He warned that the likelihood anyone of them managed the spell was low, as Conjuration was a sixth year skill in Transfiguration. Hazel had quietly smiled at that. She had Conjuration down wandlessly. So the rest of the day was spent launching arrows and spears at the wall of the chamber. She eventually settled on the spear, as she had an easier time visualizing it. On and on she waved her hand at the wall until it started getting peppered with spears. She made them thinner and smaller to reduce her exhaustion and kept casting it over and over again under the watchful gaze of her cat.
The last few tries at the spell were a bit more frustrating as she used the liquids from her potions kit to test for silver. Silver was used a bit in potions but its presence was dangerous in certain brews, so the Potions kits came with means to detect silver, something she needed now. Unfortunately, it kept coming up negative on her spears. She used every trick of visualization to get the constitution right, even shifting the incantation words, as Snape never bothered to correct anyone's pronunciation. At last she screamed, " Argentum Lanceam ." Her last spear was clearly bigger than the rest but she had pushed more magic into it. Breathing heavily, Hazel reached the wall and poured the liquid onto the lance. She watched as the liquid changed color and she slumped onto the cold ground, breathing heavily but with a smile on her face. Isa came up to her and jumped onto her chest, which made Hazel smile. She petted the cat. "Well Isa, at least I know how to defend myself against Professor Lupin now. Just a few more practice throws and maintaining the right visualization and he won't be able to hurt me. I'll be ready for those lessons for the Patronus spell." Hazel felt the cat purr as she closed her eyes. She had a Godmother that cared about her and a means of protecting herself beyond her black flames. This was certainly the best Christmas ever.
-∞-
NW January 1st 1994
Dora kissed Hazel warmly as she felt her body settle down from a surprise and amorous wakeup call. She breathed heavily as she eyed her partner, smiling contently. "What was that for?" Hazel blushed. "An apology? I tend to freak out on you a lot after a bad dream. Last night was a good dream, so I felt like sharing the warm feeling it left me with." Dora smiled. "I appreciate that. Did you silence the door?" Hazel nodded. "I don't want to traumatize my son, or embarrass you with your family." Dora hummed and turned over, pressing Hazel onto the bed. Hazel seemed to search her eyes. "What are you up to?" Dora blushed. "A little experimenting. If you will let me." Hazel rubbed Dora's cheek. "Ok, but be gentle. I don't… I don't want to freak out on you." Dora kissed her warmly. She pressed her body into Hazel's and the bed started squeaking as Dora gave in to her yearning. She watched Hazel's eyes focus on her before they rolled back into her skull a few times. She bit down into Hazel's neck as Hazel screamed in ecstasy, her legs wrapped around Dora's waist. The two breathed deeply as Hazel stared into Dora's purple eyes. She smiled. "You dropped the shift on your eyes midway." Dora flushed in embarrassment. "Ohh."
Hazel kissed Dora and pulled teasingly on her lower lip before releasing it. "None of that. I told you to be honest to yourself. You know I like it when your real eyes are the ones I see." Dora nodded. "I know. I… will try to not shift them all the time but please understand…" Hazel rubbed Dora's cheek with her hand. "I understand. You look in the mirror and see someone you don't want to be. Trust me, I know that feeling. Better than most. For me though, no matter what appearance I take, the look never changes. Because it's not what's on the skin that bothers me. It's what's underneath it." Dora pulled Hazel onto her side and the two cuddled together. "Did you try it? Being someone else entirely?" Hazel closed her eyes and sighed. "Yes and no." She opened them and looked at Dora. "When my Godmother died, I buried myself in her home. Only came out for Hogwarts. When I did… I was different. I was colder, indifferent. I didn't care about anyone or anything." Dora frowned as she remembered something. "This was when you dated your ex?" Hazel nodded. "We got together just before the Winter Recess. I had no illusions we were going to last. But I wanted to feel something other than pain."
Dora lifted her head from the bed with her hand. "What happened?" Hazel's eyes turned red and Dora shivered. "I tried being someone else. It was intoxicating, exhilarating and it made me feel good." Her eyes shifted to green again. "But I realized I was living a lie. An illusion. Sure, everything looked fine on the surface but no matter what, I knew it was going to end badly and it did." Hazel breathed deeply and sighed. "I don't regret it though. Because I learned who I was from that moment on. I learned what I was forced to become." Hazel's eyes watered. "I also learned what was expected of me. I was supposed to die. My world's Dumbledore planned it from the start." Dora froze. "Is Harry… ?" Hazel shook her head. "I don't know. Without the book, maybe the old man doesn't know and hasn't planned his death yet. Regardless, whatever happens, I won't let Harry turn out like me." Dora kissed Hazel's forehead. "What? A hot badass who is a great mom?" Hazel glared at Dora. "You know that's not what I meant." Dora chuckled. "I know. But that's what I see. I see you suffering and hurting, but above that I see a woman who is a great mom, who does the right thing, even if her methods are questionable and whose very presence makes me happy."
Hazel saw the truth of Dora's words in her eyes and pinned Dora underneath her. "There is a part of me that wants to break that idea you have of me. A part of me wants you to run scared of me like everyone else. You have seen a part of me and somehow like it. Would you still like it if I showed you everything?" Hazel's eyes grew dark and silver in color as magic started to radiate from her. Dora stared at her. "Stop." Hazel's eyes lighten up again, back to their green color, her magic settling down. "So, not ready?" Dora leaned up and kissed her. "No. Because that's not you. No matter what you try to convince me of." Hazel sighed and sat down, making Dora bite her lower lip to suppress a moan. Hazel gave her a devilish smile. "Oh, still raring to go? Even after everything this morning? Even after seeing those eyes of mine?" Dora leaned up and kissed her passionately, causing Hazel's mind to melt. "For you? I'll always want you. I am not afraid." Hazel sighed into the kiss and pressed her waist down, making Dora groan. A few minutes later, after pulling her clothes on, Hazel turned to an equally dressed Dora and kissed her on the lips. "Careful what you promise me, Partner. I will hold you to it." Dora nodded. "And I will keep my word."
Notes:
So, how was it? You'd think that with magic, the wizards would try and make Quidditch safer for the students, especially in rough weather. Then again, Wizards and Witches sense of danger is warped as hell. On the one hand a werewolf safely kept away from people on the full moon is dangerous, but cannon balls being launched at young people with the intent to injure them is perfectly fine. Right. Anyways, now you know where Hazel's obession with conjured lances comes from. Two dangerous Defence Professors will make anyone want to know how to fight back against a third.
Next Chapter?: a large variety of lessons
Got some more writing done, so yey! Also, the chances of my next fic being HP fanfiction keeps going up as my Muse keeps teasing me with ideas, especially since this next one will be a lot more open to me getting creative. Still, must finish this story first. That is an absolute. I hope you are all still interested as we are nearing the important part of Year 3.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days.