hpml101-110
Chapter 101
"Do you know how Pettigrew might have managed to escape?" Daphne asked. "That's the
main sticking point we keep coming back to. We think we've got the rest sorted but we
have no idea of how he managed to get away since there were anti-apparition and
anti-portkey wards already in place."
"I keep telling them he got smaller and ran away, but no one believes me," Luna said airily
with a small shrug.
"That's because it's not possible for a human to shrink like that, Luna," Hermione
explained in a strained voice. "I keep telling you, the laws of magic don't work that way."
"Professor McGonagall does it all the time. Every first class of the year in fact I'm to
understand." Hermione was about to reply when she and everyone else in the room
except Luna froze and just stared at the blonde. She looked back at them and cocked her
head. "Did I say something odd again?"
"Luna…you…I can't…why didn't you say that before?!" Hermione got out before grabbing
two fistfuls of her hair and pulling hard.
Tracey shook her head in wonder. "Wow, I told you, Harry, I am definitely keeping her."
"Professor Lupin…" Harry asked turning to his teacher with an exasperated look.
"Yes," Lupin nodded still staring at Luna slack-jawed. "Peter was an animagus. As was
James and Sirius. Lily was still working on hers, but had almost succeeded."
Shiva chuckled. "Harry, you draw in some of the smartest, strangest folk, you know that,
kid? Congratulations, Luna, you just figured out a secret that Lupin and his buddies here
kept for ten years!"
"Ten? Try twenty."
Now it was her turn to stare in amazement. "Twenty?! But that would've put you in school
still!"
"Exactly," Remus smiled at her with a genuine pride in his face. "James, Sirius and Peter all
learned to be animagi in order to accompany me."
"Because werewolves can't infect other animals, only humans," Neville said nodding.
"That makes a lot of sense. Talk about a show of support; animagus transformation is one
of the hardest magics you can learn."
Lupin gaped at the boy as did Shiva. Like she had thought, Daphne wore a small pleased
grin and Hermione was nodding approval. Luna and Tracey however stared between
Neville and Lupin. Tracey was the one who spoke first. "Wait, you're a werewolf, Professor?
Well I guess that answers why Snape was a bastard the other week and gave us that
essay."
"Do you howl at the moon or is that just a myth?" Luna asked curiously.
"Guys, later. Neville, cool. Sir? What animal could Pettigrew turn into?" Harry asked taking
charge and recentering the group.
"A rat. A white rat about this big," Lupin commented holding up his hands dazedly. "James
was stag, approximately 18 hands at the shoulder. Sirius was a large black dog somewhat
resembling a Grim."
"Okay so we are looking for a Grim and a white rat. Yeah because those are so easy to
find," Harry said sighing. Why did that sound so familiar? Something was tickling at the
back of his mind just like with Dobby and 'Moany' from last year. "Where the bloody hell
are we supposed to start?"
Spring blossomed on the Hogwarts grounds though one group of students and two
Professors were not feeling the levity a shift of seasons was supposed to bring. In fact most
of the castle's population was still subdued. The Dementors were a continual feature,
prowling around the edges of the grounds and wandering Hogsmeade. The Minister had
been brought under increasingly heavy fire by the population over the Dementors and
Sirius Black. It had leading to a stymieing of every effort by both Amelia Bones and Tonks
to get Black's Kiss On Sight order revoked. The group had been trying to determine hiding
locations on the grounds for either a rat or a large dog but every spot turned up nothing.
Desperate measures were beginning to be considered.
"Harry, as your girlfriend I feel the need to prepare you – "
"Yet again," Daphne interjected with a raised eyebrow.
"Yet again," Hermione agreed, "that this is not going to work and you shouldn't get your
hopes up."
"Hedwig is the smartest owl there is," Harry said stroked his familiar's feathers. She
hooted and fluffed up under his praise. "She'll find him. Even if he is still hiding as a dog."
"Harry, even if Hedwig had been a Mayan Wind Chatterer I do not think it would have
increased her odds into a positive number," Luna looked at him sadly. She turned to the
bird and petted her chest. "Please don't think I doubt your abilities, Hedwig. It is simply
that a man smart enough to escape Azkaban would not forget to ward himself to avoid
owls." Hedwig nipped at Luna's fingers and bobbed her head. She twisted back to Harry
and held out her leg for his letter.
"I seriously can't believe we are sending a letter to Sirius Black," Neville said shaking his
head. "This has got to be one of the strangest ideas you've ever had, Harry. There is no way
this is going to work."
"It'll work," Harry said proudly. "You just watch. Hedwig will find him and we'll be able to
convince him to come in with Amelia and Tonks and everything will work out. Tracey thinks
it'll work."
All eyes turned to the black haired girl who held up her hands. "Hey I never said it would
work. I said it would be entertaining to try and that we didn't seem to have any better
ideas."
"You know not to encourage him, Trace," Daphne groaned.
"Well I am officially out of ideas people so short of taking out an ad in the Prophet – "
Harry grumbled as Hedwig took wing.
"Why don't we do that?" Luna asked.
"What?" Five eyes turned to the blonde.
"Instead of an ad though I could write an article for the Quibbler. I'm sorry I didn't suggest
it earlier," she looked at Hermione. "That was why you initially invited me into this
investigation to begin with wasn't it?"
"You know, Luna," Hermione said with a look of amused frustration on her face, "I'm
starting to think you are the smartest one among us."
"Well I am the only Ravenclaw." A less observant group would've completely missed the
smug note in her tone. "I'll have the article to daddy by the end of the day. If he works
quickly we can probably have the next issue out for tomorrow morning."
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Chapter 102
The Quibbler article did manage to be delivered by the next morning. Before lunch, half
the school had read about how: 'The Ministry Covers Up Sirius Black's Lack of Trial' and
'Only The DMLE Head Is Working For Justice'. By dinner the rest had seen it.
Luna quickly found dirty looks directed her way. She had fully expected it as she was the
author of both articles. It was part of the reason why she had avoided taking this step for
so long. The other was she had gotten used to the protection being friends with Harry and
Daphne had afforded her. The others were wonderful true, but people were frightened of
Harry and Daphne in particular. Daphne had very deliberately spread the story of the fight
with the basilisk to ensure that Harry and she received proper credit. They commanded
respect and fear. For a time that had extended to Luna as she was taken under their wing.
The wrackspurts…the bullies…had stopped. They didn't want to get on the wrong side of
the Slytherin Slayers.
Now that was going to change. Nothing else had worked. Harry had been tearing his hair
out for the past two weeks trying to determine what he was missing. What he was
overlooking regarding the two fugitives. But he had come up blank. So Luna had acted. She
had sacrificed her protection to help her friend. She would deal with the consequences as
she had for so long until he had come.
She was left alone until 9:55 pm. Just prior to curfew. Marietta, Lisa and a girl whose name
she did not know, came for her as they had all last year. They laughed as they stripped her,
berating her for printing her delusions. For showcasing her oddity. For presuming to be
friends with Harry Potter. For standing in the way of her betters. For daring to be different.
Luna refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing their barbs hurt. She never once let
her eyes fill with tears nor did she cry out as they slapped her nor did she plead as they
forced her out of the Common Room to wander the halls. They let her keep her bra and
panties for which she was grateful, but she did not show it. It would only be worse the
next time if she showed any emotion. She had learned that long ago. Luna would endure
as she always had. She had friends she could go to in the morning. She had a room with a
delightful couch she could curl up on for the evening. Luna would endure.
Then she heard the laughter. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Loony Lovegood," Marcus Flint
crooned from behind her.
Luna's thoughts froze. Flint was even worse than Draco Malfoy. All Malfoy would do would
be throw a few curses, maybe lock her in a closet for the night and surreptitiously unlock it
in the morning. Flint…might not unlock the closet.
With widening eyes Luna realized that it might be even worse. She had recently hit puberty
and actually required the bra now. Flint would want to sample the fruit before he spoiled
it.
"Good evening, Marcus Flint," she said injecting a bit of mocking into her airy voice
carefully modulated to show complete disinterest even as her muscles tensed.
"Girls shouldn't wander the halls this late at night you know, Loony." He stopped behind
her. Close enough for Luna to feel the brute's breath on her neck. "Marietta told me you
might be up here around now. Such a shame to see that she was correct…I suppose I
should…lead you back." His hand running down her back left no illusions on just where
exactly he intended to lead her.
"Why, thank you. I appreciate that," she said. She had to wait. Wait just long enough to…
"Oh you'll be thanking me indeed little one," Flint turned her around and leered at her
body. Luna used the movement to throw a punch into his neck and lash out with her leg
towards his crotch. Flint had better reflexes than she had hoped. He managed to avoid the
jab and shifted enough to miss her groin shot. However his move did put his knee into the
path of her leg. Grunting in pain Flint fell back holding his injured knee as Luna turned on
her heel and bolted. There was no point in trying to get back into the Ravenclaw's
Common Room. No doubt Marietta and the others were still there. Instead she had to find
other means of escape. She could still perhaps –
Any idea of hiding her pain and continuing along the same path as before fled at Flint's
footsteps sounding behind her. "Get back here you little, bitch!" He had long legs. This race
would not last long if she didn't take additional steps.
"Comm on, contact Harry!" Luna said between breaths. She thanked all the gods and
goddesses she knew that Marietta had left her the earring Harry had given her.
"Wha? W'as goin' on?"
"Harry, where is," she dodged as a red spell shot over her shoulder. Tearing around a
corner Luna continued, "where is the Gryffindor Common Room?"
"Luna? Seventh floor, Grand Staircase, North side. Why? Luna why are you breathing
heavy?"
"If you wouldn't mind," she paused again as Flint threw another spell at her. She just
barely managed to jump over that one though the landing hurt in her bare feet. She
jumped onto the staircase and started heading up. "If you wouldn't mind opening the door,
I would greatly appreciate it."
"Stop running you little – " Flint's shout was cut off as Luna lobbed a helmet from one of
the suits of armor she passed at him.
"Where are you, Luna?" Harry asked all traces of sleep vanished from his voice. "I'm
coming." She smiled. Harry had saved her before. He would again.
"One level down, Harry. I should be there in a moment," Luna used her momentum to
slingshot around the edge of the banister and into the corridor Harry had specified. Flint
seemed to have realized where they were as he redoubled his efforts to catch her. It was
useless, the portrait of a rather corpulent woman swung wide in front of her and a roiling
aura stood in the open path beyond. She flew into Harry's arms and he swung her aside as
he swept his other arm forward.
She burrowed into her savior's chest only dimly realizing he had no shirt on – only a small
leather belt with holsters on it was draped over his chest. With a satisfied grin, Luna
watched a torrent of water flow out of the palm of Harry's outstretched arm. It flooded
towards Flint's lower body and after barely a second froze completely solid. Flint's upper
half jerked down and his head smashed into the ice sculpture he was encased in drawing a
bit of blood from his nose. The impact threw his wand forward towards the portrait hole
and seemed to knock the older boy out.
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Chapter 103
Harry glared at Flint for long enough to make certain he wasn't a threat then turned his
eyes towards Luna. She tried to force back the tears she felt welling up but was only
successful in holding them to a sheen across her eyes. She pushed her head into his chest
further to avoid him seeing her like that. Avoid him seeing her as weak. As incapable. As
unable to defend herself. As pitiable. As useless.
"Luna? Are you alright?" His voice was so gentle. So quiet. No one had spoken to her like
that since her mother died. No one had ever even bothered to ask her that question in
over two years.
"I am fine, Harry. Thank you for asking," she responded, voice thankfully light and airy and
not betraying her feelings at all.
"If you're fine then why was Marcus Flint chasing you through the corridors in the middle
of the night?" Harry put his free hand under her chin and lifted her face. Inwardly, Luna
cursed that she hadn't managed to dispel the sheen from her eyes yet. "Luna, where are
the rest of your clothes?" Most wouldn't have heard it but Luna could detect the strain in
his voice – the need for her to answer, to tell him. But it was tempered by the restraint of
holding back, of not forcing an answer. With a start Luna remembered back to the day he
had asked her to sit with him in the Great Hall. He had said that he had been called names
as well. Perhaps…perhaps she should say…something.
"The…the wrackspurts took them," Luna appeared to crumple inward. It was all she could
ever say when confronted. It was more than most but it was still not enough.
"Wrackspurts plural? Are the wrackspurts in Ravenclaw, Luna?" he asked quietly. Luna
flinched. It was all the answer he needed. Hugging her close, Harry tapped his Comm Stone.
"Comm on, contact Hermione. Mione? I need you to come down to Common Room
immediately. Bring a spare set of clothes please. Yes. Yes, I'm serious. Yes, it's an
emergency. No, I'm fine. Mione…Okay, thanks." He had barely disconnected the call when
Hermione flew down the stairs to her dormitory leaping over the last three. Luna saw
Hermione quickly scan the Common Room and settle on Harry wrapped around her in a
protective cocoon.
Hermione's eyes widened and her nostrils flared. She practically flew across the room and
draped the robe over Luna's shoulders. Harry pulled back enough for her to pull it on and
smile at the two Gryffindors. "Thank you. It was quite cold."
"Luna, what happened? Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Did they touch you?" Hermione
asked softly pulling the blonde into a hug. Luna gave her a quick hug back inwardly sighing
that Hermione hadn't minded Luna holding onto her boyfriend's chest.
"I am fine, Hermione. As I told Harry, the wrackspurts took my clothes and Marcus Flint
merely took advantage of the opportunity he was presented. Harry assisted in handling
the situation," she nodded her head to the still frozen and passed out Flint. Hermione
looked over, widened her eyes slightly and then twisted to Harry.
"Freezer," he said with a shrug slotting a rune stone back into his harness. "I heard her
being chased but not who was chasing. It's a good nonlethal, but still extremely effective,
stopping option. Luna, can you…has this happened before, Luna?"
She hesitated. How was she supposed to answer that? It was a direct question and there
were few evasions available. She couldn't use a creature the way he had worded that.
With a groan she realized she had hesitated too long. Like her earlier flinch, it was all the
answer that Harry needed. He growled and Hermione's lips curled into a snarl as well. The
older girl clutched Luna tighter. "Luna," Hermione said stroking her hair. "This is never
going to happen again."
"You cannot promise that, Hermione."
"Yes, we can, Luna," Harry said folding into the hug from behind.
Luna wiggled out from both of them growing angry in spite of herself. "No, you cannot. I
endured long before any of you came along. I endured my mother's death. I endured my
father's insanity. I endured the taunts and the names and the threats and the
disappointment and the abuse and the bullying and the hexes. I asked for help tonight
because I am older now and Flint is not the type to stop. Thank you for your assistance but
I will endure as I have and you cannot promise that this will not occur again. I spent the
entirety of my first year learning how to deal with this and I can handle it on my own."
"Luna…" Harry waved her to the couch and down in the chair across from her. Hermione
joined her on the couch. "Luna, do you remember the first time you sat down with us at
breakfast?" She nodded. "I was like you for a long time. I have friends now though and I
have people I can turn to for help and support. People I can lean on when it gets hard and
things come crashing down. You have that now too, Luna. We're all here for you. You're
not alone anymore and you don't have to deal with this on your own. I may not have a ton
of political power just yet but I have enough friends that I can ask for some favors and
make sure that people answer for what has happened."
"I don't need that, Harry." She sighed and let the mask slip. It was tiring to keep it up
around them.
"Luna, please," Hermione said laying a hand on her leg. "We are your friends. Please let us
help. What are the names of the…wrackspurts?"
Luna looked into Hermione's eyes. She let the last remnants of her mask slide and used her
full piercing gaze to stare into the depths of Hermione. She knew what effect her look
could have on people but the older girl didn't even flinch. Turning to Harry, Luna looking
into him as well. Eventually sighing and nodding Luna gave a wry grin and snorted. "You
aren't going to let this go are you?"
"They didn't let it go for me, Luna," Harry said giving her a small, sad smile.
"Very well. Marietta Edgecombe, Lisa Turpin, a girl I don't know who hangs out with them.
But really there's no point. Nearly the entire House is aware of it. Only Su Li and Padma
Patil don't know the extent. They spoke up once when they found my missing clothes and
Marietta and the others have been careful around them. I think Cho Chang only believes it
to be harmless stealing. So you see? Short of changing Houses, there is no point in doing
anything. You cannot take on an entire House, Harry, Hermione."
"Watch me," Harry said, a slightly scary glint entering his eyes. Luna couldn't help but feel
buoyed by that. He would never turn that gaze on her but her enemies…Luna grinned in
response.
Hermione snorted. "You've been around us long enough, Luna. You should realize not to
give Harry a challenge like that."
"Comm on, contact Neville, Daphne, Tracey and Susan," Harry said. "Sorry to wake you all,
but we have a bit of a situation. I need everyone to meet outside the door to the
Ravenclaw Common Room in five minutes. It really can't wait until then. Great, thanks
guys." He tapped his earring and disconnected.
"I didn't know the stones could connect to more than one at once?" Hermione said cocking
her head. Luna chuckled quietly. Of course that would be what the witch noticed.
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Chapter 104
Harry shrugged. "I try not to use them on conference too much for too long. The stones are
small enough that a conference call taxes them a bit too much for me to be comfortable
with it." Neville came down the stairs to the Common Room yawning and Harry stood up
nodding at his friend. "Luna, wait here with Hermione okay? I'm going to go talk to
the…wrackspurts about this."
"You don't seriously think you're leaving me out of this?" Hermione asked with raised
eyebrows.
"I am not sitting on the sidelines if you are doling out justice like an avenging angel," Luna
commented at the same time as Hermione. Both girls looked at each other, smiled and
laughed. Hermione waved for Luna to go ahead. "Harry, I am fine. I am uninjured beyond a
minor bruise on my shoulder and you have succeeded in ensuring I am calm. If you are
going to confront them, I want to be there to watch."
"Confront who? Luna?" Neville narrowed his eyes at her. "I missed the action again didn't
I?"
"Don't worry, Neville," Luna said with a smile. "The action is just about to get started. You
merely missed the prologue. As did Hermione at that."
"Oh, good," Neville nodded looking a bit more awake. "I keep missing most of the fun stuff
and Harry promised I could have first crack at Voldy this time."
"We're not going against Voldy, Nev. Just some schoolmates who have gone a bit too far."
Harry said leading the way out the portrait hole. He stopped to grab Flint's wand and
tucked it into his pocket stunning Flint with a stupefy for good measure.
Neville looked at the Flint-sculpture and shook his head. "I guess that was the prologue?"
"Yes," Luna replied nodding.
"I like that rune."
"Yeah. Worked better than I had hoped actually," Harry said. "You know I have to admit, I
would've put money on Malfoy, not Flint."
"Draco Malfoy is an idiot, but he is not so stupid as to attack me with anything beyond
what he does to the rest of the student populace," Luna said shrugging. "Marcus Flint
however…well he is that stupid."
Harry shrugged in reply as the group pulled up outside the Ravenclaw tower. Daphne,
Tracey and Susan melted out of the shadows, dispelling their Ninja stones. Tracey snorted
seeing Harry while Susan shook her head and Daphne whistled appreciatively. Harry
cocked his head in confusion as Daphne ran her eyes up and down his chest. "Err, guys?"
Hermione groaned and slapped her boyfriend's head. "Idiot. You forgot to grab a shirt.
Daph stop ogling my boyfriend."
"Hey, I can look. I just can't touch," Daphne replied waggling her eyebrows. She quickly
turned to glance at Tracey who just chuckled and waved for her to go ahead and keep
staring.
"Hey as long as I can ogle other people too, Daph, feel free to stare," Tracey drawled.
"Harry put this on," Hermione said handing him a shirt she had transfigured from her
jumper.
"As funny as this is, why are we in front of the Ravenclaw Common Room in the middle of
the night?" Susan yawned. She moved over to rest her head on Neville's shoulder but kept
her eyes open staring at Harry.
Harry sighed as he adjusted his harness to fit over the shirt. "One second. Hermione can
you fill them in?" She nodded and as she moved over, Luna listened to Harry activate his
Comm Stone again. "Shiva, I'm about to enter the Ravenclaw dorms. Luna was attacked.
She's alright but this has been ongoing for a long time. I could use Professor backup.
Would you mind grabbing Flitwick on the way? This concerns him too. No, Shiva, I'm not
going in alone. Everyone else is assembled already. I wanted to start before you got here.
Plausible deniability, Shiva. No. No, I'm not letting this go until morning. Yes, it is that bad.
Shiva, she was almost raped because they tipped off Flint. Roger." Harry disconnected and
turned to the others. "Everyone up to speed? Good. We have between two to five minutes
before the Professors arrive. Daphne, you and me at the front. Let's play up this image
you've built for the two of us."
"Slytherin Slayers," Luna provided helpfully. "Because you slew Slytherin's monster."
There were soft chuckles at that though most lacked actual mirth. Luna smiled at them all.
She did actually have friends. That was…something beautiful.
"…a hole," Hermione said, answering the riddle to open the door into the Common Room.
Luna padded in after the rest. They stood in formation. Harry and Daphne in front side by
side, Tracey behind Daphne's shoulder to the side, Neville mirrored her behind Harry,
Hermione centered and able to provide support to either or both sides, Luna and Susan
slotted in behind Hermione slightly offset.
Harry grabbed a rune stone and held it up in his left hand before holding his wand in his
right. "Silencing charms everyone. This is loud. You can drop them once I lower the stone."
A quick set of thumbs ups later and Harry activated his Boomstone. Luna could feel the
sound reverberating through her bones though it stopped after a moment when Harry
lowered the cluster back into his harness. She dropped her silencing charm and listened in.
"RAVENCLAWS! ASSEMBLE IN THE COMMON ROOM NOW! FRONT AND CENTER!" Harry
yelled holding his wand to his throat for the sonorous charm. Stamping feet hurried down
both sets of staircases as the Common Room quickly filled up. Most of the House had a
mixture of sleep, fear and confusion on their faces. She sought out Marietta and was
rewarded by witnessing the girl's face drain of color when she caught sight of Luna
standing behind the group of friends.
"What the bloody hell is going on here, Potter?" one of the Prefects asked.
"Ravenclaw has failed their Housemate. Ravenclaw has failed their duty. Ravenclaw has
failed their school. Ravenclaw has failed their honor," Daphne said, holding her head high.
She formed the perfect picture of an Heiress to a Noble House.
"What are you on about – " Marietta tried to sneer but was cut off as Neville snapped a
silencio at her.
"As Daphne was saying," Harry said calmly gesturing to his partner, "Ravenclaw House has
been grossly negligent and we are here to ensure you understand that and make certain it
doesn't happen again – either to our friend or to anyone else in the future."
"Whatever Loony told you – " Lisa started before she too was cut off by a silencing spell,
this time from Tracey.
"Ravenclaw has systematically bullied a young girl," Harry said. To most he appeared
merely angry. To Luna…Harry was holding on by a thread. She saw his hands clenched tight
enough to turn white, his breaths coming in short bursts, his tone carefully neutral yet
dripping with contempt, his magic fluttering around him in little arcs and sparks only
noticeable if one was watching for it. She realized he had called for the Professors as much
to ensure he didn't go too far as to make certain that her Housemates were reigned in.
"You have degraded and derided her. You have insulted her and her parents. You have
stolen her things. You have forced a 12 year old into the corridors at night in just her
underwear!" Harry said.
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Chapter 105
"I was 11 when that started," Luna interjected. She barely prevented her grin when
Marietta paled even further at that.
"She was assaulted tonight because you…people…tipped off Marcus Flint!" Harry growled.
He flicked out his hand and Luna watched Marietta fly across the room towards them. Lisa
followed immediately after. A few wands were raised in reply by some of the older years,
but the majority was either too stunned or fearful to do anything. "Luna, please point out
the third ringleader." She raised a hand to answer Harry's question and that girl was soon
on the ground beside the other three.
Daphne took over since Harry was visibly vibrating now and his teeth were clenched. "Su Li,
Padma Patil, please stand aside," the two singled out glanced at each other but nodded at
the group and moved against the wall of the room between the two groups. "All the rest of
you have insulted and trod upon the Noble House of Lovegood. In doing so you have also
insulted the Noble Houses of Potter, Greengrass, Longbottom, Davis, Bones – "
"If they did what you said, add Patil to that!" Padma snarled walking over and standing
beside Neville. "I've brought shame on my own family by missing this. I'm sorry, Luna."
Luna nodded to her in reply.
Su Li walked over to stand beside Tracey. "The Li family also takes offense. I apologize as
well, Luna. Rest assured, my family will endeavor to make reparations for allowing abuse
to go unchallenged."
Daphne nodded calmly at both newcomers as the door behind them swung open. "As I
was saying, You have insulted eight Noble Houses through your actions, inactions and tacit
approval. If any of us were so inclined, we would be perfectly justified by calling for an
Honor Duel right here and now." Luna couldn't stop a slight upturn to her lips at Professor
Flitwick's intake of breath behind her. "Consider this your one and only warning. Do not
mess with our friends. You should count yourselves lucky we are holding back tonight. I
doubt any of you could stand against the Slytherin Slayers."
"Mr. Potter," the quiet voice of Shiva sounded. Luna turned to the professor and smiled,
giving her a very small almost unnoticeable nod. "Please explain why you and these others
are in the Ravenclaw dorm at night making threats." Flitwick just nodded along apparently
a little too dazed and confused to risk speaking.
"Professor Babbling, Professor Flitwick," Harry said. His magic was getting back under
control and Luna could no longer hear the venom dripping from his voice. "Marietta
Edgecombe, Lisa Turpin and this girl stripped Luna Lovegood to her underwear in the
Common Room just prior to curfew and ejected her from the dorms. They also informed
Marcus Flint that she would be alone around this time. He found her and assaulted her.
Luna got away and came to us for help. Flint is currently half frozen outside the Gryffindor
Tower and I have his wand for proof right here." Harry handed over the wand. "We came
up here because Luna has informed us that, with the sole exception of Miss Li and Miss
Patil, the entirety of Ravenclaw House either assisted, approved or ignored her treatment.
This is merely the latest – "
"And last," Tracey interjected.
"And last," Harry agreed, "incident. At minimum we intend for Luna to sleep at one of our
Houses tonight. We will discuss options going forward tomorrow morning with the
Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress."
Flitwick blinked several times and looked to Luna horror plain to see across his face. "Miss
Lovegood? Is this all true?"
"Yes, Professor," Luna said with a sad smile. "I did try to tell you at first, but you didn't
quite understand."
"You said you were being harassed by…wrack…spurts…oh Merlin…" he wiped a hand over
his face and Luna shrugged.
"I could have perhaps been clearer but that is not my way, Professor."
Shiva nodded at the assembled group. "Very well. We'll take it from here. Everyone please
return to your dormitories. Miss Li, Miss Patil, if you two wish you may accompany Miss
Lovegood in alternate sleeping arrangements for the evening." The two girls nodded and
Harry's Slytherin Slayers headed out of the Ravenclaw Common Room. As the door was
closing Luna heard Flitwick start shouting loud enough to hurt her eardrums.
Luna just smiled and skipped along after her friends. The wrackspurts had been dealt with.
Harry walked into breakfast the next day glancing over at the Ravenclaw table with an acid
glare. There were very few Claws sitting down and those that were looked exceedingly
glum. Only the few first years appeared at all upbeat. Nodding to himself, Harry moved to
sit with his friends. Luna was happily chatting away with Tracey while Hermione looked on
in exasperation at whatever they were discussing. Ginny kept looking between Luna, the
Ravenclaws and Harry but she never said or asked anything.
Hedwig showed up with the other owls clutching a small piece of paper. Harry's good
mood increased exponentially as it was clearly not the same letter he had sent off with her.
"He replied! I told you she could find him!"
Hermione and Daphne's jaws dropped open as Hedwig settled down, puffed up her chest
and held out her leg. She twisted to each girl surrounding Harry and gave a pompous hoot.
Neville laughed and fed Hedwig a slice of bacon. "Careful now, girl. No one likes a show off.
You did well." Hedwig hooted and bobbed her head in reply before taking wing and
heading back out.
Harry had gotten his letter opened and growled crumpling the thing into a ball.
"That good huh?" Tracey asked.
"It's a paw print. A paw print!" Harry glowered at the offending piece of paper. "Signed, Mr.
Padfoot! Who the hell does he think he is?! A paw print. Arsehole."
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Chapter 106
"Well people have said he and your father were rather big on pranks," Hermione said
sighing. "I suppose this is his idea of a good laugh. And language, Harry. I told you it
wouldn't work."
"Well, she did manage to find him so he was correct on that part, Hermione. Hedwig is
very impressive indeed."
"Or Black's an idiot and didn't throw on a mail ward," Daphne commented shrugging. "I
seriously doubt that Hedwig knows him personally to be able to see through that sort of
thing. Crookshanks I could see being buddy-buddy with Black, but that owl barely ever gets
out and about when Harry's not around."
"You know, what if Hedwig does know him? That was awfully fast to both deliver and
return a letter. Where would she have met him…I wonder if…" Harry's train of thought was
interrupted as Shiva came up and tapped him on the shoulder. Blinking he looked up at his
guardian. "Yes?"
"Headmaster's office as soon as you're done. Anyone that had a direct hand in last night's
activities."
"Will my father be attending as well, Professor?" Luna asked. The table quieted down
immediately.
"I'm sorry, Luna. He's out of the country. We tried to contact him, but there's no telling
whether he's receive the notice and Headmaster Dumbledore felt this needed to be
resolved immediately. Unfortunately this is something I actually agree with him on; the
events of last night really do need to be addressed as soon as possible."
"Very well. Would you and Professor Flitwick be willing to stand in for him if needed?"
Luna said nodding.
"Me?" Shiva stared back at the blonde.
"Harry trusts you so, so do I," Luna stated losing a lot of airiness. "And between the two of
you the conversation would be a lot faster and simpler than if my father attended
anyway." Harry frowned at his friend and Tracey reached over to squeeze her shoulder.
"Sure, I guess I can stand in for your interests…" Shiva said sighing a bit. "I'll see you all up
there in a few minutes then. Password is Ice Pop this week."
She moved off towards the exit from the room and Harry glanced to his friends. All nodded
that they were done and got up to attend the meeting. Before Harry got further beyond
the Entrance Hall though he was waylaid by the Weasley twins. "Harry, a moment, please."
"Guys, I have to go meet with Professor Dumbledore. Can this wait?"
"We'll be quick," George said holding out a blank piece of folded parchment. "This is for
you."
"A piece of parchment? You shouldn't have," Harry deadpanned. He flipped the paper
open but still saw nothing special about it.
"We heard about the problems last night, Harry. Hell, half the school has heard about it,"
Fred said frowning. "Can't say we're fond of your choice in names but that's beside the
point. The point is: that right there should hopefully help in the future if you have any
further problems and need to track someone down."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked examining the parchment closer.
"You do this," Fred leaned forward and tapped the paper with his wand, "I solemnly swear
I am up to no good." Ink spread out on the paper resolving into a map as Harry watched
wide eyed. "This is the Marauder's Map, Harry. We found it years ago and it has served us
well. Shows the hidden paths out of the castle which we've put to good use. These four are
blocked or caved in but these three are open. Don't use this one. It's under the Whomping
Willow. Right dangerous that one is."
"More importantly," George continued, "this also shows the locations of everyone on the
grounds." He pointed out the little feet with labels under them. "If someone gets attacked
again and they can't tell you where they are, just whip out this Map and search them out."
"Also, feel free to use it to pull pranks whenever you want," Fred said trying to grin a bit.
"Just be sure to pass it on to the next generation of worthy successors as we are doing."
"Thanks guys…" Harry said staring in wonder at the Map. "This is amazing! I promise we'll
put this to good use. How do you blank it?"
"Mischief managed," Fred said tapping the parchment again and the ink disappeared.
"Now run along Harrykins. Treat the Map with respect and it shall respect you!"
Harry waved to them both and took off after his friends catching up just as they reached
the stone gargoyle. He mumbled a quick, "Later," to the questioning glances sent his way
before they stepped onto the rotating staircase.
They walked into the Headmaster's office to find a veritable crowd waiting. Lisa Turpin and
her mother, Marietta Edgecombe and her parents, the third ringleader and her father,
Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, Dumbledore, Shiva...and Marcus Flint and his father.
"Good morning," Harry said nodding to the assembled group.
"Ah, Harry, thank you for coming so quickly. I don't believe so many of your friends needed
to come," Dumbledore said with a slight twinkle to his eyes. Harry barely repressed his
snort.
"I was told everyone involved in the incident last night should be here, Sir. Frankly, I'm
surprised that Padma Patil and Su Li weren't invited. Or Amelia Bones for that matter."
"This is merely an inquiry, Harry," Dumbledore replied though his smile was now strained.
"There is no need to involve the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Harry smirked
at the old man noticing how he completely ignored the statement about Padma and Su.
Harry waved a hand at Luna who raised an eyebrow at him and stepped forward.
"Actually Headmaster, I intend to press charges so having a representative from the DMLE
present would certainly expedite matters."
"Miss Lovegood, surely that is not required. I understand Mr. Flint has already paid for his
mistake and is quite apologetic."
The predatory grin on Flint's face threw that statement out the window but Dumbledore
either didn't notice or didn't care. Flitwick on the other hand raised a step in Harry's
opinion as the diminutive teacher looked ready to murder the boy where he stood.
"I guess we'll just have to talk to Aunt Amy later on then, Luna," Susan commented sweetly.
Flint's grin dissolved into a scowl while the rest of teachers nodded approvingly.
Surprisingly, even Snape showed approval of the idea.
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Chapter 107
"That works I suppose," Luna said airily.
"Well then, shall be begin?" Dumbledore said attempting to regain control of the situation.
"Miss Lovegood if you could please explain the circumstances that led to the others
entering the Ravenclaw dormitory last night..."
"Certainly, Professor," Luna said. Her next sentence dropped all pretense of levity or
disinterest and she turned a hard glare on the three older Ravenclaws. "Marietta
Edgecombe, Lisa Turpin, and...her...started insulting me over my articles at 9:55 pm. They
claimed that I was a harlot who was muscling in on Harry Potter and that my delusions
should never see the light of day let alone become words on a page. They continued with
the insults for an additional 10 minutes. After that they forcibly stripped me at wand point
until I was left in only my underthings. They forced me into the corridor and sealed the
door. I tried to get to a room that I knew had the most wonderfully comfortable couch as I
have been forced to use it previously."
Luna turned her stare onto Marcus Flint and her hands clenched. "Unfortunately Marcus
Flint waylaid me claiming that he had been informed I would be around. He accosted me
and tried to have his way with me. I struck him and ran for the Gryffindor Tower knowing
that Harry could help. I made it there shortly before being caught again. Harry then
stopped Flint and learned of the abuse by my Housemates."
"I was...displeased," Harry spoke up. "Your House is supposed to be your family, no? I
don't have much experience with a real family but that certainly didn't sound like familial
behavior to me."
"He called for us," Daphne said glaring at Dumbledore almost daring the old man to read
her mind. "We answered. He also contacted Professors Babbling and Flitwick. While we
waited for the Professors to arrive, we told the Ravenclaws how what they did was
wrong."
"Don't you mean threatened?" Marietta muttered.
Daphne turned to the girl and flashed her a large grin. "Edgecombe, if I threatened you,
you would know it."
"Very well." Dumbledore leaned back and steepled his fingers. "Miss Edgecombe, Miss
Turpin, Miss Randle, your version of the events?"
Marietta shrugged. "We'll admit we insulted her a bit and that we sent her outside the
Common Room. Usually she wanders back in after an hour or so. We admit that we tipped
off Marcus but – "
"I will certainly not admit to that!" the third girl, Randle yelled. "You two did that one all
on your own! I may not like Lovegood at all, but I certainly did not call Marcus Flint.
Pranking, stealing and insults are one thing, but I would never sic that brute on anyone.
Especially not a girl! I have some standards thank you very much!" Marcus sneered in
response. Luna nodded at her.
"Traitor..." Marietta mumbled. She continued louder, "Fine, me and Lisa told him that
Lovegood would be out and about. We just expected him to toss her in a broom closet for
a few hours. Not try to rape her."
"I believe your words were 'teach her to keep her crazy quiet by any means necessary',
Mari," Marcus spat.
Harry leaned over to Susan. "Do they realize memories can be used as evidence?"
"It certainly doesn't seem like it," Susan whispered back.
Tracey leaned in and commented, "Or they're all just too interested in screwing each other
over to bother caring at this point."
"...I believe we have a clear picture now," Dumbledore said speaking over the squabbles.
"Now we must determine the path forward. Miss Randle, I believe three weeks detention
and 50 points deduction is appropriate. Miss Edgecombe, Miss Turpin, five weeks
detention and 75 points deduction each. Mr. Flint, you are suspended until the end of this
year. If you wish to finish your education at Hogwarts you will need to either schedule your
NEWTS by the end of the day, or return – again – next year."
"You can't be serious," Flint's father scoffed. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
Snape sneered at the man and Harry found himself in the odd position of rooting for one
of the men he utterly despised. "A somewhat connected individual. Nothing more. Your
son has already been held back once for failing his exams and has started numerous fights
with many complaints leveled against him. He is a disgrace to Slytherin House and you
should count yourself lucky that he has not already seen his wand snapped! And seeing as
how he has managed to earn the ire of several Noble Houses – including the Head of the
DMLE – I would not expect such an oversight to continue for long."
"Severus," Dumbledore said softly.
"Albus be quiet!" McGonagall thundered. "You have already used your authority to
prevent us from acting against these women, you cannot protect that boy. He is of age and
will be brought to task. You, sir," the Scott turned her withering glare on the elder Flint,
"would do well to keep your tongue from wagging. Count how many witnesses are in this
room before you attempt to bribe or threaten your way out of this and ask yourself if he is
worth it!" The man scowled but remained quiet.
Dumbledore sighed. After a short uncomfortable silence he said, "Very well. If there are no
further complaints..."
"You're seriously only giving them three and five weeks of detention?" Hermione asked
incredulously. "That's it?!"
"Miss Granger I have taken a great many points from – "
"Oh the bloody point system is a joke and everyone knows it!" Hermione snorted. "They
assaulted a younger student and stole private property multiple times. They admitted it!
You're barely even slapping them on the wrist!"
"Everyone deserves a second chance, Miss Granger," Dumbledore intoned sadly. "I am
disappointed that you do not understand this."
"Don't bother, Hermione," Harry sighed. "It's worth wasting your breath. He's not going to
listen."
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Chapter 108
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed. "Miss Edgecombe, Miss Turpin, Miss Randle, Mr. Flint, you
may leave. If the others will please stay for just a bit longer." The Headmaster waved the
rest out of the room and as they left, he looked at Luna with a tired gaze. "I am sorry for
what you have experienced, Miss Lovegood. I urge you not to harden your heart, but to
allow them the chance to redeem themselves."
"Only people who repent deserve the chance for redemption, Headmaster," Luna said.
"Before we depart I request a re-Sorting."
Dumbledore jerked back in his seat and Sprout flinched. Flitwick sadly nodded having
obviously expected this as had Shiva and McGonagall. Snape scowled but didn't say
anything.
"That seems rather extreme, Miss Lovegood," Dumbledore tried to plead with her.
"Not really. Extreme would be calling Susan's Aunt on the other three as well as the
majority of the House." Dumbledore paled at her calmly delivered threat. "No, all I want is
to feel safe in a House that wants me. Any of the other three would work. I have two allies
in Ravenclaw now. In Gryffindor, I have at least six but likely far more. In Hufflepuff I have
at least two but again, likely more. Even in Slytherin I have at least four allies."
"Five. Don't forget my sister," Daphne said softly.
"My apologizes, five."
"This is a most unusually situation, Miss Lovegood..." Dumbledore said.
The choice was taken from him a moment later as the Hat spoke up from its perch. "Well,
little Luna Lovegood, I stand by what I said two years ago. You would do well in any House.
Your loyalty is beyond reproach, your cunning is quite impressive and your bravery is
commendable. Feel free to choose for yourself."
The teachers were looking at the Hat in awe. Shiva was the first to shake her head and
chuckle, "You know I really shouldn't be surprised to hear you speak. You did help Harry
last year after all. Of course you'd help another friend of Hogwarts." The Hat bobbed its
brim at her and went back to senescence.
"Thank you, Hat." Luna beamed at her friends who all smiled back. "I think I would like to
go to Gryffindor. Harry was the first to be nice to me besides Ginny and I would enjoy
spending more time with him."
Dumbledore could only nod. "Very well, Miss Lovegood. I will ensure your things are
moved to the 2nd Year dorm in Gryffindor Tower."
"Welcome to the Lion's Den, Miss Lovegood," McGonagall said warmly.
That evening around curfew Harry was sitting on his favorite armchair looking at the
Marauder's Map. This map was amazing and he really wished someone could tell him how
the enchantments had been added to it. It was only the first time he had activated it
himself, but he didn't want to take the time to examine it in detail at the moment. It had
been a long day and all Harry was looking to do was ascertain that his friends were all safe
– that no one was going to try anything against any of them in reprisal for the hornet's nest
they had stirred.
Harry checked the Slytherin dungeons and nodded, seeing Daphne, Tracey, Millie and
Blaise all sitting in their beds with no one slinking up the stairs. Glancing at the Hufflepuffs,
he saw Susan and Hannah also in their beds without anything suspicious nearby. He
breathed a sigh of relief as he found Ravenclaw and saw Su and Padma both in bed as well.
With an amused thought Harry turned to Gryffindor searching for himself.
And he froze solid forgetting even to breath for a few moments.
Peter Pettigrew was lying in bed with Ron Weasley.
A white rat about this big.
This is Scabbers. He's my pet. Been in the family for ages.
Scabbers. Pettigrew. Scabbers was Pettigrew. Ron's pet Scabbers...was...an...animagus...
Sirius was a large black dog somewhat resembling a Grim.
He's a dog Shiva. Not an evil mastermind. If he was an animagus trying to kill me he
could've done it when I first ran into him the other night.
Okay, Snuffles it is.
His sorta pet Snuffles was Sirius Black.
"Well, bugger..."
*The Atlantean Micro-dragon is a creature from 'Luna's Animal' by erbkaiser. A totally
hilarious oneshot and I loved the imagine of her thinking the komodo dragon was a
magical beast.*
Harry suddenly understood how Dobby felt whenever the little guy tried to hurt himself.
Harry definitely deserved a few good knocks around the head for being so blind. He had
been living with Sirius Black for most of summer and visiting with him for the entire school
year. He had been sleeping in the same dorm as Peter Pettigrew for three years! Remus
had specifically told him what both looked like in their animagus form two weeks ago! If
Harry allowed himself to stop and truly consider how much of an idiot he had been he
likely wouldn't have hair in the morning.
So he did the smarter thing. He acted.
"Comm on, emergency protocol 01. Everyone, this is Harry. If you're sleeping wake up, grab
your wand and get dressed. We have a priority situation. I have found Peter Pettigrew and
I know where Sirius Black is. Meet in…um…"
"The Meeting Room?" Daphne said sounding fully alert and awake.
"Hmm, too far," Harry said shaking his head. He noticed Hermione running down the stairs
of the girls' side with only one arm through her shirt and coming to halt as she saw him.
She took a deep breath, visibly forced herself to relax and walked over laying a hand on his
shoulder. Harry smiled up at her and continued, "Sirius is a dog currently and we'd have a
hard time getting a dog up to the seventh floor unnoticed."
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Chapter 109
Luna bounced down the staircase and wandered over as well. To someone who hadn't
known her the girl would look as carefree as normal. Harry though could see the narrowed
eyes, downturned mouth and tension in her shoulders.
"Entrance Hall then?" Susan asked. "It would also make it easier to meet up with Aunt
Amy."
"No, Susan," Amelia herself said over the link. "I am not about to meet a fugitive in the
Entrance Hall."
"How about my office?" Shiva asked. "It's on the fourth floor so it's at least a bit closer to
the entrance."
"There are multiple unused classrooms on the second floor immediately after the Grand
Staircase in the West Wing. We use the second on the left. Best of both worlds," Hermione
said.
Harry nodded along, "Any objections?" The link was quiet. "Alright, Madam Bones, Tonks,
how quickly can you both get here?"
"Less than five minutes. Don't move on Pettigrew until we arrive," Amelia replied.
"Won't work, sorry, ma'am."
"Harry, listen if he's the traitor he's dangerous and – " Tonks said the frown evident in her
voice.
"And," Harry said cutting her off, "he's currently sleeping in the Gryffindor dorm." Harry
scowled at Neville's curse. "Dammit, Nev, stay quiet! Don't let him know we know!"
"Scabbers!" Neville spat. "He's Scabbers isn't he?!"
"Yes. Now don't do anything yet! Madam Bones, we'll stun the rat and bring him to the
classroom. Tonks, I need you to stop by the Three Broomsticks and pick up the large black
dog there. He'll answer to Snuffles. If he gives you trouble, tell him Harry didn't find the
paw print very amusing. He should follow after that." Shiva was now the one cursing over
the line. She wasn't alone as Daphne was muttering as well with very choice invectives.
"Alright, look people we have to cut this off now before the Comm Stones break. They
aren't designed to handle this level of connections. Five minutes, second floor classroom,
West Wing, second on the left. Someone grab Professor Lupin on the way. Disconnect
emergency protocol."
Harry stood and looked to Hermione and Luna. Luna cocked her head at him. "What's the
plan, Harry?"
"Go up, ask Ron for Scabbers. Stun them both. Go to the classroom."
"That simple?" Hermione asked in shock.
"Complicated seems to backfire on us. Let's try simple and wing it if things go sideways,"
Harry said shrugging.
Hermione rubbed her forehead and glared at him. "We are going to have to have a serious
talk later about acceptable levels of risk and 'winging it' when confronting evil magicals."
"I'd suggest waiting until the evening is over, Hermione," Luna said. "That way you can yell
at him for nearly dying at the same time rather than yelling twice."
"Who's nearly dying? With any luck Pettigrew will just be sleeping," Harry asked, casting a
scared glance at Hermione. He was suddenly very thankful that she didn't share abilities
with a basilisk because her look certainly would have been enough to kill him if she had.
"From what I understand you always nearly die at the end of these adventures, Harry. I'm
just being prepared."
"No one is nearly dying tonight," Hermione growled irritably. "No one is dying at all for
that matter. Let's get the rat."
The three walked up to Harry's room and cautiously entered. Thankfully the room was
empty except for Ron, Neville and Pettigrew. As soon as the door had opened, Neville
jumped off the bed raising his wand towards Ron's curtains. Harry gestured for him to
come closer and stay on the opposite side of the bed. Luna moved to the foot and
Hermione grabbed the curtains. Harry held up three fingers counting down. As he finished
the count, Hermione tore the curtains open, revealing Scabbers clinging to Ron's chest and
the redhead reading a Quidditch book.
"Hey! What's the – " Ron's shout was cut off as Neville stunned him. Harry meanwhile
flashed off a stunner at Scabbers striking the rat as it squeaked and tried to run. Pettigrew
slumped and Harry picked him up by the tail scowling.
"Part one complete. Let's get to that classroom." The group left the tower with Pettigrew
clutched in Harry's hand inside his robe pocket. They hurried but didn't run. It wouldn't
due to get stopped and questioned at this point.
Finally arriving in the second floor classroom, a glowering Shiva immediately walked over
to them with a half raised wand. "You four okay? You have him?" Remus was behind her in
his night clothes and looking confused.
"We got him, Shiva. No problems." Harry held up Pettigrew and dropped him onto a table
casting an Incarcerous on the rat. Remus' eyes narrowed on the rat and his nostrils flared.
The ropes had barely finished tying up the rat when the door opened again and Amelia,
Susan, Daphne, Tracey, Tonks and 'Snuffles' walked in. Snuffles had the decency to whine
quietly and stare at the ground after Harry and Shiva cast him a withering glance. Remus'
mouth just dropped open as he stared between Snuffles and Scabbers.
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Chapter 110
"Alright, Snuffles, jig is up," Harry said crossing his arms. "Everyone in this room believes
you're innocent. You should already know this since you've sat with me and Hermione the
last several Hogsmeade trips while we discussed this." He dimly noticed Hermione's soft
gasp as her hand went to clutch at her throat. 'Time Turner. Right, Sirius knows about that
too. Great.' He sighed and started tapping his foot. "Seriously, Sirius?" The dog looked up
at that and wagged his tail hard enough to shake his whole body. "Yes, that was
completely intentional. Now change back and make a crack about it so that we can get on
with dealing with this situation before it goes arse over teakettle."
"Language, Harry," Hermione muttered grabbing his hand and squeezing softly.
Snuffles gave one final dejected sounding woof before suddenly, in place of the large black
dog, there was a slightly worn looking Sirius Black. Sirius gave a sad little grin and rubbed
the back of his head with one hand. "Uh, hey everyone," he gave a small little half-hearted
wave. "Sorry for pranking you all...Harry, you and Shiva in particular...I really didn't mean
for it to go as far as it had. I never expected you to take me in, I just wanted to make sure
she was treating you well...but then there was food and it was good food and..."
Harry rubbed his scar and groaned. "I'm honestly far more annoyed that you never said
anything afterwards even knowing we figured you innocent. But we can deal with being
pissed at you later. We have far more pressing concerns currently."
Sirius glanced around the room. "It's a veritable war council in here. You know James never
had this many friends this early. Good job, pup."
"Sirius?" Remus took a hesitant step forward. "Is it really you?"
"Yeah, Remus, it's me," Sirius shot the Professor a roguish smile. "I'm innocent by the way.
Sorry for suspecting you were the leak originally, Moony." Remus laughed and lunged
forward to pull the man into a hug.
Amelia cleared her throat drawing everyone's attention. "As heartwarming as this is, Harry
was correct in that we have larger issues. Seeing as how everyone appears to be present,
unharmed and in somewhat good moods I assume Pettigrew was captured successfully?"
"What!?" Sirius exclaimed.
"Yeah, he's over there, tied up and stunned," Neville pointed to the table. His eyes had
never left the unconscious rat.
"It's really Wormtail, Sirius," Remus said shaking his head. "These teenagers managed to
find not only you, but Wormtail as well. On the same night!"
"Let me kill him," Sirius growled. He pulled away from Remus and started walking towards
the bound rat. "I want to finish what they threw me in there for. Move, Harry. This little rat
– "
"I have a very good idea of what Pettigrew did, Sirius. But you can't kill him just yet."
"He was Secret Keeper. Move so I can kill him," Sirius said again with Remus stepping up
behind him.
Shiva stepped up beside Harry and crossed her arms too and Hermione stepped forward as
well. Tonks shifted uncomfortably while Daphne looked torn between which side she
should be standing on. Neville and Luna were too involved watching the rat and Tracey was
just shaking her head. Amelia Bones seemed to be the only one willing to try to broker
peace. "I'm going to attempt to ignore that you just threatened murder in front of the
Head of the DMLE, Lord Black." A loud gulp was the only response. "Sirius," her voice had
dropped into something soft and sad. Harry had never heard that tone come from Amelia
before and he noticed Sirius pause for a long moment as some of the tension in the man
loosened slightly. "We all want Pettigrew to receive justice but be reasonable for a
moment. Your allies consist mostly of the people in this room and only a few others. Let us
interrogate him and get the truth on record prior to taking to vigilantism."
"If it's any help, Cousin," Tonks said with a small smile and a shift of her hair to a dull
purple, "if you had actually had a trial where you were convicted of killing him we all
probably would've just stood aside and let you have some fun."
Sirius turned to her and gaped for a second before laughing and shaking his head.
"Nymphadora? You seriously need to work on what you consider to be positive points."
The remaining tension in the room bled out.
"She's going to get you back for using the Name Unutterable by the way, Sirius," Harry said
grinning. His prediction was obviously spot on as Tonks' hair had shifted to red before
switching back to purple.
"Alright, all personnel maintain a protective circle around the suspect," Amelia said, using
a hard tone again and taking charge of the situation. The group moved into formation
around the rat as Amelia shifted him to the floor and moved the tables aside with a few
flicks of her wand. "I'm going to force him back into human and resecure him. On three;
one, two, three." Amelia said an incantation Harry hadn't heard before and Scabbers
shifted into an overweight, squirrely looking man missing tufts of his hair and a large
chunk of one of his fingers. The ropes binding the rat had been dispelled but were quickly
reapplied before Amelia reawakened the man.
Pettigrew blinked and turned his gaze around the classroom his face growing progressively
paler and paler as he found the ropes binding him and the multitude of people
surrounding him. "I...I..." his voice was all scratchy and hoarse and hurt Harry's ears.
"Peter Pettigrew," Amelia said with a scowl, "you are looking rather lively for a dead man."
"I...I was hiding!" the rat shouted. "I was scared! I was scared Black was going to get me or
the Dark Lord's supporters would find me! I had to hide; it was the only thing I could do!
He's right there! Arrest him!"
"Does he really think we are that stupid, Boss?" Tonks asked genuinely bewildered.
"I'm not sure what's sadder, Auror, that this man thinks we would believe that or that our
dear Minister just might have. Pettigrew you have exactly one minute to explain what
actually happened November 3rd, 1981. After that I stun you and bring you to the Ministry
to receive Veritaserum questioning."
"Please! I didn't mean for...I couldn't...I can't! He'll kill me!"
"I'll kill you, traitor," Sirius growled.
"We'll kill you, Peter," Remus added also growling. "Did you really think that you could
simply hide from us forever?"
"Please!" Harry almost laughed at the way Pettigrew tried to crawl towards the two, the
ropes making it very difficult. Tonks shot a spell directly in front of him causing him to fall
back onto his arse.
"30 seconds," Amelia intoned flatly.
"Alright! He was winning," Pettigrew sobbed. "He was winning and he found I was Secret
Keeper. He was going to torture me until I was insane and would give him their address
anyway! What was I supposed to do?"
"Let him kill you, Peter! Just like any of us would have done for you!" Remus shouted.
"I was never as strong as you three...I'm sorry!"
"November 3rd, 1981." Amelia's fingers had gone white around her wand.
"After the Dark Lord fell I ran. Sirius caught up to me and I cursed the street. It hit
something and exploded. I cut my finger, changed and ran. I've been hiding ever since!
Please, don't kill me! Please, I can give you names! I can give you safe houses!"