July 16

Surrey

“Slightly cloudy with a forty percent chance of rain.” The television buzzed from inside Four Privet Drive.

A small boy worked underneath the windows of the house, his fingers wrapping around the weeds. His oversized clothes were stained with dirt and paint. He ignored the murmurs of those walking by. No doubt gossiping about him. He was so focused on his weeding, he didn’t notice anything until a small rock nearly knocked his glasses off where they hung precariously on his nose.

Instantly, one Harry Potter, jumped onto his feet, crouching. His head turned quickly as he searched his surroundings. His hand went for the wand that he didn’t have. It and Hedwig had gone missing a few days ago. His eyes fell on Dudley.

“Now onto World Sports, Roger.”

Harry warily returned to his gardening, keeping an eye on Dudley. He didn’t need Dudley to ruin his hard work. His mind wandered to school slightly. How was it that he did so well cooking and gardening, but not Potions or Herbology?

He stopped musing when Dudley came closer. Dudley shuffled and his eyes swept side to side. Harry moved a step away from him. He’d prefer to be left alone, so he didn’t have to think about Cedric and the Tournament.

Suddenly Dudley seemed to decide something. With speed no one should have at that weight, he darted forward and latched on to Harry’s arm. Harry gave a small yelp of fear and surprise. Dudley proceeded to drag him out the yard.

“Come, trusty sword. Come, blade, my breast imbrue. And, farewell, friends. Thus Thisby ends. Adieu, adieu, adieu.” The television was faintly heard.

Dudley smiled grandly at his neighbors as he force-walked Harry. Harry would have protested, but a glare and the creaking of his arm bone under the pressure was a good reason to shut up. He mentally cursed being the smallest and thinnest teen his age on the block. Actually he was the smallest his age in Hogwarts too. He purposely brought his mind back to the situation at hand.

They were heading to the park Dudley’s gang often frequented. The rat-faced Piers and the other three lounged near the lake. Harry eyed the woods and his heart dropped into his stomach. Someone there was lurking in the shadows. Harry swore he saw a set of eyes as green as his when the person looked up at him. Harry tensed up considerably. This was the part where Dudley would let go and another round of Harry Hunting would begin.

Harry was startled when Dudley didn’t let go and plowed into the bushes. Some of the branches made thin cuts into his skin as he was pulled along. Dudley’s gang followed, ranging behind like a pack of dogs. The mere thought of it causing Harry’s legendary courage to evaporate. They came to a clearing with a tree bigger than most. There between two thick and exposed roots was a gaping hole into the ground and a large rock nearby.

Dudley, letting go, pushed Harry close to it while his companions formed a loose semi-circle. Harry was seized with a nearly blind panic. The hole wasn’t safe.

A voice slightly deeper than his said something from out the shadows. Dudley’s eyes sparkled with a twisted glee. Dudley like a bull, charged Harry. Dudley missed but Harry tripped backwards over a small root. Arms gyrating in an attempt to recover balance failed as something slammed into his stomach. His glasses were ripped away as if someone accioed it away. He fell on his shoulder, banging his head on the rocks on the floor.

Wincing he sat up. Someone or something was chanting in the background. There were the sounds of something heavy being moved. Harry’s blurry sight focused on the light on the floor. It was disappearing! He stared stupefied as the light disappeared completely.

“Goodbye, Freak.” Dudley called out gaily as he and his friends laughed. The sound faded away.

Squinting in the darkness, Harry felt around, maybe his glasses had fallen in with him. His hand brushed glasses. The broken glass sliced his finger. He gingerly stuck his finger in his mouth. He sighed softly. His luck sucked.

His mind went fuzzy like as if he had a fever. Leaning against the wall where the hole is, he dropped into a dreamless sleep. Some time later, he was jerked awake by the feeling of warmth. He resisted, fearing it could be Voldemort or even something worse like a Dementor. The pull faded slowly, leaving him shivering in fear and the dropping temperatures.

The next few waking periods were spent in a delirious haze of fear and constant pain. His shoulder and twisted ankle throbbed. His fever made him tired and thirsty. His scar burned fiercely. Voldemort was angry at someone, extremely so. What was a Voldemort?

The last pull overwhelmed Harry. There was promise of water and peace interlaced in it. His body automatically crawled towards it, his mind half-screaming for it to not do so. The hole gave way into air and Harry tumbled to the sandy ground below.

He was blinded by the shift in lighting, but the smell of water drove him on. He pulled himself into the water and drank until he was quenched. With protesting muscle, he pushed himself back on dry sand and fell into unconsciousness.

He woke up, slight more clear-minded. He gave a moan when he realized what he had done. The pull came again and his body merely reacted. He fought against himself to no avail as he crawled up a slope.

His hand slipped when it hit smooth flooring. The pull came again. Harry dimly saw columns in the dim light. He ended up sliding across the floor as the pull was accompanied with magic. At the center of the building was a column of pulsing light. Harry regaining some sort of control went flat on his stomach and glared at the light. The light bended this way and that, alternating colors. Harry mused in the part of his mind not ruled by fear-induced courage that it was thinking.

Two spots like eyes seemed to focus on him. Harry watched in surprised as the light leapt at him. The surging light pushed him into and up a stone column. He opened his mouth to cry, it threw back the sound and followed it in.

He was being ripped apart by energy. He screamed in complete pain when it finally overwhelmed him. He slumped into a state of unconsciousness as he slid back down the column. The last vestiges of who Harry was fled like the summer birds in fall.

 

♦

July 19 

Godric Hollows 

Nymphadora Tonks and Kingley Shackbolt were ready to turn in for the night at a local hotel. Harry James Potter had been missing for ten days. Nymphadora stared blankly at Gordic’s Hollow. All the clues pointed here even though Snape, the greasy bastard, insisted that Harry Potter never left Privet Drive.

Tonks smirked. Maybe it’s time for Snape to have his Potter radar fixed. Suddenly she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. A smallish young boy with glasses was walking confidently down the street. A snowy owl sat on his shoulder.

Tonks, without a thought to warn her partner, jumped into action.

“Harry!” She yelled.

The boy turned. “Who are you?”

“I’m Tonks, an Auror. The Headmaster’s looking for you.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.” Harry said with a polite smile. “I thought Hedwig had delivered my message.”

The boy gave his owl a hard look. The owl only hooted tiredly. Tonks blinked when he turned back to her. “I’ll come.”

“Snape is going to be pissed.” Tonks chirped. “He swore you were still in Privet Drive.”

Had Tonks not closed her eyes, she would have seen the smirk that graced Harry’s face for a moment. He merely shook his head.

“I really don’t understand that man’s obsession with keeping a grudge. Must he always think badly of me?”

Tonks patted his back. “Come on. I got to contact Moody.”

Harry smirked at her retreating back. ‘This is too easy. No way is anyone going to know that He’s missing. Dad was right. No one knows the ‘real’ Harry Potter.”

 

♦

July 20th

Unknown, Surrey

Unaware of the concept of time since he was underground, he woke up to dull pain. Upon moving, the pain decided to do the Lord of Dance up and down his spine. Also he was thirsty again. Soon the pain dissolved away into weakness. He pulled himself to the dimly visible edge and cupped some water. Upon drinking, he became sleepy again. Yawning, he dropped into sleep.

Next time he woke, his pants where he had tied them off with a long rag was painfully tight. It was slightly brighter and he could see and hear much better. He bolted up, just to fall into cool water.

He coughed and sputtered, evicting the water in his lungs as he stood up. The water about two feet deep lapped at his ribs. Something on his back side twitched as his pant’s rag tie had come undone. His ears flickered as he shook his head of water. He desperately wanted light.

A small orb of light blue light appeared. He stared into the water. Long black hair framed large brilliant green eyes set in a pale face. His ears twitching with the change of sound were long and pointed with black fur and white tip. He accidentally bit his tongue with his sharp canine teeth. His hands looked normal enough when he felt his teeth. However out of a childish amusement, he made a clawing gesture. Sharp but small claws appeared. He retracted them in surprise. He nearly fell in again. Then he realized he felt something twitch on his backside. Turning, he spotted his own tail, long, black, and white tipped. It looked like a drowned cat’s tail.

There was something important about a scar on his forehead. He frowned as he brushed his hair out of his forehead. It was gone. He gasped for a moment. Soon the water got colder so he waded out of the water.

He began to clumsily wring out his clothes, hair, and tail. He shivered slightly. His ears twitched at the sound of human voices. Instinct, as screwy as it was, prompted him to flatten himself against the wall. The light faded away.

"Hey, there's a hole here." The first man said.

"Indeed, your observation skills amaze me. Now can we leave?" A familiar drawl floated in.

“Wait, there's something in there and it looks like something dragged itself in there."

The second man sighed. Harry tensed and pushed himself against the wall of the cave. A beam of light came into the cave. Harry blessed whoever was watching over him that he was close enough for the light not to reveal on him.

"Hey, look. Water.”

“Water? Show me." The other man was credulous.

He hoped they would leave so his mother could come and get him. Whoever was his mother anyway? There was no way he could climb the almost smooth walls to the hole. The men both argued a bit. Then the hole exploded. He rubbed his head where a small stone struck him.

Two men stepped out of the hole. One was quite tall and thin like he hadn’t been well for a while. The man wore black. The other was shorter and dumpy. He smelled funny. Harry sneezed.

Both turned on him with sticks, no, wands. Harry snarled weakly and pressed himself against the wall. He didn’t want to get hurt. He just wanted his mother. He bared his teeth when the dumpy man moved forward a step. The dark man made a movement and stopped his companion.

“It’s only a child.” The dark man said to his companion.

“Its mother is probably nearby.” The dumpy man hissed back. “We should kill it and get reinforcement to find the mother.”

There was an instance of disgust in the dark man’s eyes. He spoke carefully, quietly. “It’s a child. I highly doubt his mother is around. Most likely she’s dead.”

Harry wanted to run. His mother wasn’t dead, was she? Something flickered in the dim recesses of his memory. He gave a mournful cry and ignoring the men, curled up then and there. It was true she was gone. No one wanted him. That’s why he was down here. He rocked hard back and forth.

“Stop it.” The dark man said after a long period of near silence.

He stopped. The man was dimly familiar to him. His scent was familiar and also he felt it was better to do as he was told. After all, he could very well end up dead like his mother. His eyes were blurred with tears at that thought.

 

♦

Severus Snape was puzzled by the young creature in front of him. Kitsune demons were all but extinct in this region of the world. Most died during the demon hunts of 1600s. Wizards had little tolerance for demons. Severus preferred demons to certain wizards like his current partner.

However what puzzled him the most was the familiarity of aura. It felt like one Harry James Bloody-Potter. Ignoring Fletcher’s protests, he approached the fox child. His heart-strings stirred faintly at the sight of the mourning child. He suppressed them quickly, knowing Fletcher could possibly kill the child if he didn’t handle this right.

“Stop it.” He commanded.

The kit went completely still. Beside the welling tears in the kit’s eyes, the kit seemed to have turned to stone. Severus casually pulled the apparently damp hair out of the kit’s face. The forehead was woefully free of a certain scar. Something akin to disappointment rested in his stomach. This had to be Potter.

Frightened emerald green eyes peered up at him, not daring to move.

"It's not Potter." He muttered to himself.

“Why would it be?" His despicable partner asked. "And how could Harry be that?"

The last was said in some sort of disgust. Snape said nothing as he stared back into those eyes. They were so much like Lily’s. He wanted to save the kit from death as if that could atone for his sins. Maybe it could. However perhaps he could convince Dumbledore to take him in. An ex-Death Eater as himself didn’t have Lucuis Malfoy’s power and he had a record. They’d kill the boy without another thought. Yes, as much as he loathed it, he needed Albus.

"I'm taking this creature to Dumbledore. He'll be interested in this." He said.

"Whatever, Snape. I'll inform the rest of the Order that this was a dead end."

The kit relaxed somewhat with Fletcher gone. Severus, thinking deeply, subconsciously was running his hand over the damp hair. The kit leaned into the gesture, startling Severus out of it. He let his mouth twitched slightly. The kit seemed half a sleep. His hand stopped. The child merely sighed in disappointment. Severus, daring as concern ate at his chest, picked up the child.

Shivering the kit rolled to face him and buried his head in his robe. The kit was ill and maybe hypothermic. Severus swore softly to himself as he pulled out the port-key.

The portkey deposited them on the edge of the wards of Hogwarts. He moved as fast as he could. Within ten minutes, he managed to enter the Infirmary. He was treated to the sight of Harry James Potter being fussed over by Poppy Pomfrey. One of the few times in Severus’s life, his mind hit an overload point. He didn’t even feel when he hit the floor, clutching the child to his chest.

His head ached somewhat when he came to in the Infirmary. Poppy was trying hard to not smile as she stood over him. He scowled at her but sitting up, looked around for the kit. The kit was a few beds down asleep.

“Severus Snape, lay back down.” Severus merely gave her a glance. He spotted Potter across the room with an odd look on his face. The boy’s eyes caught his and the brat frowned, the look gone.

Severus wanted to take the kit and leave. He didn’t like the boy’s look. Perhaps he was Harry Potter but he wasn’t the one Severus was familiar with.

Poppy pushed him down again and force-fed him a sleeping draught. His last thoughts were blurred. Something about the kit and Potter.

 

♦

July 21

Teacher’s Lounge, Hogwarts

Dumbledore watched the small kitsune wander around the room. Apparently his parents, living or dead, had been civilized beings, the youkai, not demons like originally supposed. The child, despite his curiosity didn’t touch the various device scattered about the room. However as odd as it was, the kitsune showed a great deal of interest in Fawkes and the bird had been responding positively to the small being.

Severus Snape’s eyes were glued to the conjured image. Dumbledore chuckled slightly. Minerva was protesting something.

“It’s Harry. What do you need, Severus, a parentage test?”

Severus turned enough so he could see the screen without turning too much or hurting himself. “It’s not the Potter we’ve known for four years.”

He hissed, his eyes flickered back to the screen. Minerva muttered something about him but Severus ignored her.

“What will we do about Harry’s guardianship?” She asked. “Dursleys will tolerate him but if they allowed him to do this? Albus, he needs a magical guardian.”

“Moody should do it.” Albus said. “He’ll be able to keep an eye out for our young friend Potter as he has plenty of free time. The Aurors refused to let him train others after last year’s incident.”

“Albus, what are we going to do with the… demon?” Minerva asked.

Albus smiled into his beard. “The poor child is an orphan, Minerva and a youkai, a very intelligent and sentient being. I planned to merely raise the child.”

Minerva looked uneasy. “The Minister will have your head.”

Severus gave them both heavy glances before returning to his vigil. Albus chuckled.

“No, he’ll be too busy.” Albus said with a smile. “By time he can do something about the child, it will be too late. I hope to find a suitable guardian for the child by then.”

“Evening, Headmaster.” Poppy said formally.

Albus’s smile dropped. When Poppy acted formal, it was something serious. She took a seat and a deep breath.

“Is something wrong with Harry?” Minerva asked.

“No, the kitsune.” Poppy said, turning to Albus. “I’m not completely sure what the kitsune’s actual age is, but his physical age is about ten. The kitsune is severely underweight and there’s evidence of abuse. I found spell markers I can’t identify but may have encouraged the abuse and neglect.”

Albus frowned. “Kitsunes are normally very loving towards children.”

“I believe that someone had taken him in, not knowing what he actually was except that he was free labor. He probably began to shown some sign of what he was, and they made plans to be rid of him.”

“The place we found him in was covered with a large rock. It would have taken several people to move it.” Severus said distantly. Poppy nodded.

“The child’s torso bruises are almost a week old, that’s why it doesn’t bother him as much. His right ankle has a partially healed fracture. There’s evidence of older fractures and broken bones.”

“A full blown abuse case.” Albus muttered, glancing to the image.

Poppy nodded. Minerva had her mouth covered.

“The kitsune also had a blow to the head. It might be why the kitsune had generalized memories.” Poppy said. “Only time can tell what will happen.”

“What would you say his temperament is?” Albus asked.

“A very sweet child.” Poppy said, her eyes on the figure a moment. “Almost to the point of docility. However I think fear of being hurt bodily plays into that.”

“Indeed. We’ll put off this conversation for a while.” Albus stood up. “I have some business to attend too if that is Fudge I’m sensing.”

 

♦

Omake/Informational: 

Nani Nani Hogwarts!

            Welcome to Nani Nani Hogwarts! I’m your Host, Salazar Slytherin. Here we explain thing that you may find confusing but not necessarily the things you really want to know!

            Today’s subject is….

Kitsune!

            A kitsune is a magical animal originating from Japan. Unlike the more common trickster foxes mentioned in many legends and fairytales, kitsune are often multiple tailed yokai and are capable of taking human form. Yokai means simply a range of supernatural beings.

            Kitsune depending on context of the legend can be malevolent creatures called nogitsune, the more benevolent myōbu whom are messengers of the fertility god, Inari, or a host of other types.            The more tails, the more powerful the kitsune is with the strongest being the kyuubi with nine tails and silver or gold fur. However beware if you ever pull on a kitsune’s tail, it could kill you or worse outright curse your family for generation.  But on a more positive note, kitsune tend to be highly intelligent and will rarely, almost never break a promise.            Thank you for reading, Nani Nani Hogwarts. Now, I, Salazar Slytherin, am off kill Godric Gryffindor…

            GODRIC! WHERE’S MY TEDDY!?

July 21

Headmaster’s Office, Hogwarts

 

Albus Dumbledore considered homicide. Yes, and make sure said individual couldn’t haunt from the grave. Maybe a Buddhist or Shinto burial ceremony then? Yes, very much so.

            Fudge must have noticed something about Albus’ looks because he inquired about his health. Albus reassured the man everything was fine (expect Fudge wasn’t dead) and stroked the frightened kit’s back to calm him down. The kit had been hiding behind the desk when he finally came in and Fudge bellowing for him.

            The man luckily took no notice or simply didn’t care for he made no comment when Albus coaxed the kit into his arms. Very familiar green eyes peered up questioningly at him and it had taken all his skill not to gape as certain things quickly fell into place. He merely cuddled the small child close and listened to Fudge rant.

            “My dear Minister, Moody is currently ideal. Mr. Potter has proven to be a bit more difficult than we originally hoped. The child lacks discipline and respect for authority when it is due. Ex-auror Moody will take no guff from Mr. Potter.”

            Fudge’s eyes were almost blinding in hopefulness. “Of course, I didn’t think of that. Forgive me for doubting your wisdom.”

             Albus discreetly shuddered as he regarded the Ministry idiot. He would have to scrub his hands clean. When did Fudge de-evolve into this slimy, spineless creature? After he was sure the fool was gone, he carefully let the kit down. The kitsune clung to his robe, moving with him as he quickly pulled out some witch hazel and a handkerchief. Soaking it, he cleaned his hands.

            “Better to be safe than sorry. Who knows what that man handled?” He spoke to the kit softly.

            The kit responded with a shy nod and smile. Albus smiled gently as he knelt down. The kit was a bit wary but kept near. Albus asked if he was hungry and received a small nod. Albus scooped the child up. The child weighed nearly nothing now but Albus hoped to put some weight on the kit.

            The kit flinched very little but Albus saw this as a good sign. The kit sat quietly munching a sandwich on his lap as he stroked the short silky hair. The kit finished with the sandwich gave a yawn revealing a pair of dulled fangs. Emerald eyes blinked sleepily at him.

            “I won’t take this away, child. I’m sorry, I should have realized.” Albus murmured as he slowly rubbed circles on the bony back. “This situation is very odd I must admit but dangerous. But we’ll watch him closely, no?”

            He kissed the forehead gently. “I think we’ll call you Alexander.”

            Little Alexander gave him a sweet if not a bit of an odd smile before closing his eyes and nestling against Albus’s chest. Albus soon drifted off as well, listening to the small kitsune’s breathing.

            Albus woke to soft singing. Peering over his glasses, he could see that Fawkes was up but it wasn’t the phoenix’s voice. This was of a vaguely familiar voice.

            Albus listened quietly. He suddenly smiled softly as he finally recognized the voice. While he didn’t recognize the words, the tune was clearly a lullaby. Alexander shifted slightly.

 

“Nen nen kororiyo okororiyo
Boyawa yoikoda nenneshina

Boyano komoriwa dokoe it ta
Anoyama koete satoe it ta

Sato no miyage ni nani morata
Denden taikoni sho no fue
Sho no fue”

 

            Albus’ attention was attracted by a slightly bright flash of light. As he watched small fragments of lights condense into a soft singing specter. The lightly tainted red hair floated as if there was a slight wind. Green eyes met his and Lily Potter gave a soft smile before ending her lullaby. She faded away in a shift of light.

            His sight blurred with tears that would not fall. He smiled sadly as he stroked the silky black mop. Fawkes flew quietly over and perched on the back of the chair. A soft thrill was heard. Albus spoke quietly.

            “Lily wouldn’t have visited unless Alexander wasn’t her child. I should have been paying more attention to my charges…”

            There was a soft string of chirps and whistles.

            “My age shouldn’t excuse me!” Albus said quietly but sharply.

            Fawkes spoke in exasperated tones and a question. Albus paused for a second as he thought.

            “Lily asked me to set them August 2, 1981…” Albus blanched slightly and tightened his grip on the sleeping kit. Fawkes whistled and trilled again.

            “Yes, it would make sense why the monitor devices wouldn’t have indicated anything. Then the question is where the real Harry is, why did James switch the children, and how exactly is Alex Lily’s child?”

♦

 

July 21

Grimmauld Place

 

“Harry!” Molly swept Harry James Potter into a large hug. He tolerated her as she quickly let go. She was giving a critical examination. For the first time in his life, he was afraid that maybe he would be revealed as not the Construct that had been part of their family. Stupid golem had to complicate things needlessly by befriending these peasants.

She suddenly smiled. “Come eat. I’m glad to see the Dursleys are treating you right. We were so worried when you disappeared. Thought the Death Eaters had found you.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Weasley. I thought Hedwig had honestly delivered my messages. Apparently she is feeling ill and left them on the bottom of her cage.” He said which that was the truth mostly.

“Maybe you should have Hedwig looked at.”

“Already did. Hagrid said she just needs rest. Apparently there’s this nasty bug going about with owls.” Molly nodded as she handed him a plate full of Shepard’s pie.

He made pleasant, working off of the stolen memories. He vaguely had an odd thought. What if the construct survived the series of deconstruction spells? After a moments pause, he remembered it was impossible for a golem to so. He shrugged to himself. He had more important things to do like ensure Hedwig’s permanent loyalty…

♦

 

July 26

Snape’s Quarters

 

            Severus actually did love children, just not teaching a large group. However his position in the war disallowed any softness in public. He barely managed it for his Slytherins. Yet something about the small kit clinging to his shirt made it very easy to.

            Thanks to Filch, Alex refused to allow him to put him down. Why that squib felt he had to terrorize any child was beyond him. Lucky for the idiot, Alex had only thrown the man maybe two feet away instead of the entire corridor.

            “Come on, Alexander.” Severus soothed. “He won’t be bothering you anymore. I’m here.”

            Alexander’s emerald eyes were very old and mature for a moment. Severus Snape didn’t want to ever see that look again really but with the child’s history, it would probably pop up at times. Severus sat down on his couch with a sigh.

            He had been assigned to have Alex do an educational assessment test. It was from the muggle school system from Inverness, the closest muggle town. The half inch-stack of booklets sat almost mockingly as Severus struggled with reassuring Alexander.

            After a few minutes, Alexander was reassured enough to be curious. The small kit picked up the top booklet and began what he hoped was reading. Alexander gave him an odd look.

            Remembering some of his own experiences and training, he spoke. “Do you understand it?” The small mop flopped up and down. “I and the Headmaster want you to do your best, alright?”

            Severus watched as the young child slid off his lap and settled on a stool he had placed for Alex to sit. Picking up a pencil slightly awkward, the child began writing his name, Alexander, on the cover. Severus picked up one of his potion journals and began revising some of his older creations.

            A small hand brushed his hand. He started slightly but only moved his head to regard the small figure. Alexander was peering from behind dark fringe and offering the entire stack of completed booklets. Severus looked to the clock and was surprised to see it had been four hours, now dinner.

            He took them carefully. He brushed a hand over Alexander’s mop and gave a small smile. He could have sworn he heard a light purr from the child.

            “You were a good boy, Alex. Do you want to eat now?” To this he received a nod and a shy smile.

            Severus would send in the stack after dinner to the wizarding post office that would send it muggle-style to Inverness Education Center. However, right now, he had a little kid to feed.

♦

 

August 1

Great Hall

 

            Remus Lupin often admitted to have stomped out of the Grimmauld Place like a wronged woman. Well, considering what Sirius almost did, Remus felt more than justified. Thank Merlin that Poppy said nothing about it to anyone else but she did advise that he and Sirius separate. He suspected Dumbledore suspected but couldn’t do anything until he was told.

            Remus found himself staring in almost awe. Severus was giving one of his small smiles to a small figure sitting in his lap. The small figure maybe one hundred centimeters tall was in a dark green robe. Remus sniffed the air. It smelled faintly of foxes, milk, and herbs. The small figure turned.

            It was a tiny fox-like humanoid sipping milk out of a goblet. It was adorably cute with the small milk mustache. No wonder Severus smiled. However the dark emerald eyes seemed to regard him warily.

            Remus smiled as gently as he could without grimacing. It must be a young yokai and the child must smell the wolf within. Remus took the seat next to them. He peered up at the sunny-looking enchanted ceiling for a moment. He was startled to find a sudden weight on his lap. Looking down, he found himself staring into eyes that were almost a match for Lily’s eyes but much darker. The piercing gaze suddenly left as the child began touching the delicately carved wooden buttons of his robe. The robe’s original color had faded into a pale brown-gray and was slightly worn. It had been the last Christmas gift from the Potter family and his best robes.

            Severus when he glanced over seemed intently amused at his situation. The child gave a giggle, drawing his attention to those large emerald eyes and the child patted his face gently.

            “His name is Alexander.” Severus said as he sipped on his coffee. “He’s Dumbledore’s newest ward.”

            Remus merely gazed at the child playing with his buttons for a moment. “How old is he?”

♦

 

August 4

Ministry of Magic

 

The Minister was seriously courting Albus Dumbledore’s ire currently. That blasted Dolores Umbridge was going to be the teacher. Maybe he should arrange a little ‘accident’. Easy enough –

            “Albus!” Minerva’s voice rang out of the Minister’s fireplace. “There’s been an emergency!”

            His first thought was his ‘boys’. What had happened to Severus, Remus, and Alex? He turned so quickly the minister yelped in surprise. He demanded to know what was going on.

            “We have him Albus! Alexander caught him just before he managed to off Mr. Lupin and Mr. Snape.” She seemed oddly pleased but then grew serious even quicker. “However neither got off lightly…”

            “I’ll be there shortly.” Albus knew there were few men that would have garnered such a response. Only one would be able to attempt an assassination on the two men if he had the guts. He turned to Fudge and demanded he send in some Aurors prepared to deal with an unregistered animagus before disappearing into the floo.

            He was pleased to see Alexander alright but the wolf and the large black cat startled him. Alexander ran up to him in childish happiness and Albus picked him up to receive a large hug.

            The cat gave a yowl as Poppy pulled some of his hair without a change in her pace as she approached. The wolf’s shoulders shook and his tongue lolled out. Well, until the cat bulldozed the wolf over and they began tousling in earnest. Poppy rolled her eyes.

            “I gave them too much of a special calming potion meant for animals. It didn’t work the way it should have so they’ve been behaving like young animals. Mr. Lupin is the wolf, I believe a winter wolf, and Mr. Snape…” She waved her wand over the sample of hair. “Appears to be a rare breed of domesticated hunting cat. The potions involved were Wolfsbane and some obscure potion that seems to be a healing potion. There was a silver dart involved and werewolf blood. The blood and skin on the needle was Severus.”

            Minerva grimaced. “From what we’ve gathered, Peter Pettigrew used the air tunnels near your office and reached Severus’s personal lab.  I snooped around after Alexander showed me where Pettigrew came from. He must have stumbled upon Severus when he fell asleep in the lab and injected him with the blood.”

            Albus nodded slowly as he rubbed Alexander’s back. “Then he planned to have Severus die slow and painfully but he couldn’t get to Severus until he was alone or with Remus. Then…”

            There was a solemn silence. Suddenly the quietness was broken by Alex who yawned and resting his head on Albus’s shoulder, blinked sleepily. Soon his breathing evened out and lo, Alex was sleeping. Albus chuckled wryly.

            “Get off, Lupin.” Severus’s voice suddenly rang out.

            All three turned to see Severus and Remus, now human, pull away from each other. Severus pulled the rags that had been his robe around him with a dark blush across his pale skin. Remus had a book and was scuttling for the stairs to his office. It caused another slight chuckle from Albus and a few giggles. Poppy drew closer to Severus. She snickered slightly.

            Albus and Minerva drew closer. Slight discoloration that resembled the markings of cat fur, a combination of stripes and spots dotted his exposed body neck-down and down his arms. If it wasn’t for the baleful glare, Albus would have joined Minerva and Poppy in their amusement.

            Remus came out, looking slightly healthier if not with more white hair. He held out a robe which Severus snatched and gratefully pulled it on.

            “Madam Promphey, I hope you plan to do some blood tests.” Severus spoke menacingly.

            “Of course, dear.” Poppy waved him off. “Come down to the Infirmary, after you investigate the potion. Make sure to use proper protection. Mr. Lupin, come with me. We might as well have your blood tested first.”

♦

 

August 7/8

Snape’s Personal Lab

 

            Severus Snape frowned deeply. According to the fifteen blood tests for the lycanthropy virus preformed for both he and Remus, it had all came back negative but the test for lycanthropy markers came back positive. He had finished analyzing the residue potion combination and would be able to make a close facsimile of it but he was still concerned.

            He allowed a snarl of fury and found himself tangled in his own clothes and on four legs. Calming himself, he managed to shift back into his human form and straightened out his clothes. It was aggravating to say the least to have himself changed into an animal just because he was angry or stressed. This year would not be fun.

            He paused. Maybe that was it.  The virus was eliminated for the body but in return, it anchored an animal form to the person’s emotional state perhaps? The original potion mixed with the wolfsbane potion might have been someone’s spoiled animagus potion. He did have a few of his brighter students do it as an extra-credit project last fall.

            Well, there was only one way to find out. Severus pulled out an empty cauldron. He would finish the animagus potion tonight and tomorrow test his theory.

            The next morning found Severus sleeping in cat from on top of the thankfully clear desk. A small hand reached up and tugged on his tail. Severus opened a lazy black eye and mock-glared at the kitsune who climbed onto the desk.

            Alex gave a giggle as he began to scratch his neck. Severus gave a purr before giving the boy a sandpaper bath. The kitsune wrinkled his nose and covering his nose and mouth sneezed. Severus gave a rumbling laugh.

            There was a flash of the camera and Severus gave a low growl at Minerva as she came into the room, smirking. He watched the camera disappearing into one of her pockets. He sighed. Now he didn’t have to spy anymore, he didn’t worry too much about the pictures. Minerva will probably use them as blackmail but Severus was still a few steps ahead of her.

            Severus managed to dress without her seeing much as he explained what had been the possible cure and its origin. Alexander was playing with the rubix cube he had liberated out of Severus’s desk. Severus eyed the kit for a moment before thinking he rather have Alex nearby than with the currently freaked-out Lupin. The Headmaster was at the ministry with other faculty members in making sure Wormtail couldn’t escape again.

            He and Minerva began their exploration of the theory of the cure.

♦

 

August 20

Grimmauld Place

 

            Hermione was pleased to have heard that Sirius had been cleared of charges. However the changes in Harry dulled the excitement. It was a bunch of little things really.

            Harry seemed to have a bigger frame overall. True he was taller but he was almost broader overall. She was more than positive that you couldn’t have increased bone size without a great deal of weight. His eyes weren’t as intense as she had thought them.

            There were almost unnoticeable pauses in his speech as if he was struggling with something and his body language wasn’t as sincere as his voice indicated. He seemed more forceful, arrogant, and uncaring. His stances were all wrong.

            He played pranks for no reason. Harry rarely if ever played pranks without reason. The longer she observed him, the more uncomfortable she became. Where did her Harry go? What happened during the two to three days he went missing?

♦

 

September 1

Hogwarts

 

“Apparently the train’s been spotted just on the outskirts.” Remus commented idly before drifting away from the outside door of Severus’ quarters. Severus finished up his notes for this weekend’s presentation to the Medical Board of St. Mungo’s over lycanthropy and a cure as he heard Alex’s cry of laughter. Dumbledore had been disappointed that the Ministry had acted so quickly but Remus was hired on as a governor for Alex. Severus knew Remus had only taken the job to keep out of Grimmauld Place. He and the mutt were not on speaking terms due to very different opinions about several subjects. Severus wasn’t sure exactly what they were as Remus hadn’t made any direct comments about it.

            He felt some guilt over what had happened in third year. Severus had been ticked off about many things that year and had taken it out on Remus. Remy, of course, forgave him but it didn’t assuage the guilt much.

            Severus shook his head when he realized he had been on autopilot. He was already at the door, dressed for dinner.  He scowled. He really needed some sleep. A week on maybe eight hours of sleep was not conducive to his health especially if Poppy figures it out.

            Severus sighed and steeled himself for the possible scolding as he entered the Great Hall from the side door. He had cut it close. The Sorting was about to begin. The hat gave a long song warning about house unity. Then after a moment of thought, it spoke again.

   "Looks aren't everything true

        If you don't believe me at all

        Magic and secrets will wax at the moon raising blue

       And careful not into darkness fall."

            Severus snorted slightly as he watched the Great Hall. He chanced a glance at Alex and paused in surprise. A strange understanding look had flashed and then faded into genuine puzzlement. Severus filed it away as he continued his scan. Dumbledore looked deeply troubled while other faculty members were confused and slightly worried. What was the connection?

            Minerva after a few moments of fumbling began the sorting. It began with a Kevin Adamson, Hufflepuff, and ended with a Joseph Walker, Ravenclaw. There were very few new Gryffindors, a mere six wands, compare to the twelve Slytherins, eleven Ravenclaws, and fourteen Hufflepuffs.

            Dumbledore spoke and made announcements. However midway, the newly instated Defense Teacher Dolores Umbridge interrupted. The foolish woman as she spoke in doublespeak that the government was fond of using merely revealed what would amount to the collapse of the Free Wizarding world in Britain. Severus even bet she would even try to eliminate any half-breed from faculty. Ironically much of the staff were half-breeds and not to mention the best in the country if not wizarding world.

            Albus with a half-hidden glare finally finished his announcement. Alex chose this moment to get off Remus’s lap and clamber into his. Alex looked into his face curiously before breaking into a fair imitation of his own scowl before smiling. Severus despite himself allowed his lips to twitch. The brat giggled before leaning against him in contentment.

♦

 

September 3

Third Floor, Hogwarts

 

Remus Lupin twitched as Sirius begged him to forgive him. While he may not have a separate wolf-self, he wasn’t in the mood for the half-insane even if he was pack. He had a young cub to watch over and Severus would be there to drop him off soon. The Headmaster was busy often at the Ministry ever since Umbridge’s appointment and Peter’s capture.

            Severus adored Alexander. At least once a day like now, Severus would ask if he would like to have a few hours off to deal with his personal problems. Remus brought himself to the current issue.

            “Look, Sirius, Harry has changed and not for the better. It’s made me uneasy.” Remus spoke neutrally. “Two, you will have to accept Severus. Yes, Severus is not the easiest to get along with but he is at least honorable. Three, and you will be seeing a psychiatrist before I even consider moving back in with you.”

            Sirius scowled as Remus turned to answer the door. Severus, dressed in a dark gray robe, cocked an eyebrow up. Alexander attempted to peer around Remus from his perch in Severus’s arms.

            “Should we come back later?” To this Remus shook his head.

            “No, Sirius will behave while you’re here or he’ll leave.” Severus nodded briefly before letting a curious Alex down. Alex immediately grabbed onto Severus’s robe and peeked shyly around.

            Remus chuckled as Severus rolled his eyes before speaking. “Alexander’s exams came in from the Inverness Education Center. The results are a bit surprising.”

            “Do you have them?” Remus asked.

            Severus nodded and maneuvering gracefully to the couch in the small common room, sat down as he drew out the papers. Sirius curled his lips in a snarl. Remus as he went for the tea service merely whapped him upside the head. Alexander was sitting on the floor, snuggled against the Potion Master’s legs.

            Sirius now was staring at the small kitsune and the kitsune was staring wearily back. Remus settled down with the tea, prepared to go over the paperwork. Remus glanced up in shock a few minutes later.

            “Dumbledore believes it would benefit the child to teach him advance algebra and a number of sciences mostly muggle.” Snape’s lips curled into a smirk. “The child has been going through a number of the books we normally assign the students. He’s reading the third year potion book currently. However perhaps you’ll be able to better recommend a defense against Dark Art book at least up to second year.”

            Remus nodded. “Of course, I’ll look through my old teaching lessons.”

            He turned to Alex. “Come here, Alex.”

            Alex perked up at his smile and going the long way around the coffee table, clambered into his lap. Remus tickled Alex’s side. Alex squeaked with laughter.

            “So that’s what you’ve been up to. Cute little brat.” Remus said laughing. “I guess we should get you your own books.”

            Sirius gave him an odd look. “What are you talking about?”

            Severus gave a flat look but Remus interrupt before Severus could say something snarky. “I’m Alexander Dumbledore’s governor now.”

            “It’s…..um, er, he’s a Dumbledore?” At the two glares pointed his way, he switched pronouns.

            Severus snorted. “You’re sure he isn’t befuddled or is it that the mutt is just stupid?”

            “In his defense, I don’t think I mentioned the change in job or Alex, at all.” Remus commented.

            “Indeed, Alexander, this is the mutt. Black, this is Alexander.” Severus spoke while Remus was sure that he was joking about it.”

            Alexander laughed while Sirius looked completely put out.

♦

 

Omake/Informational: 

Nani Nani Hogwarts! II

            It’s your old pal, Salazar here. It’s once again for that period of explanations….Nani Nani Hogwarts. Stop fidgeting, Godric. You look perfectly fine in that furry bunny costume…

            Anyway, this week’s topic is….

Golems

            Anyone somewhat familiar with legends and fairytale and with high fantasy games should know this. A golem is a construct that is given life. Somewhat like a robot but instead of electricity and such, it’s power by magic and can be any type of medium.

            There are elemental golems. There are famous metal and stone golems. And then there are the less known flesh golems. You could call them clones of an individual except when they are undead flesh type golems. That is what Inferi are.

            However it is unknown whether or not a Golem has a soul. Some say that a golem can gain a soul. Looks like, it’s something to research. Well, farewell for now…

            No, Godric, I will not untie you…

 

September 4

Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

 

The morning of a cool Sunday, Sirius Black found himself enjoying the mood. Harry and Ron had asked for help with a prank! It was about time Harry finally loosened up. However there was a slight tick of wrongness which was completely opposite of the situation with Remus and the …fox-thing.

His mood dampened. What was it about a pint-sized bit of fur shaped in human form that caused Remus to adore the little monster? He could understand Snivellus…like beings and all that, but Remus?

“So what would work better? This hex or this hex?” Harry inquired.

“This one.” Sirius brought his attention back to the prank. “It won’t undo itself so early. So who is the prank for?”

Ron and Harry shared a smirk. “Snape.”

It had been two weeks since he last visited Remus. Now a free man, he had spent quite a bit of time with his godson. He hadn’t seen a mind healer yet and wasn’t planning to. Couldn’t Remus see that the whole thing was an accident? He sighed softly.

“Harry, have you been to Remus’s rooms yet?”

Harry gave a long side-glance. “No, actually he hasn’t talked to me. Why?”

“What do you think about the Headmaster’s …er… new kid?” Sirius asked.

Ron wrinkled his nose in thought. Harry frowned.

“What kid?” Harry asked.

“The little fox-thing-a-bob that Remus has been looking after.” Sirius put out there idly.

Something or realization flittered across Ron’s face. “Oh, the fox demon. Remember Harry, we see it occasionally in the dungeons.”

“Remus takes care of it?” Harry looked skeptical. “Aren’t fox demons dangerous or something?”

Sirius spoke carefully. “Any demon is dangerous. Nothing more than semi-intelligent animals whose only desire is to hunt and breed. They’re especially good at killing. I believe it was the reason why most of them were hunted down a century or so ago.”

“Well, don’t tell Hermione that.” Ron commented. “Hermione’s been reading all she can find on them.”

Sirius frowned slightly but shrugged. Harry spoke up.

“Well, Hermione probably think it’s an adorable creature, but I’m not sure what the Headmaster is thinking. Hermione showed me some articles.” Harry scowled. “What happens if it attracts others?”

Sirius blinked. “That would be bad…”

Ron nodded as he gazed blankly across the room. “So what are we going to do about it?”

“We could attempt to get it out of Hogwarts.” Harry suggested much to Sirius’s surprise. “Obviously, we can’t petition but if it was to disappear…”

Ron seemed to catch on. “Not many would look for it. But why would we do that, exactly?”

Harry briefly had an odd glint in his eyes before he guiltily lowered his head. “I’ve been having dreams involving Voldemort. It involved that fox demon and something about getting in… I tried to tell Dumbledore but he refuses to believe me.”

Sirius, knowing something about Hogwarts wards, swore. “Albus would have had to disable some of the wards to be able to keep the demon.”

“Uh?” Ron asked.

“When I and the gang were in seventh year, a sixth year, a Death Eater recruit, managed to summon a demon outside the school. It killed the recruit and then ended up being killed when it tried to cross the ward boundary.” Sirius said. “What is Dumbledore thinking?”

“He’s getting old.” Harry pointed out. “I remember the first day I saw the fox demon Snape had brought it in. Dumbledore for whatever reason trusts Snape but I bet he brought the demon in because Voldemort told him to.”

Sirius and Ron both had large eyes at this. Sirius’s mouth turned into a serious frown and nodded firmly. He had to get rid of the demon. If the demon was gone, maybe everything would return to normal.

“Well, what if the prank incapacitated Snivellus? He’s the only real obstacle to get rid of the fox….” Sirius leaned over to whisper with his two conspirators who eagerly leaned in.

 

♦

September 4

Four Privet Drive

 

Many people wouldn’t have recognized Albus Dumbledore dressed in a formal muggle business suit and round glasses. He leaned on his cane, regarding his surrounding warily. He had put this off for too long. There was a great deal of sorrow and regret especially. He failed his boys and his girls too many times.

He knocked several times on the door of Number Four. Suddenly there was shaking. Albus couldn’t help but stare at the door as it swung open. Two piggish blue eyes peered at him.

“Who are you?” The boy demanded.

Albus’s mouth moved soundless for a moment. This, this was Dudley? Good heavens, what had she been feeding the child? Other children? Albus recovered at the second demand.

“Please inform your mother that Uncle Percival is here to see her.”

The boy yelled at near ear-shattering volume. Albus clunked the boy over the head with a freed hand. He spoke sharply.

“Haven’t your parents ever teach you manners? Some of us like retaining what is left of our hearing, thank you.”

Dudley looked absolutely shocked. A pair of female voices and the floor shook again. The fattest woman he ever saw and a world-worn Petunia entered the hall. Albus sighed softly through his nose.

“Petty?” He asked.

“Uncle Percy?” Petunia asked, her blue eyes frightened. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have a school to run?”

“I came to check up on you and my deputy headmistress is taking care of any paperwork needed.” He said quietly.

“I thought your family was dead, Petunia.” The heavy-set woman commented.

“He’s a family friend and was my guardian after my parents died.” Petunia murmured. “Marge, could you take Dudley out? I and he have some unfinished business and I don’t want to expose my Duddikins to it.”

“Of course.”

A half hour later, Petunia and Albus was sitting across from each other.

“I’m sorry for being such a bad guardian. I should have checked up on your family more and told you face to face when Lily died.” Albus murmured.

Petunia stirred the tea in her cup slowly. “No, it was my fault. I…I was at fault. I always wanted to fit in somewhere. With Vernon, I had to choose between them.”

“Are you happy, Petunia?”

Petunia gazed towards the hallway and shook her head. There was another pause. Petunia spoke.

“Is there something a matter, Uncle? You haven’t had one of those lemon candies, you preferred.”

“What happened between July sixteenth and seventeenth, Petty?”

She put down the spoon. “I’m not sure. I had sent Harry out to do the outside work since Vernon was home. Next thing I know Harry comes in well-dressed. He frightened me even more so than Vernon does. Vernon and Dudley warmed up to him immediately. Something about promises being fulfilled. Then after dinner, he left with all his things.”

Albus’s head jerked up and Petunia dropped hers. “Uncle, I need help. I want a divorce.”

“Is Vernon abusive, Petty?” She nodded slowly as a sour taste filled his mouth.

“He abused Harry a lot.” She spoke softly. “I tried to stop him before but after the first few beating and other things, I stopped.”

“What are these other things?” Albus was knelt before his foster-daughter as hot tears dripped off her face.

“I take birth control because I don’t want another child.” She covered her face in shame.

“Oh, Petunia.” Albus pulled her into an embrace. “You should have told me.

She sobbed, repeating she knew. After a long while, she pulled away and Albus offered her his handkerchief. She dried her eyes.

“I’ll do my best, Petunia to help.” Albus said quietly. “I just need to find an excellent muggle lawyer and arrange a few things, alright.”

She nodded. There was a long pause.

“Petunia, when Lily was still talking to you, did she mention anything about being unhappy with James or another child?”

“Why is there something a matter?” Petunia looked concerned.

“Perhaps. It may have to deal with Harry.” He spoke evenly.

“She mentioned she had a miscarriage before having Harry.” Albus’s eyes went half-lidded with dread. “And that she and James weren’t seeing completely eye to eye on certain things that she wouldn’t tell me.”

Albus closed his eyes and muttered. “Of course.”

He opened his eyes. “I will arrange for you to stay with some of the old crowd so Vernon cannot find you. What do you want to do with Dudley?”

“Thank you, Uncle. I would rather leave Dudley with his father. It would be easier on all of us.”

“Alright but I will remove the child if Vernon turns on the boy.”

“Thank you.”

♦

September 6

Conference Wing, Ministry of Magic

It was eight o’clock when the Council reconvened. Minerva bit the inside of her mouth to keep from snapping at the men to hurry up. The oldest member of the Council stood up.

“It is with great pleasure that Remus Lupin has been removed from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures’s Werewolf Registry. We will also award Potion Master Severus Snape the Platinum Level Potion Mastery for creating a cure for lycanthropy.”

Minerva hid a smile at the shell-shocked Potion Master and ex-werewolf. Remus seemed to snap out of it first and delivered the dour man a large hug.

♦

September 6

Snape’s Quarters, Hogwarts

That evening, Draco Malfoy was really regretting volunteering to baby-sit the little kitsune that his godfather seemed to adore as if it was his real son. He had privately hoped for some mischief and adventure but the kitsune seemed content to look through pictures and play with puzzle games.

So far the kitsune had kept his distance. Uncle Sev pointed out the kitsune would take a while to warm up to people and crowding him would result in less then pleasant results. Take the Toady Miss Umbridge for example. Despite the fact he had been acting sympathetic, he hated her like he hated most of his own house.

He only went into Slytherin because of that stupid spell his own Father placed on him. Personally he wanted to go into Ravenclaw. He wasn’t a Gryffindor even if he had the tendency for getting into fights. He had no real friends. He lacked tact half the time. He had inherited his mother’s cousin’s foot in mouth condition.

He was aware that he had a tendency to attempt to bully others. He was on the low end of the Slytherin Hierarchy inside the Slytherin dorms. It was much easier bullying the Non-Slytherins. He could barely hold his own there but he refused to tell his godfather. Uncle Sev was a decent head of house but he was often too busy keeping the house in check.

So lost in his thoughts, Draco never realized that the kitsune had come over until there was a warm weight in his lap and small hands attempting to wipe away the stray tears on his cheek. The kitsune was softly crooning in distress.

Draco pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes. Silver meet inquisitive and concerned emerald eyes. Draco reached out and mused with the short mane of hair, garnering a yip of surprise out of the little kitsune. Draco laughed as the kitsune giving him an almost Snape-like glare and attempted to pat his messy hair back into place.

“You need to be a little bit older if you’re trying to scare me with that glare.” The little kitsune tilted his head in curiosity.

Draco gently flicked the small nose. The kitsune sneezed, covering his nose and mouth. He got another glare and then the kitsune’s face blanked out. Draco, feeling somewhat nervous as time dragged on, yelped when small claws seemed to focus directly on the spots that were ticklish.

Draco, laughing freely for the first time in ages, began tussling with the small kitsune, tickling for all he was worth. Suddenly Alexander looked up from under his arm and began wiggling. Draco, letting him go and looking up, found himself staring at his godfather and the Deputy Headmistress. His godfather only bent down enough to pick Alexander up, had a faint look of amusement in his eyes. The Deputy Headmistress looked like she was holding back laughter.

“Excuse me, Severus. But I think I need to see to my lions.” She spoke conversationally.

His godfather nodded. Draco could have sworn the Transfiguration Professor was laughing down the hall. Draco nervously ran a hand through his clean hair and straightened his clothes.

Severus had the odd half-smile as he carried Alexander over to the counter of the small kitchen. Draco coughed slightly.

“How old is he?” Draco had a faint blush.

“We believe it’s ten, but youkai age differently than we do. He won’t be reaching puberty for another few years.” Severus gestured him over.

Draco was surprised to get a half-hug from the older man. He had been eight the last time Uncle Sev ever did it. Alexander grinned before stretching out his arms for Draco. With an encouraging nod, Draco picked him up.

“Draco, I know I have had less and less time for you as of late and for that I’m sorry.” Severus spoke.

“It isn’t a problem. I mean it must be hard being between two powerful men.” Draco tilted his head to look at his godfather.

Severus nodded slowly. “Indeed.”

Draco frowned. “I don’t think I can do what my father wants me to do. It doesn’t feel right.”

Draco didn’t see the solemn look in Severus’s eye. Alexander merely hugged Draco. Draco spoke again.

“I hope you aren’t angry with me…”

“You don’t have to serve the Dark Lord. He is not the …easiest of masters nor very compassionate to the suffering of his underlings.” Severus spoke in a measured tone.

“Then why do you serve him?” Draco turned to him and stopped.

There was a far off look in his eyes and complete sorrow. There was a soft tone to them. His hands rested loosely against his thighs.

“I fell in love with my best friend. And for a time, she loved me. However another loved her and did things that destroyed our relationship. We argued one day and we said things I don’t think we meant to. Everything after that went downhill. Voldemort at the time seemed to be my only salvation.” Severus quietly spoke. “I am glad to hear that you are coming to terms with your limitations. Despite your father’s expectation, the future is yours to choose but choose wisely. Or you may regret it for the rest of your life.”

Draco put down the fidgeting Alex who immediately went over and climbed into Severus’s lap. The little kit wiggled into the man’s arms and crooning, hugged him. The little fox gave Draco a look that clearly said to do something. Draco smiled ruefully as he approached the pair.

♦

September 6

Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts

Hermione Granger wasn’t stupid but she couldn’t help but feel she was missing a large piece of the puzzle. There seemed a connection between the changing events of the school, Harry, and the strange demon child. She sighed softly as she finished her assignment.

THUMP!

She turned to stare up above here. Harry was currently in the boy’s dorm and he must have thrown something again. She sighed. Must be those tomes.

She was startled to see Harry come down and sit in the chair next to her. She resisted moving away from him…barely. He gazed at her with those strangely dark pits of emerald. With a twitch of his lips, he smiled insincerely.

“Mione, you know about wizarding bonds, right?” He asked languidly. His voice seemed to crash into her. She nodded slowly, keeping a tight lid on her impulse to tell him to bugger off.

“Somewhat. Why?” She barely kept from narrowing her eyes. This would be important!

“I’m curious, that’s all.” She kept herself from a snide remark.

“Go ahead.”

“Let’s say there were two people, one older and the other one fairly young. The bond causes the older person to be almost keenly aware of the other’s presence and seems to know the inside of their head. And they are almost overprotective of that person despite not showing it.” Harry explained.

Hermione stared for a good minute. “That sounds like a parent.”

“Is there a magical bond that would mimic it?”

He sounded a bit too eager but she thought about it. “Yes and no. If the individuals were related by method of parent and child and hadn’t met before, one could foster a bond to aid in the development of a natural bound. If the pair is not related, the only bound with similar symptoms is the Soul-Brother bond and it works both ways.”

He looked slight disappointed at something but seemed to have realized something else. He bid her a goodbye and disappeared out the common room door. Hermione Granger quietly pulled out her little black journal and wrote about the situation.

She gazed at the book for a bit before closing it and letting the spells mend themselves. She needed help. However first, she needed a look at those books.