Heather Black and her mother, Ruth ambled through the Forbidden forest. They were enjoying the quiet time just before sunset. The snow crunching softly and the naked trees giving a clearer view of what lay ahead than usual.

The Headmaster had happily given consent to let Ruth 'look around' and contact the unicorns if she was able to do so. Someone who could interact with the creatures was something that only happened infrequently. There were those that the unicorns would allow to heal them – like Hagrid. They would occasionally allow a Care of Magical Creatures teacher to show them off to students.

True interaction that could be called communication was rarer. Ruth was teaching the subtle methods of communication to Heather, whenever she could. The Reserve herds were just coming to know Ruth and she hoped to make overtures to these herds as well – some swapping out of the young males between them could help prevent future problems and the Reserve herds had already agreed to it.

Soon, attracted by the presence of females – and sensing someone who had a high degree of empathy - a few ghostly white forms came through the mists. Ruth had often wondered if the unicorns could conjure the mists that always seemed to be about where there were unicorns. These unicorns seemed to be tense, though – on edge.

An older female – likely a lead mare came forward, trailed by her half grown colt. She stopped a distance away, watching them carefully. Hesitant thoughts slowly seeped into Ruth and Heather's minds. Terrible thoughts.

The unicorns seemed to float away as Ruth and Heather raced through the woods in the direction they had been given by the mare. Sure enough, they found the desecrated form of a slain unicorn and ran to the castle.

Albus listened with a sinking heart to Heather's sobbing and Ruth's tearful report.

"Something has attacked the unicorns, Headmaster. This is the second killed, they say. The first they passed off as the victim of an accident or a natural predator. This one was killed for it's blood – they found him soon after death with his throat torn out and blood nearly drained." Ruth said anxiously.

"Vampires have no need for unicorn blood – and they would not risk the curse that accompanies it." Heather added in bewilderment. "The lead mare said they are gathering the unicorn herds and going deep into the forest until the threat has passed." She added morosely.

Albus nodded, relieved. The unicorns would be safe then and out of Voldemort's reach – if this was indeed done by him.

"That won't stop a determined predator." Ruth sighed, causing Albus to frown. "Young males – and females will likely still stray – looking for mates ... or adventure. They could still find a few that simply won't stay with the herd no matter the danger."

"I just don't understand who or what is attacking – only a very desperate or insane animal would attack a unicorn. No sane human who knows the cursed life they will lead would drink the blood." Ruth rambled a bit. "It makes no sense."

Albus grimaced. He had a good idea who would be lurking nearby that was quite insane enough to not care if he was cursed by the unicorn blood. If Quirrell truly was Voldemort's accomplice Voldemort would want to be close by.

"I will alert the centaurs – they will surely increase their patrols to protect the unicorns and look for danger – that is really all we can do." Albus sighed. "The unicorns are not ours to command – we can only safeguard the lands they run on as best we can."

Ruth and Heather nodded a bit miserably. The unicorns would do as they willed, they did know that.

Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z

Dragonsrest was once again gaily hung with mistletoe and boughs of holly. The christmas tree was trimmed and presents placed underneath. There had been no time to make gifts as they had the year before, but they all tried to put some thought into what they got for everyone.

Lucius once again raided the Harpy's souvenier store and bought everything but the team itself. He did find some other baubles and alot of fancy chocolates as well. However he was quite proud of obtaining tickets to an entire box at a Harpies home game occuring just before the end of the year - it was the biggest surprise Lucius had managed.

Severus was at a loss over presents other than a few books and some favored sweets he knew the boys and Rosmerta liked. He finally thought of an outing as a present – taking them all back to Madrid to the Brujeria Rio to see the decorations there and do some shopping. They all enjoyed an excellent meal at a restaraunt in Madrid and Severus was satisfied the trip was a sucess as a christmas present.

The yule season was less happy for Remus. He'd had a fair amount of sucess with the warehouse – turned – apartments. The loosely formed pack had slowly coalesed around a young alpha named Dex. This had relieved Remus' mind, as he had been afraid they would expect him to lead. However, while the 'Warehouse Pack' was flourishing and had the Wizengamot considering loosening their restrictions, a small pack of rogues started causing trouble.

Fenrir had been raiding his way back and forth across europe, stirring whatever trouble he could over the past decade. He considered the werewolves living peacefully in Sanctuaries in the european countries to be nothing more than Ministry lapdogs and hated them.

"They should be glorying in their superiority over others – their superior ferocity and physical strength, and take their place as warlords of the wizarding world." Fenrir preached his hate as best he could, but only rarely got any recruits from it.

News of the stirring amongst the Death Eaters back in Britain – although much of it involved defections to Harry Potter's camp – piqued his interest. He sensed there would soon be a returning Dark Lord, and he did want to be on hand for anything Voldemort might plan. He could always count on a killing – literally – with the Dark Lord.

While he was waiting of course, he planned on some high-profile attacks. Nothing stirred people up more than turning a beloved figure into a werewolf. The better loved the better.

Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z

The group of first years that Severus and Lucius were herding into the Harpy's home stadium with the help of Tom and Percy was larger than they had expected. Luckily Lucius had acquired the entire box, or he'd have been doing some unseemly scrambling for more tickets.

First, Tom had added Dora, which Lucius had quite expected. Then Percy had been invited which had not disturbed any plans. Of course Ron had made Percy's life a misery by pouting about the Quidditch game and Tom had asked for space for Ron. Dudley had perked up at the idea, which had disturbed Lucius. Perhaps he needed to include some of Dudley's friends, he thought.

He didn't mind Percy, but he didn't want Dudley's best Gryffindor buddy to be Ron Weasley. He knew there was the Irish lad Seamus – a bit of a lout, but not totally bad. There was also the young muggleborn – Dean something, who had seemed well mannered at least.

Luckily they had time to send some Harpies shirts along with the invitations "for christmas" so all the young scamps were dressed similarly for the outing. Hugo had invited himself along as well "since he'd rushed through the paperwork for the authorization to hook the Thomas household up to the floo network". Arthur had gotten invited because he went over, himself and hooked up the floo in the upscale townhouse in Liverpool belonging to the Thomas'.

Thomas' parents had been hesitant, but Dean had cheerfully helped Arthur demonstate the travel method – going to the Weasley household and back with his parents. They'd looked mildly traumatized by the floo travel, but finally decided it was just one more thing on a long list of things to get used to with a wizard son.

The Thomas' other children were much older and had started in universities. They had thought that Dean would be their chance for 'leisurely' childrearing ... It had turned out to be far more adventurous than they had ever expected.

Lucius had hesitantly asked Dean's parents if they wished to attend the match, but both had declined, though Dean's father had bravely said that if the offer was made another time "After he'd had time to absorb the news about traveling by fire" he would likely go.

The news about Arthur attending the match ran through the gossip channels of the ministry quickly. Arthur was now viewed as a 'mover and shaker' with his constant hobnobing with 'The Boy Who Lived', Hugo Savage and Lucius Malfoy. The Minister himself went to the "Muggle Affairs" office and before Arthur realized what Cornelius was up to ... he had to apologetically inform Lucius that Minister of Magic Fudge would be seated with them for the Harpies game.

This news, oddly enough, pleased Lucius. He had the chance to sneer a bit and tell Arthur that one should not underestimate a politician that had managed to ooze his way into the Minister's job – even if one thought the Minister was an idiot.

Lucius had recently been having the uneasy feeling that Arthur had been cleverly advancing himself at work on the strength of his association with Lucius and Lucius involving Arthur with Harry during the summer. People at the ministry mentioned Arthur frequently – telling him about 'favors' they'd done him and looking at Lucius like he should be pleased. One in particular kept stressing how he'd advanced Arthur several times. Lucius had given him a tight smile and a nod, wondering just what the man was getting at.

He'd begun to wonder if the ministry thought they were close friends and wondered how Arthur had managed to convey that idea. It was hard to believe his own visits had been viewed as friendly. Lucius had always been there to coerce Arthur into something.

Fudge worming his way into their box seat under Arthur's very nose put Lucius' world back in order – Arthur had turned out to be a clueless and easily duped Gryffindor after all, he could tell himself. The idea that Lucius had somehow given Arthur Weasley a leg up in his career without realizing it had been a nightmarish thought and best put out of his mind.

The Quidditch box at any rate would have been quite crowded, but luckily Rosmerta took the readily available excuse of no room to bow out – she rather disliked Quidditch since she had to listen to endless talk about it at her pub. Petunia decided to brave it, mostly to spend more time with Dudley. The five days he'd spent with Marge had been nerve-wracking for her, though he'd seemed happy enough at the end of them.

At last everyone was seated, the Minister managing to sit with Harry, Draco and Dean on his one side and Dudley, Seamus and Ron on the other. Lucius was sure there would be a photo of it on the front page the next day.

The game was quite good, the teams evenly matched. The boys screamed themselves hoarse urging on their still-favourite player, Jennifer. The red-haired beater made a good showing, sending two opponents to the infirmary and out of the game. One of them had been the other team's seeker and the replacement was obviously quite untried. The game ended soon after and numerous fans crowded the field to congratulate the winners and get autographs.

That was when Fenrir and eight of his pack struck.

Lucius and Severus were alerted by the screams and shouts and tried to herd the children into a group that could be protected. The Minister's aides portkeyed themselves and the Minister away at the first sign of trouble. This reminded Lucius that he'd brought some emergency portkeys as well – but only three. He cursed – they were simple ones that would only carry two or three each at the most.

It was difficult in the haze of a battle but Severus and Arthur guarded one flank and Hugo – with Tom and Dora - lay down enough of a barrage of curses to keep them safe while Lucius tried to organize the portkeys. He grabbed Harry, Draco and Dudley – they were familiar with the paper portkeys and watching them use one calmed the others when it was their turn.

Petunia, Dean and Seamus were next. Then Lucius grabbed Arthur and shoved one in his hand. "This will take you to Malfoy Manor – keep everyone safe until we get there." Arthur nodded and took Ron and Percy with him.

This left the others able to really go after the rogue werewolves and they found they had an ally in 'Jennifer the Juggernaut'. She had taken to the sky with her beater's bat and a crazed grin and ran straffing runs, swinging ruthlessly at any werewolf unlucky enough to get in her path. This distracted them quite well and they soon had three werewolves out of commission. Jennifer had left another two unconscious and bleeding on the ground.

One of the three left made a desperate leap at her and caught her cloak, pulling her to the ground. He soon regretted that as she made a two-handed swing at his head, leaving brains scattered all over his companions. Fenrir snarled and apparated away with his last pack members.

The few wizards who had not run or apparated breathed a sigh of relief. Most still there had been attending the match with too many children to apparate away with – even Severus or Lucius would not try it with more than two – and they would have been drained for days. Or perhaps they were elderly and could not apparate any longer. There were many reasons wizards might not escape a determined foe like Fenrir.

Tom and Dora ran over to thank Jennifer when they saw her stagger and drop her bat. Tom caught her before she dropped and the others came over to see that the fearless Beater had turned very pale. Jennifer caught Dora's eyes and said faintly "He bit me."

Severus glanced down at her arm and his heart dropped. Harry's hero had been bitten by the werewolf before she'd killed him.

All Jennifer could think was "they'll never let me play, now" before she burst into tears.

Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z

Arthur was a bit surprised that Lucius had sent him with the children and Petunia to the Malfoy Manor. He was not fooled into thinking it was merely because they felt he was the lesser fighter. No, Lucius must trust him to an extent, or he would not be here inside the Malfoy bastion – free to wreck any havoc he might wish. There were literally hundreds of things that Arthur could do – to the wards, lay spells or curses on objects or personal belongings, or just place spy spells where they would be difficult to find.

Arthur smirked a bit – of course they likely did feel that he was the most easily replaced fighter, as well. Lucius and Severus were a formidible team – they had fought together for over a decade and could anticipate each others moves easily. Tom and Dora were already working as a unit and Arthur wouldn't dream of trying to take Hugo's spot as a fighter.

Arthur reflected a bit on his usual non-status as a fighter. It wasn't lack of magical power or even ability. It was just that Arthur almost always knew the combatant or at least their family. When he would fire off a curse, he always would remember them as fellow students or think of their children or families. It was difficult for him to view them only as the enemy.

Even at the height of his feud with Lucius, when he would be burning with fury – he would suddenly remember the time he'd walked in on Lucius and Frank at school, playing chess and laughing loudly over a dirty joke Frank had told. He'd left before they saw him. Lucius had been able to unbend with Frank when their was no audience.

Arthur shook off the thoughts and gathered the worriedly chattering children.

"Percy, I need to get Seamus and Dean to their homes and explain what happened. Petunia – the others will need lunch – it's a bit late, but whatever they ate at the match was unlikely to be healthy. Draco – I depend on you to have the elves check security on your home with Harry and Percy's help. Dudley – you and Ron assist Petunia."

The children nodded in relief. Having something clearly defined for them to do calmed them and Petunia felt better with a chore as well. Arthur took Seamus and Dean to the huge fireplace in the entryway. Dean sat in a chair and looked around in awe. He'd been in a few big houses – but this was in another league altogether. Looking at the clearly original artwork took his mind off the werewolves completely.

The trip to Seamus' home was quick. The sight of the clearly unharmed and obviously unconcerned Seamus reassured his mother quickly. Arthur stressed that Lucius had had emergency portkeys immediately available and the children had been taken away very quickly. Seamus bitterly muttered he "Hadn't even gotten to SEE the werewolves." Which made her eyes roll and seemed to end the matter for her. She'd patted Arthur's arm comfortingly and said to thank everyone for their quick actions.

The trip with Dean lasted much longer. The parents dropped to the sofa and their eyes turned glassy.

"Werewolves?" The father asked faintly. This led to a lengthy explanation that they did exist and some were 'rogues', with the parents becoming more and more agitated.

Finally, just before Mr. Thomas looked ready to explode, Dean broke in.

"They're terrorists, dad." The young man said in a flat, no-nonsense tone that made his father deflate and look uncertain. "We have them here in our world as well. When people blew up subways you said we couldn't let them win by being too frightened to continue on with our lives. When airplanes got highjacked we still went on vacations. These werewolves are the same – and I won't let them win in the magical world either."

Mr. Thomas had a peculiar look of pride mixed with aggravation. Arthur knew how he felt – he'd had the same feeling when Charlie had cheerfully gone off to the Romania Reserve with a light-hearted wave.

"I wish we could be there to help protect you." Mr Thomas finally managed.

"Oh, I didn't even get a chance to SEE them, dad. I wasn't in much danger." Dean echoed Seamus' irritated tone.

Mr Thomas and Arthur exchanged a look of understanding that for once crossed the muggle – wizarding gap with ease. Arthur left with a 'Happy New Year', hoping that indeed it would be.

When he arrived back at Malfoy Manor, Lucius and the rest arrived hard on his heels. The somber air they had made Arthur nervous. He and the others joined Petunia and the boys in the dining room where the late lunch was just being finished. The boys picked up on the unhappiness and waited uncertainly for the news.

Hugo finally broke the silence after fixing a much needed cup of tea. He told them of the brief but intense battle and of Jennifer's assistance. The news of Jennifer being bitten left them stricken with horror.

"She's a werewolf now?" Dudley asked uncertainly.

"No, it isn't a full moon." Draco answered and then looked to his father hopefully.

Lucius sighed, "No, the Healers said that the werewolf was not partially transformed the way Fenrir always seems to be. She will likely have some changes during the full moon, though."

"Changes?" Harry broke in, he could tell by his dad's unhappy face that the news could not possibly be good.

"We won't know what the changes will be until the next full moon – in just under two weeks. They could be minor – or major enough to require her to take wolfsbane to keep her mind." Severus said heavily. He hated to cause the stricken look on Harry's face ... and worse was yet to come.

Tom stirred his tea angrily, causing a disturbing amount of scraping inside the cup – causing a nearby elf to wring his hands anxiously. "They'll likely chuck her off the team." He bit out angrily.

There was a collective gasp from the boys – even Percy looked surprised. "But if she dosen't transform...?" Percy said tenatively.

"If only a few knew about the bite ... it could probably be covered up ... any slight transformations glamoured or whatever. But most of the wizarding world will know about this." Dora tapped the table with a nervous finger, her hair cycling wildly through the warm color spectrum. "In europe this might not be a problem – they don't shun the werewolves the way they do here. Particulary people who don't transform." Dora glared at the inoffensive tea. "Maybe she'll have to go there."

Harry was immediately infuriated. Jennifer would have to leave the country? Absolutely not! "What can we do about this? We have to do something!" His eyes flashed angrily enough to impress Severus and Lucius ... and amuse Hugo.

Hugo leaned back. He'd been chipping away at the legislation against werewolves, and had managed to squash the new laws that Umbridge had tried to enact. He'd been lucky that she'd made herself persona-non-grata and couldn't try again. Having Harry Potter pleading the case of his favorite Quidditch player, who'd helped battle the werewolves led by Greyback ... It could help.

He heavily backed the small faction in the ministry that felt they should follow what europe had been doing for centuries with their sanctuaries. He hoped to swing these people into backing him.

"I suggest writing a letter immediately, so it can be printed along with news of the attack. Tell them how you feel about it – I'm sure that Severus can help you with the wording." Hugo smirked at Severus and Lucius, who were quite aware of his views on the werewolf issue. "And, Petunia." She glanced up, startled. "You could have a very strong say ... the Aunt of Harry Potter ... and you and your son were present. Backing the girl who helped keep Lucius in one piece – and unbitten - would be helpful."

Lucius sourly grimaced. "I suppose you wish Severus and I to write as well?"

Hugo just beamed and said. "Why yes, now that you mention it." Hugo then took his leave and the boys scurried to find parchment and quills.

Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z

The next morning Harry hovered near the window where the owls always delivered the Daily Prophet. He grabbed it as soon as the owl landed – shoving a plate of bacon at the owl in payment - and ran to the living room, inadvertantly stepping on a cheetah's long tail that was laying across the usual path. An indignant feline shriek filled the air and Harry startled and tripped – landing in Rosmerta's lap and somehow elbowing Severus in the face at the same time.

Harry's face flamed and he scrambled off Rosmerta's lap, stuttering apologies. Tom sat on the floor beside the cheetah, carefully checking the tail and then hugging the whimpering cheetah affectionately.

"I'm pretty sure your tail is just fine, my love." Tom said in amusement and got head rub and lick from her in thanks.

"That could be considered a bit disturbing, Tom" Severus joked, while Rosmerta checked him for injury.

Tom laughed again and Dora morphed back into herself. She'd been very pleased that when she achieved her animagus form during training that it had been the same as her patronus – a cheetah. Her trainer had sighed and said the form was not much good for spying, but she should have no trouble running down a suspect if she needed to.

Draco and Harry had been asking her to change every other minute after she had arrived. Draco obviously watching her every move and noting exactly how she did things. Draco was determined to achieve his own form just as quickly as he was able. Harry had been making progress as well and Minerva had apologetically informed Severus that Harry would be an accomplished animagus by summer, most likely.

Severus took the newspaper the abashed Harry handed him with a sheepish smile. Severus smiled and patted the place beside him, letting Harry know that all was forgiven. Harry sat with a grin and Severus opened the paper to look at the headlines.

Severus had helped Harry and Dudley with their letters to the Prophet before taking them home. He had then flooed to Rosmerta's to ask her opinion on things.

Severus did not want to disappoint Harry, but he rather sympathised with those who viewed werewolves with a jaundiced eye and he was afraid any letter he wrote would end up reflecting that – it would be better to not write at all in that case.

Rosmerta had listened to the tale with alarm, but finally told Severus if he was uncertain about writing a letter, that perhaps he should visit Cornelius and involve him. A splendid idea, he'd thought and had immediately gotten an audience with the distracted Minister. Severus had updated him on events and then had cut to the chase.

"Harry and his friends were quite upset to hear that Jennifer might lose her place on the team because of this and might even need to leave the country if she wished to continue playing Quidditch." Severus watched the Minister's eyes sharpen and watch Severus carefully. "He, his cousin and his Aunt – and every friend he's been able to owl in the last few hours are writing to the Daily Prophet to protest any attempts to remove her from the Harpies."

Cornelius was a notorious fence-sitter on this issue, the likely problem being that he understood both sides of the argument and was unable to reach a clear decision.

"I see." Cornelius had said carefully. "You have explained the problem to him?" he had asked.

"Yes, however he doesn't understand why minor..." Severus certainly prayed they would be minor. "...changes during the full moon that do not leave her insane or able to pass on the curse should cause her to be effectively banished from our society."

"Minor changes?" Cornelius had said hopefully. Severus had nodded, and had hoped he wasn't proven a liar.

"The Healers did believe she would only have minor problems." Severus had answered with more confidence than he actually felt. "We will know for sure in 10 days. I think – as does Harry – that those that do not truly transform should be treated better ... we are far behind the rest of europe on these things ... and it is something they look down on us over."

Cornelius had nodded thoughtfully. This could be a way to shoehorn some changes into the laws. Once the push was made other laws would be easier. Hugo would be in his corner ... and if Harry Potter was pushing it he could be sure that Lucius was in the shadows, assisting.

"I'll sleep on it and read the paper in the morning ... I'm sure there will be a press conference following it." Cornelius was making no promises, but Severus had nodded in satisfaction. Further arguments would not help.

Severus shook off the memory and read the Headline in amusement. "HARRY POTTER ANGUISHED BY WEREWOLF BITE!" Unbelievable, Severus mused.

"Hey! They made it sound like I was bitten." Harry yelped.

"Yes, and anxious wizards will buy the paper to read about it and then find out it's someone else thats bitten." Severus snickered.

Harry shook his head and leaned closer to read the newspaper with Severus.

Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z~Z