Daily Prophet
DARK MARK SEEN OVER SURRY. WITCHES AND WIZARDS IN A PANIC
Written by Gregor Asphodel
Dark Mark seen in Surrey, over the hamlet of Broadmoar. For the first time in thirteen years a Dark Mark has been seen. Responding Aurors found a family of five dead. The DMLE will not release the names, but it is known that Surry houses many wizards and witches, including Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived.
Details are scarce and the DMLE is being very tight lipped. After the well-publicized attacks last month by werewolves, there are many people feeling concerned and scared.
When asked about these events, Minister Fudge was quoted last night as saying, "This is the deranged work of mass murderer Sirius Black. How the man escaped Hogwarts and Azkaban is still unknown, but the DMLE has its top resources on it. I will be talking with my offices later to get more resources. We can't have a crazed lunatic roaming the countryside."
Minister Fudge and Headmaster Dumbledore, who is also the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, have both seen many upset and scared people asking how Black could escape from the likes of Dumbledore, the man who defeated Grindewald and the Ministry. Many are questioning how the Minister and the Chief Warlock has allowed the funding to be cut to the DMLE, which is now at 40% of what it was ten years ago. Could this be how Sirius Black escaped and is still at large? The DMLE just doesn't have the proper resources?
It is also a mystery why no one knew where the famed wizard, The-Boy-Who-Lived, had disappeared to after that night he defeated Black's Master until last month when he made headlines
There is some conjecture that the mass murderer Sirius Black is trying to find his intended target still, The-Boy-Who-Lived, after escaping from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Sirius Black is a well-known supporter of YOU-KNOW-WHO and is probably seeking revenge for his Master. Is this a sign of a single deranged man trying to live the 'good ole days', or could this be a sign of something larger happening?
-o-
August 19, 1994
London, England
Madame Bones had called them in the middle of the night for an 'all hands' meeting in the morning. It was just past eight now and Tonks was disgusted with the paper still in her hands. It had arrived just before she had stepped into the briefing room. It was a crowded room, with much of the Auror and Hit Wizard force here. Over a hundred people sat around her. Seeing the assembled mass and the thunderous look on Madame Bones face when she walked in, Tonks was worried. This couldn't be anything good.
"Quiet," Madame Bones said in a loud voice and the room quieted almost immediately. Everyone here had a huge amount of respect for their Boss. "At a little after ten in the evening, a Dark Mark was reported over the Creevey household in Broadmoar. This is the real thing, everyone, even if the Minister doesn't want to acknowledge it. The Mark was verified to be made by someone who knew what they were doing and the scene in the house was horrendous."
The scene inside, well, Tonks was glad she didn't have to see that. There were a few pictures of the scene, and what there was turned her stomach. It sounded as though the people had been tortured and mutilated before they had been administered the Killing Curse. The youngest had been only four. The fact that two of the children were wizards enrolled at Hogwarts was concerning as well.
"Colin just finished his second year and his brother was due to start in the fall. Their sister had already shown signs of magic too," Amelia told them.
Amelia looked around the room. "The Minister is towing the line this was the work of a lone assailant, Sirius Black. Evidence points to at least one magical, most likely a former Death Eater or someone trained by a Death Eater. We don't know if it's possible to cast a Dark Mark without being marked. Either way it is disturbing. There is signs of two, maybe as many as four more involved. We suspect they are werewolves or a similar creature because of the missing body parts."
"Boss, I didn't think werewolves could turn without a full moon."
"They can't and we don't think they were turned, but as you all should know from your Defense Classes, many werewolves prefer human flesh, whether changed or not."
"Shite," Smith said next to her. "It's been years since we have seen the wolves like this."
Tonks looked at him, but Madame Bones was continuing. "People are going to be running scared. What isn't reported in the Prophet this morning because the Minister was able to bury it somehow," the disdain for the man evident in her voice, "was that they were not the only ones attacked last night. The Cresswells were also attacked, but were able to fend off at least one wizard and we think Fenrir Greyback. This has spooked the Minister and the Wizengamot and the Minister approved funds this morning to higher twenty-five more Aurors and seven new Hit Wizards."
This caused a murmur in the room. For years now, the funds for the DMLE had been reduced. Last she knew, there were 129 active Aurors and 34 Hit Wizards. The lowest number in over a hundred years. Tonks was paying attention.
"We all know what is going to happen at Hogwarts this year and the Ministry here at home needs to ensure people this is a safe place to come," she said looking around the room.
"Boss, this is a lot of stuff for us all to handle. How many are you looking to post at the Quidditch World Cup or in Hogsmeade or Hogwarts if we can't find these people?"
She gave Robards a sharp look. "Hogwarts will have a dedicated squad from Blue Group and special details when needed. Once we fill another squad with five new Aurors, then another will be assigned for Hogsmeade. We will open a new branch office to have at least ten Aurors stationed there. The French Ministry is promising a squad for the tournament and the ICW has promised eight Aurors and two Hit Wizards until end of June. The ICW resources are due in two days and will help with the Quidditch World Cup as well."
There were a few whistles around the room. That was twenty Aurors assigned to the events and Security at Hogwarts. That made her feel a little better. She had grown rather fond of her assignments over the last month. The International Confederation of Wizards Aurors and Hit Wizards were no laughing matter though. When they respond, they would defer to the local laws until they ran afoul of the ICW Laws and Statutes. Anything they do would only be accountable to the ICW.
"Now, Albus Dumbledore is not in support of any Auror on the grounds unless for sanctioned Tri-Wizard events and the Minister is trying to play interference with the ICW. The DMLE is taking the view that the ICW is welcome and expected to participate. Our Aurors will be lead, with Shacklebolt Heading up the Hogwarts group. As far as I am concerned, the second the other schools have delegates over British soil until they leave is a sanctioned event. The French and Polish Games Heads arrive August 24 and plan to stay through the end of the tournament, this means you will not be denied access to the school grounds while they are here, no matter what the Headmaster wants. The Board of Governors have voted and agreed. Beauxbatons and Durmstrang plan to arrive October 28th and leave by June 26th. "
"They all agreed?" This time it was a surprised woman in Yellow Group.
"I have the Boards approval as of yesterday. I don't know if it was unanimous."
"But that was before these attacks, Boss," Smith said next to her.
"It was Smith. This was my condition for our support of this event. The last one held at Hogwarts saw three duels that ended in serious injury or death by those not in the tournament, never mind the two hostages and one champion that went home in a wooden box. The Minister is looking for a clean Championship. I am looking for everyone to survive. Is that understood?"
"Yes," most of them chorused.
"Now, back to last night. Yellow Group is taking lead on the investigation of July 22 and last night. You have Room Eight with Greene. Green Group, you are going to be assigned to a special detail. Yaxley will have a meeting in Room Five for you after this. Blue Group, you are taking on detail for some special packages. Meet with Higgs in Room Three after this. Blue Two, you'll be meeting with Shacklebolt. Tonks, your reassigned to Blue Group Two and here," she said tossing a silver badge across the room. Tonks went to catch it and it dropped to the floor. She sat up, looking abashed as a few teased her. "Congratulation, Auror Tonks. You just got promoted. Shacklebolt will explain later. Nason. This one is yours," she said tossing another silver badge. "Congratulations. You are filling in Tonks spot in Black Group and welcome to the Aurors."
There were some claps and jokes at them.
"All right. Black Group, sorry to do this to you, but until we get the extra Aurors your on call and response."
"Joy," Smith said grumpily. "How did you get so lucky?"
Tonks gave him a cheeky smile. "I'm cuter."
The man laughed. "Didn't think the Boss swung that way."
She chuckled. "Yeah, well, no accounting for taste."
"Listen up. Cut the chatter," Amelia said around the room. "We have six days before the World cup and twelve days before the Hogwarts Express leaves London. I don't want to bury anyone else. This is serious. I expect you all to treat it that way. There are a few more reassignments on the board. Check it on your way out and report to your next meeting in ten. Now get out of here."
When she went to get up, Smith extended a hand. "Welcome to the Corps. Always knew they would make a mistake."
"You mean they keep you on," she retorted taking his hand.
The man gave her a wry smile. "Be safe kid."
"You too. I hope I don't get taken off our current assignment," she told him following the other Aurors out of the room. Those not in the room were on assignments they couldn't be taken off of and would be filled in later.
"Potter is different than I thought he would be. Nothing at all like the Prophet and those books make him out to be. Pretty modest if you ask me."
"I like the kid. His girl is worth keeping around too."
Smith nodded. "Bright girl. I hope Sasha is half as bright when she goes next year."
"I don't know. Still trying to figure out how you passed the NEWTs and entrance exam."
He shrugged. "I know, considering it was harder than when you went through."
Tonks went to hit him on the arm and instead tripped. Smith caught her. "Still think we should just put you in a bubble charm."
"Tonks," a man called out from behind him.
"Captain," she said whirling around to see Captain Phillip.
He reached his hand out to her. "Just wanted you to know when Amelia asked about either promoting trainees or bringing back ex-Aurors, I put yours on the top of the list. Don't prove me wrong."
She shook his hand, squeezing it hard. "And have you and Moody on my ass for getting blown up or something."
The man chuckled. "You better believe it."
-oOo-
August 21, 1994
Devon, England
The morning after his big breakdown had been rough. Harry had locked himself in his room after he woke. He didn't want to talk to anyone and felt so... wrong at having broken down like that. He wasn't supposed to cry or show emotion. Hermione, though, had sat herself outside his door and tried to talk to him. When he didn't respond, she had taken to just sitting there. The few times he opened the door to go to the bathroom, she had tried to get him to eat or talk. Harry ignored her as best he could. He felt ashamed, and then more so as his heart panged to see the hurt and concern in her eyes.
It was the middle of the second night he opened the door to find Hermione sleeping on the floor, curled up in a blanket. Feeling guilty, he had picked her up, thankful for the workouts Wood put them through, and carried her to her bed. She had protested feebly, saying she needed to be there for 'Harry' but the bags under her eyes and the stains on her cheeks told him that she probably hadn't slept for two or three days. She whimpered as he tucked her into her bed.
When he closed her door, he turned around to find Mrs. Granger in her doorway. She was looking tired and rough around the edges. "Harry, we will never throw you out of this house if you need a place. Dan will never raise a hand to you."
Harry had looked at her. She had been nothing but nice to him. "I'm sorry you heard that," he told her. His stomach grumbled.
"Harry, you have nothing to apologize for. Just... just let Hermione in. She cares for you and doesn't want to see you hurting." After a few, Harry nodded. "Are you hungry?"
He wanted to say no, but the pangs in his stomach were getting bad. "Yeah," he told her, deciding to let her in a little.
She had nodded her head towards the stairs. "How about I make you a sandwich and then you can have a lie in."
After that, he had sat next to Hermione when she took up watch in the hall next morning.
"Mum said you carried me to bed last night," she told him, looking tired and concerned.
"I couldn't leave you on the floor," he told her.
She reached towards him and squeezed his hand. Harry squeezed back before he let her weave her fingers into his. After that, Harry tried to let her in.
He would work out first thing in the morning. A few days in, Hermione started to come out with him. He didn't say a word during the first week she dropped out halfway through or tossed up her stomach contents while trying to keep up with him. Instead, he would let her recover, pick her up and encourage her to keep going.
They would study runes in the morning and then research werewolves and laws most afternoons. The Anti-Werewolf legislation from last year made it almost impossible for someone infected with lycanthropy to do anything in the wizarding or muggle world to earn a living. It was something that made her distraught some days. Harry did all he could to comfort her, but he wasn't as free with his touches as he had been.
Occasionally, she would prod him to see how he was doing or ask him to talk about his relatives more. When he told her he didn't want to talk about something, she didn't press him, even if he could see it was eating at her. He had told her a few more details, but really didn't like talking about it. As it approached the full moon, she asked less questions, becoming more withdrawn most days, burying herself in books and filling her second spiral bound notebook. Sometimes she would poke her head up, like the day before the full moon.
"Harry, I think Professor Snape and our Defense book has it wrong. I don't think silver is a poison to them," she told him thoughtfully.
"Then what is it? Professor Lupin avoids it." Sometimes he still called Remus by the name he first knew the man by.
"No. He only avoids ingesting or being cut by it, except when it's in certain potions."
"So what does it do if it's not a poison," he asked.
"I'm not certain," she said looking at her notes and biting her lip.
Since that night, he also noticed that Mrs. Granger had not tried to stop him if he did chores around the house or made a meal for them. Instead, she thanked him for doing the chores or praised his cooking. He found he enjoyed doing it for her as she was starting to look more haggard and worried. She had been to see Mr. Granger a few times, each time her eyes looking more pinched, but still trying to keep a brave and happy face on for Hermione and him. He could tell Hermione was getting depressed that she wasn't allowed to go along on those trips.
Now that cooking wasn't a chore he found it more pleasurable, especially as Hermione started to join him. It was one of the few times of the day she wasn't usually dower. He tried to teach her how to cook, only being half successful at times. It was one of those mornings where Hermione was at his side, her hip touching his, as he tried to show her how to judge when to flip a fried egg. "So, you want over easy or medium," he asked her, looking at the bubbling edges of the white albumin.
"You like it runny, right," she asked him.
"Only the yoke. I thought we were making these for you?"
"I only asked you to help. I didn't say who was eating them. So when do I do this?"
Harry tried to hide his cringe. He nudged her hip with his own. "Hermione, how can you be so good at potions and not at cooking?"
"Potions are really logical. Fried eggs aren't. Should I do it now?" Her last sounded unsure.
"Now," he told her.
She let out a quick breath as the yolk broke. "Every time," she huffed in annoyance.
"Your lifting the egg too high. It's easy. Here," he said reaching around her. She let him take her wrist and easily responded to his touch as he guided the thin metal spatula under the egg. He quickly lifted and twisted her wrist. Her body followed his lead and the egg landed in the pan with no damage.
"How...how did you do that," she asked. Her breath brushed across his face. He hadn't realized that as he helped her, he had wrapped his other arm around her waist and his cheek was pressing into hers. She leaned into him and Harry noticed how nicely she fit against him.
"Practice," he told her. There was something about her being so close that had him holding his breath. She wrapped her free arm around the one holding her waist. Taking a breath, he smelled the flowery shampoo she used and her breath smelled of peppermint. They hadn't been this close since that night, but his mind was definitely not in the same place. She shifted her head and kissed him on the cheek. It was the first time since his birthday. "Can I practice like this?"
Harry could feel his heart thudding in his chest. He turned his head. "Herm..." he didn't get to say anything else as her lips met his. He was so shocked, he didn't respond at first. After a few seconds, she pulled away, uncertainty in her eyes. Harry, realizing she had just kissed him felt a smile creep across his face. Her eyes lost their uncertainty. He wasn't sure how this was supposed to work, never having kissed anyone before so when he leaned down, his lips met hers in a chaste meeting. This time, her eyes had a much more satisfied look when he pulled back. They were half closed and sent a thrill of excited heat through him. He moved to kiss her again and she met his lips. After a second, Hermione started to move her lips against his and he responded. He was sure it was sloppy and not what a kiss should be, but he was enjoying it. Hermione pushed his arm into her stomach.
"What are you doing," Tonks shouted striding into the kitchen. "Trying to burn the place down?"
"Shite," Harry exclaimed, pulling back. Smoke was pouring out of the pan. The thudding in his chest as much from the sudden danger as it was from what he had just been doing. "Out of the way," he said moving Hermione and grabbing the pan. He quickly moved it to the sink and turned the water on.
Hermione glared at Tonks. "I was enjoying that," she said angrily to the Auror.
"Well, things were about to get hotter in here than two teens making out," she retorted.
Hermione made a disgusted sound at her. "Why did they make you come inside anyways!"
"Because of this," Tonks yelled back and took a newspaper out of her pocket. She put it on the counter next to Hermione.
Hermione looked at the paper and Harry saw her eyes go large. "That's not a..."
"A Dark Mark. Yes."
"Why didn't you tell us? Gah, why can't we get the Prophet! This is horrible," Hermione sounded appalled. "Did... did anyone die?"
"Five. I didn't tell you because your mum didn't want you to worry with everything else going on."
"What is the Dark Mark and who died," Harry asked. He looked between Tonks and Hermione, who had been acting more like sisters than anything else.
"The Death Eaters would use it when they used to kill people that opposed them," Tonks said. "I saw it once when I was younger. The McKinnon's didn't live far from us. Mum cried for days."
Hermione put a hand to her mouth. "Oh, Tonks."
At the mention of the Death Eaters, Harry walked over to the counter. His insides clenched. Twice this summer he had had very vivid dreams, or nightmares, about the man that created such animals. "Tonks, who died?"
"The family was called the Creevey's. That has not been released to the press yet, but I thought you might know them." Tonks did not look happy.
"Colin," Hermione squeaked.
Harry had a sudden revulsion that he had been so annoyed with the boy. Colin was always taking photos of everything, especially him, but he didn't deserve to die.
"They are hunting muggleborns," Hermione said. She moved towards Harry and wrapped her arms around his. Harry put a hand on her arm. "I know the others attacked last month. They were all muggleborn or raised."
Tonks looked at her shocked. "How did you know that," she asked.
"I pay attention at school. You realize only about 10% of the students are Muggleborn? Someone is trying to kill us."
"Hermione, I will not let anything happen to you," Harry told her.
"Why does it smell like something is burning," Mrs. Granger asked coming into the kitchen.
"You should ask your daughter and her boyfriend," Tonks said changing tact and dropping her serious mood. "I found them kissing and the pan burning."
"Tonks," Hermione cried out. Harry snapped his attention to Mrs. Granger, his heart pounding almost as hard as it had a few minutes ago. He squared his shoulders.
Mrs. Granger raised an eyebrow. "I see. We'll have a talk later, my little woman."
"Yes, mum," Hermione said behind him.
"I am going to the safe house this morning. Air out this smoke and clean up this mess. Tonks, make sure these two don't get up to too much trouble," Mrs. Granger said. "Remus should be here very soon."
Harry didn't miss the change in mood. Hermione clutched his arm. He knew what day this was. If Mr. Granger did well after tonight, he would come back home, then they could figure out what happens next. Harry was already working with Remus to fund the Safe House from the much larger Potter Vaults that he had had no clue about until after his birthday. He was going to have to talk to Remus about setting up a fund for the Grangers and Entwhistles as well. He didn't want any of them to suffer the way Remus has or to have to worry about the Anti-werewolf Reforms.
He still wasn't sure if Annabel was going to go back to Hogwarts yet. It had been reported that she had been bitten, so Harry was sure parents would be against it like they had been Remus when he was exposed. The laws would also not allow it. He still wanted to hex Snape for letting that out.
He also noticed a look pass over Tonks face at the mention of their old Professor. It took her a second to respond. "So, can you define 'too much trouble'?"
Mrs. Granger gave them a look. "My daughter knows the limits. Now. Auror Kingsley was here late last night. I see you saw the news. He asked that you two modify the wards. He only wants the immediate family, Harry, Remus, Tonks, Fawlsey and himself allowed right now. No one is to leave the house today. That means both of you. I should be back by noon."
"Yes, Mrs. Granger," Harry said. The wardstone in the basement would only allow Hermione, himself or Remus to change permissions. Harry had a feeling there was something else going on for them to go on lock-down like this.
There was a small crack outside the back door. Harry could see Remus holding the hand of a young girl with long dark hair and dark eyes who looked like she wasn't feeling totally well. She was looking around curiously as she pulled on Remus' hand and said something.
"I guess Theresa wouldn't leave his side," Mrs. Granger said. "All right, you two. Behave today."
"Mum," Hermione called as her mother moved towards the door. Her mother stopped and Hermione moved around him to hug her. "Can you tell dad I love him," Hermione asked.
Mrs. Granger's features softened as she hugged her daughter back. "Of course, Hermione. He should be back home this week."
"I hope so," Harry heard Hermione say. "I miss him."
They separated and Mrs. Granger walked out the door. As it opened, Remus looked up from talking with the girl. His eyes caught Tonks. Even in his sallow state there was a need in his eyes. Harry felt bad for Remus that he had to go through this. Now the younger girl at his side and Mr. Granger. Harry frowned. "Good morning, Terry. I like your hair. Did Missy Prim do that?"
The girl smiled. "Yes, Mrs. Granger. Who is that," she asked looking in the house towards him.
"That's my daughter's friend, Harry Potter."
She looked at him curiously, but there wasn't the usual recognition or excitement he received from wizard raised children. "Is that your daughter? She's really pretty," the girl said nodding towards Hermione. "The other lady is too. I like her pink hair."
Mrs. Granger smiled. "Tell you what. Maybe you can come over next week and meet them."
The girls face brightened. "I can leave the house? Oh, can I really Uncle Remus?"
Remus gave her a strained smile. "We can probably do that. I'm sure Harry and Hermione wouldn't mind."
Hermione moved towards them and Harry followed. He was not going to let Hermione be in any danger and something tickled at him to protect her. "Of course not," Hermione said leaning down so she was eye level with the girl. The girl cocked her head to the side and took in a deep breath. "I like how you smell," she said before looking at Harry. "He smells like you. Like the pink hair lady smells like Uncle Remus and Mrs. Granger smells like Mr. Granger."
Remus gave them a look. Harry wasn't sure if it was concern or something else. Hermione looked at the girl, as though lost for words. "Right," Remus said quickly. "I think we should get back, Theresa. Mrs. Granger would like to spend some time with Mr. Granger today."
"Yes, Uncle Remus," the girl said easily.
"Jane." Remus extended an arm before they apparated with a slightly louder crack than normal.
A moment later, Hermione stood up. She turned on her heels. "I need to go research something," she told him and left him and Tonks standing in the kitchen.
"What was that about," Harry asked himself out loud. He ran a hand through his hair. Tonks shook her head as though coming out of a daze.
"Dammit," she said quietly. Her tone was a bit harsh when she spoke up. "You heard Mrs. Granger. No going outside today and stay out of trouble."
"Sure," he said still unsure what was going on. Harry moved to clean up the mess Hermione and him had made. As he worked, he thought about what had happened, his mind alternating between soft lips on his and the boy who always had his camera.
After that, the day had been quiet. Mrs. Granger came back a little after lunch looking concerned and careworn. He was just cleaning up lunch after making sure Hermione had eaten a half sandwich. He couldn't convince her to eat more. She had books and notes all over her bedroom floor and refused to leave. Fawlsey and Tonks were still at the table. He offered to make Mrs. Granger a plate, but she politely refused and went up to her room.
When Harry went back upstairs, he found Hermione's door closed. Leaving her be, confused now over this morning. He had thought Hermione liked him. She had kissed him. He had kissed her. Then she had run away. Maybe he was a bad kisser?
Not wanting to follow that thought trail he decided he would open his new Runes books. He still had much to cover from last year, but Dumbledore had approved the change and he had gotten a study schedule to try and catch up. Hermione had been helping. Especially once they had received their new letters the day after his birthday and had gone to Diagon Alley to get their supplies last week.
This time of the day, the sun was on the back of the house, so Harry sat in a chair like in Hermione's room and started to read. There wasn't much else to do. At dinner, he made them pizza, hoping to cheer up Hermione and get her out of her room. Again, he had to bring her a plate and she absently thanked him as she furiously wrote, a dozen or more pages of torn out notes from her notebooks lay around her. "Hermione, you should take a break."
She shook her head. "Harry, I think I almost have it. Did mum come back," she asked reaching for a slice of the pizza he had made. She took a bite and chewed absentmindedly.
"A while ago. What are you working on," he asked her.
She waved him off. "I don't want to say anything yet."
After that, she went back to her research and he left her, closing the door. He really wanted to talk about that morning, but he figured it was a bad time. She was probably working on something to help her father and kissing him was probably the furthest thing from her mind at the moment. Colin and his family were weighing on his mind too. As where the others. Harry knew Justin, even if the boy thought he had tried to kill him twice. Harry had nothing to do with the basilisk, but he had saved him from the incompetent Lockheart, even if most of the school thought otherwise.
It was with these thoughts that Harry retreated back to his room. The house was quiet as the sun set. He was forced to turn his back to the window as the long rays of orange pierced the room. He leaned against the chair. His mind was lingering on the kiss this morning, not the book and parchment on his lap. It had been one of the most thrilling things he could remember, but with Hermione ignoring him, he was coming to the conclusion that Hermione kissing him was just a fluke. Probably just stress from the day. It was a depressing conclusion. He should probably tell her it didn't mean anything to him if she brought it up. She didn't need to worry about him right now.
Harry put the book down and stood up. He stretched as the last rays of the sun moved across his room. Harry didn't always sit this much so he leaned over to stretch for the floor. Going out into the hall, he knocked on her door. "Hermione?"
She didn't answer. He tried again. When she didn't answer again, he thought a cup of tea and maybe being teased by Tonks was better than wallowing in his thoughts. He knocked one more time. "Hermione," he said to the door.
He heard something rustle in the room. After a moment, he sighed. She was trying to avoid him now. Harry turned away when he heard something thump in her room. "Hermione," he called out. He thought he heard a cry of pain. He turned the doorknob and slammed his shoulder into the door. There was another sound, like something crashing on to the floor and breaking. "Hermione! Open the door!"
He slammed his shoulder into the door as something else broke. Grabbing his wand out of his pocket he called out, "Alohamora!"
The door burst open as he hit it this time. Something growled and Harry froze. There was stuff all over the floor. A bookshelf on the walls was broken and books were in a pile on the floor. Hermione's reading chair was missing a leg and lay on its side. What made his heart just about stop was seeing her jeans and shirt in tatters by a wolf looking creature in a heap on the floor. This one looked different than Lupin, but more like the one that had attacked him a month ago.
It had a thick coat of chestnut fur that stuck up along its back. It was smaller, but with the longer limbs and barrel chest of a werewolf. It looked a more majestic and healthier version than Remus or the other one. "Hermione," Harry asked. The creature looked up at him, confusion and pain in eyes he knew well. When Remus had looked at them when a werewolf, he hadn't seen anything of the man he knew in his eyes. Here, he recognized his best friend's expressive brown eyes. She whimpered at him.
"Harry! What is going on," he heard Fawlsey call up as he rushed up the stairs.
It was almost instant. She growled, her teeth baring and shakily getting to her feet. The door behind him opened. "Stay out!" Harry rushed the door, slamming it on Fawlsey. Hermione, as a werewolf, took a stumbling step. "Coloportus!"
"Harry!" Fawlsey yelled through the door.
"Get Mrs. Granger away!"
Hermione shook her head and growled again. His back was to the door and he watched her stand. She was taller by a good head or more than she was before. He didn't miss the claws on her hands or that her snout was full of teeth. "Harry! Open the door!" This time it was Tonks.
"Hermione's turned. Get out of here," he yelled back at them.
"Merlin's balls. Harry, get out of there," Tonks yelled.
"Hermione," her mother cried out. Hermione moved towards him, growling and looking at the door. She wasn't focusing on him.
"Tonks! Get her mother out of here. Leave me here."
Hermione was walking on all fours, getting closer to him. Harry thought it crazy that all he could smell was her shampoo. "Fawlsey. Get her out of here," he heard Tonks, a little calmer now.
"I'll send the Captain back," Harry heard Fawlsey.
"No! I am not leaving my daughter," Mrs. Granger called out. Hermione's growl deepened. She was almost too him now.
"Now, Fawlsey!." Tonks was insistent. A second later, there was a crack of apparition. "Harry, I'm coming in."
"No. Stay out there. She's almost at the door. Be quiet. It's bothering her." Harry waited for a response, but none came and it was quiet. Harry watched her silently moved next to him. Her ears flat against her head and her mouth in a snarl. He was surprised how quietly she moved, like a hunting wolf.
"Hermione," Harry said quietly, trying to get her attention. He couldn't let her leave her room if there were other people in the house. Her ears perked up to hear his voice and she looked at him. Her features fell some and the growl stopped. He tried not to shy away to see the intelligence and viciousness in her eyes. She leaned in close to him, sniffing. Harry did everything he could to not move or shy away from her. Her eyes didn't leave his. After a few sniffs, her eyes mellowed out and she sunk down, her muscles loosening and her demeanor far less threatening. After a few seconds, she began to whimper. Her wolfish face took on a look of shocked sadness.
Harry let out a breath. "Hermione, can you understand me?"
She looked at him. Impossibly, she nodded. Everything they had read said that the only cure for the rabid animals they were on the full moon was wolfsbane potion.
A scared look came over her. For some insane reason he would never be able to explain later, he crouched down to her. He had seen people do this with dogs. Reaching out his hand, he put it within biting distance. She watched him for a moment before leaning forward and sniffing his hand. She whimpered again before pulling back. "I'm not going anywhere," he told her sitting on the floor across from her. He could guess at her fears. "You don't want to hurt anyone and I won't let you. Your mum is away for the night so it's only me you and Tonks."
Her eyes looked so sad.
"Tonks," he spoke as loud as needed for her to hear him through the door.
It took her a few seconds to respond. "Wotcher, Harry." The young Auror's voice sounded strained.
"I have her laying down. I am not going to leave her. Can you keep anyone else from disturbing us?"
Hermione whimpered again and moved towards him. He didn't move and let her place her head in his lap. "Yeah, Harry. I can do that. Take care of our girl."
Harry never got a chance to respond. There was a crack out back. Hermione jumped up, yipped like a wolf and scrambled up. "Hermione, NO!" Harry called out. He jumped on her, tackling her to the floor before she could charge her window. He had not known how strong a werewolf could truly be until then. Before Hermione had turned, he probably would have been able to stop her and overpower her. Now, he found himself whipped around as she fell and rolled.
"Son of Morgana," he heard Tonks curse over Hermione's growls and barks.
"Hermione, stop," he called out as she struggled to get up. He was wrapped around her neck and shoulder. His voice had a tone of panic in it. "Hermione, stop!"
She twisted and as she did, his arm slipped. "Ahhhhh," he cried out when she bit his arm. It felt like fire was suddenly searing the wound. She yelped and scurried away from him. Harry rolled over holding his right arm. The pain wasn't as bad as that time he was bit by a basilisk, but it was bad. "Harry!" Tonks yelled through the door.
"Get away," he yelled at the door. He heard the pitiful sound of a dog in pain. Looking up, Hermione was huddled between her nightstand and the corner. The wolf looked horrified at what she had done, tears running over the fur of her muzzle.