August 30, 1994
London, England
Inactivity and Harry Potter did not go hand in hand. It had been nine days since he had stepped outside. More than seven and a half since he had been at the Granger's house. It was showing that he didn't like to be cooped up. He was pacing the length of the short room he was sharing with Hermione.
"Harry, why don't you do another fifty pushups," Hermione suggested.
He looked at her. She was sure his arms must be getting sore. Last count he had done that five times since this morning at her suggestion. "I've already done enough," he told her. "What I want is to go outside and run around or my quidditch workout. I want to do something. I thought when Healer Tonks said they wanted to do some more tests that meant a day or two, not another week!"
Hermione tried not to sigh. She knew Harry was not one to just sit for long periods. She had to admit, it was wearing on her too, and Harry was not helping.
"I know, Harry. I was not expecting it either. Healer Tonks said we should be going home tomorrow."
Harry pulled at his hair and picked up his pace, meaning it was five strides to cover one length of the room. "I don't have a home, Hermione. I can't go back with your father. I know you say he is a good man, but there is something about him that makes me want to attack him. I feel like I need to fight for you or something with him."
"Harry, I am not some prize for you to win," she said irritably.
"You don't think I don't know that." He stopped pacing and looked at her. His eyes radiated his discomfort to talk about her father like this. He looked so afraid he was going to lose her. She hadn't had the heart yet to tell him she felt the same thing around her father. He was the man that had frightened away her nightmares when she was a child. The man she looked up to as much as her mum. He was her father, and she had the same instinct to fight or run from him. She didn't like it and couldn't explain it. She was wishing Remus had more time to explain some of this stuff, but he was busy trying to organize their flight from the country.
She got up. "Hermione, I just... I just don't know." He flushed. "I just don't know what I would do without you."
Walking over to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. The fact she could do this and not need an excuse now was marvelous. That Harry wrapped his own arms around her and pulled her tighter was better. Since the night she had bitten him, Harry didn't shy from her at all. "Harry, you will never loose me."
She backed away and took his face in her hands. He closed his eyes and nuzzled his cheek into her left hand. Her poor boy had been through so much. More than anyone should be expected too. A shiver ran through her as she realized she called him her boy. Harry was HER boy and she would be damned if she let that go. Maybe it was the wolf in her. She didn't know, but she would never leave Harry.
As though claiming her right she pushed up on her toes and kissed him. It wasn't the chaste kisses they had mostly shared the last week. She pulled his face into hers and planted her lips on his. He responded quickly and his arms around her pulled her hips to his. She felt a flush run through her as he kissed her back. It quickly turned into the sloppy embrace that left chap lips and each party lightheaded, intoxicated with hormones. Even so, she tried to pour into it everything she could to let him know he would never lose her. When his tongue suddenly licked at her lips, she let out a moan and her knees buckled. It was a good thing he was holding her.
She wasn't sure how long they kissed before Harry pulled back. They were both breathing heavily. She wasn't sure when her hands had wandered into his hair but it was even messier than normal. His hands felt hot on her hips. She was as bothered as though she had been in her bed, in private, thinking of Harry...
"Why'd you stop," she asked, not happy he had.
"Someone knocked on the door," he told her.
She didn't quite process what he was saying. She liked the smirk on his face. She shifted at the warmth it brought between her legs. "What," she asked. "Why did you stop?"
There was a bark from the hallway. Her eyes suddenly snapped into focus. "I will take you out of here if you don't quiet down," she heard Remus say. "This is risk enough as it is."
Harry let her go and covered the distance to the door in two bounding steps. He flung the door open and he was knocked to the floor as a black dog bowled him over. If she hadn't known who it was, she would have been at his side. Instead, she gave the large dog an exasperated look. She was happy to see him, but he could have waited a few more minutes. Harry looked genuinely happy as he tried to fight off the big dog who was trying to lick his face. More interesting was that Padfoot had a smell that she immediately liked. It had a hint of what she thought of as Harry. He was one of the few she found she liked like that so quickly. Remus was another.
Remus shut the door and started to cast his wand. "We haven't got long. Sirius, stop acting like a mutt."
The mutt yipped and jumped off of Harry. A few seconds later, Sirius was standing up, his arms wide and Harry rushed into them. She had only seen him be so free with Remus and her. "Hey, pup. Good to see you."
"What are you doing here, Sirius? They are going mental looking for you. Fudge is blaming all the attacks on you," Harry said, his smile falling. She moved to his side.
"I heard what happened and came as fast as I could. And here is the brilliant witch that help save me."
She found herself hugging him when he extended his arms. "You shouldn't be here, but thank you for Harry," she told him before pulling away. Sirius was looking healthier than he had a little over two months ago. He had gained some weight and his eyes didn't look as haunted. He was also in fine clothing. She liked him dressed like that. The ragged robes he had last time did not suit him.
Sirius held her at arm's length before looking at Harry. After a moment, he nodded. She was curious what that was about. "Sorry to interrupt your snogging session, but Remus is right, I don't have much time." He let her go and moved back to Harry. "You look good kid. Put on some muscle?"
She turned to see Harry's face. It was a very cute crimson at the knowing look Sirius was giving him. "It was rather enjoyable," she told Sirius, not giving into his teasing.
Sirius chuckled. "I bet it was. To business though, then I teach you how to protect yourselves," he said with a wink.
Her mouth dropped open. Harry's eyes bugged out. "Sirius, we don't have the time. Now, listen you two. The Wizengamot has just passed a bill that affects us. They are calling it a Reform bill, but I don't trust the Ministry."
"What did they pass," she asked. There was a sinking feeling as she recognized how fast Remus heart was going and the smell coming off him.
"We can't leave Britain. Not any time soon," Remus started.
"Merlin's balls," Harry swore and ran a hand through his hair.
"How long ago," she asked. "How can they do this? We have rights, even with the Ministry."
"Hermione, let him get through this," Sirius said.
"A few hours ago. I only just found out before I took Padfoot here. I was able to get him in with some help, but we only have less than a half-hour. Listen, now, both of you." Remus was quite insistent. "There is going to be a new Werewolf commission. One in the DMLE and one in the Wizengamot. The Wizengamot is going to control the international permissions of all werewolves. If any of us try to travel without their approval, it's a one-way trip to Azkaban for a few years."
Harry had moved next to her and she wrapped her arms around his waist as he put one over her shoulder. "When does it go into effect? Can we leave right now? What about a plane or ship?"
Remus shook his head. "I would not think they would think of that, but they have some means of knowing. It was part of the Anti-Werewolf Law to know when any of our kind went close to areas where many wizards or muggles would congregate. The commission is active as of today, but I doubt they will have it ready before the Solstice. That is the next major legislation session and they need to make the Commission. They did not vote on it today."
"Those bloody bellands," Harry hissed.
"James would be proud of your vocabulary, pup," Sirius said with a smile.
"Sirius, now is not the time."
"Why did you take Sirius here. If we can't escape then Sirius should still be in hiding," Hermione said. The last week of planning was now for naught. She couldn't let herself fall into despair again though.
"There is more, Hermione. The Head of the DMLE has been tasked with establishing a werewolf registration and a Reform and Integration Commission. It is supposed to give those of our kind a path to live among witches and wizards as long as we meet certain conditions. It also required all those with the gift to achieve a minimum of five OWLs or IWLs before their sixteenth birthday if they wish to keep their wands. You both need to write McGonagall as soon as we leave to let her know you will be attending this year. Harry, you can't attend until you have your first turn next month. Tonks said that Madame Bones was going to come to talk to you both tonight or tomorrow morning about this. If you want to continue to get your OWLs and keep your wands, you will do what she wants. We can figure out a way to get you out of this later."
"Remus, I feel like they are putting us on a leash and will yank it the second we walk out of line," Hermione told him trying to process what he said.
"They are, Hermione," Sirius told her. "Until we can get permission for you to leave, we must play their game. We have some cards to play, but I think we should be careful how we do."
Harry stood up tall. "Hermione is not going back without me," he said in no uncertain terms.
Remus nodded. "I agree. If she asks that, you make sure it doesn't happen. I don't want either of you separated right now, even here. I can't be here this evening, but Mr. Granger will be. Sirius and I have some business."
She felt Harry stiffen and his smell changed to one of power. It was all she could think to describe it. It was soothing, familiar, intoxicating and sensual. She needed to concentrate. "Harry, we need my father if Remus can't be there."
"I wish I could stand with you, pup."
Harry nodded his head. "I am glad to see you here, Sirius, but I don't understand why you would risk this?"
"I had to see you. There is too much I have missed. You protect this one," Sirius said looking at Harry and then her as he lovingly slapped Harry's cheek. She wasn't sure which of them he was talking too.
She tightened her grip on Harry, issuing a growl. "Harry is my pack. A pack protects its own." She would make sure Harry was protected.
"Yes, it does. Harry and you are my pack. We protect our own," Remus said in a solemn tone.
"And I will protect you all," Harry just about growled.
Sirius looked between them. He gave each of them a look before his eyes fell on Harry. "Oh, bollocks," Sirius swore. Sirius wore a grave face. "He's your Alpha! He's just barely fourteen. Lily would kill you to let him claim that. You know how dangerous that is even for an adult in his prime."
She blinked at Sirius. Things started to make sense. The tension between her father and them. The way Remus protected both of them. The way the only people she found soothing had a scent of Harry. They were a pack. The smell made sense. Hermione felt like she was falling for a second as she realized the truth of it.
They were a pack. Sirius must be part of what Harry considers pack, or family. That was why she found comfort in him being around, because Harry did and the pack followed the Alpha in almost anything. She was happy she was holding Harry as she understood why she had an issue with her father. He must be an Alpha too and Harry was not his pack. Oh, shite, she thought to herself. Harry, and thus her, couldn't live with her father, not unless Harry submitted to him or she abandoned Harry.
It also made sense her attraction to him. Could Harry be her Alpha and her mate? That would make her part Alpha too. Shite! Shite! Shite!
It wasn't a question. She would never abandon Harry. He was hers and she was his. To a wolf, pack and mate came before anything else. That was her family. She had meant what she said earlier, even if she hadn't understood the import.
"Harry is going to be an Alpha no matter what we do. You know who his parents were. Both were Alpha's in their own way. He has already claimed his mate and she claimed him," Remus said pointing to Harry's arm. "And James would probably encourage it and have a sense of pride," Remus commented. "Either way, Harry is going to be an Alpha. I could sense it in Dan before his turn. Harry already has the scent and the irritability when his mate or any of us are in trouble."
"What do you mean I'm an Alpha and Hermione is my mate," Harry sounded strained. She was grateful he didn't try to pull away.
Remus rubbed his face. "I am sorry I have not been around. There is much I should explain to both of you before the next moon, but this plan to leave needed my attention. I have failed you again, Harry." The man looked years older.
"Remus, you haven't failed us. We needed someone to do what you get this move done and I don't trust anyone else," she told him.
Harry nodded. "She is right, Remus. There is time for you to explain to us. What we need now is what we are going to do."
Sirius was walking around with his hands in his hair. "Of course he's an Alpha and his mate is one too."
"We do as I told you. Agree to Madame Bones requests. Get your wands back. Do not separate from each other. You are moving tomorrow; I just need to work with Dan to figure out the arrangements. I assume you don't want to go back to your father," Remus said sadly looking at her.
"And what are you, Remus? The Beta?"
"And you're the Omega. We don't have time for this, Sirius," Remus said irritably.
Harry's smell changed. She thought it was... sad? "Hermione, I won't keep you from your family."
She knew instantly why Harry changed. "Oh, Harry. I am not going to leave my family. I just don't think you and my father should be around each other unless you need too."
"So you will leave him," Harry was morose.
She turned his head so that his eyes met hers. "You listen here, Harry Potter. My father is not going anywhere. I am not going anywhere either. Until we all settle into our new situations, I think this is the best course. Remus, I will go wherever Harry does."
She could see the conflict in Harry's eyes, and the relief when she told him she wasn't leaving him. She knew Harry would never force her to do anything. "Thank you," he told her and she felt a shiver pass through her. Harry didn't often just give in.
"Now, the last part, and we only have a few minutes. Sirius was asked to return by Dumbledore," Remus started.
She couldn't keep her growl down. She could feel the beast within her now wanting to boil to the surface. "I don't trust Dumbledore," she told him. Remus raised an eyebrow. "It was that man that sent Harry back to the Dursley's year after year and who put Harry there to begin with. We also have some reason to believe that Professor Snape made the potions we were given. Professor Snape would only do that under Dumbledore's command."
Remus regarded her for a few before shaking his head. "How did you figure that out?"
"Harry had a few books from Healer Tonks on antidotes last week. He came across a few that could only be made by a true Potions Master and given the focus of the potions, I would say there was only one person that would have that focus in our lives. It was Dumbledore trying to keep Harry with his relatives and suppress anything that would have brought him closer to me." She stared at the man, her anger not at him, but Remus being a good focus of it right now.
"You really are the brightest witch of your age."
Sirius laughed. "That took Remus months of research and you solved it in a week."
She gave him a fierce look and tried to step around Harry. He held her where she was though. "Sirius, this isn't a laughing matter," Harry spoke up. "Healer Tonks tested us for a few very rare, but very powerful ingredients. We both have hagsbestian silver in us. There are only a few potions that are known to use it. Hermione wasn't wrong. It takes a true Potion Master and Snape is one."
Remus let out a breath. "I didn't know you could get anything like that anymore. Merlin. You two must have some power that he had to use ones that strong."
"And we were breaking them," Hermione said. "Harry and I should not have been able to write to each other all this summer, but we were."
Sirius ran a hand through his hair again. "Sorry, pup. I know this is serious. Remus, I hate to say, but I think we need to go. There are a few things we need to do and I still need to talk with Dumbledore today."
"Harry, do you claim Sirius as part of your pack," Remus asked.
Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
"There are things that you can't know about yet, but if Sirius is part of your pack, Dumbledore can't touch him."
"Remus, old friend, what did you do?" Sirius gave Remus a questioning look.
"Not here. You are right. We need to go before Tonks gets in trouble. Remember what we said," Remus told them. "You must claim Sirius as your pack."
"Sirius already is," Harry said. "You and him are all I have left of my parents. If they loved you and saw you as friends, then why shouldn't I?"
"James was as loyal and trusting too. He would be proud of who you are becoming," Sirius said. He spread his arm. "Come here, pup." Harry moved to hug him. Hermione didn't let go of Harry's side and he wrapped them both in his embrace. "Keep each other safe and we will see each other again soon."
"Be safe, Sirius. Remus, please do what you can," Harry said pulling away.
"Of course, Harry. You two be safe and stay together. Don't let anyone separate you until we can get you to a safe place tomorrow."
"I'll make sure he stays put," Hermione said.
Sirius rubbed her head, mussing her hair. Hermione tried to push his hand away. "Get off," she told him irritably.
"Just treat our boy right," Sirius said with a grin, moving out of the way before her hand could catch his arm as she swiped at him.
"Someone's coming," Harry told them. She heard it as he said it. Four people. Two of them hitting the floor like they meant business.
Sirius morphed into a giant dog and Remus moved to the door. He opened it just a little. "Tonks is keeping them busy. I really didn't expect her so soon. Sirius," Remus snapped. Sirius, silent as night, slipped out of the room. "Stay together. It would be better if you pretend you hadn't talk to us," Remus told them before following.
Hermione looked around. She was trying to figure out if them just standing in the middle of the room was the right thing to do or not. As the door closed, she had heard Tonks telling someone 'they were indisposed'. Harry was looking at the door. Her mind caught Tonks meaning. "Harry, kiss me."
Harry shook his head and looked at her like she was mental at that moment. "What," he asked her.
"Kiss me," she said taking his face and pulling him down to her. The second his lips met hers, the same feeling of pleasant warmth came back. It took Harry a few seconds to respond. He pulled back just enough to say, "Tonks told them we were doing this, didn't she?"
She smiled. "You catch on quick, Potter."
Harry moved in and put his hands on her hips again, pulling her into him. She put her hands on his abs. They were just as tight as she thought they might be. She lost herself in his kiss. He was getting better. They walked down the hall to their door. Hermione didn't care. Part of her mind was working on what Remus had just said. Her body and her illogical side felt warm and pleasant. Again, a grown escaped her lips when he used his tongue against her lips. She did the same this time and when he pulled her in tighter, she felt something against her leg and stomach that brought a whole different warmth she hadn't quite felt before.
They knocked. Harry kept kissing her. They were teens. That was when she heard her father growl. It took a great amount of strength to pull away from him when the second knock came at the door. "I think we should let them in," Harry told her.
"I kind of like this better," she said giving him a quick peck on his lips. Harry gave her the same grin he had earlier and she wanted to snog him senseless. Now was not the time though.
"We are coming in, whether you are decent or not," Tonks said opening the door. Her father growled louder.
"Are you all right, Mr. Granger," a woman with a command in her voice said.
"Fine, Madame Bones." Her father's voice was strained. She felt guilty about doing this to her father. She still loved him dearly, but it was a good cover.
Harry and her straightened up as Tonks, her father, Healer Tonks and a woman with grey hair, a square jaw, sharp brown eyes and a monocle walked into their room. There was something about the woman that spoke of power and a very serious nature. She wore robes similar to an Auror but cut with more flare and sporting a gold stitching design on her collar and sleeves.
Harry moved and tried to shove her behind him. She didn't like being manhandled and hit his arm. "Harry," she said in a low voice. He seemed to realize what he was doing and stopped.
Her father raised an eye at them. He wasn't looking too pleased at them at the moment. She felt a flush come to her neck, and she tamped it down. Harry's arm hadn't dropped though. It was still across her midsection, ready to move her again. She understood between the look her father was giving them and the obvious power Madame Bones was projecting that felt the same urge. There was a low-level rumble coming from her throat.
"Please stop that," Harry said out loud.
She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, unsure who he was talking too. A second later, she could feel the power emanating from Madame Bones drop. She could feel Harry relax some. She did too. "My apologize, Mr. Potter. I forgot how susceptible lycanthropes can be to power projection. Amelia Bones, Head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement. I am pleased to finally meet you." She held out her hand. Harry waited a moment before reaching out his own hand.
"Harry Potter, ma'am," he told her before pulling his hand back.
"And this must be Ms. Granger," the woman said reaching a hand out for her. She had to gently push Harry's arm down to shake Madame Bones hand.
"Yes, ma'am. Hermione Granger. It is very nice to meet you."
Madame Bones nodded and took out her wand. Harry tensed again, stooping just a little, as though ready to jump and his hand was back across her, trying to push her back. She felt her hackles raise that the woman would so casually pull her wand and have it pointing in their direction. She didn't resist him this time but was not going to let him get hurt either. She felt coiled herself, ready to pounce herself. The woman regarded them for a moment, not moving.
"Madame Bones, I told you to take it slow. Harry, no one here is going to harm you or Hermione. Madame Bones just wants a conversation. I think she was going to conjure some more chairs," Healer Tonks told him.
"Indeed, Healer Tonks," Madame Bones said cautiously. "Mr. Potter, I am going to conjure a few chairs. I do not wish any harm to you or your mate, Ms. Granger."
Harry calmed before nodding. He reached for the two chairs that already were in the room. He made sure she was sitting before sitting himself. She felt slightly trapped to see four adults in a rough semi-circle around them. She sought Harry's hand and could feel his own apprehension. She could hear his heartbeat elevated and this smell that emanated unease. Her father's smell didn't' help either. It was sad.
"Harry, we aren't here for anything bad," Healer Tonks said again. She was trying to be soothing.
"Yes. I was rather hoping we could have a talk about something that I hope will be good news," Madame Bones spoke up.
"You will want to hear this, Hermione. Harry, you too," Mr. Granger told them.
Harry squeezed her hand. She had not expected to have this reaction. She wasn't sure how much was her or was from Harry. "We will listen," she told them.
"Thank you, Ms. Granger. Now, the Wizengamot voted earlier today on a bill that will help those infected with lycanthropy. It will allow you to attend Hogwarts and your father to work," she said as though delivering good news.
"We don't want to go back to Hogwarts," Harry told her. She squeezed his hand. They were supposed to be cooperating.
Madame Bones blinked. "Why would you not want to go back," she asked.
"Hermione and I have already sent out applications to Illvamorny for a late start November first and submitted a transfer of records to Hogwarts. We plan to leave October first"
Madame Bones frowned. "I am sad to tell you, but you cannot leave Britain right now," she told him. "And I doubt you will before October the first."
"Then we have a problem," he told her. Hermione was wracking her brain at the game he was playing. This was not like him. Then again, Harry had been Harry and not Harry since that night.
"I agree with Harry. This is a problem. Free movement unless we have been accused and stopped by a court is our right," her father said looking at Madame Bones.
Hermione could tell this was not going the way the woman thought it would. "There is no problem. The Wizengamot voted that all those with lycanthropy cannot leave without permission from the Werewolf Travel Commission."
She suddenly got where Harry was going with this. "Madame Bones, we submitted for a temporary asylum with the MACUSA so that we could move rapidly and attend Ilvamorny in November. We expect to have an answer next week. If they grant it, we will fall under the conventions of the ICW Asylum laws until we are on United States soil. That could mean the Ministry is at odds with the ICW."
The woman took in a deep breath. Hermione had not linked that with the rapidity of everything in the last hour and the fact her head was still partially on the kiss with Harry. She made a mental note not to snog Harry like that again before they have to do something important. Good thing Remus had been busy and had made them all file those forms two days ago. Otherwise, it could take six months or more to get the proper approvals to move and go to school. If they still claimed British citizenship, then it would be easy to attend, but they had to break away. Madame Bones regarded them. "That might be a problem, but until that happens, you are still British citizens. If they choose not to grant the Asylum, then you will be hear until the commission agrees to let you go."
"What are you proposing and what is the new law," Harry asked her. He had given them a powerful card she had not reasoned out. Now that her mind was focusing on this she wouldn't miss something like that again.
Madame Bones reached into her robes and took out a few parchments. "The Werewolf Reform and Integration Law passed a few hours ago. It does not negate the Anti-Werewolf Laws of last year, but it does allow you to get around them. If you are willing to submit to a Registry that documents you, your wand and where you call your primary residence, then I can offer you a way to attend Hogwarts."
She felt a chill go through her. "I don't trust putting my name on a magical Registry or for my wand to be so easily identifiable," she told Madam Bones.
"I can understand that, Ms. Granger," Bones said giving her a look as though she was trying to decide what to think of her. "I can assure you that there are clauses in the Law that will prevent anyone from copying your information or from accessing it without proper permissions. It will not be made public."
"And who assigns the permissions," she asked.
Madame Bones eyes narrowed slightly. "How old are you, Ms. Granger?"
"Almost fifteen," she told the woman. "Who assigns the permissions?"
"The Head of the DMLE."
"And what prevents it when a new Head is elected by the Wizengamot from changing those permissions or making the registry public?" Hermione was not going to let this go. Now that she was thinking more clearly, she was wondering why this woman would come to see them in person. Her suspicions were up.
"Hermione, I don't think that will be an issue," her father said.
She turned to him. "Dad, the Ministry does not work the same way it does in the Muggle world. There is no check or balance on what the current Minister or certain Heads decide to do. The Head of the DMLE has as much, if not more power, than the Minister. They have done things like this in the past and then turned around and used it to hunt or control creatures that they deemed dangerous. Ask Madame Bones what happened in 1865 when the Ministry tried to declare a hunt on Vampires. The ICW came in and the Minister was sent to Numengard and there was almost a war between us and most of Europe. So you will excuse me if I don't trust this."
"Binns never talked about that," Harry told her.
"It was in our textbook and talked about in Hogwarts: A History because the ICW had to set up a blockade in Hogsmeade when two of the Governors that voted and fought to keep the law sought Asylum in its walls. Are you prepared for that again, Madame Bones? Or will it more likely be your replacement at some point? I already know that the ICW is not happy with the Anti-werewolf Laws from last year, but the Prophet won't report on that, will it?"
Madame Bones was giving her a shrewd look. "No, we are not looking for conflict with the ICW, but you have brought up the possibility twice already. You seem to understand more about our laws than most of my Aurors, Ms. Granger."
"Hermione reads, a lot. I have been reading some of the same law books. This Registry is illegal to the ICW Creatures of Intelligence Rights that they are trying to pass and will vote on in December. What happens if this is found illegal, but the Ministry has already changed its purpose? Will the Registry be destroyed? Will a copy be kept?"
All the adults were looking at them as though this was the first time they had heard anything like this.
Madame Bones pursed her lips. "I will work with the Department of Mysteries to setup firm requirements that cannot be changed without a new Registry being made and to ensure that if the ICW proposal passes that the Registry is destroyed. Do you two see any other issues with this?"
"It depends on what the rest of the law says," Harry told her.
"Be polite," she admonished, even though she knew she was being just as guilty.
"Is it true what they are saying, Madame Bones," her father asked. She knew he was used to the Muggle world, where law and order had far more importance in society. There was an expectation between Muggles and their governments that did not exist in the wizarding world.
"I cannot refute any of it," she said cryptically. "Can I get onto the rest of this? I have some questions I would like to ask and still have much to do today to get this in place as soon as possible."
"You are telling me that the Ministry of Magic has pulled a trick like this in the past and people were killed before some international group came in and stopped it? That sounds an awful lot like fascism, and I do not want to be part a government like that," he told her firmly. She felt a pride in him.
"If you don't, Mr. Granger, then you will not leave this country any time soon. How long can you and your family survive without you working or your daughter not attending school? If she does not get her OWLs by end of next year, then her wand will be snapped and she will never legally be allowed to own or use one again," Madame Bones said tersely.
"Dan, please let her speak. I know this is not what you are used too, but we can talk of this later," Healer Tonks tried to sooth.
Tonks had been quiet the whole time, but she didn't look happy with the conversation. "What else is there," Harry asked. He sounded cold and angry.
"Yes," Madame Bones started. "If you agree to sign the Registry, then you can obtain work and learning permits that allow you to go anywhere. It will not restrict jobs, education or movement in Britain."
"And what do we need to do?" Hermione was looking at her and was getting a feeling of what was coming.
"There is a Werewolf Reform Commission, the WRC, being formed in the DMLE. Everyone that Registers and wishes to integrate will be assigned a Representative. They will ensure you are following certain rules. You will need to take wolfsbane potion every full moon and be in a place where you will not be a danger to others. It will have to be verifiable you followed these actions. Within five days of the full moon, evidence of this must be submitted to your Representative."
"You will not be allowed to work or study in the Muggle world. The Wizengamot thinks there is too much danger with that," Madame Bones said in a serious tone.
"That is it? It seems too simple," Hermione stated.
"Those are the rules. There will be guidelines too, but they will not be required."
"What type of guidelines," Harry asked next.
"It is not recommended for you to be with anyone that does not want to be with a lycanthrope. It is not recommended for you to work in any job that might aggravate the beast, like butchers, dining areas or establishments, stressful places such as an Auror or other similar position. There is a list I can leave with you." She put a parchment on the table near Harry.
"What happens if we don't follow the guidelines?"
"It depends. If someone is hurt, you will go against the Wizengamot for assault. That is typically a fine, but it can be time in the DMLE cells or Azkaban. If you kill someone, then you will be considered for the Veil. If you attack anyone during the full moon then you will face at least Azkaban, maybe the Veil. Your pack will also be looking at facing the Wizengamot."
"And what if it was in self-defense of an actual or perceived danger?"
Madame Bones looked at Harry. "There is no provision for that."
Instantly getting Harry's meaning behind the question, Hermione spoke in her rapid know-it-all tone. "There is under the ICW. Britain signed the Conventions of Intelligent Rights in 1834. That allows for any wizard, witch and creature of intelligence or near intelligence to have a right of defense in situations where they are engendered or perceive danger. Are you telling me that the Ministry is breaking the treaty? I doubt the Goblins would like that," she told the woman, obviously unsatisfied with the Wizengamot or the DMLE.
Madame Bones actually paled some. Apparently the Wizengamot did not believe in past treaties or abiding by their magically binding contracts. That particular convention was signed after the Goblins in eight countries threatened to rebel and shut down Gringotts and two other Goblin banks after three of their members were executed in Germany for killing a group of wizards that had stormed their den thinking it was a dragon's nest. Professor Binns had been good for something.
"I will take that under advisement as we come out with the official rules and guidelines and their punishments. If this touches on the Conventions of Intelligent Rights, then it will need to be postponed and vetted with the Goblins and the ICW if the Wizengamot does not approve a change."
"Madame Bones," Harry asked.
"Yes, Mr. Potter," the woman said, obviously shaken some at this conversation. "Why are you here? I don't think this is a typical thing for the Head of the DMLE to come and talk to two teens about a law that is obviously very flawed."
"No, Mr. Potter, this is not," Healer Tonks said. She sounded and smelled angry. "Amelia, I agreed to this because you said you can help them. So far, you have only upset them and basically told them they just need to lay down and die if something happens to them, because if they don't, they will anyways. If that is all you have to say, I want you out of my Ward right now. Then you will find a way to get approval for them to leave this country before October first."
For the first time, Hermione felt the woman lose some control over herself and project a power that was at least equal to the Head of the DMLE's earlier. Tonks stiffened and her wand jumped to her hand as she stood and pushed her chair back at her mother's reaction. She looked torn for a second as to what way to go before she stepped towards them, placing herself between the witches and them.
Madame Bones looked thunderous for a second before she schooled herself. "I am trying to help them, Andromeda Tonks. I have been trying to protect them since Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger were attacked in July. Why do you think they have had a Auror guard on them when I can barely afford it for the time I have."
It was obvious how upset the woman was getting. "This was the best deal that could get through the Wizengamot and after talking with these two that are more astute than some of the top Barristers I had looking at this in the last three days, if it is not changed now, then I have every right to believe the ICW will be marching into the Ministry by the end of the week. We are already under warning from the ICW for the Anti-Werewolf Laws and Albus Dumbledore is the only reason they have not tried to depose Fudge and half the Wizengamot already."
"Right now, if they were to take this and last year's law to the ICW, then it would be overturned, but that would be two years or more away if Aurors didn't show up right away. In that time, their wands would be snapped and they would be put on a banished list, never being able to practice magic again."
"Your daughter told me of Mr. Potter's request and I would like very much not to snap his or Ms. Granger's wand either. Not with a mind like that. You said you were only fifteen?"
"In thirteen days," Hermione told her.
"Not even fifteen and she was able to tell me more than people five times her age. When I go back, there is going to be a major review of our treaties with the ICW and these laws. Some of them I think can change without the Wizengamot approval. I don't think that even the Purebloods would like the ICW stepping into this. They are not as lenient and stay out of things unless there is a chance for a major breach of the International Statute of Secrecy or breaches of Treaties. I would say this could threaten both and with an ICW Auror squad here, there are eyes that will be looking at this that wouldn't normally. Ms. Granger, how did you get all this information?"
Harry squeezed her hand. "Most of it is just being logical. Some of this was when I was trying to help Hagrid save Buckbeak last year and Auror Tonks has helped us get copies of many laws from the Ministry and ICW when I was trying to help my father, and now us. Some of it was stuff Professor Binns taught us."
"Guess I need to stay awake in class," Harry said next to her. She squeezed his hand back.
"May I borrow any notes you have on this and a list of laws you reviewed?"
"Of course, Madame Bones." She looked at Harry, unsure where this was going. "You still have not answered why you are here?"
Madame Bones looked at them. "I will not try to bullock you. I know the Registry will not be public, but as you know both your conditions have gotten out to the press."
"Yes," she snarled. "Ms. Skeeter had some colorful things to say."
Madame Bones snorted. "I see you have the same opinion I do, but the fact is, it is out there. As such, I would like to ask for your support in refining and selling this law. I do not want lycanthropes to live in the shadows anymore if they don't want. It causes too much trouble."
"And you think putting us on the cover of the Daily Prophet will do this? I will not support the current law or the one you obviously still have in your hand," Harry told her.
Hermione understood but had to stifle her grown anyways. This was the opposite of what they were supposed to be doing. "Madame Bones, may I have a few minutes to talk to Harry?"
"Yes, but no more than a few minutes. I need to get back and get these changes done within the next thirty-one hours. This part of the law is active as of midnight tomorrow, so I only have until then to complete the review and do changes before it would need to go back to the Wizengamot."
"Right. I'll just cast some privacy charms then, if you are good with that, Boss?"
"Of course, Auror Tonks."
"Harry and Hermione, can Dan and I join you?"
"Yes, please," Harry answered Healer Tonks.
In a moment they were sitting by themselves. Auror Tonks was on the other side of a shimmery barrier talking with Madame Bones. "How is it that my daughter has been living in a world that is run more like a fascist regime than a government? I had assumed the Ministry was more like our Parliament."
"We have been trying to explain this to you, Mr. Granger. I thought Remus had done a good job," Healer Tonks said.
"Not with the history lesson of the fact of how things interrelate or the fact that they can tell me if I can go or not just based on my classification. That is illegal on so many fronts," her father said angrily.
"Not in the magical world, Mr. Granger. The Ministry can do just about anything it wants. Healer Tonks, I don't want to do this. My name is already too popular," Harry said putting his head in his hands. She put a hand on his shoulder.
"We will never be able to just be who we are. They put our pictures on the front of the paper and they will use it for anything, and everything related to werewolves. It will give the Ministry all they need to hold us up as the Poster Children of the Law or the scapegoat when something goes wrong. I don't think Remus knew about this when he said agree with her," Hermione said to the adults before turning to Harry.
Harry shook his head. "No, I don't think he knew about this."
"When was Remus here," Healer Tonks asked.
Hermione couldn't keep the guilty look off her face. She wasn't supposed to say that either. Apparently kissing Harry did more to her than she thought.
Harry sighed. "Just before you came. He had just found out about this law and wanted to warn us."
"Someone else was here too," Mr. Granger said. "I can smell it."
"A friend," Harry said setting his shoulders.
Mr. Granger narrowed his eyes. "A friend who smells dangerous. If you are endangering Hermione, we are going to have words, Harry."
Harry growled at him and she had to put herself between them. "Stop. This is the last thing we need right now. Dad, trust me. It was a friend who would protect us. We trust him."
"Who was here? Only Remus, my daughter and I should be allowed in here right now," Healer Tonks asked.
"A friend. We can't say anything else. We need to answer Madame Bones. I don't want to do this," Harry told her.
She looked at him. She was trying to work out a scenario where it would be in their best interest to. She could only think of one thing. "You said the Prophet was already reporting that Harry was bitten?"
"Yes. They have already published yours and Harry's name. I am just trying to figure out how they got some of the information they did," Healer Tonks told them.
"I am still very upset about that," her father said.
"Why didn't we know? I have been asking for a daily copy of the Prophet for over a week now," Hermione said aggravated. "I would have liked to know."
"I stopped it because you two are already irritable enough," Healer Tonks said. "I'm glad I did. You realize you two have been through more than two dozen books on potions and laws in the last seven days? How would this have gone if you two weren't so well read. I have rarely seen anyone spin around Amelia Bones like that."
She grumbled an acknowledgement at her. "Harry, I think we should agree."
Harry shot his head up at her and she felt a pull for her to change her mind. "I don't."
"I know you don't, but listen. Our names are already out there. This will get us into Hogwarts until we can transfer, and once we do, it will be headlines as to why we left and it would give a platform to push for changes or just make the Ministry miserable as they deal with the aftermath," she told him.
"Hermione, your mother has done a brilliant job teaching you how to think for yourself," her father said with some pride.
"You taught me too dad," she said contritely.
Harry sighed. "Fine, Hermione. If you think this will work."