Of Veela and Wolves v2 - Chapter 3

Harry stood in the courtroom dressed in a set of custom dress robes. He didn't know how to feel about it. The 'robes' were more like a dress with a different fit. He had tried his best to alter the design into something that he didn't feel embarrassed to wear. His robes were more akin to a cloak over a suit. It was amazing what he could do now that he had access to his vault.

Dumbledore had used his vast influence to finally get Sirius a trial. The entire thing didn't take half as long as it took to be fitted for his dress robes. Sirius barely had to walk into the courtroom before the Mot were tripping over themselves to get into his good graces. The perks of being a Pureblood Lord worked in their favor for once.

It took about thirty minutes to get a standing warrant for the capture of Peter Pettigrew. This also led to some Werewolf Legislation being passed without anyone really looking at it. Remus was shortly moved to a minimum-security preserve that had been created to exclusively hold werewolves. The fact that there were about a hundred acres of land that had plenty of game animals was lost on them. They also didn't notice that the wards that kept any werewolves inside the preserve also protected them from outside interference. In essence, Sirius had created a haven for werewolves. The actual criminals were held in cells on the preserve that had even stronger wards. What was pitched as a prison complex was actually a small starter village. Werewolves with minor infractions were transferred to the preserve and given the option of staying. Soon enough, The Black Wolf Facility had the biggest population of werewolves in Europe.

There were old laws that severely restricted what type of office werewolves could hold. Even as the last surviving member of an Ancient and Noble House was effected. The news of the attack at Hogwarts was public knowledge these days, but who had been infected had not been released. With the rapid recall of Pureblood students, it was whispered that perhaps an heir to a noble house had been the victim. Faced with the chance that their bloodlines could potentially be usurped; the Mot adjusted the laws. The Purebloods, regardless of the faction they claimed, were in shock. As long as the Lord, or Lady, infected proved to be of sound mind, they held their position and privileges.

Harry stood beside Sirius. The wizard looked much healthier now. Madam Pomfrey had him on a strict schedule of potions and the fresh air had done wonders. The fact that there was a couple dozen werewolf ladies who thought he was rather dashing in human and Padfoot form may have played a part as well.

Remus still couldn't look him in the eyes.

"Come on, Moony," Harry sighed. "I said I forgive you. We know someone sabotaged the potion. It wasn't your fault. If anyone is to blame, it's Pettigrew. And if you're worried about after you transformed, I would blame Hermione."

"How can you say that?" Remus finally looked at him.

"We studied werewolves," Harry rolled his eyes. "She should know that it would be dangerous to approach you. Even if you had taken Wolfsbane, the first few minutes after the shift are confusing. She should have stayed away until it was clear you were in control. I saved her from her own foolishness." He paused. "Don't tell her I said that. She's scary with a wand."

Remus let out a loud laugh that startled a few others nearby. Sirius and Harry joined him a moment later.

"I really am sorry, Harry," Remus had tears in his eyes. "I swore I'd never pass this curse to another. Instead, I attacked one of the people I love."

"This isn't a curse," Harry chuckled. "I don't need my glasses anymore, I'm stronger and faster than I ever was, and I don't look like I'm ten years old now."

Remus stared at him for a moment, incredulity clear on his face. Conversation stopped as a group of ladies passed by. Even Sirius caught the subtle scent when the wind shifted. Remus swallowed loudly.

"Go on, you old mutt," Harry bumped Remus with his shoulder. "Let yourself be happy for once."

Remus didn't have enough willpower to focus on Harry and the ladies nearby. Instincts won out in the end. Harry chuckled as the two Marauders headed over to the group of women.

He wasn't sure why, but Harry didn't feel the same pull as they did. There were a couple of ladies among the group that caught his eye. It just didn't feel right. He hadn't spent a full moon among them yet. Truthfully, he wasn't sure if he ever would.

It wasn't the same as using his fame to get a girl. They were as different as a human was to a chimp. Not in a bad way, if that was possible. He was separate from them. They could somewhat keep their minds with the use of Wolfsbane. Without it, they were basically beasts. On the opposite side of things, he was still himself regardless of his form.

Harry wasn't sure what that meant for him in the long run.

§

He stayed at Hogwarts on the nights of the full moon. He told Remus and the others that if he was going to be in the Shrieking Shack every full moon, he wanted to make it feel like home. They weren't happy, but they bought the excuse. In truth, he didn't want to be around Remus and the other werewolves through the full moon. From what he recalled, they were barely more than animals. He didn't need another reminder that he was different from him.

He hadn't told anyone that he was still himself when he shifted. Not even Hermione. His little slip with Hagrid about his memory was quickly forgotten in the rush of activity. He kept it a secret for selfish reasons. If they knew that he was still capable of complex thoughts, they would probably come up with better ways to keep him trapped. He told them his writing on the walls came from the times before his shifted, or on the first and third night of the cycle when he didn't transform at all. So far, they didn't have a reason to check the locks on the doors, or if the trap door to the tunnel fit perfectly.

Another thing he had kept secret was his control. Not just of his urges, but of the transformation. He could switch between his human and wolf form at will. During the full moon there was a desperate need, but even then, it was a choice. The urge eased once he changed to his wolf form, and he could swap back to human after about an hour. He had decided not to explore Hogsmeade those nights. Rumors of a naked wizards wondering the streets on the full moon were sure to spread fast.

§

"Harry!" Hermione yelled as she rushed over to him.

She wrapped him in a tight hug before she stepped back. Ron and Ginny were there a step behind her. He was surprised to see Ginny, she hadn't talked to him much, if at all, last year. She gave him a nervous smile and a quick hug.

"The summer was good to you," Ron hit him on the shoulder. He leaned in close and dropped his voice to a whisper. "Is it because of the?" He mimed biting.

"Some," Harry chuckled. "Three full meals a day and exercise helped too."

He walked with his friends into the Great Hall and took a seat. It was like a wall of noise washed over him once the door was open. He had plenty of time to adjust to his new senses over the summer. His enhanced senses caught a few underlying scents of fear around him. There were some from Gryffindor, but the strongest came from the Slytherin table. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

Oddly enough, Katie and Lavender sat on either side of him. He wasn't sure he had ever seen the two of them together in the last three years. The fact that they were practically drenched in pheromones made him blush. Hermione and Ron have to sit across the table from him.

"Monster fuckers," Someone in Hufflepuff whispered.

A round of laughing followed the comment. There was too much noise for Harry to pinpoint it, but he would remember the voice. He was pulled from his thoughts as Dumbledore started his speech.

The Tri-Wizard Tournament. That was why the professors and extra staff had been around. His attention shifted to Hagrid who had a wide grin on his face. Harry took that to mean they had brought some seriously dangerous creatures for the tournament. He snorted a small laugh. Technically, he was a seriously dangerous creature now.

"And this year the Defense of the Dark Arts will be taught by Alastor Moody," Dumbledore announced.

A wizard covered in scar with a wooden leg and false eye stalked into the Great Hall. Harry cocked his head to the side as the man walked by. He didn't smell right.

Over the summer had had come to learn that everyone had their own scent. Under the soap, clothing, and the remains of the day there was something unique. This new professor was a jumble of scent. The only thing that made sense was if he had extended physical contact with another person. Not something as simple as being next to someone on a train. It had to be skin to skin. Even married couples didn't have such a strong crossover in scent. There was a lingering familiar smell about the wizard as well. Harry couldn't place it, but he knew it from somewhere.

"That's Mad-Eye Moody," Ron whispered with a hint of reverence.

"Ron," Hermione chided. "Don't talk like that."

"It's what they call him," Ginny spoke up. "He put away more Death Eaters than anyone in the last war."

Hermione didn't look convinced but didn't say anything more.

"What's wrong?" She studied Harry for a moment.

"I don't know," Harry shrugged.

Hermione waited for an answer. He didn't have one.

"So," Katie leaned over and whispered in his ear. "What does your wolf look like?"

"I bet you have black fur," Lavender spoke up.

"It's obvious he has black fur," Ron rolled his eyes. "He's got black hair."

"What does it feel like?" Katie ignored the interruption. "You know, when you change?"

"You don't have to answer that," Hermione glared at the older girl.

"It's fine," Harry soothed his friend. "I'd rather answer some questions than have people scared of me." He turned his attention to Katie. "You know that feeling when a muscle is about to cramp? That build-up before it hits. It feels like that all over your body. Then, it's like your skin is too tight. Your bones start to grow and shift. That is the worst part. By then, all your senses are in overdrive so you can hear it."

Katie shuddered.

"That sounds horrible," Ginny whispered.

"The first one was the worst," Harry shrugged. "After that it wasn't so bad."

"Yeah," Ron winced. "Sounds like a walk in the park."

"Do you turn into a wild beast?" Lavender asked with hooded eyes.

Harry could hear her heart beating fast. He could feel the heat coming off of her. Her scent made his mouth water. Female werewolves didn't get a rise out of him, but it looked like humans did well enough.

He gave her a roguish smile, leaning in, "Would you like to find out?"

Her pupils went wide as her pulse sped up. The strength of that mouthwatering scent increased. It took an incredible amount of willpower to stay sitting. She swallowed, bringing his attention to her neck. He could see her pulse.

"Really, Harry?" Hermione grumbled. "We're in the Great Hall."

Lavender blushed deeply. She shifted away to face Parvati, who was waiting with a knowing look. Harry looked at Hermione with a teasing glare.

"You're no fun," Harry chuckled.

Dinner wound down and the students were sent to their dorms. Harry split from the Gryffindors at the bottom of the stairs.

"Harry," Hermione called. "What are you doing?"

He mentioned toward a door that led outside, "I like to sleep out of doors."

"Oh," She sighed. "Be careful out there."

Harry smiled, "I'm always careful."

"That's what I'm worried about," Hermione muttered as she turned toward the stairs.

§

Harry woke with the sunrise. He either slept in Hagrid's Hut or under the stars. His morning routine was a quick run around the lake that ended with a swim. The giant squid, Peanut, liked to play a quick game of tag in the morning. The merfolk would grudgingly greet him with earned respect. They had started a fight with him early in the summer. Thankfully, it didn't end in any deaths, but Harry proved himself a worthy foe.

After the swim he would do a quick spell to dry off. He would bask in the sun if her had the time. That wasn't an option anymore now that school was back in session. He was ready and waiting at the stairs for his friends to arrive.

"Good morning," Hermione smiled at him. "How did you sleep?"

Ron grunted and waved. He had never been a morning person.

"Morning," Harry replied, he waved at Ron as well. "I slept great. How about you?"

Harry smirked at Lavender and Parvati as he saw them. Lavender blushed brightly. Parvati teased her under her breath. Harry focused on the ambient sound rather than eavesdropping. His gaze drifted higher along the staircase to see Katie. She got her own special smile. Her reaction was subtler to others, but completely obvious to him. A scent of arousal spiked as their eyes met.

He winked at her. That was an interesting reaction.

"Were you listening to me?" Hermione asked.

Harry shook his head, "No."

"Honestly," Hermione grumbled. "I was asking what electives you took this year."

The sound of the castle waking up helped him adjust to the growing sensations. Lavender sat a couple of people this morning down on the bench instead of right beside him. Katie slid into the spot across from him. Her cheeks flushed as she did.

"Good morning, Katie," Harry all-but growled.

She shivered, "Good morning, Harry. Are you excited about the tournament?"

"I'm looking forward to being in the audience this year," Harry chuckled. "It will be nice not to be the one risking their life."

Katie smiled, "You do get in trouble every year."

"Trouble finds me," Harry said in mock-offense. "I am perfectly responsible and careful."

"Pull the other one," Katie rolled her eyes.

Conversation stopped abruptly as McGonagall arrived with the timetables. Harry nodded a thank you as she passed. Her eyes narrowed just a little. He had been regularly beating her to the sunspot for the last week. Harry decided to let her have it for a while. She needed some place to relax.

"What classes do you have today?" Katie asked.

Harry looked over his timetable, "Transfiguration, Herbology, lunch, then double DADA."

"Nice," Katie nodded. "I don't have DADA until tomorrow."

"The twins have it first," Ron muttered. "We'll have to sit through lunch hearing about it."

"Hermione, did anyone slip Ron a potion?" Harry chuckled. "Ron is actually excited for class."

"That's not something to joke about," Hermione chided. "Poisoning someone with a potion is not funny."

Harry nodded.

"I can get excited about classes," Ron spoke up. "I was excited for Divination."

Harry shrugged, "Did you keep it this year?"

"Of course!" Ron said in honest shock. "It's an easy O. You're taking it too, right?"

Harry shook his head, "I can't. The incense and everything it too much for me now."

Ron looked like he was about to argue. He paused, swallowed the food in his mouth, and said, "That makes sense. Can I still predict your death?"

"Ron!" Hermione gasped.

"I can't believe you would ask that," Harry's jaw dropped. "Why would you think I would say no? I want to help." He thought for a moment, then held up a fork. "I'm a werewolf now. I sneeze and impale myself on silverware."

Ron clapped, "That's my man. I'll remember that one."

"You two," Hermione shook her head. "At least you're doing your homework."

The bell sounded through the halls.

"Time for transfiguration," Hermione announced.

"Do you think a fork or a knife would be better?" Ron asked as they walked down the hall.

"A spoon," Harry offered. "It's just strange enough to work."

Ron looked at Harry in awe, "A spoon. You're a genius."

McGonagall was her usual professional self when they reached the classroom. She didn't seem to hold a grudge for stealing the sunspot. They shared the class with Ravenclaw for these morning classes. Thankfully, DADA was with Hufflepuff. They didn't have any classes with Slytherin until tomorrow for Potions and Charms.

"Sit down, sit down," McGonagall said. "I'm not happy about the Quidditch season being cancelled either." She was just as much of a Quidditch maniac as any of them. "Today, we will start with a refresh to check how much you retained over the summer." A box of needles and a pin-cushion appeared on their desks. "We'll be transfiguring the needles and pin-cushion into a hedgehog. This is a step up from the from the previous assignments as you are combining the two items to create a single creature."

They went through the process of learning the new wand movement and incantation. Harry felt a connection to the spell almost instantly. The transfiguration was flowed easier than any previous attempts. Harry hadn't had trouble with the subject, but this was on a different level.

"Mister Potter," McGonagall came to a stop beside him. "A word."

Harry nodded.

"You're finding the spell easier than usual, yes?" McGonagall stated.

He nodded.

"Animagus, Metamorphmagus, werewolves, and other sort have an innate connection with transfiguration," She explained. "Don't take this sudden talent for granted. I will expect more from you from this day forward."

Harry nodded once more. He continued to work on the spell to find the transformation easier with each attempt. Soon, he had started changing the colors of the quills, altering their size, and even shaping them into a little tuxedo complete with a top hat.

He was so focused on the task at hand that the class slipped by without noticing. The bell broke him from his focus. He looked around to see that he had gained a few onlookers. The urge to make the transfigured hedgehog dance was incredibly strong in that moment.

Herbology was next. It was cut short once he stepped inside the greenhouse. The heat, people, and vegetation smacked him in the face. Harry jumped out of the greenhouse fast enough to blow the whip the robes of those behind him flap wildly.

"Mister Potter?" Professor Sprout approached him. "Is there a reason you fled my class?"

Harry tried to smile, but the smell was stuck in his nose, "The smell."

Sprout nodded, "I was worried about that. I'll see if we can't come up with a mask to help. You are excused for the day."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry gave her a quick hug before fleeing from the area.

The sound of Sprout chuckle followed in his wake.

§

Harry studied Professor Moody as the old man stalked back and forth in front of the class. The feeling of wrongness about the wizard was stronger than ever. Without the interference from the noise and smells from the Great Hall the signs were even stronger. There was no possible way the scent of two people could be that mingled. Even the students he found leaving broom closets didn't have the same saturation. On top of that, every breath Moody let out was laced with that familiar smell he couldn't place. It wasn't until the man popped the seal on his flask that the memory clicked.

"Polyjuice," Harry yelled as he snapped to his feet.

Everyone else in the room stared at Harry like he was crazy. On the other hand, The wizard that looked like Mad-Eye Moody had his wand trained center-mass with a spell already alight.

"Sit down, mongrel, or I will put you down," Moody snarled.

"Harry," Hermione spoke softly and slowly beside him. "What are you doing? Sit down."

"His flask is full of Polyjuice Potion," Harry didn't take his eyes off the wizard.

Hermione started to ask something. Her words were drowned out by the imposters' yell.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!" The fake Moody bellowed.

Harry grabbed the edge of the table and upended it. The spell cracked the thick wood as it made impact. Harry shifted into his wolf form and launched himself through the table. He was vaguely aware of his clothes being torn to shreds. It didn't matter in the moment.

The imposter swept his wand aside, removing the threat of a sheets of pencil-thick shards of wood. With one hazard out of the way, he turned his attention back to the abomination that had disrespected the Great Lord Voldemort. He reveled in their screams. They would see how this impudent child was nothing compared to the might of a single Death Eater. Instead of a young wizard, the imposter found himself face-to-face with a seven-foot-tall monster.

A swipe of claw removed the hand holding the wand. Another backhanded the wizard which sent him spinning through the air. The false eye popped from his head as he crashed against the wall. Thankfully, someone hit him with a stunner and the world faded to darkness.

"Harry?" Hermione tried, and failed, to keep her voice from shaking.

He turned to look at her. She flinched as the familiar green eyes met hers. Every single instinct in her body was shouting for her to run. This didn't make sense. Werewolves could only change on the Full Moon.

Blood dripped from one of the clawed hands. The wolf shuffled his feet for a moment. She watched in fascination as its form smoothly returned to her best friend. Her VERY naked best friend.

"HARRY!" She yelped as she scrambled to get her robe off. "Cover yourself."

"Thank you," Harry blushed as he turned around to put on the robe.

It only served to flash his nude rear at the class. Hermione had never seen him as anything more than a brother. She was pretty sure the same went for him. Under no circumstances would she admit to taking a peek at his tight bum.

"Can someone get Professor Dumbledore?" Harry spoke up.

§

Harry, Sirius, and Dumbledore sat in the Headmasters Office. The fact that Sirius had been called in was alarming enough already. He had expected it as is transformation had already spread to the entire school, which meant that plenty of students had already told their parents. The large stack of letters, and constant stream of owls into the office made it clear that the people were not happy.

He half expected to be expelled. For once, Harry couldn't blame them.

"Well, Harry," Dumbledore sighed as he sat in his large chair. "Thanks to you a Death Eater thought to be dead has been captured. We were also able to rescue the real Alastor Moody who is currently recovering at St. Mungo's. Unfortunately, the reason I brought him on was due to his vast experience with defensive magic."

"I have a bad feeling about this," The hair on the back of Harry's neck bristled.

"Quite astute," Dumbledore rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I had placed him in charge of the protections for the Goblet of Fire, which is the process we were going to choose the champions to compete for the tournament."

"Can't you use something else?" Sirius asked.

"If there wasn't a name already entered, yes," Dumbledore met his gaze.

"And he entered my name," Harry groaned.

Dumbledore inclined his head.

Harry's eyes flashed with hope. "I'm a werewolf. That should mean I'm not eligible to compete. Right?"

"The Goblet is older than the Ministry," Dumbledore shook his head. "You were placed as the sole student, thus the only choice, as a champion for a fourth school. You would still be chosen even if we were to change the selection process which is a magically bound contract."

"There has to be easier ways to kill me," Harry sat back in his chair. "It would just be faster to hit me with killing curse as Moody, drop the disguise, and run."

"Don't give them ideas, pup," Sirius said as he shook his head.

"Tom was planning a ritual at the end of the year to regain a body," Dumbledore explained. "The Tournament was a part of it, to place you as a true enemy."

"Did you catch him?" Sirius asked before Dumbledore could say anymore.

"No," Dumbledore shook his head. "The location Crouch gave us showed signs of recent use, but it had vacated prior to the start of the school year."

Harry could hear Sirius' heartrate increase. Dumbledore, on the other hand, remained steady.

"Crouch was tasked with setting a port key to transport Harry for the final part of the ritual," Dumbledore pressed on before Sirius could say more. "Tom needed the bones of his father, the flesh of a servant, and the blood of his enemy. We were able to locate his father's grave and the remains have been destroyed. They were also replaced with a wooden skeleton that has been transfigured to appear as bone. The Ministry could not argue with the word of a Death Eater who was supposed to be dead. Crouch Senior was charged and incarcerated as well once question. While he didn't know anything about Tom's plans, he did admit to aiding his son in escaping. He also confessed to years of holding his son under the Imperious Curse."

Sirius shuddered.

"I'm going to have to enter the tournament," Harry stated with a sigh. "Fine. What else?"

"When did you discover you could transform at will?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"By the second full moon," Harry replied. "It's not just that. I am in full control even in my wolf form."

The two older wizards gave him a skeptical look.

"I got bored and started writing on the wall with my claws," Harry crossed his arms.

"Harry," Dumbledore tried to sound comforting, but it just came off as condescending. "You aren't the first werewolf to think they are in control-"

Harry held his right hand. His fingers shifted into claws and then back. That caused both of the men to stare at him for a long, silent moment.

"Impressive," Dumbledore said in a hushed voice.

"I would change completely, but I don't want to destroy another set of my clothes," Harry shrugged.

"Only you, pup," Sirius chuckled.

"The rules of the tournament are that the champions are not to have any help from the staff from their school," Dumbledore didn't want to discuss the werewolf issue anymore. "It is a stipulation that the games committee came up with over the years to avoid cheating. The Goblet does not recognize this as an actual rule. As such, we will provide you with training leading up to, and during, the tournament. We can't provide you with details of the tasks ahead of time, but we can make sure you're up to speed with your competitors who are in sixth and seventh year."

"I'll be here for you, pup," Sirius gave him an intense look. "Every step of the way."

"We have tutors arranged," Dumbledore smiled at the two. "You will have a personalized schedule this year to make sure you're as prepared as possible."

Harry held his head in his hands. When he had first heard of the tournament, and the age restrictions, he had foolishly thought that he'd have a normal year. How was he supposed to take part in this dangerous event when he couldn't even enter? For a precious couple of days, he had imagined cheering on the Hogwarts Champion alongside his friends.

He looked back up at Dumbledore.

"Who is going to teach Defense?" Harry asked.

The Headmaster smiled, "Someone you might know, Sirius."