The Beast Within - Chapter 4

The next two nights were pretty much a repeat of the first. They had him go to the observation room before sundown to be safe. Aunt Andi, as she liked to be called, gave him some exercises to do while he was in his dragon form. He couldn't hold off the change, or swap back during the full moon, but his control remained. Parseltongue was the only language he was able to speak, his mouth couldn't move in the right way to form human words. His diet changed as well. It mostly consisted of meat. He preferred it cooked even in his dragon form. His senses were enhanced in his human form. When he was a dragon, they were even more impressive.

On the second night they were able to observe him fully. In their examination they found out he was something of a hybrid between a dragon and a human. His other form was a bipedal humanoid with black scales and a phoenix feather mane. Both his hands and feet were capped with wicked claws. They were sharp enough to peel the bark from a tree in thin strips and cut into stone. Breathing fire was still something he had to work on. For now, he could manage short bursts.

Hermione had to go back home once he was awake. His days were spent in near-constant rounds of tests which, but he still missed her. Were they boyfriend and girlfriend now? Would that make things weird? How would Ron take it? They hadn't allowed visitors since he woke up.

Thankfully, Harry hadn't missed much during his time in the egg. The healers had called it 'stasis' to sound important, but he knew what it was. He had hatched from an egg. The last week of school had been mostly damage control. They sent students home in waves to make sure everyone was safe. The dementors were attracted to large groups and they didn't want another encounter on the train.

A part of him was annoyed that he never faced one again. All that time through the year practicing how to summon a Patronus only to encounter a werewolf. Another, much larger, part told him he was being stupid and was incredibly happy.

He had spent two weeks of his summer break in the egg though. One good thing about all this was that he couldn't go back to the Dursley's. Even if he could control himself in his other form he still had to shift on the full moon.

Finally, seven days after the full moon and countless tests, Harry was released. He wasn't sure where he was going to go, but he was free. As much as he loved the Weasleys, he didn't think it would be a good idea to be around them. Honestly, he didn't completely trust himself yet.

Aunt Andi walked with him out to the lobby.

"I have an offer." Aunt Andi said.

"Hm?" Harry looked at her.

"Come stay with me." She said. "You're my cousin's godson, that makes you family."

"Would that be safe?" Harry wanted to say yes, but the worry still nagged at him.

"My daughter still lives at home. She's an Auror." Andi dropped her voice to a grumble. "As much as I wish she wasn't. But she knows how to handle herself."

"What about your husband?" Harry asked.

"Ted is a lawyer." Andi answered. "He works just as much as I do. The basement has been magically expanded for nights of the full moon. Ted had it charmed to be a park for my birthday a few years ago. It would be perfect for you. It even has a firepit."

It did sound good. Not like he had any other options. His vague plan was to make his way back to Hogwarts. He was sure that Hagrid would be happy to have a dragon-person around. That and he didn't think that the Forbidden Forest would be as imposing anymore.

Harry had thought that Headmaster Dumbledore would have checked in on him. The old man usually popped in to check on him at the end of the year. The fact that the previous times had been in the hospital was a not-so-happy accident. He didn't want to admit it, but the absence did sting a bit. They had let him know about not going back to the Dursley's via a letter.

He smiled as the door to the lobby opened. The mingled scent of the Weasleys, complete with something that smelled amazing courtesy of Molly, greeted him. His enhanced senses made it hard to carry off surprises, but he wasn't going to ruin it for them.

"Welcome back Harry!" The family yelled as he stepped out into the space.

The entire family, including a couple older guys that he didn't recognize, gathered for him. Molly held a cake that was almost as long as he was tall. Ron rushed over to him. It became clear that the boy had grown in the few weeks. Ron had always had a bit of height on him, now it was very noticeable.

"Harry!" Ron slammed into him with a hug. "What the hell were you thinking? You could have died!"

"Language, Ronald." Molly snapped.

"I almost die all the time." Harry shrugged.

"First the spiders, then the dementors, and now a fucking werewolf?!" Ron's voice got louder as he spoke. "Those are just the ones I was there for. The basilisk, Quirrell, Scabbers, and who knows how many more."

"Ronald Weasley!" Molly stalked over to him. "Watch your language." She turned to Harry. "It's wonderful to see you up and about, Harry dear. They wouldn't let anyone in to visit you. I still don't know how Hermione managed to sneak her way in."

"She did?" Harry asked.

"They had to chase her out every day." Andromeda added.

"Then there's the foolishness about not letting you stay with us." Molly huffed.

"It's not safe." Harry sighed. "I don't want to hurt anyone."

"You would never." Molly gasped.

"Neither would Remus." Harry countered.

A heavy silence settled on the crowd. The scent in the air was a mixture of fear, sorrow, and a subtle undertone of anger.

"Where is Remus?" Harry asked softly.

"He bit a child during the full moon on Hogwarts grounds. A student he was responsible for protecting." Molly replied in a whisper. "The fact that it was you, of all people, was even worse in the eyes of the public."

A stone of dread settled in his stomach.

"What happened?" Harry asked.

"He's in Azkaban." Molly gave him a gentle hug. "The only reason he wasn't kissed was the fact that he turned himself in. Ron told me how important he was to you. I'm sorry, Harry."

Harry nodded. He didn't want to admit it, but he agreed with him being locked away. It was the full moon and he had neglected to take his wolfsbane potion while he was surrounded by students. Sure, the situation was more complicated, but it was still irresponsible of him. Harry could feel the pull of the moon even now. It was like a heartbeat, or drums, that got louder as moonrise approached.

"The Ministry sent a team to investigate Hogwarts." Arthur said as he approached. "They wanted to make sure it was as safe as Dumbledore claimed." He sighed. "He's currently on leave while they continue their investigation."

"And well he should." Molly grumbled. "I always thought he was a great man, but a colony of acromantula so close to the school, what was he thinking?"

"He hadn't reported the incident with the basilisk last year either." Arthur added. "Or the business with the Philosophers Stone the year before that."

"What?" Harry snapped.

"We don't know how he managed it." Arthur shook his head. "Professor McGonagall in acting Headmistress until the investigation is complete."

"St. Mungo's could have provided the antidote to the petrified students that same evening." Andromeda added. "We don't have any on hand, but we have the supplies and a team of Potions Masters."

At least that explained why Dumbledore hadn't visited. Harry tried to think over the last few years. Dumbledore was a great wizard. That was no in question, but now that he thought about it, he wasn't a very good Headmaster. He hid the Philosopher's Stone in the school the same year he hired Quirrell. Then he allowed Lockhart to be a professor. If what Andromeda said was true, which she had no reason to lie, then he could have easily cured the petrified students.

Harry sighed. The world was a lot simpler last summer.

"I've got great news!" Ron bounced on his feet. "Dad scored tickets to the Quidditch World Cup. Box seats! You have to come."

"Is that safe?" Harry looked at Andromeda.

"Of course, it is!" Ron interrupted. "I checked. The full moon isn't for another two weeks after it."

Harry smiled brightly. "I'm in."

"He'll be staying with my family this summer." Andromeda answered the unspoken question. "We're connected by Floo so there shouldn't be an issue."

"We should continue this conversation elsewhere." Percy strode over to the group. "Our party is large enough to cause a blockage for patients."

"Thank you, Percy." Arthur patted his son on the shoulder.

Harry followed the Weasley's out of the lobby to a line of fireplaces. Each one had a dish with familiar powder nearby.

"Can you take a cake through the Floo?" Harry asked.

"Don't worry, dear. Stasis charms will keep it safe." Molly tapped the cake a few times with her wand.

Harry waited his turn to go through the Floo. He stepped into the flames and easily strolled out into the Burrow. That was a nice change. He moved to the side to allow everyone else. His senses were assaulted by scents and sounds so hard it made his eyes water. He had to hurry outside to mellow things out.

Everything was so strong. The orchard was a slight relief. Suddenly, he was really glad that he didn't push to stay with the Weasleys. He wasn't sure how he was going to make it through any public gathering. The hospital wasn't nearly as overpowering.

"Are you ok?" Ron hurried out behind him.

"I needed some fresh air." Harry smiled at his friend. "I'm sorry, Ron, but don't think I can go inside."

Ron frowned. After a long moment, he nodded.

"We can meet out here." Ron offered. "If that's too much, at least we tried."