Chapter 266 - Ch: 31-32

Chapter 31: A Werewolf's Chance MeetingChapter TextA man who looked a good bit older than he actually was gave a sigh to himself. He was dressed in clothes that weren't exactly tatters, but made it rather obvious he didn't have much luck in the way of finances. He looked down at the statement in his hands again and sighed once more. He could handle it, but it was further proof he needed to figure something else out soon. For most in his personal situation, he was probably better off with his money, but that came at tremendous sacrifice and he was still far from secure financially. 

People like him had it pretty tough. They weren't welcomed in the magical world, but still were a part of it. Some tried to get by in the muggle world, but that had its own difficulties. His kind had to take off more time than most businesses appreciated. There were very few employment opportunities they could get, which had the luxury of a flexible work schedule. 

The man's name was Remus Lupin and he was a werewolf. 

Werewolves weren't exactly how muggles envisioned them in their movies, but the parts about the transformation being rough was true. They usually couldn't even keep their minds clear while transformed. They additionally had to take time off around the full moon due to the adverse effects of their transformation afterwards. This really hurt job prospects they had. Outside of the full moon, they were the same as any other witch or wizard, but most magicals still saw them as dangerous and dark creatures. 

There was a potion that helped with their transformations and let them keep their mind's clear. However, it was difficult to make on your own and pricey to acquire otherwise. There was also the whole prejudice against werewolves that some potion sellers used to refuse business with them. The potion also didn't help much in circumventing needing time off around the full moon. 

This all meant Remus had it really bad in the magical world and only a little bit better in the muggle world. He could usually find temporary employment eventually, but it didn't pay the best and it wasn't exactly convenient. Sometimes it was rather dangerous on top of everything else. There was little chance that kind of employment could be a career. 

"Where to go now…" he wondered to himself regarding his immediate future plans. He had never been able to settle down anywhere and had to move around a good bit. Muggles would notice something was off with werewolves, even if they usually decided it had to do with drugs or alcohol. This meant rumors popped up around them and eventually they would be shunned by those in the muggle world as well. It was bad for business to have that employee who always seemed to have a really bad hangover, even if it was actually only about once a month this happened. 

Remus Lupin was very fortunate for a werewolf over all though. He couldn't deny it. When he was younger, he had the best of friends. Sadly, the war claimed that from him. One friend turned traitor and the others died because of that. 

At the very least, the traitor was in Azkaban, but that didn't bring the others back. He was thankful for the traitor being caught, even if it was odd that he couldn't remember there being a trial for him. It would have been huge deal news wise, but things really were even more of a mess back then for werewolves. He usually figured that was why he couldn't remember it. 

Remus took another sip of the drink in front of him. He was in the type of place that didn't welcome or shun his kind, a dank and dingy pub. In places like this, if you kept to yourself and paid for your drinks, you were usually tolerated. He couldn't spend too much time here though. His funds were limited, even if they hadn't run dry just yet. He would need to do something about them. 

"Should I go there? " he thought after a contemplating his drink a little. It seemed fitting really. The place had a bad reputation and was usually left alone. Maybe he could stay there a little longer than usual. At the very least, it would be nice with winter coming. 

There was a different option, but it wasn't one he really counted as a choice. He could join one of the packs, but even that would be rougher than usual for him. He smelled too much like humans for those kinds of werewolves usually. They also lived rather savage and barbaric lives and the main pack in this part of the magical world was run by the worst of the worst. The beast of a man who turned him, Fenrir Greyback. 

Fenrir Greyback was the pack leader of the biggest and most violent Werewolf pack in magical Britain. Other packs would be wary of Lupin because of his association with Fenrir. It was rather well known Remus fought against the beast of man. While he won that confrontation, it seemed most likely, even to him, Fenrir hadn't taken him seriously. Fenrir said he could go, but once he returned that would be end of it. Remus wouldn't be allowed to leave alive ever again. 

The worst part about Fenrir was the fact he loved being a beastly werewolf. He saw himself as more than a man or a wizard. He embraced the transformation and the hunger for carnage that came with it. Fenrir even went so far as to look more beast than man on a regular basis. No one was sure if this was glamour magic of some kind, or if he had given in that much to the werewolf. Fenrir also loved turning children and did it on purpose. Remus was one such victim. 

Fenrir liked getting back at wizards by turning their precious children into werewolves, even for the merest of slights. Other times he did it just because he felt like it. He especially enjoyed it when girls he turned were thrown out by their families and usually came to him around the age of fifteen. He always made them perform sexual acts to earn their place in his pack. More than anything else though, he liked the sense of power he got from corrupting, and usually ruining, the young by infecting them. 

"No… The packs are out of the question, " Remus told himself. He wouldn't return willingly to Fenrir's pack. He'd ultimately rather try to start his own pack and that wasn't easy or likely to happen. He would have to go that place. He only hoped The Rust District wasn't as bad as the rumors said. 

[-] [-] [-] 

A bell to a diner rang as a trio of men walked inside. "Hello and Welcome!" a man behind a counter said with a smile. 

The trio walked up to him and one asked, "What's the special today, Pops?" 

Pops gave a smile as he said, "An American dish this time. Chicken Fried Steak." The man was known as Pops because he was middle-aged and rather welcoming. He treated most of the people in the district as family of some kind. He even helped solve disputes between people numerous times. On top of that, many of the children came to see him as a father figure, if they didn't have one already. 

"Sounds interesting, but I think I'll take my usual this time," the man said. 

The other two with him chuckled. "You always say that. You'll never find out what else is good if you never try something different," the youngest in the trio said. 

"And since I already know I like my usual, that doesn't bother me," the first man said in return with a grin. The other man, the third in their party, shook his head and laughed before they ordered their meals. 

After the trio placed their orders, they took notice of the man sitting at a table in the corner quietly eat a meek meal and sipping a cup of tea. The leader of the trio nodded to his companions. The two picked a table as he went and talked to the man. He approached and remained standing. "Haven't seen you here before," he said in a causal tone. 

"I've never been here before," Remus replied neutrally. He expected this would happen sooner or later. He noticed there were patrols in the Rust District and they were more formal and organized than places like this usually were. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing as of yet. He did notice the politeness between the trio and the diner's owner was genuine and not forced by either party. That was potentially at least a good sign. 

The man nodded and looked him over. "You can stay here so long as you follow our rules," he said. 

Remus looked to him carefully. "What are these… rules?" he asked. He didn't want to seem too used to such treatment, but needed to know how to avoid causing trouble. He doubted he would be able to find anywhere else before winter settled in until next spring. 

"Don't cause any trouble for others. You are allowed to defend yourself though. I can promise you'll only have to deal with the Street Knights if you're in the wrong and in trouble. We also encourage you to cooperate with any authorities should you be required. You can still keep your privacy as long as you cooperate. No one will ask anything unrelated to the matter they are discussing with you," he said. 

Remus couldn't help but blink to that. "What authorities do you mean exactly?" he asked in a little confusion. 

The man gave an easy smile that was friendly but not overly so. "Any patrols like us. Law Enforcement. Fire and Safety. Authorities," he said. 

Remus was in thought and surprised by this. Usually in places run by gangs or groups or whatever they called themselves, they were the end all be all. You were usually threatened if you cooperated with Law Enforcement, even if the local Law was in the pockets of the people running the area. 

Remus gave a nod after a moment. "I understand," he said. 

"Good. Pops here can help you find a place to stay if you plan on being here long term and through the winter. Welcome to the Rust District," the man said before joining the other two as their meals arrived. 

Once the trio left, Remus spoke to the proprietor. "That was different from what I expected," he admitted. 

Pops gave him a nod in understanding. "The rumors aren't true. This place isn't paradise or a utopia, but it isn't too bad either. The Street Knights aren't like other gangs. They could also tell you fit in with us in a way," he explained. 

"In what way?" Remus asked curiously. 

Pops gave him a serious look as he said. "You've been tossed aside, slipped through society's cracks, or maybe a mix of both. That's how most of us here are." 

Remus nodded in agreement to that. It described him perfectly. "Why keep the rumors around then?" he asked. 

Pops grinned to this. "We don't have a problem with business and capitalism here, but we like to keep the worst parts of it away if we can. We don't want people finding out it isn't too bad of place here and the more well-off people moving here thinking it would be quaint or something. That would mean the large soulless corporations would soon follow. They would force out the people here, who have nowhere else to go, and put up some giant strip malls or something," he said. 

Remus nodded to that. 

"So about getting you some place to stay…" Pops started. Remus listened to him without complaint. He was surprised how many options he seemed to actually have here. 

"What kind of skills do you have?" Pops asked after most of their discussion was over. He only broke it off to help customers until his employees showed up to start their shifts. 

"A bit of this and a bit of that," Remus stated before listing off the surprisingly vast list of skills he picked up over his years in the muggle world. Pops nodded in thought as he listened. 

[-] [-] [-] 

Ginny lay awake in her bed at Hogwarts. She was deeply worried. Colin Attacked?! Luna spending most of her time hanging around Harry Potter and the other Hufflepuffs?! A Dueling Club?! Justin Finch-Fletchely and Nearly Headless Nick attacked at the same time?! It was all so much and she didn't remember it. 

"What's been happening to me? " she thought in worry to herself. 

She had been losing a lot of time it seemed. She really didn't know what to make that. She didn't even know who to talk to about it. She tried approaching her brothers, but something seemed to keep her from saying anything. She didn't get it. 

Ginny curled up under her covers as tears formed in her eyes. She wouldn't cry! She was supposed to be the tough little sister, who older brothers didn't mess with. But this was really getting to her. She was thankful she would be heading home for Holiday Break soon. She really needed some place safe and familiar right about now. She wanted her family. 

Suddenly, Ginny seemed to grow completely calm again. It was like something came over her, but in the darkness of her dorm room in the middle of the night no one noticed. She let out a calming sigh and gave a stretch. She then closed her eyes and went to sleep. 

Riddle was surprised she still had so much spunk left to break free of his causal control like that, even if for only a moment. He would admit it was rather entertaining how she freaked out and the way her mind raced trying to piece everything together. It was a futile attempt on her part. She was too much his by this point. It still gave him an idea on how to better entertain himself in the coming months. 

Riddle decided he would have to lay low again for a while. Dumbledore might actually start to take action and the Diary's memory had no doubt the man was already piecing things together. If he was pushed too much too soon, the headmaster may no longer be content with just controlling information regarding what was happening at Hogwarts. The aged wizard might decide to end it all. Riddle was sure Dumbledore couldn't enter the chamber properly yet, but he might be able to figure something out there, if he really wanted to do something more about the attacks. 

The shade from the diary sighed to himself. It would do well if he slipped towards the back of Ginny's mind over the break too. He doubted her mom or dad were a threat. The mother would be too happy with all her family visiting. The father was nothing more than a muggle loving fool of a wizard that wouldn't even stand up to his wife if needed. However, the oldest brother, Bill, he could be a problem. Bill was a Gringotts Curse Breaker working in Egypt. Bill was not an opponent Riddle wanted to face before fully manifesting. 

Tom Riddle would easily admit the ancient Egyptian wizards were capable of some amazing feats when it came to protections and other forms of so-called dark magic. He fully intended to commit a decent amount of time to studying them once he was back to full power. He had no doubt his older self did much the same, but Diary Riddle wouldn't have to wait until after graduating to get started. Diary Riddle didn't need to return to an orphanage during the summer either. There were so many possibilities this time around, so it was best not to risk them. 

Bill was very familiar with such magics and how to overcome them. He'd be able to figure out something was really wrong with his sister, if Riddle wasn't extra careful. Bill might even be able to figure out exactly what was going on and how to end it all. The oldest Weasley son could really interfere with Diary Riddle's plans and that would not do. 

"No. I don't want to get his attention. Best let Ginny seem to recover and get a little bit back to her old self over the break, " Riddle thought to himself. Now that he thought about it, this could play in his favor. The brothers still at Hogwarts might decide they were just overreacting to what was clearly a bad case of homesickness after all. That would keep them from breathing down her neck in 'concern' as much. They would go back to happily ignoring their little sister most of the time again. Like they always did. 

" Ha! Families… Such foolishness! If they actually cared about their little sister, their behavior wouldn't default to mostly ignoring her. Love, even with families, was so stupid and weak, " the shade thought before resting himself. It was foolish how much Dumbledore obsessed over such notions. 

[-] [-] [-] 

"Thanks again for coming by. I really appreciate your help. Here's your payment," a beautiful woman in her late twenties said with a smile. She had lightly tanned skin, bright blue eyes and luscious silky raven locks. 

"No problem, Miss Serene," Remus said with a grin. 

The young woman gave an enchanting laugh to that. "If you say so. Mr. Moony," she said in reply before waving him off once more as he laughed in return. 

Remus had been very fortunate here in the Rust District. He already had an apartment he was staying in for the winter, or maybe even longer. It wasn't fancy or anything like that, but it wasn't a dump either. It was cozy and warm. He was even able to acquire a fair amount of Wolfsbane Potion with the money he earned. 

He mostly did odd jobs, as usually was the case for him, but he had plenty here and many more made a living the same way. Remus had made a bit of a name for himself as a handy man, of all things. He wondered what his long-departed friend James would have thought of that. Remus was the eager bookworm in their group and yet he did most of his work with his hands the muggle way. 

Remus also made it well known he didn't usually take jobs around the full moon. He had an explanation for this ready, but never needed it. People here just accepted it and easily called for someone else during that time. The few times some of his regular clients called him in a panic, he knew who to redirect them to in the area. Others did the same for him in return from time to time as thanks. 

Remus really was surprised to say he had regular customers here. Miss Serene was one of them. Of course, Serene wasn't really her last name. He full name was Betty Fisher. Betty Serene was her name from her days before coming to the Rust District. She was a stripper in those days. 

[-] [-] [-] 

Betty Fisher was an eager gal who dreamed of becoming an actress when she was a teen. She thought she found an easy path to that dream when she was kind of scouted at the age of 16. She knew she was going to be a stripper first when scouted, but accepted that. She was told and thought it would be a good way to make a living while she used her day light hours to chase after her real dream. The person who scouted her was an older woman who claimed she would help Betty out. 

The young Betty thought working under a woman would make things better. It did in some ways, but not as much as she thought it would. Betty was of course very popular at the time. She loved being in the spotlight, even if it was on a stage with a dancing pole and naked. She made good money and the place she worked at was fairly safe and clean. 

The mistress of the business did help her some with commercial spots on tv occasionally, but show business was extremely hard to break into for anyone. It didn't matter if you were a young and beautiful woman who just reached her age of majority. There were plenty of hopeful young people. 

It wasn't until Betty was given a private business meeting that she realized her mistake. She was called into the Mistress' office and given an actual interview and everything. She was even close to getting the job and told there was just one last thing she had to do to put her up and over the rest of the competition. She was asked, in a very roundabout but nevertheless clear way, to give sexual favors then and there. 

Betty politely refused. She was asked one more time with more emphasis on how this was her big chance and maybe even her last good chance. She was even assured it would be just that one time, so long as she did well with her chance. She still refused. 

The men and woman she was meeting didn't force her or anything. They even admitted they respected her decision. They politely ended the interview there and told her she still might get a role, but her chances weren't the best they could have been. 

Betty was never asked for sexual favors again. She still continued her job as a stripper without any real problems. It was a few months later she realized what was happening. She first noticed it as her shifts were moved around. Then she had less hours. She asked about this and the mistress just shrugged her shoulders and said that was just how things were at the moment. 

Young Betty wasn't really stupid, even if she was blinded early on by the promise she was sold. Betty came to realize, even if she was still very beautiful and popular during her shifts, she was still very replaceable. There were plenty of younger and even prettier girls eager for a chance like she was. They also weren't as opposed to the offers Betty refused. Her wishes and morals were respected, but she still faced consequences for them. 

It eventually got to the point Betty was dismissed from her job. She hoped maybe her best customers would throw a ruckus at her dismissal and pressure the Mistress to bring her back. That never happened though. 

When her funds started to dry up, Betty realized there weren't many options for an ex-stripper who didn't even finish her A Levels in school. It didn't help that her style and looks at that time seemed to hint at her past profession. It did get her plenty of attention and looks, but not really from potential employers, unless she were to decide to become a whore. 

She grew desperate when she noticed one of her former co-workers had made it into show business. Betty feared maybe she would have to betray her morals if she even wanted to survive by that point. It was then she was met by a group of Street Knights and made her way to the Rust District. 

At first, she worked part time at a bakery. She wasn't really happy with that work though. It was alright pay, but the hours were very irregular. She wanted more in her life. She also at that time hated being called Miss Serene. 

One day she was approached by Jett and a couple of other Street Knights again. She was meeting with them privately. Betty partly feared for the worst despite herself. She had only been treated respectfully here, but she wondered if that was only for a time. 

"So, Miss Serene. How are you doing?" Jett asked. 

Betty couldn't help but wince a little at hearing her stage name. "Could you not call me that. Please?" she asked. 

"What's the problem, Miss Serene?" Jett asked her, acting a little confused. 

"I don't go by that name anymore. I don't like it. I want to leave that in the past. At all costs," she said. 

"Miss Serene," Jett continued. "Are you truly satisfied with your current arrangements?" he asked. 

She didn't meet his eyes as she said, "I'll live…" 

"That doesn't answer the question, Miss Serene," one of the other Knights said to her. He placed emphasis on her stage name. The others spoke to her as well in turn. All of them used her stage name. 

"Why are you doing this?!" she asked. "I told you I want to leave that behind me," she said almost pleadingly. 

"But it is a part of you. It is your past. It has shaped who you are greatly. Refusing it is not healthy. It will only keep bothering you, even if you manage to leave it mostly behind and move on with your life, Miss Serene. Something you have yet to do after all this time. It will eventually come back to haunt you. Own it. Remember all you learned. You don't want to just drift through life, Miss Serene. Owning your past will be the key to your future," Jett said. 

"How?!" she asked feeling kind of angry now. She wasn't going to do anything, but she did not like this. 

"You were a stripper. You learned skills because of that," Jett said. 

"How to take off my clothes for money?! Flirt with men no matter what they think of me or say for a better tip? Be reminded of the fact I didn't want to bend over and let two men and a woman have their way with me for the job of a lifetime?!" she asked now feeling livid. "I hardly see how those are any lessons worthwhile," she scoffed. 

Jett gave her a neutral expression as he said, "Wrong lessons, Betty." 

She blinked. "What do you mean?" she asked in confusion. She was caught off guard here as he used her first name on purpose. 

"You learned how to fix make-up," he said causally with shrug. He then looked to her seriously and said, "You also learned how to diet properly. You learned how to exercise. We know you weren't the type to starve yourself to keep slim. You learned how to stay healthy in general. Those were some of the reasons why you were popular at your last job. You never let yourself go. You still keep in remarkable shape even now, when you're just here stuck in a bakery working a cash register all day. It is obvious you have more to thank for your looks than just good DNA. You have skills many young women, who aren't going anywhere near such a profession, would want to learn or be helped with in their own lives." 

"I suppose you have a point there…" she said unsure. 

"You just need some lessons to become a fitness trainer. Something you've shown interest in on more than one occasion. Something that will be more than just ringing up customers who buy cakes or biscuits. You don't have any interest in learning to become a baker yourself, so there isn't too much reason to stay working here," Jett said. 

"Do you mean it? Wouldn't a fitness trainer need a university degree?" she asked in question. There was also a hint of hope in her voice. 

"You aren't going to be coaching a team or working for professional athletes. You don't need a degree in something like Sports Medicine or Sports Science. There are plenty of gyms in the area within an easily traveled distance. We also know you really don't want to leave the district," Jett said. 

"It is my home," she said easily. 

Jett smiled to her. "All you need is to learn some lessons so you can safely help others without hurting them," he said. 

"I… I think I would like that," she said. Part of the reason she first wanted to become an actress was so she could move people and make a difference in their lives. Seeing a movie, play or tv show with great actors and actresses can really reach out to people in ways. This wasn't the same, but she could still help people. 

"So… I ask you again, Miss Serene. Is this all you really want in your life?" Jett asked with a slight smile. 

She sighed and shook her head but gave a soft smile in return. "I still don't really like that name, but I suppose I can live with it. I might even like it as a playful nickname someday. I do want more and I will do what I need to do," she said. 

"We should never fully forget our pasts. They make us into who we are for better and worse. It is good you are at least taking the right steps now, Betty. This is what you need to do…" Jett said. He and the others explained to her who to contact and what she needed to learn. They even explained the different options she had for her new chance in life. 

[-] [-] [-] 

To Remus, it was stories like Betty's that proved to him he did belong here in many ways. He fit in here and wasn't constantly worried what he would have to do. He was now instead looking forward to enjoying some of the Christmas festivities in the area. He already planned to go to the giant Christmas Eve Feast in the warehouse with Betty and some other friends he made here. 

He first learned about her nickname when he overheard some people call her by it. She always jokingly replied with a nickname of her own for them. Remus asked her about it and apologized for being nosy. 

"Don't worry about that. Just give me a nickname to call you in return, or I'll make one up. I will refer to you by it whenever you use my nickname though," she said with a laugh. 

Remus then told her his old school nickname. He even told her how he came about it to a degree. He left out the werewolf bit and magic school parts. He simply said he made some friends at a boarding school when he was younger. He gave her the story he gave most muggles when they asked about him. He had to come up with something believable for job interviews when it came to his education. 

There were many stories in The Rust District like Betty's. He liked learning about them if he was fortunate enough to hear them. These people here understood him. They knew what it was like to be him in many ways. None of them were werewolves, but they still knew what it was like in his shoes. 

He could really relate to them as well. He learned a good bit about the Street Knights during this time. No one in the Rust District didn't learn about them. He liked what he knew about the group in charge. He liked their smart Hufflepuff approach as he called it. He was close and loyal to his friends as they were to him, until one of them turned traitor. He was agreeable with the whole loyalty to those who deserve it mentality, instead of being blindly loyal or closing everyone out. 

"I wonder what Harry is up to now. He'd be in Hogwarts. His second year now, " Remus thought to himself as he made his way back to his apartment. He wished he could do something there. He wanted to be with Lily's and James' son. He wanted to be there for the young boy and do so in the Street Knights' way. 

Sadly, his being a werewolf, complicated things. It would be quite the uproar for a werewolf, no matter how close he was to the parents, to approach The-Boy-Who-Lived. Remus didn't even know where Harry lived. He could guess, but that didn't help much. He decided if he ever crossed paths with Harry by chance, then he could start to work on some kind of relationship. He could do what he should have from the start as soon as Lily and James died. He could help look after the boy. 

All he could do for now though was trust Dumbledore, unfortunately. Remus tried speaking to Dumbledore and finding a way to meet the boy a number of times over the years, but his old headmaster didn't do anything about that. A lot of people knew Albus Dumbledore had hidden away the boy. They just didn't know where. 

Remus guessed it was probably somewhere in the muggle world. Most thought it would be in the wizarding world, but that was wrong. There were plenty who would take The-Boy-Who-Lived in their household, but it would be a political mess for the most part. Harry would also be treated like a messiah or something equal to that. It would be tough for a young boy growing up with people literally kissing, if not all out worshiping, the ground he walked upon. He could grow up with an ego to rival James' during his early years, when he was a far cry from the man he grew to be. 

The other most likely option would be the isolation a young Harry would face in life. Being up on a pedestal, was very much the lonely existence, especially if you didn't even fully know why you were there. Remus doubted Harry remembered even a sliver of what happened that night. That could be a confusing life to live. The werewolf only hoped wherever Harry ended up, Dumbledore had done the best for the boy. 

[-] [-] [-] 

"Ha ha! I still don't believe it, Shorty. But that is funny, especially if it is true," Remus said as he and his small group of friends made their way to the Christmas Eve Feast. Shorty was actually really tall, and that was why Betty nicknamed him Shorty. The man found it really funny. They all traded tales with each other on a regular basis. Shorty liked to talk about some of the pranks he pulled when he was growing up, especially after he learned Remus, of all people, was surprisingly a prankster himself. 

"I assure ya! It is true. Whether you believe me or not is up to you. At least you can appreciate the humor either way," Shorty said with a chuckle. 

The group of adults sat down as Betty said, "I still find it interesting you were a prankster too, Remus. You are so much the brainy type." 

Remus smiled to that. "That's why I was a prankster with my friends. James was the one who came up with most of the ideas. I was the one who figured out how to make them happen and keep us out trouble from the school rules," Remus said. 

Shortly laughed. "And to think… You were the one the teachers thought would keep the others out of trouble," he said shaking his head. 

Betty smiled to that. "Didn't you hear him, Shorty? He did keep them out of trouble. Just not in the way the teachers would have preferred," she gave them both a smile. 

The two laughed to that after a second. "I suppose he did," Shorty said. 

[-] [-] [-] 

It was after the feast Remus found himself completely shocked. He was walking Betty back to her place. Shorty was continuing the party with some work buddies of his. That was his plan from the start. He spent before and during the feast with Remus and Betty. Afterwards, he would meet up with the others. 

"I've always loved this place during Christmas. I wonder if young Davey will make the caroling rounds again," Betty said with a warm smile. 

"That would be something. So far this has been one of the better Christmases for me since I was young," Remus said. 

They walked quietly enjoying the night as a light snow fell. Remus found the Rust District to be surprisingly Christmas Card worthy at times. The place was old and the residents did a good job of decorating it. The streets with most of the shops were especially well decorated. 

It was kind of interesting to Remus that he noticed a lot of people from outside of the Rust District shopped here. It was lucky people hadn't started noticing the rumors weren't exactly true. Perhaps the Street Knights put on a bit of a show or something. That way people didn't feel too threatened, but weren't about to try moving here. There was a part of him, one he thought a bit foolish, that dared think the shoppers were mostly in on keeping the secret as well. He knew the Knights were powerful, but he doubted their reach was that expansive. 

Their quiet night eventually came to an end when they heard a group of children laughing from nearby. Remus smiled. "I still find it amazing the place is safe enough children don't have worries going out at night," he said. 

"One of the many things I love about the place. Jett and the rest of the Knights work hard to keep it that way. That's part of the reason they encourage people to work with law enforcement and such. They do so themselves and it has paid back in spades," Betty said. 

They then heard the children start to sing Christmas Carols together. Betty smiled. "It seems young Davey will be making the rounds of Christmas Caroling after all. We should go," she said with a lovely smile. 

Remus went with her. He didn't have much choice since he was walking her home. He wouldn't complain though. He really enjoyed the company and the carolers were actually pretty good from the sound of it. Once they rounded the corner, just as the current song ended, Remus stopped dead in his tracks. He knew those eyes and that hair anywhere, even after all of these years. 

"Harry?" he couldn't help but ask in shock. 

Betty looked between the two in surprise. "You know Harry?" she asked Remus. 

"I do…" Remus started. 

Harry for his part was listening. He knew his unasked question was about to be answered. 

"All of those stories I've told you… Our group's ringleader's full name was James Potter and he later married Lily Evans and their son was Harry James Potter," Remus said. 

Harry looked carefully at the man hearing that. "You knew my parents," he said simply stating a fact. "What's your name?" Harry asked. 

"Remus Lupin…" Remus answered easily. 

Harry seemed to ease up a little. He knew Betty well enough and her body language showed Remus wasn't lying when he said he talked about his parents with her, even if he didn't use their last names. "You were the one they called Moony?" Harry asked. 

"Yeah… I'm surprised you know that… We called your dad Prongs," Lupin said with a smile. 

Harry fully relaxed at that and smiled. "Davey," he started. 

She looked to him in question. 

"I'm going to have to cut our caroling short tonight I'm afraid. I really want to talk to Mr. Lupin here," he said. 

"Promise me you'll double your efforts tomorrow… And we can use my place. I'd like to hear from someone who knew your father at Hogwarts as well," Davey said. 

"Thank you. And I will double my efforts tomorrow," Harry said with a smile. 

"Let's go then… After we see Miss Fisher home. It looks like he was walking her home," she said. 

"Do you mind?" Harry asked the two adults. 

"Not at all," Miss Fisher said with a smile to Remus. "I'm sure Remus here wants to talk to you as well." She knew about his concerns over his friend's son, but he couldn't find him until now. She was surprised said son turned out to be the one some called Little Boss, Harry Potter. 

"Thank you, Betty," Remus said quietly as he squeezed her hand lightly to further show his appreciation. 

[-] [-] [-] 

Once they escorted Miss Fisher home, Remus followed Davey, Harry and two other girls who went to school with him. Remus soon learned their names were Hermione Granger, a muggle-born, and Luna Lovegood, the daughter of the well-known eccentric creature chaser Xenophilius Lovegood. 

Davey served them all tea quickly as they looked to each other. Remus was still in shock at all that was happening. He did not expect to meet Harry here of all places. The werewolf also picked up on Harry being a member of the Knights. He really wondered about that. He doubted Professor Dumbledore would place Harry here. The atmosphere was polite between them all, but there was an edge to it that Remus was starting to pick up. 

Their tea cups were filled and steaming and they all took their first sip. Once they placed them down, the atmosphere grew heavy. Remus was shocked to have three sets of female eyes looking at him with barely contained fury. The wolf inside him was more terrified of the glowing green eyes which held no signs of fury though. There was however a heaviness to their neutral gaze. 

"Did you know Headmaster Dumbledore placed me with my mom's sister and her family?" Harry asked in a grave tone. 

Remus' eyes widened. He then turned angry himself. "No… I did not. Albus Dumbledore wouldn't tell me where you were. I wanted to meet you, but knew… due my…" Remus started as he looked at the others in the room. 

"They know," Harry told him neutrally, without the edge though. 

"Due to my condition as a werewolf... I felt without permission from Albus, who many knew hid you away somewhere, it would not go well for me to visit you. In the worst of possible circumstances, it could end up with me in Azkaban," Remus said darkly. He would later ask about them knowing he was werewolf, but the current topic felt much more important at the moment. 

He then looked to his cup in anger. "Had I known you were placed with Petunia Dursley… I would not have waited until I hoped we came across each other in the right circumstances," he said. 

Remus then growled a little as he held his cup tightly. He was careful not to break it at least. "I can guess why you are here then," he said sounding angry at the Dursleys. 

He then blinked. "Wait a minute… Albus doesn't know, does he?" Remus asked. 

"No, he doesn't. What do you make of that? Mr. Lupin?" Harry asked. 

"I'd hope it stays that way… He has to be up to something if he placed you there of all places. It probably isn't exactly for your best interests either… Petunia…" Remus in his anger almost spat the name. 

"She hates magic with a deep envy. She denounced her own sister because of jealousy. She refused to even show up to Lily and James' Wedding because of her hatred and jealousy. There is no way you should have been placed there… more evident since you are here… Which means you either ran away or were tossed out… Probably the latter knowing them," he said griping his wand tightly in his pocket. 

Harry looked to the others and nodded. All of them relaxed. "Mr. Lupin. May I call you Remus or Moony?" Harry asked in a much friendlier tone. 

Remus seemed to snap out of his anger. He was furious about what happened, but that wasn't important. He had the chance he really wanted here. He could be there for Harry. He could help James' and Lily's son. He gave a smile as he said to Harry, "Yes. You may call me either of those. May I call you Harry?" 

Harry smiled and nodded. "I'm glad I finally get to meet you, Moony. I may have been kicked out by the Dursleys, but it was for the best. I have family here, even if not by blood. Hopefully we can be family as well," Harry said. 

"I would like that. I may not be a Street Knight, but I promised myself if we met again, I would do what I could to live up to their motto with you, Harry," he said. 

Harry grinned. "Good! I always do that myself. After all… I'm not just a Street Knight. I'm also a Badger. It'd look pretty bad for my house, if I didn't live up to the Street Knight motto," he said. 

Remus gave a laugh. "I wish your father was still alive, Harry. It would have been funny to see his over exaggerated sadness you weren't a Gryffindor like him. However… he'd soon smile and say, 'I'll just have to be the dad to best Badger who ever attended Hogwarts'. Your mom would be happy you were less likely to be a slacker like your father was early on, since you were in the house of the hard working," Remus said with a smile as Harry and the others laughed to that. 

"Tell me more," Harry said eager to listen. 

"Only if you tell me all about your first year and a half at Hogwarts," Remus countered. 

Harry smiled and said, "Deal!" 

The group all felt they received their best Christmas Present ever early that night as Remus shared his tales of James and Lily. Harry and Hermione enjoyed sharing the tales of their first year at Hogwarts. Luna was able to happily pitch in some when it came to the current school year. Remus was really interested when she got to the part about them all attending a Deathday Party. Harry really had himself some interesting friends. James and Lily would be proud of him for that. The group's many stories continued late into the night before they finally went to bed.

Chapter 32: Christmas SurprisesNotes:This is probably the longest chapter of this story so far. I first go into more explicit sex scenes here. Nothing too major. It is touching and feeling. That kind of thing. I will be providing warnings before such scenes start and a note when the scenes end. 

I wanted to have a good bit happen additionally in this chapter. That way people will realize that while the story has sex scenes, they are not going to be the main focus. I would like it if you told me what you think, if you decide to read those parts.

Chapter Text"I still can't believe Sirius was thrown into Azkaban without a trial. You said you found out he was your Godfather and underwent the godparent ritual. That means he is completely innocent. Surely, it would have been mentioned in your parents' Will," Remus said as he sat at a table waiting for breakfast with Harry and the others. 

"It is mentioned in their Will. The thing is, Dumbledore had the Ministry's copy sealed. I only learned about it because Gringotts has a copy as well. They were the ones to execute it. You are mentioned in it as well, but it requires you to make an appearance at Gringotts without them summoning you. I think they expected you to be there when the Will was read. I doubt my parents thought Dumbledore would seal it away," Harry said. 

"And he did so despite it being wrong and knowing so himself. Just because he thought Lily gave you protection which required you live with blood relatives. But it isn't required and you don't need to be with them. He probably didn't even verify you had this protection," Remus said as he shook his head. 

It seemed too many people were holding Dumbledore on a pedestal. Everyone, including himself, figured the old headmaster knew what was best and always did the right thing. It seemed even Dumbledore was human after all. 

"So, what will you do?" Harry asked. 

"I'll pay Gringotts a visit. Since most of my work is in the muggle world, I use one of the banks associated with them for my banking, so I don't frequent the actual bank. I have no idea what your parents would have left me and I doubt the goblins told you what it was," Remus said. 

"That's right. They mentioned to me you were in it and if I ever came across you to pass on the message. They couldn't send you something saying as such, but I could. I'm sorry for not sending you an owl, but I'm not sure it would be safe. It would seem odd if I sent you an owl considering we never met and I shouldn't know who you are yet. I figured that would tip Dumbledore off and he would do something claiming it was for my own good. I don't want to fight him and I doubt he is secretly evil, but he does act like most elderly people do. He thinks he knows best in all things. Even if he was usually be right, usually isn't the same as always," Harry said. 

He left unsaid the parts about feeling maybe he was abandoned by Remus, since he was left alone with the Dursleys. Those feelings quickly left once he knew the man had no idea he was staying with them. Remus had made it very clear he would have done something if he knew that happened. Harry felt this was a true chance to start again with each other without anything, including feelings of resentment, getting in the way. 

"I think your approach was probably the wisest option. Let Dumbledore think he is right and things going as he wants. To me, it says something that he hasn't bothered to check up on you all of these years. It does not say something good though," Remus said. 

"What do you think we should do about Sirius?" Hermione asked. 

Remus was in thought for a moment going over ideas. "I think you are all taking the right steps there. We need to make sure everything is done properly in that regard. Otherwise Fudge is just as likely to try and sweep things under the rug, no matter the cost, then see this fixed. If it is handled properly and proposed to him as a way to correct a previous administration's mistakes... he will be much more likely to see Sirius gets that trial," he said. 

"That's what we were thinking. Susan said she would try to carefully get the idea in her aunt's head this holiday break," Hermione said. 

"That will be a big help," Remus started. He then gave a chuckle. 

"What is it?" Luna asked. 

"I was just thinking James would probably be disappointed his son was using such a connection to make sure the rules were followed, instead of getting away with breaking them," Remus said with a smile. 

Harry laughed to that and smiled. "I get the feeling there is a lot I've done that would disappoint the marauder in him. Yet my mother would be proud I wasn't as eager to get in trouble," he said with a grin. 

"That I will agree with. However… He couldn't have been prouder you were going to such lengths to help someone important to you," Remus said. 

"I really wish I could just sit here and listen to stories about my father, mother, and all of you," Harry said. 

Remus gave a chuckle. "We would need a time turner just so there would be enough time for half of the tales I have. I'm just glad we've finally met and we can bemoan not having enough time for old school tales about your father," Remus said with a smile. 

"You are here now. That means Harry and you can talk like this any time he returns from Hogwarts," Davey said. She turned to Harry and smiled warmly to him. "I'm really very happy for you, Harry." 

"What is a time turner?" Hermione asked after trying to hold in her question for just a moment longer. She didn't want to interrupt Remus' stories about their days in school. Unfortunately, she couldn't hold back her eagerness for long. 

"It is as it says. Time turners are very rare and controlled by the ministry. They're hour glasses that you can turn and thus wind back time. Depending on their size, they work for an hour to at max a whole day per full turn," Remus explained. 

"That sounds amazing!" Hermione said in awe. 

"Yes, but they have drawbacks," Luna said in warning. 

"What are they?" Hermione asked with a little frown. 

"Your body is still awake that whole time. Meaning if you use an hour long time turner four times in a day, you are actually experiencing a total of 28 hours," Luna said. 

"Wow… That could be really bad…" Hermione said. 

"That is why they're controlled by the ministry. You also can't bump into your previous self or be seen by others as you turn back time," Remus explained. 

"What would you do to offset the main drawback?" Hermione asked. 

"How do you think you could offset it?" Remus couldn't help but ask. He liked helping others find the solution to their questions. It was something James and Sirius had hated about him at times. 

Harry was the first to reply after a moment. "Extra turns. That way you have time to rest and recuperate," he said. 

"Very good, Harry. If I was a professor, I would give Hufflepuff ten points for your answer," Remus said with a smile. 

Harry grinned to that. He didn't usually care about getting points, but getting them from someone like Remus? That would be worth feeling good about accomplishing. 

"I suppose you would also need to do something to remind yourself of the actual days too… Do you physically age while turning back time?" Hermione asked. 

"You do, but minimally. It would take a lot of time turner usage to actually be noticeable. In someone your age, everyone would just think you were going through a growth spurt," Remus said. Hermione nodded in thought to that. 

"Did you have anything planned for today?" Harry asked Remus. 

"Nothing that can't be changed. I was going to mostly enjoy some Christmas tea in front of the fire in my apartment, as I read a book with the radio on low in the background. That isn't really much different from my usual evenings though. Did you have something you wanted to do?" Remus asked. He then looked to Davey and added, "Apart from giving it your all while caroling tonight with Miss Davey here?" 

Davey grinned to that from where she was cooking breakfast. 

"There is something I would like to do before that. I do plan to give it my all while caroling though. I did promise her," Harry said. He was glad Remus mentioned that, he might have almost forgotten. 

"What is it?" Remus asked curiously. 

"Something we can do after breakfast," Harry said just as Luna got up to set the table for Davey. 

[-] [-] [-] 

"This is interesting. I've never come to this part of the Rust District," Remus said as he crouched down and seemed to examine the ground in the area where they stood. 

"I've felt the energy here plenty of times," Harry started. 

"This area isn't being used for anything?" Remus asked. 

Harry shook his head. "It's mostly ignored by the Knights and everyone else," Harry answered. 

"I've felt it too. Last Christmas when I visited. It feels stronger this time though," Hermione said with a worrying frown. 

Luna was blinking in awe as she looked around the place. Why hadn't she felt this sooner?! The Wrackspurts were really zipping around excitedly. It was like they felt at home or something. More at home than they did during their best days in the past. 

"That's because this place is protected by ancient power and you are closer to it. There are old protections here as well. Some that I will admit are impressive," Remus said as he looked around and seemed to sense something. 

"What all does it mean? Is this why I haven't been noticed by the Ministry?" Harry asked. 

Remus looked to him in question. "You've done something that should be noticed by the ministry?" he asked. 

Harry shook his head. "Not me in particular. This summer a strange house elf visited me. He kept going on and on about how I was the great Harry Potter sir and shouldn't return to Hogwarts. He never really said why," Harry replied. He felt like there was something more he should add, but it didn't really seem to come to him at the moment. He was more concerned about what this place was anyways. 

"He used his magic in a way that should have gotten me noticed and a warning letter at least," Harry explained further. 

Remus nodded to himself in thought. "I will need to examine it a little more, but it is very possible this place is a source," he said. 

"What does that mean?" Hermione asked. 

Luna's eyes were wide. "It means this is a place magic comes from. A place that produces its own magic energy!" she answered excitedly. 

"Exactly. Again. If I were a Hogwarts professor, I would award you points for your answer, Miss Lovegood," Remus said. Luna beamed to that. She wasn't usually the type to earn points. 

"Is the Rust District safe?" Harry asked in worry. 

"Very much so. In fact… With the right wards and such. This place could be a magical community," Remus said. He was eager to look more into this place. 

"Like Diagon Alley," Hermione said. 

"Yes. But much bigger. It might also partly explain why the Rust District is usually left alone or forgotten, even by muggles. This could have at one time in the past been a bustling magical community. Many used to exist when we were more scattered throughout, but have since been forgotten," Remus said. 

"Could it be again? What about the muggles in this area?" Harry asked. This could be something amazing. Something he would want to help make happen. He needed to know more though. 

"I would have to look around. Depending on the age… It could even be legally grown without alerting the ministry right away. It could also be an exception to the Statute of Secrecy. All of the people here, including the muggles, could be considered in the know so to speak. Similar to how Miss Granger's parents are," he explained. 

Remus saw a lot of potential here. Judging from the look in his vivid green eyes, Harry saw just as much or even more then he did. 

Harry looked to him seriously and said, "Do what you can to verify that. This could be a place for magicals similar to the Rust District for muggles if that is the case." Harry hoped it was. Meeting Remus and knowing what he did about werewolves, and sometimes even muggleborns after Hogwarts. He wanted to help the best he could. 

Remus studied Harry carefully. " James. My departed friend. It seems your son is thinking up something even grander than your greatest schemes at Hogwarts all combined, " he thought as a smile grew on his face. 

"I give you my word I will, Harry. I would be honored to do so. I can tell you have something extraordinary planned," Remus said to the young man. 

"Just the beginning stages…" Harry said. 

Hermione held on to Harry in awe. She didn't know what he could be thinking. If he really was thinking to start a magical community… That was something she never dreamed she would be witness to in her life. 

" How could boring old bookworm me get caught up in all of this? " she wondered to herself. She wasn't really complaining at all, but she was overwhelmed by the atmosphere she felt. She wondered if this is what people felt in the days of old, when they became a part of something they knew would go down in history. 

Luna watched as the Wrackspurts acted so different than ever before. She felt it was like they were telling her she just witnessed a moment in magical history being made. She wondered what it would be. She was also starting to think her heart was even more doomed than it was earlier. There was something drawing her to Harry it felt like and it was now growing some. It was exciting and worrying for her. Her life would be very different from now on. She felt that mostly would be a good thing though. 

[-] [-] [-] 

Harry was lying awake in his bed that Christmas Night after they returned from caroling. It was a bit difficult sleeping without Hermione, but usually he managed it after some time. This night however, he was thinking on different things and sleep was more difficult to come by. 

Harry was roused from his musings when he heard his door open. He looked up and saw a familiar beauty with wild hair. Harry smiled as he asked, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" 

Hermione blushed as she closed the door behind her. She came over and sat on the edge of the bed for the moment. "I didn't want to spend Christmas Night without you. I figured you would feel the same way," Hermione said. 

Harry sat up and warped his arms around her. He took in her scent as held her tight. "I was just thinking how I really missed sleeping with you," Harry whispered in her ear. 

Hermione turned around and kissed him with blushing cheeks. The light in his room was just enough he could make out her lovely rosy cheeks. He kissed her again and deepened it. The two continued that until they broke apart for air. They both felt they really needed that kiss. 

[-] [-] [-] (NSFW material starting here) 

Hermione stood up and blushed anew. "Harry…" she started softly. 

"Yes?" he responded. 

"I want you to lay down and close your eyes until I tell you it is okay to open them," she said. She was going to give him that special Christmas present she planned. 

Harry looked her over one more time and laid back down before closing his eyes. 

Hermione was still blushing as she made sure Harry wasn't peeking. She fully intended to show him all of her, but was a little embarrassed to do so at this moment. She was taking steps. They were progressing faster than most would agree with in general, but she didn't care. She wanted this. 

She also wanted Harry to look at her whenever he wanted. Maybe in the future she would make a habit of always getting completely naked before getting in bed with him. Her heart beat faster at that thought. There was that very sex-oriented part of her that wanted to body to be fully accessible to Harry at all times. Hermione always felt embarrassed by that part of her, even if she indulged in it a decent amount when playing with herself. 

Hermione swallowed and let out a breath she was holding. Harry was about to say something, but she placed a finger on his lips. She knew he was going to give her an out and she would probably take it, but she didn't want to do the noble thing here. She wanted to do the naughty thing. 

"Here goes nothing," Hermione said quietly. 

Harry blushed as he heard the sound of rustling clothes. He was really getting excited now. He was starting to think sleep wouldn't happen tonight. 

Hermione blushed as she removed her pajama bottoms and then removed her panties. She placed them neatly and tucked away in a corner of the room. She didn't want anyone to accidentally see them if they looked in on the two of them. She actually gave a gasp as she felt the cool but still pleasant air on her bare pussy. She blushed and realized she was already dripping a little down there due to her excitement. 

She came over and lifted the bed sheets. She paused and stared in awe for a moment. Harry was hard. She really was very tempted to go all in tonight after all. "That damnable sex crazed horny brain part of me! " she swore to herself. 

It wasn't fair. Harry looked so big, even with his pants on. She squirmed a little as her horny brain gave her all kinds of deliciously naughty thoughts about his cock. She once again cursed herself for reading those really naughty books, even if they were so trashy but wonderful. 

Harry blushed. He felt Hermione staring at him. She was staring at his crotch in particular. He might have done something, but he was too focused on his thoughts of how she was at least partially naked. His sharpened senses could pick up her scent as well. It was so very wonderful, naughty and stronger than usual. 

Soon he felt her warmth against him. He instinctively went to wrap his arms around her. Right away she made a ridiculously cute and sexy sound as his fingers came in contact with her warm bared skin. 

"Y-y-you can open your eyes now," Hermione said quietly in a higher than normal voice. 

Harry did. It was much easier to not have to focus on keeping his eyes shut. He was both relieved and disappointed when he saw she was wearing her usual night clothes. He soon got over that, because he was feeling her wonderful smooth and warm lightly tanned skin. Hermione let out cute noises as he caressed her. 

"Should I stop?" Harry asked after a moment. He was worried maybe he was taking too many liberties here with her. 

"No…" Hermione said breathlessly. "I wanted to do this as a Special Christmas present for you," she said. 

Hermione then shifted a bit so she could kiss Harry. "And for me too…" she said softly to him. She then took his hand and started to guide it along her body. She then guided it up her night shirt and on to her breasts. She wasn't wearing a bra or anything under her loose-fitting night shirt. She let out a sensual sound as she said, "Touch all you want tonight." 

Harry blushed and swallowed. He couldn't believe how amazing this was. She was giving him so much permission. He gave her a kiss. He then moved his hand from the underside of her boob and ran it along her smooth warm stomach. He wanted to ease into the really good stuff. Hermione had so much warm and lovely skin to touch and such a lovely scent to enjoy. There was no reason to rush. 

Hermione gasped as Harry touched her on her stomach. She had no idea how that alone could feel so wonderful and sexy in this situation. She really hoped Harry touched her plenty. She would wait until he went for her privates. It would be more than worth it. She wasn't going to hold herself back tonight either. If Harry's actions got her to orgasm? Then Harry would just get to see his girlfriend orgasm for the first time. She was pretty sure he wouldn't be complaining about that. 

Harry kept kissing her along her neck and every now and then on her lips when she turned her head to better face him. Harry never realized how amazing girls were. He knew Hermione was wonderful, but she was even more amazing and wonderful than he thought. He wanted to do all he could to make her happy and pleased. 

Harry placed a hand to her bare butt. It was very warm. Harry's heart started to beat faster. He had come to really love Hermione's butt for some reason, and now he was getting to touch it without any clothing in the way. It was really intense, even if he really liked it. Hermione's less than subtle sounds of approval weren't helping matters either. 

Harry gave her a long kiss and decided he would touch there and see how she reacted. Hermione's breathing was fast, she was lightly sweating and her face had a lovely flush to it. She gave him a look he couldn't quiet place, other than as really hot. She also had a couple of hair strands plastered to side of her face by sweat. It was a heavenly sight to behold. 

Harry's hand lowered and Hermione's breath sped up and she moaned in apprehension. She was surprised her heart beat couldn't be heard throughout all of the Rust District. She had loved all Harry was doing to her, but she was really eager now. She was really horny and wanted a sweet release! She knew what he was thinking of doing and she wanted to feel it as well. 

Hermione was half tempted to place his hand where he wanted to go and beg him to stop being cautious and do it already. Her body was his to touch and feel and play with as he wanted tonight. That included her drenched pussy and anus. 

It was then that the door opened and Hermione and Harry both gasped and quickly tried to hide under the covers, even though they were perfectly covered as it was. Hermione was blushing up a storm. She should have just gotten in bed and pulled her pajama bottoms and panties down instead of taking them off completely. What would she do if this person, or anyone else, threw off the bed sheets? 

[-] [-] [-] (End of NSFW scene) 

"Awww…" a cute light voice whined from the door way. 

"Luna?!" Harry and Hermione asked together. They actually looked to see who it was instead of pretending to be asleep, in some vague hope they would be left alone. 

Hermione blushed as she saw it was indeed Luna. She was in that far too sheer nightgown for Hermione's taste. Really… Luna was lucky Harry didn't have his glasses on. With the lighting from the door behind Luna, it looked like she wasn't even wearing panties under that really sheer, pretty much transparent, nightgown. Hermione thought it was far too adult for the girl. It even caused her to think confusing thoughts when she saw it the first night she and Luna went to sleep together. 

"I didn't think you two would leave me alone…" Luna said with a sad sniff. 

Hermione and Harry looked to each other and sighed. "You can climb in as well. If you want," Harry said. 

Luna seemed to instantly cheer up and she closed the door again. The small girl came over to the bed. 

"You're on the other side of Harry," Hermione quickly clarified. 

She was only a bit relieved it was Luna and not someone else. She still didn't want the girl picking a spot that would give away she was naked from the waist down. Also, by this point, her night shirt was riding rather high, even if she was still comfortable. 

Luna climbed in and snuggled up to Harry and gave a lovely smile. Harry wished Luna had at least waited a while longer, but he couldn't stay mad at her cute face. She was also very warm there next to him. Her breathing quickly evened out and grew soft as the girl seemed to seek him out even more in her sleep. It was far too cute to be fair. 

Harry gulped, as he realized something. "Oh no… I'm in bed with two really cute witches and one of them is mostly naked while the other is barely wearing anything at all, " he thought. Harry really hoped when they woke up, the girls wouldn't be upset to see him sporting a morning boner. 

Hermione really felt frustrated. Luna had to just happen to come in now… There wasn't anything that could be done about it, but she wouldn't be surprised if she was still really wound up come morning. She blushed as she realized something. Harry was probably still hard. Luna shouldn't have to accidentally discover that about boys yet. She was too young… right? It wasn't just because Hermione wanted an excuse to maybe get a little relief to the fire in her core. 

Whatever the case. Hermione shifted positions so she was actually laying on top of Harry and his erection. She shifted herself so she wouldn't be crushing it. With a little maneuvering, that Harry persevered through somehow, Hermione seemed to find the perfect spot. She could feel him against her and he didn't seem uncomfortable. He even seemed a little grateful. Maybe he was worried about Luna accidentally finding that part of him too? 

Eventually both Harry and Hermione fell asleep as well. 

[-] [-] [-] (Kind of naughty scene) 

Once morning came, Hermione was the first to wake up. She felt strange as she lay there on the cusp of waking. It was as if there was a weight on top of her. She also seemed to have rolled off of Harry in the night. Hermione opened her eyes slowly and took in a morning breath that seemed different. It had a certain different taste to it or something. It wasn't a strong difference, just barely noticeable. 

When Hermione opened her eyes fully, she blinked quickly a few times. She then blushed. She then stared in shock. Luna's crotch was right in her face. It seemed the blonde girl moved around in her sleep. Hermione blushed more as she looked up a little and realized Luna's far too mature night gown was only half on the girl right now. 

Hermione blushed deeper as she saw one of Luna's small growing breasts on full display with a bright pink and hardened nipple. She also wasn't fully sure that wasn't the top of Luna's pussy peeking out. Her panties seemed to have moved downward in the night somehow. The younger girl seemed far too relaxed as she continued to sleep in such a manner. 

"That girl… " Hermione thought. She would say Luna was cute and there was a part of her that wouldn't mind seeing much more of Luna, in the right circumstances, but she really didn't want Luna's crotch in her face like this. She was really glad the girl didn't have morning gas or anything. Hermione had no idea what to do here tough. She didn't want to accidentally knock Luna off the bed or do something worse. 

Luna shifted again in her sleep. She seemed to somehow roll over fully while staying on top of Hermione. Luna's panties seemed even lower now. Hermione blushed and panicked a little. She really didn't want to see Luna's exposed butt and anus first thing in the morning. 

Hermione's movement caused Luna to wake up and the two jostled a little while Luna was still sleepy. The girls then fell out of the bed and crashed to the floor. Luna's panties came fully off and Hermione was now pretty much face first in the younger girl's exposed crouch. On top of that, Hermione's waist was still visible on the bed and pointing towards Harry. 

"Oww…" Luna said as she woke up and then blushed. She was wide awake now, but dared not move. She just stared in shock. She had thoughts racing through her mind at Hermione's position. There was also the fact she could tell Hermione hadn't been wearing anything but her night shirt last night. She felt a little funny in that good but still embarrassing manner. 

Harry began to stir on his bed. 

"Harry! Don't you dare sit up yet," Hermione ordered in panic. 

Harry remained laying down, but looked to the side and blushed. He could see all of Hermione. He could see her pussy with her rich brown tamed pubic hair and her puckered asshole. Harry blushed deeper. His erection decided it wanted to stand tall and proud at such a glorious and wonderful sight. His sharp senses also made this more difficult as he could smell Hermione's scent. It was stronger because it was morning, like usual, but there was nothing covering her this time. It was actually a little intoxicating to him. 

"Luna…" Hermione whispered to the other girl as she got her face out of the blond girl's pussy. "Panties…" she said lowly as she looked to where they flew. 

Luna blushed and grabbed them before quickly putting them on and standing up. Hermione soon followed her in standing up. She was blushing furiously. Harry had seen all of her… She wanted him to see all of her, but not in such an embarrassing way. She also didn't like getting that close to Luna's pussy by accident. She looked to the younger girl who was blushing and squirming a little where she stood as she looked back to her. 

"Are you two okay?" Harry asked as he put on his glasses. He sat up at an angle where they hopefully wouldn't see his morning wood. 

Luna just blushed deeper and kept squirming as she looked at them both and Hermione in particular. She understood now what girls meant by saying there was a fire inside their nethers sometimes. 

"We're ummmm… fine…" Hermione said breathlessly. She looked to Luna who nodded. "Luna just has a tendency to move in her sleep it seems. We were in an awkward position as we woke up. That's all." 

"As long as you two are okay," Harry said. 

"I think I'll take the first shower," Luna said as she left blushing. She was going to be making heavy use of the shower. Hopefully no one would hear her as she extinguished the burning heat building inside her. 

Hermione looked to Harry and sighed. She sat down next to him on the bed. 

[-] [-] [-] (NSFW stuff starts again.) 

"Are you okay, Hermione?" Harry asked her as he placed an arm around her. 

Hermione was blushing so much she was surprised steam wasn't coming off of her cheeks. "Honestly?" she asked. 

Harry nodded. 

"No, I'm not. I'm even hornier than I was last night when Luna walked in on us," she admitted with a cute pout as she looked away. She didn't want to accidentally be that close to Luna's pussy, but she still was and it got to her. There was that super perverted side of her that wanted to see how things would have played out with them in that situation if it progressed. 

A sexually curious part of her wished she 'accidentally' on purpose took a slight lick. She wondered what other girls tasted like down there. She knew how she tasted. Damn! She was far too horny. 

Harry blushed. He gave her a kiss and whispered to her, "Do you want us to do something about that?" 

Hermione's breath hitched. She sure did. She wanted to do so much! Probably more than she would if she wasn't horny as bloody hell. "Might as well," she said quietly and stood up. 

"I intended to show you everything, but I didn't want it in that kind of an embarrassing manner," Hermione said. She took in a deep breath and tossed off her night shirt completely. She squirmed in a sexy way as she stood there with her hands behind her back. She would never admit it, but she was trying to further show off her body to Harry. 

Harry looked over Hermione's naked body in awe. He had a couple of times seen magazines, but they were nothing compared to seeing a girl naked in real life like this. There was also the fact Hermione was close to his age and not in her twenties or thirties like the women in those magazines. 

He looked over her lightly tanned naked body. Her slight curves, with their pale pink nipples, really stood out thanks to her flat stomach. He also liked that she had hair down there. It seemed really hot and sexy to him. From what he saw of those magazines, the girls in them shaved down there. This was hotter to him. It was more primal, natural or something else hard to describe. 

"A-a-a girl's nipples aren't usually poking out and hard… I'm really horny," Hermione said while she kept blushing. 

Harry absentmindedly nodded as he came over to her. He placed a hand on her cheek and gave her a kiss. "You're beautiful," he said breathlessly to her. He then caressed her body with his hand as he kept her lips busy. He was trying to keep her distracted from how he was probably flubbing this up to unimaginable heights. 

He also kind of hoped she didn't notice how hard he was. This was about her at the moment. He figured if they got too carried away, Luna or someone else might walk in on them again. He really liked the idea of helping her out here though. He would take care of himself in the shower, even if it wouldn't be as wonderful as doing something with her. 

"Harryyyy…" Hermione said in a breathy voice. "Do-do-do you want to see me back there too?" she asked. 

Harry blushed. Hermione blushed as she got her answer non-verbally. Harry really was big for their age, so it was noticeable if he grew harder. She really wanted to explore that further sometime. She instead lightly separated from him and turned around while she blushed even further. She was surprised she wasn't passing out from how overwhelming this was. 

Harry looked to the curve of her backside. He felt it many times and seen it in her night clothes, but this was a million times better. He ran a hand along her butt cheeks. They felt so nice and warm. He blushed as he leaned in and took in a slight sniff without really meaning to. It was really amazing to him and more intoxicating this close. It was like concentrated Hermione, if that made any sense. 

"C-c-can I spread them?" Harry asked about to kick himself. He wasn't sure why, but he really wanted to see her asshole again and close like this. Hermione blushed and instead of giving him an answer, she placed her hands back there and spread her rear cheeks for him. 

Harry blinked as he looked at her puckered back entrance. It was a thing of pure sexiness to him. He wasn't sure why, but it was. He guessed he was what people called an ass man. He was further surprised when he saw a drop of clear liquid drip from her pussy. "Wow…" was all he could say as he inspected her closer. 

Hermione couldn't believe this. She was also surprised how wonderfully naughty posing like this for Harry was to her. "Harrrrry…" she whined a little. She really needed something, and she needed it now. 

"Alright," Harry started. "Ummmm… brace yourself? I'll just touch your pussy… Ummmm… can you give me hints as we go?" he asked. 

"Just do it!" Hermione said impatiently. She feared the universe would do something to stop them and make her feel even more crazy horny, if they didn't hurry up. She didn't mind feeling horny, but it was really building up and it would be too distracting throughout the day. 

Harry gulped and hoped he got this right. He got close and took in a calming breath. He carefully placed a hand near her wet pussy. It was so amazing how girls were down there. Hermione took in a shuddering breath as she felt him touch her down there. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before! She'd even swear it was almost enough for her to orgasm at just that. 

Harry was surprised how warm and wet she felt like this. He also liked hearing her sweet moans. Harry guessed he was really lucky she was so wound up. Otherwise he probably wouldn't have been able to get her feeling good at all. 

"Mmmmore…" Hermione cried in need. 

Harry blushed. He wasn't sure what to do. He blushed as he got a better angle. He could almost swear he felt heat radiating off of Hermione. He looked the best he could. He then took a finger and inserted it into her pussy, which seemed to have bloomed a little. 

"Hmmmmm!" Hermione moaned out. That felt amazing to her! "Keep it up!" she cried out cutely in need. 

Harry gulped and started to push his finger in and out of her. Hermione seemed to shudder in response to his actions. Harry then cupped his hand on her so he could better finger her. It was really hot touching her like this. Much better than even last night was, and that was amazing too! 

Harry eventually dared to add another finger. That seemed to really get Hermione off. She moaned out and threw her head back in pleasure. She then seemed to give into instinct as she started to move in a way that matched his fingers' movements. "Hmmmmnnn. That. Feels. Good…" Hermione mumbled as she continued moving. It was so amazing for her. She never wanted to take care of things on her own again after this! That would be boring and bland by comparison. 

Harry was in pure awe at how wet and warm and tight she felt. He also liked how she was moving like that. He was pretty sure the only reason he might make it to the shower in time is because he was using all of his focus on her. But damn was she making it difficult for him. He wouldn't complain though. He really liked seeing this side of her. Hearing her sounds of pleasure really did something to him as well. He also saw how beautifully bright pink her face seemed from the side. 

There was a part of him that was surprised how sexy girls were. He was surprised it wasn't illegal to be honest. How wizards could stand a chance, he didn't know. Hermione seemed to start to sweat just a little in her exertion and from the heat of the room. That was just plan unfair! It was too much how even sweat from girls could be sexy like this. 

Harry started to pump his fingers faster. It was like some deep instinct knew what to do here. Hermione started moving faster and moaning more. Harry was worried maybe they would be heard by this point. He now sped up with purpose. 

Hermione responded in kind and eventually threw her head back again and seemed to sing a song of pleasure to the high heavens! Her body shook a little with the most satisfying and intense orgasm she ever felt. She probably would have collapsed to the floor if she wasn't already propping herself up. She was breathing deep ragged breaths as she sank to the floor. 

"Wizards cheat! I swear…" Hermione thought to herself. They shouldn't be allowed to use fingers like that on a witch. No witch could stand a chance, she was sure. It still felt so wonderful and she couldn't help but give a very wide and dazed grin as she caught her breath. 

Harry was staring in awe. He hadn't even realized it would be like that. He started to slowly notice his pants felt sticky and warm. "Damn… Witches cheat. I swear! " Harry thought as he blushed at the condition of his pants. 

It also wasn't fair that Hermione looked even more the wild beauty as she sat there on the floor. She leaned her back on the chair she used to keep herself up earlier. Her body was flushed and her chest was heaving as she caught her breath. Her hair was wilder and also slicked with sweat around her face. She also had a light sheen of sweat on her body, which looked like something from a dream. 

Hermione then stood up and with that wide grin, came over and gave Harry a big naked and sweaty hug. Harry blushed as he returned it. He would need that shower after all it seemed. Witches really did cheat. 

"I love you…" Hermione said in a breathy whisper as she hugged him and kept grinning happily. 

Harry swallowed and said, "I love you too." He hugged her back. He always liked her hugs, but this was probably the best Hermione hug yet. It was too warm, sweaty, and her scent was almost too strong for his unusually sharp senses. It was still the best despite all of that. 

[-] [-] [-] (NSFW scene ends.) 

Breakfast that morning clearly wasn't awkward or anything. Luna just happened to look to Harry, then to Hermione, then blush and repeat a few times. Nothing more! She also just happened to look at Hermione a little more and blush deeper every so often. Nope, that clearly didn't mean anything. 

Nothing at all embarrassing happened that morning and her shower for sure wasn't much longer than needed. Nor did she… enjoy… herself during the shower in a way that would get Mrs. Weasley to call her a Scarlet Woman. Nope, nothing like that at all. 

Fortunately, Remus, who was joining them for breakfast again, and Davey didn't ask questions. Davey did give Luna and Hermione each a look briefly, but it seemed more like a cat-who-caught-the-canary look than anything showing she was upset. She did look to Harry and chuckle a little mischievously at him. Harry was very certain once Hermione and Luna left, Davey would be grilling him for answers just as a way of teasing him. 

"So…" Davey started. 

Luna seemed to sit up straighter and blush as she took extra interest in her plate of food. 

"What do you have planned for today?" Davey asked. She tried not to take too much pleasure in the way Luna reacted. 

"Harry and I will look more into that area with the energy," Remus said. 

"Then we'll bring it up with Boss. I have some ideas I want to run pass him," Harry said. 

"That sounds good. What will you two do? You aren't being picked up until tomorrow afternoon," Davey said looking to Luna and Hermione. 

"I guess we'll pack," Hermione said. 

"Already?" Luna asked curiously. 

Hermione nodded and smiled to her. "We'll leave out the clothes we want to wear tomorrow and pack most everything else. That way we'll have the evening and afternoon free," she said. Luna nodded and smiled to that. 

[-] [-] [-] 

"How old is that structure?" Remus asked as he and Harry walked around the area. He was looking towards what looked like an old small castle tower or something of the sorts. 

"Not sure. It's always been here from what I've heard. Some think it was here even during medieval times. If it was… It really would have taken magic to keep it from falling apart," Harry replied. 

He looked thoughtfully at the building in question. He never really dared look too closely at it. It seemed a little too unnecessary as a risk, even if it was very interesting. He was busy most of his time in the Rust District though. There was so much more to area than one building that may or may not be a ruin from a few centuries back. 

Remus hummed in thought. "I will take a closer look at it another time. It could be very dangerous and even if you are very competent with magic… You are still a second year student," he explained to Harry. 

"That's why I thought to bring this up to you. I'm brave. Some would even say very brave. However…" Harry started as he gave Remus a grin. "I'm not in Gryffindor," he said. 

"And that's a bad thing how? It is the House of the Brave and the Courageous," Remus replied. 

"Yeah… But there are limits before bravery and courage become foolishness and recklessness. Gryffindors don't usually figure that out until they've already gone too far," Harry said. 

Remus paused in his steps and then let out a laugh. "I can see why people would think that. And I wouldn't really argue with them too much on the matter," he said as he gave another chuckle. 

The two laughed a little longer before getting back to their current goal. They were doing their best to get an understanding of how big the magical area was physically. Remus told them the physical area would tell you how big the magical area could be without causing a strain on the region's magic. The physical area still had to exist, even if it could be hidden away before adding things such as expansion wards. He emphasized you had to use expansion wards and not an expansion charm, that was too temporary for actual physical land. 

"I suppose we should meet with Jett now," Harry said after they finished looking over the area. 

Remus nodded. "I know what I need to do. Once we get his permission and you head back to Hogwarts, I'll get started. Finding out the age of that building will be key. I have a feeling it is a magical property. If it is old enough, we won't have to actually get formal permission from the ministry until we are ready to make the place a formal magical community. We will just make sure nothing happens to draw their attention before then," he said. 

"Why do you want to start building the community before telling them?" Harry asked curiously. 

"If we do that, it will be easier to get their approval and convince them this place is an exception to many of the rules. If they get involved now… That would be a lot of bureaucracy and the ministry will get heavily involved and the final community won't be the place you want it to be. They would relocate all of the muggles in this area. They would make it blend in as much as possible with muggle society," Remus said. 

"What exactly does that mean?" Harry asked. 

"It means strip malls, offices, maybe some higher end housing towards the edges. The full works of everything you want to avoid. They would want to limit the number of muggles who could possibly be exposed to magic by as much as possible. The effective way of doing so is making sure the area around the magical community is as exclusive or limited as possible when it comes to muggles in the area," Remus said. 

"But malls and offices would have a lot of muggles in the area," Harry stated. 

"They have no problem with people coming here for business or shopping, so long as most leave and live somewhere else. It is easier to repel muggles by making them eventually remember something they need to do after some shopping, then trying something similar if their home is in the area," Remus replied. 

"But Diagon Alley is in a pretty populous place with a lot of businesses," Harry started. 

"Hermione was right to compare this place to Diagon Alley. It too is an exception to many of the laws. It is a very old magical community. Many think it goes back as far as the 1500s. Some of the buildings in the area go back much further. It wasn't until about the 1500s it was formally recognized as a magical community, even if it is mostly shops and businesses itself," Remus explained. 

"It too dates back to before the Statute of Secrecy," Harry supplied in understanding. 

Remus nodded. "And it was already a rather bustling magical community before it was formally recognized." 

[-] [-] [-] 

"This is something you want to do, Harry?" Jett asked seriously. 

"It is. I will do all I can to help with it. I will fully commit to it. The magical world needs to learn the way of the Street Knights. I view this community, especially if it will become as amazing as I believe it will, as the perfect chance to introduce our ways. I also think it will really help out the Rust District as a whole," Harry said. 

Jett stared at Harry and the boy returned the stare. Jett soon smiled. He wouldn't say it, but in this moment, he felt almost like he believed a proud father would of their son. "I like it. We will need to learn a lot more first and it will be hard work. I still like it. It will be nice to see that part of the district put to a good use," Jett said. 

Harry smiled widely to that. He felt great about this. He was sure this would be amazing. He also felt like he was making Jett proud of him at this very moment. 

"I give you permission to do all you deem necessary to fully understand what that area truly is. We will help as much as we can," Jett said to Remus. He was showing the man the Knights would fully back him and Harry in this endeavor. 

"I will help as much as I can as well. I can even fund it a lot too… Soon at least…" Harry said. 

"How is that? I believe you can only access the trust vault your parents set up at this moment," Remus couldn't help but ask. 

Harry smiled. "That's right. I hadn't gotten to that part yet. The goblins are currently fully assessing the value of my vaults. I can't do too much with the money personally, but from what I have read… Payments can be made directly through Gringotts. That would allow my family's accountant to see the money is being used properly and keep track to make sure I don't bankrupt myself," Harry said. 

"When you say vaults… I get the feeling you don't just mean your trust vault and the Potter family vault," Remus said. 

Harry nodded. "I think it is time I tell you more about what I discovered when I visited Gringotts before the school year started," Harry said. 

"You might want to sit down for this, Mr. Lupin," Jett said as he did so himself. 

Remus had a feeling he was about to learn something that would send his mind reeling. He did at least think it would be a good kind of reeling. " Either way… I doubt this will be a Christmas holiday I ever forget, " Remus thought as someone brought in tea for them and Harry got ready to tell Remus more.