Luna Alpha Bet?
Cedric Diggory dreaded opening his eyes. He tried to be prepared, knowing he would be staring up into the disappointed eyes of Alpha. Instead, he scented the soft smell of flowers. And paint.
He opened his eyes and stared at the blonde head of a young girl, braid swishing merrily against her back as she painted a stunning pastel mural on a stone wall.
“L-luna?” Cedric croaked out.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Luna turned to him with a smile, holding a pallet of paints. “I’m afraid it’s still too early for breakfast, but I think Kreacher will still make us something if we ask.”
“I…where are we?” Cedric asked, sitting up tentatively on a small narrow bed. Magic…some sort of force field was wrapped around him like a bubble. Panic roared up in him.
“No, now, none of that.” Luna scolded gently, putting down the paint pallet and brush on a wooden stool and climbing fearlessly onto the foot of the bed to sit cross-legged and give him that classic Luna stare, which Cedric had to admit calmed his racing heart a little. Luna was Luna and that was all that mattered.
“I…I was supposed to turn you, Luna. I…I didn’t know how to get out of it. It was an order.”
“Could you have done it?” Luna asked, curiosity in her voice, though her face remained calm as ever. “Even without the full moon? I’m very curious about that.”
“Yes,” Cedric nodded and then swallowed. “I think so. Alpha has…Alpha has been teaching me. He taught me the magic before…before he ever turned me.”
“Very interesting,” Luna hummed, stroking her chin and leaving a trail of silvery blue paint on her chin. “Of course, it wouldn’t have worked on me anyway.”
“I wasn’t going to do it,” Cedric said, hanging his head. “Well, I might have.” He admitted more honestly. “Because it would have been better me than…than one of the others. They would have made it…bad. Not that it wouldn’t have hurt if I had done it. But with them...they would have enjoyed making it a game. They would have enjoyed making it hurt.”
Luna sent him that sweet smile she had had since she was a toddler waving to him from her bedroom window or her front garden or every year, waving from her compartment on the Hogwarts Express. Hell, he should have made more time for Luna. She deserved the world.
“I’m very glad you want to keep me well. It’s very kind of you. I’m also pleased that you’re alive.”
“Does everyone…” Cedric swallowed and tried to breathe. “Does everyone truly think I’m dead? Alpha said so, but…” Cedric’s words died in his throat, and he tried not to cry. One did not speak ill of Alpha.
“Oh, yes, very. Your funeral was very, very sad. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hug you, now.” Luna looked at him expectantly.
“I…I wouldn’t mind at all.” Cedric was definitely crying now. No one had hugged him…no one had even offered a hug in… “I just…I don’t know how to let you. There’s a sort of…force field around me, I think. I can’t…”
Luna slid through the force field as if through a soap bubble and sat beside him at the head of the bed and wrapped her arms around his waist. Cedric wrapped his arm around her shoulder and leaned his cheek against her head. And Merlin, was he ever crying now.
“I imagine everyone will be alarmed,” Luna said as something that sounded dimly like an alarm went off. “And people will come running. But don’t worry. I’ll explain. You can’t turn me.”
“I…I don’t want to, Luna,” Cedric choked out. “But I don’t know what’s going on or where we are…and my alpha gave me a command. I’ll have to obey, or he’ll be furious. And he can…ignoring Alpha commands…it’s dangerous, it’s painful…I…mentally, I might have to…”
“Don’t be silly, Cedric.” Luna said in her sweet calm way as footsteps charged from somewhere outside the room. “You can’t turn me. Are you not curious as to how I got into the bubble?” Luna gently touched the inside of the force field, which now seemed as smooth and solid as glass. “And why I don’t think I can get out?”
“Luna, kiddo, I’m Sirius Black.” A tall dark haired, very handsome guy who looked like he could be a model for ‘Tired But Fashionable Half-Dressed Dad’ Magazine walked slowly into the room, hands up. “Cedric, I don’t think we’ve met. Luna, sweetie, I’m going to lower the shields, and I’d like you to move away from Ced.”
“No thank you, Dark Lord.” Luna said with her trademark calm sweetness. “Cedric hasn’t had a hug in quite some time, I’m pretty sure. Also, it’s a bit cold down here.”
“How the hell did you even get down here?” Sirius muttered but moved his hand slightly and the room instantly increased its temperature by a few degrees. Wordlessly. Wandlessly.
Cedric’s jaw dropped. “Did you…did she say…are you…Vol…He Who Must Not…”
“Oh, right, that’s…that’s confusing.” Sirius muttered. Without preamble, he pulled out a wand and summoned a Patronus. “Remy, love, I hate to wake you, but Ced’s awake. Can you come down?”
Remy, Cedric filed the information away. “Sir, I’m afraid you’ve made a mistake. You should not have taken me. Alpha will track me down. He won’t be pleased I’ve been taken. It will be dangerous for all of you.”
Sirius Black…or whoever he was…came and sat down at the end of the bed. “Is that a threat, kid?” The man said, voice undeniably kind. He cracked a grin. “Because it’s a little hard to take you seriously all wrapped up with the most adorable little girl in the world.” His face and voice went hard. “Unless you’re threatening her, too. Which, I’ve gotta say, I can’t allow.”
“I don’t want to hurt anybody.” Cedric tried very hard not to cry. “Especially not Luna. She’s my neighbor. We’ve known each other for years.”
“Right, so why don’t you let go of her so she can get out of the bubble and…”
“I can’t get out of the bubble, Mr. Dark Lord, sir,” Luna said, snuggling against Cedric with a contented sigh. “It’s made to hold werewolves, isn’t it?”
Cedric and Sirius Black appeared to turn to stone at the same time. A few seconds later, at the same time, they both gave a sincere and eloquent “Whaaa…?”
Luna sighed, closing her eyes. “It’s really quite nice, you know. I think I can sleep now. Painting and friends are so comforting.”
Sirius stared at Cedric, who could not help a baffled shrug. “I don't…”
“Luna,” a deep, growly voice said. “Cedric. Cubs.”
Cedric turned to see a tall, handsome, scarred man enter the room. Cedric, in some dim corner of his brain, recognized him as his former teacher whose name he could not summon, but Cedric’s wolf more than recognized him. His posture, his walk, the magic pouring off of him, Cedric would have known even without the glowing golden eyes. Cedric’s instincts went utterly batshit. First he tucked Luna into his side and growled, preparing to fight. Then he threw the girl under the blankets and rose up on his knees, snarling. Then he cowered down on his hands and knees and looked up at the man with begging eyes. Then, he raised up on his knees, fists doubled, but knew the begging eyes remained.
“Please, Lord Alpha,” Cedric’s voice broke, and he couldn’t maintain eye contact, staring down at the sheets. “Do not turn the girl. I will try to break my alpha’s hold and serve you as pack forever but leave her as she is.”
“Cedric, cub,” the deep growly voice said. “I dislike this scent of fear on you. Fear and servitude are a poor kind of pack. And as for the Luna cub. You need not fear that you or I or anyone else will turn her. She is already one of us.”
“That’s why I’m stuck in the bubble,” Luna sang out serenely, fighting her way out of the sheets.
“But…but I didn’t…” Cedric was crying as he got Luna free and pulled her into his arms, frantically searching her arms and throat.
“Cedric, dear, I’ve been a werewolf since I was a baby.” Luna said, patting his cheek. “Why do you think I run in the forest so often? Why do you think I’m called Luna, for Circe’s sake?”
“Since you were a baby?” Cedric gasped, horrified. “But who would…why would…?”
“My mummy and dad,” Luna snuggled into Cedric again and began spreading the blankets over their laps. “Werewolves don’t have the easiest time of things, but they are quite good at staying well. Daddy was turned when he was young and Mummy didn’t care, she had her own health issues to deal with, you see. A blood curse, actually. So, they loved and helped each other. They never intended to have a child, but when I was coming along, they were happy, you see. So, they realized before I was even born, that I would inherit mummy’s sickness, and it would probably be much worse for me. I would probably die very quickly. So, Daddy gave me a little bite and set me right.”
“But…but Luna…” Cedric said his voice choked, trying to be gentle. “A werewolf bite…on a newborn…that would kill them. And if it didn’t…the transformations…”
“Were never too bad for me, Cedric, but thank you for asking.” Luna said with a smile. “It helps to be half fae.”
Sirius, Cedric, and even the massively powerful werewolf that Cedric should know as something besides Lord Alpha were utterly transfixed.
Luna gave a soft laugh. “Mummy was fae, of course. Given a blood curse by her people. Well, the werewolf bite cleared all that up for me! And if I wasn’t fae, how do you think I got down here? Through your beautiful wards? It’s also why I could get into the bubble but I couldn’t get out.” Luna covered a yawn. “I’m sorry if we bothered you. But Cedric really can’t hurt me. I think I’ll sleep, now. Good night, Cedric.” Luna kissed his cheek and again, Cedric could have cried, and all right, did cry a bit.
“Goodnight, Luna,” he choked.
Sirius Black blinked rapidly and cast what looked to be a silencing ward around Luna. “I guess…I guess we won’t disturb her.” He muttered and leaned into the alpha werewolf, who tucked him into his side and kissed the top of his head. And okay. This…this was not the pack leader dynamics Ced was used to.
“You have met Lord Black?” The deep growly voice of the Werewolf Alpha spoke. “My love, lord, and mate?”
“Geez, just get right to it, why don’t you, Moony?” Sirius Black was blushing as he kissed the Alpha’s neck. “And I love you, too. Madly, of course.” He muttered as the bigger man lifted his chin and kissed him tenderly.
“Sirius is my mate,” Moony the Alpha (?) said to Cedric as he tucked the man into his side. “One of my pack. The servitude that you offered me. It is not the kind of pack that we have. It is not the way a pack should be.”
“Just…just tell me if you’re Lord Voldemort, Lord Black,” Cedric said, because the one glimpse he had gotten of the creepy half formed baby in Pettigrew’s arms and Pettigrew and Alpha’s whispered fears had not prepared him for a good-looking, down to earth, wildly powerful guy who was deeply in love with a werewolf.
Moony bristled and Sirius actually gagged. “Ew. No, kid. That guy was a creep who killed my best friends, and I ended up framed for their murder. Not to mention all the times he’s tried to kill my godson.”
“I…I thought…wait, who’s your godson?” Cedric asked, eyes beginning to cross from confusion and weariness.
A wide smile spread across Sirius Black’s face. “Well, he’s our kid, now. Officially.” The man actually snuggled into his werewolf’s side, blushing a little with pleasure, and Cedric figured if he ever was allowed near a healer again, he should get checked for emotional whiplash. If that was a thing. “He’s Harry Potter. Harry Potter Black, now.”
“I…I thought…” Cedric said, reaching up to rub his eyes. “I thought…I thought you were trying to kill Harry. In like…his second year.”
“Third. And I wasn’t. That’s just when I escaped to go after Pettigrew, who framed me for murdering Harry’s parents.” Bitterness tightened his voice. “I should have killed him when we caught him that time. Would have saved you a lot of pain, kid. I’m sorry.”
“I…I’m sure you tried your best.” Cedric said, because he had to say something.
“You’re here at our home,” Moony said, voice rumbling. “And we shall keep you safe, even if that means keeping you contained here. But I would much prefer to free you from Greyback.”
“I…you can’t free me. He turned me; he owns me. That’s the way it works.”
“Cedric, you have been lied to. Conditioned. Do you really believe Greyback would have spent all this time with you if a simple bite could have kept your loyalty? He controls you because you believe his magic is powerful enough to control you. And I do not say this to shame you. I was controlled and manipulated by mind magic for years. It is insidious and horrible.”
Cedric shook his head, tears leaking from his eyes. “You don’t understand. He’s in my mind. He watches my father. I’m his pack; he’s my alpha. If I keep refusing him, I’ll die.”
Sirius moved as if to leave, but Moony caught his wrist and tugged him gently back to him.
“Don’t bring him back here until we have spoken,” Alpha Moony murmured.
Sirius squinted at him for a long moment and then his expression smoothed out. “Got it,” he muttered and then kissed the man. “Won’t be long.”
“Who else are you concerned about, Cedric?” Alpha Moony asked as Sirius’ footsteps faded. “Who else is Greyback watching?”
“Mr. Lovegood. The Weasleys. Hell, the school, it’s supposed to be secure, but Wormtail has a way in…” Cedric put his face in his hands. “God, he’s going to kill me for telling you all of this.”
“Listen to me, Cedric Diggory,” those glowing eyes burned into his and Cedric felt his inner wolf quaking. Oh, this guy was an alpha, alright. Maybe…maybe well…definitely more powerful than Cedric’s Alpha, but he was terrified at even having the thought. “You do not belong to him. You do not have to obey him. You can change your allegiance. You can choose a new alpha.”
Cedric laughed bitterly, even while quaking at the raw power flowing off of this…this Lord Alpha. “Let me guess, you?”
Moony gave a small smile. “Better than Greyback. And honestly, Cedric, I would prefer you to be your own alpha. I sense your magic will develop that way. And whether or not you choose to put your trust in me, I will see that Greyback is dealt with once and for all. If you do, once he is dead or imprisoned,” he added the last part through gritted teeth as if forced. “Or hell, at any time, you can revoke your allegiance. You can stick with me and mine and I will look after you as my family until such time as you wish to begin a pack on your own as alpha.”
“I…I am not an alpha. I’ll never be an alpha. Alpha…Alpha said so.” Cedric said, voice breaking. “I’m not an alpha, I’m…I’m a Hufflepuff.”
Moony laughed, his eyes flicking from gold to brown and back again. “Cedric, anyone with the courage to join the Triwizard Tournament has the potential to be an alpha, Hufflepuff or not. You’re strong and decisive and show care for others. Look at how you protected Luna and bargained on her behalf. And your magic is wildly powerful, Cedric. No wonder Greyback’s been trying to recruit you since you were young.”
“No, don’t. Stop.” Cedric groaned, hearing the doggish whine come from his throat. “That’s…I’m a packmate. I’m not…not alpha material.”
“Cub,” Alpha Moony was through his protective bubble, kneeling (kneeling?) in front of him. “Alpha or not, you are your own. Do you understand me? I wish only to break his hold on you. A werewolf does not require an alpha. An alpha requires wolves to be considered an alpha. You do not need him, Cedric. He needs you.”
“You don’t know what he’s like…”
“Don’t I, little cub?” Alpha Moony’s grip on his hand was a lifeline. “Who do you think turned me?”
“You…he…what?”
“Fenrir Greyback turned me years ago, Cedric. But I’m not his. I was never his. I’ve seen him in recent years. He could not compel me. He cannot compel me. And if you let me help, he will no longer be able to compel you.”
“I…I’ll do it.” Cedric’s voice broke. “Whatever. It can’t be worse. How do we do this? What do you want?”
“Let your wolf rise to the surface. Let me speak to him. What is his name?”
“What? My wolf…is…he doesn’t have a name…”
Alpha Moony growled and Cedric absolutely whimpered. “Breathe, child. I am not angry with you. I’m angry with the man who turned you and taught you absolutely nothing. I should not be surprised. He did not grant me a name, either. My mate had to name me.”
“He…he called you Moony?” Cedric had to ask.
A deep pleasant laugh rolled from the werewolf. “I think we were twelve. It seemed appropriate at the time. I was a werewolf and a rather pensive sort. Shall we?”
“Yes, just…he’s…he’s still young.” Cedric whispered. “I haven’t been turned long, you see.”
The bigger man nodded solemnly. “I will treat him with care. I need to place my hand on your head. Will you do me the favor of taking my wrist and guiding my hand…” Alpha Moony paused, cocking his head as if listening. “Actually, the safer your wolf feels, the easier this will be. There is a newly turned werewolf here. Harry Potter is here. Neville Longbottom is here. Fleur Delacour is here. There are others in the house. Would you feel more at ease with more people in the room?”
“I…yes…” Cedric’s voice broke. “If you…if you would not feel disrespected, Alpha.” He was shaking as he said the word.
“Your comfort would not make me feel disrespected, Cedric. I promise you this. Now, lie back and rest a moment. I sense that Luna, as a longtime friend, gives you comfort. Rest in her presence. I will return shortly.”
Harry crept down the stairs and into the basement. The second he set eyes on Cedric, he of course, cried. He found himself being a Baby Koala without permission and he made a mental note to do better about asking, but Cedric was holding him back which broke him in all kinds of fresh, new ways. He didn’t calm down until Fleur wrapped them both up and was kissing the tops of their heads.
“If we only had Victor, it would be a real reunion.” Fleur sniffled.
“I’m so sorry, Cedric.” Harry wept. “If I hadn’t insisted you grab the stupid cup, you wouldn’t have died. I mean…or whatever else has happened…”
“Harry, have you been worried over that?” Cedric Diggory’s clear, strong voice was a little thick with tears, but his arms were firm and real around him. “No. Listen, that wasn’t your fault. How could you have possibly known it would portal us to a graveyard where all of that shit would happen? I don’t blame you, Harry. Never did.”
“I…don’t get how you’re alive.” Harry warbled. “I…I took your body back. You asked me. Your shade from the priori incantatum…”
“Oh, yeah, I really did seem dead, huh?” Cedric sighed. “I, um. I also thought I was dead?” He said it a little sheepishly, with his trademark charming grin that was only a little shaky. “I think the spell fooled everyone, including my soul, a little bit? The wand collected what my last wishes were and then told them to you when that light show happened. Thank you, Harry. I should never have asked that of you. You were in plenty enough danger as it was.”
“I was glad to do something for you. I got you killed.” Harry was crying harder, now.
“Hey, you’re rather in pieces about this, aren’t you?” Cedric said a little awkwardly but held him tighter. “I’m sorry I couldn’t let you know different. Nobody could know. My father doesn’t. At least….I don’t think he does…?” Cedric looked questioningly at Moony. Harry could tell it was Moony because of the erect alert posture as much as the glowing eyes. Remus sat differently. It was weird that he might kind of have three dads at this point. It was also weird that while he loved Remus and Moony differently, he couldn’t honestly say he loved either of them more than the other. They were both the same lovely dad in slightly different packages.
“We will tell no one outside this house until you are ready.” Moony assured him.
“Of course, that’s not saying too much,” Neville said from his spot on the floor where he patted one of Cedric’s feet. Neville was an invaluable addition to the Koala Club, but he was more restrained about jumping new additions. Harry resolved to be more like Neville.
“There are…quite a lot of you here.” Cedric acknowledged. “What are you doing here, Fleur? I thought the school year was over.”
“Darling, it’s been nearly a year since your presumed passing,” Fleur said gently. “Lord Moony, dear, may I go murder this Greyback, now?”
Moony’s eyes glowed brighter until Remus’ warm brown eyes clicked into place. “Moony says yes, Fleur. I, however, forbid you to go without us and a plan. I should have dealt with Greyback years ago.”
“I…who are you, sir?” Cedric’s voice was faint. Harry instinctively patted his head.
“That’s Remus John Lupin Black. Wolf name Moony. Moony’s been talking to you this whole time. Remus had to step in. Hey, Dad.” Harry said and received a small half-hug from Remus where his dad cupped his face with one hand and pressed their foreheads together. “Is it weird that I miss you when Moony takes over and I miss Moony when Remus stays a long time?”
Remus laughed softly. “Extremely. Cedric, you may recall that I taught you Defense in Harry’s third year.”
“Your aura as Alpha Moony is so different.” Cedric breathed. “I…my wolf couldn’t get past it to recognize you.”
“I’m sorry, that’s our mistake not making it clearer. Now, at the risk of rushing you, shall we set about changing your alpha? We need to negate any active commands in you as soon as possible.” Remus said, offering his hand to Cedric in a very odd way.
Cedric hesitantly took Remus’ wrist. “Okay, but…but can you remind Alpha Moony to please…be patient? My wolf is an idiot. And…and a baby.”
The eyes glowed gold and Harry heard Cedric swallow. “Breathe deeply, guide my hand to your head, and close your eyes.” Moony ordered and even Harry shivered a little as Cedric obeyed and Moony closed his golden eyes and pressed his forehead to Cedric’s.
Moony opened his eyes and stared around at the wild untamed grasses and open sky of a huge field. It was a beautiful mindscape. He felt the need to bound and play, but he composed himself and sat. He stared down at his still human hands and wondered if he should remain in human form or try for the wolf.
Stay, I think. Remus’ voice came softly, unassuming. You’re a very big and fearsome wolf, Moony. He expects you in human form.
You think to flatter me. Moony scoffed back. I know your true feelings about me.
I’m learning better, Remus said, his tone apologetic. And I will never lie to you again. Our wolf is large and fearsome. It might make the cub afraid.
Hmmm, was all Moony replied but something settled deep within himself. Remus was learning not to hate or fear him. Honestly, he had never hated Remus. It was a matter of trusting him. And in this, Moony knew that Remus could and should be trusted. Remus knew cubs well. Cubs liked him.
Shall I howl for him? Moony asked, deferring to Remus’ superior expertise.
Yes, I think so. Softly. He hides.
The scent of his fear is strong. I could follow it to him, but it is better if he comes to us.
Yes, Remus agreed and Moony tried not to preen. It should not please him so much to agree with Remus, but here they were. Moony tilted back his head and howled, a soft, yearning cry that expressed his soul’s ache for this dear lost cub. He howled twice more before a beautiful, exhausted-looking brown wolf with fur the exact color of Cedric’s hair skulked out of the bushes.
“Cub,” Moony stayed in his seated position. “I am Moony. Cedric has agreed that I may ask to be your alpha. I have come to speak with you. What is your name?”
The wolf cub whined, lay flat on its belly, and covered its muzzle with its big paws.
Slowly and carefully, Moony shifted until he was mimicking the pup’s position, chin resting on his folded hands, hands resting on the ground, lying prone on the ground. “If you have no name, you can choose one, or I can give it to you.”
The pup lifted its head slowly, ears pricking. Its tail gave two tentative thumps to the ground.
“What do you think of Luca?” Moony asked, having been running names in the back of his mind. “It means, bringer of light.”
The little wolf sat up slowly and stared at him with bright eyes, tail wagging in a slow but steady rhythm. Moony had to smile. He felt Remus’ warm approval in the back of his mind, but he couldn’t take the time to either bask in it or be frustrated with himself for being so happy with it.
“Very well, Luca. You are named. You are wanted. You are chosen.” Moony sat up slowly and sat with his hands resting on his legs. “I ask if you will join my pack and allow me to be your alpha.”
Luca flinched, head lowering, ears flattening minutely.
“To me,” Moony said softly. “Pack…is family. It is a place to belong. A place of safety and strength. I swear on my wolf and my magic that I shall never use my authority as your alpha to deliberately cause you pain, or make you cause pain to others. I want this role as your alpha only to protect you from anyone who would abuse it. So mote it be.”
Even in the mindscape, he could feel the rattling of the wards.
Luca raised his head and sat regally, staring at him. Then, with slow and deliberate steps, he approached Moony and bowed his little head before him, offering his neck. Moony swallowed at the sudden tightness in his throat and gently touched the offered spot with two fingers. “I hereby welcome you, Cedric Diggory, and his wolf Luca, to my pack and accept my position as your leader and protector until such time as you choose of your own will to leave. So mote it be.”
Again, the wards clanged affirmation and Remus’s approval settled around him. Luca looked up at him and nuzzled his hand, giving a brief, tentative lick. Moony wasn’t able to keep from crying a little as he gently petted and played with Luca for a long while before conjuring him a small warm bed and getting him to sleep.
Remus’ approval settled around his shoulders like a warm blanket as he carefully withdrew from Cedric Diggory’s mind.
The boy was weeping copiously and wrapped his arms around Moony’s neck. Moony, with Remus’ wordless permission, picked up the boy and carried him.
“Fleur, carry Luna, if you please. We’re all heading up to Harry’s.”