Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.
Harry woke up in the sleeping den like usual. The only difference was that Fenrir was not present. Harry told himself he didn't miss the presence of the older werewolf when he awoke.
It was a small price to pay though for what he got to experience the night before. Being in his werewolf form was simply the most amazing feeling he had ever had.
It wasn't merely the strength he had found in his limbs or the speed available to him as a werewolf, it was the all encompassing freedom.
Everything was boundless, his body, his mind. There were no second guesses as a werewolf, there was only you, your pack and the earth.
Harry in his werewolf mind didn't have to worry about impressing anyone, or trying to be someone he wasn't.
However, Harry didn't have much time to continue thinking in awe of the night before, as suddenly he was pounced on from all sides.
Seeing as he was in the sleeping den surrounded by his pack, Harry knew it wasn't an attack and simply curled up into a tighter ball.
"Get off!" Harry ordered, trying to sound intimidating, it didn't work that well as his voice was muffled by the many blankets that were covering him.
The next moment Harry heard John and Karl laughing from somewhere above him.
"Come on, wakey wakey, Harry!" Karl taunted. And then there was a heavy weight crouching on Harry's back.
Harry wouldn't be surprised if Karl was now using him as a chair and was sitting on him completely.
Before he was changed, Harry was pretty sure the weight would have probably crushed his ribs but now the weight was just an uncomfortable pressure.
"Really?! The sun hasn't even risen yet!" Harry shouted, finally pulling down his blankets and forcefully pushing Karl off of him. Harry was happy when he was able to easily make Karl fall to floor.
Following through with his advantage, Harry leaped up from his bedding and pounced on Karl, determined to get even with Karl for waking him up early. After wrestling around for several moments, Harry finally got the upper hand and had pinned Karl to the floor.
Laughing with triumph, for pinning Karl down was not an easy feat even for a werewolf, Harry grinned.
"Not so tough now though are you Karl," Harry taunted good naturedly.
Growling, Karl flipped suddenly, sending Harry tumbling off to the side with a yelp of indignation.
"Yea, now it's at least a challenge brawling with you," Karl admitted, standing to help Harry to his feet.
"Remember before, John?" Karl asked. "When Harry was still human? Everyday it was, 'don't be rough with him, don't mock-fight with him, and I swear, if Harry receives even a scratch while he is in your care!'" Karl added, imitating Fenrir's deep resounding voice.
Harry blushed. "What, he really said that?" Harry asked a bit embarrassedly.
John and Karl, who were already laughing uncontrollably, nodded.
Glaring, Harry stalked up to his two still giggling friends and punched each of their arms soundly.
"Ow!" John shouted dramatically, now holding his offended limb.
"Well Fenrir has no reason to say it now so be quiet about it, and I will get you one day, Karl!" Harry returned, finding it hard not to laugh himself.
Merri cleared her throat then. "Excuse me, but if you two fools haven't forgotten, there was a reason we woke Harry up early today, or don't you remember?" Merri asked, eyeing John and Karl.
"Oh yea," John began sheepishly.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"You are being solicited today, are you not?" Merri asked.
"Oh," Harry sighed. He had forgotten that today he would have to hear the claims of several of the other Alphas. It was a waste of time in his mind.
"I am," Harry continued. "But I don't see why I'd have to wake up early for that reason. I was planning on hearing them out later on today and just get it over with, no big deal," Harry finished, shrugging his shoulders.
"No big deal?" Merri asked, clucking her tongue disapprovingly. "This is the first step in choosing your future mate. A mate you will have for the rest of your life," Merri stressed. "Of course it is important."
Harry shook his head, smiling. "But you are forgetting, Merri, I don't plan on accepting any of their proposals, at least not this year."
Merri looked a little put out at that, but brightened soon after. "Well, we'll just wait and see. In the mean time, this is still a very important ceremony."
"Ceremony? Another one? Why can't they just come up to me and ask to be recognized, really this is all very unnecessary."
Merri scoffed. "No, it is necessary, you wish to go against tradition!" Merri whispered in a fierce undertone.
Harry shook his head quickly, not wanting up upset Merri further.
"Alright, no problem. Ceremony, I got it. What am I supposed to do?" Harry asked resignedly as he glared at John and Karl who were still laughing silently.
"You're trying to make me look like a girl," Harry accused as he eyed the many multi-colored pastes that Merri had spread out before him, each in their own tiny bowl. Harry had made no complaint when he had to take the special bath or put on the white ceremonial robes, but really, wearing makeup was the end of the line.
"Come on, Harry, don't you want to look presentable?" Merri asked in the gently cajoling voice she had been using for most of the morning.
"I look fine how I am," Harry replied, crossing his arms.
"But Harry, just imaginehow much Fenrir will be pleased with your appearance," Karl broke in with a leering undertone.
"Will you Shut Up!" Harry practically squawked, blushing. Karl had been making vulgar insinuations all morning and it was not helping Harry's nerves at all.
"Alright, that's it, you two!" Merri shouted sternly before pushing John and Karl out of the main area of the bathing house.
"Hey, I didn't do anything!" John objected.
Merri scoffed. "Both you and your brother have been nothing but trouble today, you can come back when you grow up."
"No Fair-" But no one got to hear what else Karl meant to say because Merri firmly slammed the door on his face.
"Thanks," Harry said softly.
"No problem. Now, what's this business about you thinking I'm trying to make you look like a girl?"
Harry nodded towards the colored bowls. "That's makeup isn't it?" Harry asked.
"In a way, I guess, but it's more like body paint. And it's purpose isn't to make you look girly," Merri informed, leading Harry to sit once more.
"First I would make this symbol here," Merri began, tracing her fingers along Harry's forehead. "It is the symbol of our pack."
It tickled but felt nice and Harry thought the shape resembled a V, that was what it felt like anyway.
"And here, on both sides of your cheek, is the shape showing that you are a submissive werewolf," Merri's fingers danced along, making two S shapes on either side of Harry's face.
Merri went on, describing the symbols she would draw and their meanings.
"There are other types of symbols used for other ceremonies, such as bonding ceremonies, funeral ceremonies. They are tradition, it's not a scheme to embarrass you, Harry."
Harry nodded.
"Alright, I'll go along with it then," Harry conceded, allowing Merri to begin painting his face and arms. "I can't wait 'till John and Karl have to go through this though. See how they like it."
Merri laughed at the thought. "Shame they aren't subs though."
Harry shrugged. "Still, the Alphs have to do other things, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to embarrass them."
"True, and you have a long time to perfect your plan."
"You think it would take them a long time to settle down then?" Harry asked.
"Well, it's not just that. In werewolf packs, not every alpha will always mate. If every alpha had a family, it would make the pack as a whole weaker, since it takes a lot of time and energy to raise a cub. So the head alpha, Fenrir in our case, decides who can and can't mate with the available submissive werewolves. And since there are naturally a lot less submissive werewolves, there is fierce competition and generally only the more experienced alphas are given the honor to compete."
"Hold on, if Fenrir can decide who can compete, and he is competing as well, why doesn't he just forbid the other alphas from proposing?" Harry asked.
"He wants to give you options, silly," Merri chided.
Harry didn't know what to say to that, but the thought made something in his chest warm.
"There!" Merri declared proudly. "I've finished."
Harry didn't mind the paint actually. The symbols all sort of merged together to look like a single mask of color.
It didn't make him look girly at all, wild or dangerous maybe, Harry thought. Well, he should look wild and dangerous today, because he was in charge today. Harry was happy to hear that he got to decide a lot of parts involved with the ceremony.
Harry got to choose where they would meet, in which order he would see the alphas, and how long they each were allowed to explain their gifts and intentions.
Harry considered not allowing any of them to talk at all, which would be a bit funny. But, that was probably a little rude and besides, Harry was curious as to why they would propose to him in any case.
So after Merri finished getting Harry ready, Harry decided that the ceremony would take place on the rock face that over looked most of the valley below. It was a calm area and Harry was comfortable there, so it seemed like a good enough place.
When Merri and Catherine asked him in which order he would like to hear the alphas, Harry immediately thought to name Fenrir first, but then thought that that might make the other alphas a bit rowdy so he changed order around, and made Fenrir last, knowing that the older werewolf wouldn't read anything into it.
Catherine sat with Harry quietly as Merri went to get the first alpha.
A couple minutes later Merri reappeared, the first claimant trailing after her. Harry immediately recognized him as Aaron.
Aaron was easily the most conventionally handsome of the group, with golden hair and inquisitive blue eyes. He appeared knowledgeable nonetheless and had a worldly look about him. Which made sense, as Catherine had told Harry earlier that Aaron had traveled to many far off places as a scientist during his previous life as a muggle.
Aaron smiled and walked confidently before Harry and kneeled.
"I am Aaron, of the Alderen clan, and I come before you in supplication and to ask for your approval in my quest to win your affection, praise, and devotion," Aaron began solemnly.
Harry nodded, looking to Catherine. "I acknowledge your claim and will now accept the gift of your intention."
Aaron smiled and handed Harry a small package wrapped in large green leaves.
Harry opened the package carefully to reveal an exotic looking flower.
"It is a Red Balthazar, the leaves when ground up can be made into a very strong healing potion. It is very rare and the only one of its kind I have ever found on my travels."
Harry nodded, grateful for the gift before setting it aside. Harry was a lot more calm now that the formal part of the meeting was finished. Now Harry could either dismiss the alpha or continue speaking to the werewolf.
Harry voiced the question that he had decided he would ask each candidate.
"And what made you decide to compete for…me?" Harry asked, waving vaguely, he didn't really know how else to put it.
Aaron smiled. "I love adventure. And I've heard many tales about your adventures from some of the other wizard raised werewolves so I thought we would make a good pair. I want to continue roaming the world, and thought that perhaps you would be a good companion," Aaron answered.
Harry nodded, pleased at the seeming honest response.
"Thank you for the flower, Aaron, you may go."
Aaron nodded and quickly got up to leave.
"See, that wasn't so bad," Catherine comforted.
"Yea, and the flower seems useful at least," Harry shrugged. "Send the next one then."
Render was next and Harry found he disliked him immediately. The alpha walked with an arrogant swagger that Harry hadn't noticed before and it distinctly reminded him of Malfoy.
Then the alpha proceeded to present Harry jewelry as his gift-and not any kind of jewelry but a gaudy looking necklace, that though pretty, was obviously not Harry at all.
Harry took the necklace and put it aside, with a false smile.
Later, Harry regretted asking Render why he had decided to court him. Harry really could have done without the alpha's little speech on how they were obviously meant to be together. Render had missed the point of the question entirely.
Next was Charles, a welcome relief from Render, Harry decided.
Charles was so far the least serious of the alphas, with a small grin perpetually perched upon his face. It set Harry at ease and Harry thought they might become friends at the least by the end of this. Charles' gift was a sling shot made of some kind of bone.
Though Charles warned it wasn't made to do damage really, especially when used against werewolves, it was a fun contraption. Harry took the sling shot eagerly, wondering how quickly he could get the hang of it before he could use it to ambush Karl.
"And what made you decide to court me?" Harry asked off handedly, still looking at the slingshot.
Harry looked up in time to see Charles blush. "It's a stupid reason really. The first week you were here I saw you with the little cubs. And one of them, Delila, I think it was fell in the mud. When the others laughed at her, I saw you go sit with Delila in the mud and act like it was the most normal thing in the world. After a couple of minutes, you had everyone playing and throwing mud at one another, and the whole thing was forgotten. That was a sweet thing to do, and well…I'd be honored to get to know you better."
Harry looked down, he didn't think anyone had been around there that time and was a bit embarrassed to have been seen playing around in the mud by an adult. Still, that Charles had noticed was very endearing in any case.
Following Charles was Stephan. And Harry didn't really know what to make of him. Stephan was tall and lankier than most of the other alphas with brown hair and Harry had seen Stephan around with Render a lot, but Stephan didn't seem as domineering as his friend, which Harry was grateful for.
"I wasn't really sure what to get you," Stephan had admitted.
Harry took the small stack of papers from Stephan, wondering what they were.
"But, since I doubt you've been able to learn the werewolf written language form yet, as it is especially difficult to learn, I thought I'd translate some of our more well known legends into English for you.
Harry held the papers with new-found reverence before thanking Stephan earnestly.
And when Harry asked why Stephan had decided to court him, the alpha simply smiled and said, "Because you amaze me, Harry."
Harry was a bit stunned by that, and didn't press for more details.
"Only one more," Catherine informed as Stephan left.
"Yes, Fenrir," Harry nodded, trying not to get anymore nervous.
It was weird to see Fenrir kneeling before him, Harry noted. Kneeling, bowing, averting one's eyes to elders, they were all little actions that took place within the pack every day, every moment.
Harry took them for granted and had begun to mimic such behaviors himself without knowing it. So when he saw Fenrir kneeling before him, it just felt out of place.
Fenrir didn't seem to mind so much though. He seemed content, though somber as he said his vows with well practiced ease.
It made Harry wonder how often, if ever, Fenrir had made such vows before.
But then Fenrir up turned his head to present his gift all the thoughts in Harry's head seemed to vanish
"I can teach you to use it, if you wish," Fenrir was saying as Harry reached out to take the offered dagger.
Harry's eyes were wide as he took in the object, but it wasn't because the dagger was especially attractive, or anything. To be honest, the dagger was plain, as it looked like it was made entirely of the same black rock material, the blade and handle interlocking as one smooth piece. But as it glinted dully in the sunlight, Harry got the distinct impression that dagger was aware of his presence.
"It would please me, if you kept this with you when you're around the wizards," Fenrir continued, as he produced a halter as well, strapping it to Harry's left arm and securing the dagger in place.
"I know you won't be able to transform while you attend school, but after some training with this blade, you can become just as dangerous in your human form as you are as a wolf."
Looking at the deadly serrated edge of the blade, Harry couldn't help but agree that the dagger was very dangerous.
"What is it made of?" Harry asked as he took the dagger out of its leather sheath now bound to his arm.
"The ashes of a Wyvern."
"Ashes? But it looks so strong," Harry added.
"It is. However, it's strength comes from how the ashes are formed together. Once the Wyvern was burned to ashes, my grandfather and grandmother, who each had a special affinity for the wind, were able to gather the ashes and force them into this form," Fenrir explained.
Harry shook his head. "I can't take this Fenrir, it's too much. The ceremony called for a small gift, besides…you know I'm not planning on picking anyone and this is family heirloom, I can't-"
"Harry, shh," Fenrir chided. "First of all, this gift is really not so grand as you're making it out to be and is perfectly fine for this ceremony. Second, it is because you aren't planning on choosing any of us that I gave you this gift. I know choosing a mate isn't your primary objective at this point in your life, and that's fine, but I want to help you help yourself while you finish your schooling at Hogwarts. And thirdly, you are already part of my family Harry, so even if you do not choose me as your mate, this blade will remain where it's supposed to be."
After thinking a moment, and deciding that Fenrir's arguments seemed sound. Harry nodded. Learning another way to defend himself was a good idea in any case. "Alright, I'd appreciate your help in learning how to use the dagger," Harry admitted.
"Good," Fenrir smiled. "Then it's all settled. If you want, after you put your new things away and get cleaned up, Catherine and I can take you to spend some time with your godfather."
Harry smiled in return, glad that this ceremony didn't change how Fenrir acted towards him. Everything would work out, Harry suddenly felt very confident for the future.
"That blade looks wicked," Sirius admitted, clearly impressed. "How'd his grandparents make it?" Sirius asked.
"Um…they used the wind and pressed it together…" Harry trailed off.
"Oh, so could Remus do that?" Sirius asked.
"No, it's a natural werewolf thing to be able to use the elements like that," Harry explained.
"So, could you do it then?"
Harry shrugged. "Yes, but I'd need a lot more practice. It's weird, natural magic is very easy to use, to start off with, but difficult to control. So far I've just been taught how to do small things. The more natural magic you use, it goes a bit out of control and takes more power to use. If that makes sense?" Harry asked.
"It sounds very different from wizarding magic," Sirius agreed. "But, I'm glad to see you so happy Harry. And it seems these werewolves are treating you very well.
"They are. And despite all the drama with the ministry and everything, this summer has been the best I've ever had."
Sirius smiled, for once looking like the carefree man Harry had seen in old pictures of his his family.
"So are you hungry or anything, we could have a late lunch?" Sirius asked.
"No thanks, I'm fine at the moment, I was wondering if we could start with Occlumency though?"
"Oh!" Sirius began. "Yes, that is very important, I found some books that might be useful, at least for the beginning stages."
Harry nodded enthusiastically as he followed Sirius up to the library. Sirius led Harry to one of the reading desks in the library where he had already stacked several tomes.
"Reading those will help, but first I want to go through some exercises with you."
"Exercises, like stretching and stuff?" Harry asked.
"In a way, but these will help to train your mind. Here, I'll show you, take a seat."
Harry sat down, happy to get started.
"Here, this is what I used when I was learning," Sirius began, holding out a small crystal.
"But I thought you said you never learned Occlumency.""I didn't, but learning how to clear your mind is an important beginning step in many different types of magic, such as utilizing your animagus form."
"Oh, that makes sense."
"Now, I'll place this here in the middle of the table, and I want you to stare at the middle of the crystal, loose yourself in the many faceted sides. You need to practice focusing on one object so that all else is blocked out. Eventually, you should be able to reach this state of mind without long meditation or the help of the crystal."
The next month passed tranquilly. Harry fell into a flexible schedule which included sparing with Fenrir most mornings while he learned how to use his new dagger properly. Then he would spend a couple of hours with his friends, or sometimes one of competing alphas would invite Harry to do something, Catherine was always close behind in those instances.
Then in the afternoon Harry would go to visit his godfather and Remus. While there, Harry would usually read the books available about Occlumency, practice clearing his mind, or finish his regular summer homework.
Harry hoped the extra studying would help his potions grade that year at least.
No one came around Grimmauld Place that often that last month. And if someone did come by in the mornings, Harry's absence was easily passed off. No one questioned a teenager sleeping till noon on their summer break after all.
By the end of the month, Harry was confident that he was able to control his transformations at the very least. He still wasn't sure if his Occlumency shields he had read about were strong enough, or even entirely present since there was no one he trusted to test them. But the persistent worry at the back of his mind, that someone might learn his secret gave Harry enough resolve to keep reading and keep practicing the art.
As the beginning of the school year drew near Harry continued his studies with renewed fervor. The dagger he had gotten from Fenrir now never left his side.
"Are you ready?" Fenrir asked.
Harry nodded. They were standing outside Grimmauld Place, it was the early morning of September the 1st.
"You've got your dagger, your wand, your potion?" Fenrir continued.
"Yes, I packed everything yesterday."
"You have both forms of the potion, the lotion, and the liquid form?"
"Yes," Harry repeated.
"You have-"
"Fenir, quit worrying, you've walked me through this day a dozen times. I will go to King's Cross with Sirius and Remus. I will go on the train. I will have a wonderful time catching up with my friends. I will attend the sorting feast-"
"And if something unforeseen happens?" Fenrir interrupted.
"I will get to either you or Remus as soon as possible no matter what," Harry said, in a monotone, having had to repeat the sentence many times in the last few days.
"Alright," Fenrir nodded, his voice a bit gruffer than usual. "Just be careful. I don't want anything happening to you," Fenrir added, he hand reaching out to cup the back of Harry's head possessively.
Harry looked up and was taken aback by the fierce look in Fenrir's eyes. The elder werewolf was worried, extremely worried. Harry almost opened his mouth to call the whole thing off, if only to take that look off Fenrir's face. But he had to go on, Fenrir seemed to realize this for he simply nodded once more, and then leaned down to embrace Harry tightly.
It wasn't like the other types of hugs he often shared with Fenrir and his other pack members, this was ardent and passionate, not kind or soft.
Harry felt his feet lift off the ground, but wasn't concerned. He held on tighter, because even though he sounded confident earlier, the truth was, Harry was worried too.
As Harry held himself closer to Fenrir, his face pressed to the alpha's neck, almost trying to memorize the scent, he heard a low growl in his ear.
Harry wondered vaguely if Fenrir was going to bite him. The thought would have usually caused Harry to try to get away but Harry somehow felt that there was no danger. Harry tilted his head to the side to give his alpha more room, it seemed the right thing to do.
Harry felt Fenrir's mouth on his neck and Fenrir's suddenly strong breaths moving his hair.
Teeth were grazing Harry's neck and he shivered.
"Fenrir!" Catherine shouted sharply, causing Fenrir to release his hold on Harry abruptly.
When Harry's feet hit the ground unexpectedly, his knees buckled and he found himself kneeling on the dirt ground, breathing harshly.
Catherine came over quickly and helped Harry stand, before brushing off the dirt from his clothes.
"There you are dear. Now, you just go and have a good time today. I know you've done all you could to prepare yourself, and I'm sure everything will be fine."
Harry nodded, trying to get his thoughts in order. He was just talking about what would be done today and then everything….
Harry shook his head before looking past Catherine to see where Fenrir had gone.
The elder werewolf had his back turned on Harry and Catherine several feet away.
"Harry," Catherine caught Harry's attention once more. "We can talk about this again when you come back tonight, but if you don't leave now, you might miss your train."
Harry nodded vaguely.
"You'll feel better in a couple of minutes," Catherine reassured before leading Harry through the back gate of Grimmauld Place. "Remember tonight, meet us at the north side of the forbidden forest. Fenrir and I will be waiting," Catherine smiled.
Harry nodded, taking a deep breath and stealing one last glance at Fenrir before continuing forward towards the house.
When Harry was safely within the house, Catherine turned to glare at Fenrir.
"What did you think you were doing? I turn my back for a second, thinking you just meant to hug the boy, and then I look back to realize you're a second away from biting him!" Catherine hissed.
Fenrir breathed deeply once more before turning around to meet Catherine's gaze.
"I know, I only meant to comfort him, Catherine. I did not realize that the desire to be with him would be so strong," Fenrir sighed. "It won't happen again. I am just so apprehensive, so many things could go wrong today. I only want for his safety."
Taking pity on Fenrir, Catherine moved forward to take one of the alpha's shaking fists into her hands.
"Harry has his own path to follow. He was on this road before you met, and you accepted his choice when allowed him into our pack. We can help Harry along, but it is his own life ultimately, this is his decision."
Fenrir nodded, "Yes, I know you are right. This is his road, but he is part of our pack now and I swear by the sky above that if anyone harms a single hair on his head, they will have my wrath to contend with," Fenrir vowed, glaring up at the magical house of Grimmauld Place.
Thanks for reading!