A Life Worth Living

Chapter 37

20th April

Exhaustion poured off Harry in waves, it had been over a month that he'd been on the move hunting down his prey. Each time the slippery shit manages to get by him, he'd been chasing him through five different countries now. He'd had hardly any sleep, and had to anonymously leave a tip with two bodies that had been left behind by the wizard. He couldn't remain behind to identify himself, otherwise it would leave him open and vulnerable. He was so good at hiding his magic, that he was able to slip by a few times, but Harry was better, he was able to pick it up quickly again even if it was hidden and the wizard didn't use it.

Sighing resignedly, he groaned as he slid into the motel room, placing his phone on charge as he lay down, flinging his bag to the bottom of the bed absently as he did so. He was getting too old for this shit, he'd missed a full moon with Teddy, but at least he had the others and they'd enjoyed themselves. He'd felt it through the bond, including the new one, that was bright, sly, grateful and devious, he couldn't wait to meet whoever it was.

He needed a bath, or a shower even, he didn't care he just needed a wash. The thought of getting up made him reluctant though, he just wanted to sleep, he was no good to anyone like this and definitely wasn't going to risk himself by facing him beaten down by tiredness. He wouldn't make the same mistake countless Aurors and Bounty Hunters had made.

Giving a resigned nod, he didn't know when he'd get the chance again, he'd literally just put one toe on the floor when his phone went. It was his personal number, and contrary to how it looked, not many actually had it. Just those close to him, his contacts and a few others he'd actually trusted with it.

He rolled over to the other side, glancing at the phone, he found a number instead of a name. Arching a brow, he slid his finger across the device, putting it on speaker phone, and absently putting a silencing charm around the room to prevent anyone overhearing anything. He'd already put a few other spells up before he'd sat down just to be on the safe side.

"Hello?" Harry said, rummaging through his bag, grasping a hold of the sandwich and bottle of coke he'd bought. Thankfully he always carried money from most countries, for instances like this. Although his funds were seriously depleting fast, he didn't want to have to go to the closest Gringotts to get more either. He had to find Benedict fast.

"I-is this Harry Potter?" came the stuttering voice of a young boy.

"Isaac?" Harry asked, able to deduce it due to the fear and the fact it was a young boy, he was the only one he'd given his phone to.

"Y-yes," he whispered, but apart from his voice, nothing but chirping could be heard.

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked calmly, as if it were normal for him to get calls at this time of night from people.

"D-did you mean what you said…that you'd keep me safe? That I wouldn't need to go…" Isaac fell silent.

"I did," Harry commented his voice strong and soft. He knew that every child's worst fear was to go into the system. They didn't want to end up with child services so they endured the abuse being doled out. Some even believe they deserve it at this point, or are still in complete denial and decide that it was normal. Chewing hungrily on the food, giving Isaac the courage and time he needed to ask for what he wanted…maybe he only needed someone to speak to.

"How?" Isaac asked, the sound of shovelling around met Harry's ears.

Harry could imagine how terrified Isaac was at being caught by his father. Which might mean he may not remain on the line long. "I have a lot of contacts, you'd remain with me or someone you want to stay with until you were eighteen, longer if you wish to attend collage and Uni," he explained blasely as if it was no trouble whatsoever. Which it wasn't really.

"Why?" Isaac asked, his tone slightly breathless, either due to pain or letting out his breath at the renewed hope he felt.

"You want me to be honest?" Harry asked, if it helped someone get free then he'd tell him everything.

"What?" Isaac blurted out, confused by Harry's question.

"You aren't the only one who has gone through abuse, Isaac," Harry said, "I sent my entire childhood locked up in a cupboard under the stairs unless I was in school or forced to do chores. There were times where I was locked up for weeks because I did something 'wrong' by their standards or because I was too hurt to attend school with visible injuries that they didn't want to have to explain."

Inhaling sharply at the words, "B-but you're so…" Isaac blurted out before slowing to a stop.

"Strong? Yes, as will you be if you give yourself a break and allow someone to help you. Getting aid Isaac isn't being weak, its giving yourself the strength to change your circumstances. The strongest people I know are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths to carry on,"

Isaac remained silent after those words.

"As Christopher Reeves said a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles," Harry said solemnly, sensing that Isaac was going to hang up, probably think about it and if he gains the courage call again. "Talk to Stiles if you need to, he may be the son of a sheriff but he keeps secrets close to his chest. He will not speak of what you say in secret to his father." He was such a nerd, the things he'd picked up from Stiles and Teddy, anything remotely 'superhero' from DC or Marvel he knew.

Without a goodbye, the call dropped, Harry finished eating, a thoughtful frown on his face. He knew he couldn't help Isaac if he didn't ask for it, he'd just be blamed for getting him out of a situation he was determined to deny that anything was wrong.

Shaking his head, he brought up his contracts before setting up a video call with Peter. It was late, but he could tell through the bond that Peter was still awake, when you were asleep the bond was sort of muted, there weren't a lot of emotions coming through due to your sleeping state, when you were awake though, and checking the bond it was vibrant and full of life.

"Hey, how are you all doing?" Harry asked the second Peter picked up the call, the sight of a familiar face was a very welcoming one, which had a small genuine smile spreading across his face.

"Everyone is safe," Peter informed him immediately, "Teddy and Jimmy enjoyed the full moon, and got on well with their new packmate, I think Jimmy is enamoured to be honest," but Teddy didn't seem all that perturbed by Erica's nature, but Teddy had grown up amongst strong women, witches, so it was hardly surprising that he might not feel overwhelmed by Erica's strength.

"I can't wait to meet her," Harry said sincerely. "What age is she?" he asked, frowning, he didn't like the thought of Jimmy trailing after a woman. He would need to find a way to nip that in the bud if it were the case.

"She is sixteen years old, nearly seventeen, her parents and she all know, they knew everything before accepting the bite. She suffered from severe epilepsy, that was…quite harsh on their lives," Peter explained, sensing the way Harry was seeing it through the bond and not feeling the need to defend his actions. While they had humans in their pack, they hadn't been riddled down with medical illnesses, it wasn't until he observed them over the month that he begun to realize just how badly Erica's illness had affected them all, her parents looked as if they had a load off their shoulders and seemed happier in and on themselves. The change in Erica was glaringly obvious from the downtrodden but spirited girl he'd met in the hospital.

Harry unconsciously relaxed, "That's good, I didn't want to have to speak to him about the appropriateness of chasing after someone older…" although if it continues he'd need to speak to him anyway, he'd done the same with Stiles when he grew so enamoured with Lydia Martin that it was disturbing. The gifts he wanted to get her…no, it was entirely too inappropriate, he knew how it felt to be hounded by people that were enamoured with him. In the long run it had helped Stiles more than it had this strawberry blonde haired girl.

Peter thought about it for a few seconds before shamefully revealing what his nephew had suggested where it came to Erica Reyes.

"He actually said that?" Harry gasped, aghast.

"Unfortunately, I do believe he didn't think before speaking, he has been ashamed of himself ever since, and I did give him a talking to. I warned him that if he ever suggested such a thing again that I would chose someone else as my right hand as soon as I could." Peter informed Harry, rubbing his face almost tiredly.

"He needs someone to speak to doesn't he?" Harry said, which wasn't easily done unless he got one of MACUSA's own physiatrists to help him. Which they would do, even if only for a favour to him. "Would he go if I suggested it?"

"He should have been in therapy after what happened to Paige," Peter stated resignedly, "Unfortunately, Talia decided to sweep it under the rug and not mention it again. I was the one that was tasked with getting rid of the body. Nobody expect perhaps Laura even knew what happened," A duty he had seen out, acknowledged as his own fault. It had been his actions that led to the death of a fifteen year old girl, even if it hadn't been what he was aiming for. He could still remember picking up the black oozed dead body of the girl, and burying her, hiding the supernatural and regretfully not giving the parents a chance to say goodbye, the case remained open but cold to this day. Unfortunately, they had to make sure that the supernatural wasn't exposed.

Harry stared in disbelief, "He didn't even have the comfort of pack to fall back on?" shocked to the core, "I'm beginning to understand just how Argent managed to get her way into Derek's life so easily."

Peter nodded resignedly, it wasn't just Derek's fault, he knew, it was a whole culmination of events that just spiralled out of control. Talia's belief that she knew what she was doing had heralded this. They weren't the only pack to fall this way either, it made his skin crawl just how they'd successfully taken down so many packs without care or even being exposed by the hunter council. "Where are you?" other than the Patronus' he hadn't heard from Harry, it was nice being able to speak to him, but he didn't want to talk about the Argents, they could do that any other day. The background looked like some sort of disgusting motel, and he looked exhausted and dirty.

"Mexico, been here twenty-four hours, I've just been trailing all over Canada trying to catch the bastard." Harry explained, gracefully allowing the change of subject.

"Stiles made first-line in Lacrosse today," Peter informed him, knowing he'd like to know these things. "He hopes that you will be there during the final match of the season, I think he even pissed off Scott to an extent by proudly announcing he done it without the aid of any 'wolfy powers' as he calls it." chuckling wryly, which was true enough.

"Using his magic will settle his ADHD, calm his mind, along with the exercise, I wouldn't be surprised if we see him much calmer as time goes on." Harry said entirely too amused as well. "Listen…there is a young boy called Isaac Lahey, I might need you to welcome him if I don't get back in time…I think he's starting to build up the courage to stand up to his abusive father."

"Of course," Peter replied, he'd never deny himself more beta's especially loyal ones, and that sort of loyalty would be world burning if dealt with right. Plus, the stronger the pack was, the best chance they had of survival. "What do you know about him?" he asked, desiring to know everything that would strengthen his chance of getting the boy on their side.

"Not much, he's badly abused, it will be difficult to gain his trust, Stiles will know more," Harry explained, "I've told him to talk to Stiles but whether he does or not…or has remains to be seen."

"Would you like help in finding this fugitive?" Peter asked, "I have a few contacts in Mexico that might be of help?" he didn't mind pulling in a few favours if it got Harry back sooner and safer.

"He's killed dozens of people, including Aurors and Bounty Hunters, Peter, I wont risk anyone in order to bring him down. He's already leaving a trail of bodies behind him." Harry shook his head at the suggestion even if he longed to say yes, "Against magic…I'm afraid your contacts would be as vulnerable as a No-Maj, he's vicious and without an ounce of mercy." Which is exactly what he was going to be when he caught up to him.

"Speaking of hunters…Victoria Argent tried to kill Scott McCall, I presume it's because they found out that their daughter is still seeing him." Peter commented darkly, "Derek managed to prevent it, I would have had to take my hat off to her for her…method, she used aerosoled wolfsbane to make it look like an asthma attack."

"Have you informed Hermione?" Harry asked, his face darkening, whether he liked Scott right now or not, he loathed the fact that the hunters thought they could just go around killing without paying the price.

"Yes, she has Derek's statement and the memory of the incident, Scott refused to press charges. One visit to his mother, however, changed all that, Hermione has what she needs to begin a case against her, she just needs to wait for the department to be officially up and running." Peter felt nothing but smug satisfaction, at long last the hunters were going to start paying for their crimes against them. Attempted murder…she'd be in prison for years. That's if she allowed herself to go to prison, she might…opt out.

"Yes, the council need to give the department the go-ahead, decide how much power it has and what it can do, whether it has more power than the Aurors and who they ultimately report to, who Hermione has to report to whether it will be the president directly or an in-between, a middle man so to speak." Harry explained how it would go down, "Hermione has to have everything set up so that they can go out and do what needs done the second they get the go ahead. So she needs numbers, rules and regulations, she'd literally in charge of creating a whole new branch, a new department and it isn't an easy feat. Then there are the things the council not approving that need changed until they reach an agreement."

"How long might that take?" Peter almost felt like pouting.

"Considering they know what Argent has done…and what they're doing, and how much exposure the supernatural world is getting…I don't think there is much they will want to change. They were genuinely horrified at the extent of her crimes, its not easy to do anymore, after all they've seen." Harry replied solemnly. "They'll want it up and running ASAP but things do have to be done right." The law was the law and regardless of how bad things were, they couldn't cut corners.

Peter merely nodded, he understood it doesn't mean he had to like it, especially with Gerard Argents' presence in Beacon Hills. No, he was brazenly open about his presence, becoming the Headmaster of the damn school, the previous Headmaster had disappeared, and Victoria had become a secretary, watching the students closely, by installing cameras in the school. He decided to inform Harry of this as well.

"Damn, he's probably either being blackmailed or dead," Harry sighed, "Their depravity knows no bounds," they didn't just kill supernatural's they killed humans as well, just to get their way, it was disgusting.

"Hermione is looking into it, but she explained it isn't her priority at the moment," Peter informed him.

"No, getting the department up and running is, it's how she's going to nail their arses bang to rights." Hermione was vicious when she needs to be, and Harry wouldn't like to be on the wrong side of her.

"I just hope I'm there to see the looks on their faces," Peter said, eyes gleaming vindictively.

"Me too," Harry said in complete agreement. "Tell Stiles I'll try and be there for his game,"

"I will, you should try and get some sleep, you look exhausted," Peter said, forget the fact he could feel that exhaustion through the bond if he focused. It had been strained with fatigue for weeks.

"Yeah, I'm going to go for a quick shower first, not sure when I'll get a chance to talk again, or charge my phone." Harry revealed, "I miss you," he revealed honestly, he did miss Peter and the others.

"I find myself missing your presence as well," Peter replied, "Now catch that son-of-a-bitch and get back here before I have to come looking for you." He didn't like being without his mate…and it was getting harder and harder to reign in his wolf. His human rational knew Harry didn't need help, but his wolf wasn't so easily placated.

He didn't even know the half of it.

Harry just gave Peter a fond look, "I'll try, be careful and keep everyone safe,"

"I will do, just you keep yourself alive," Peter stated, none of them would recover if they lost Harry, especially not him. He'd already lost his family…he didn't know how he'd survive losing his mate.

"I'm not easily gotten rid of," Harry said wryly, before ending the call, but it didn't stop him being cautious. Now he was close to him, he just needed to get a shower and some sleep before getting the fugitive.

Breathing out, worry squirming in his gut over how things were in Beacon Hills. The hunters were up to something, he had to get back to them. The danger the pack was facing was very real, they didn't care who got hurt in their desire to eradicate werewolves, clenching his hands into fists, he made his way into the bathroom, taking a quick shower since that was all that was available to him. It barely stayed warm more than five minutes, but Harry didn't mind, he was clean, and bone weary tired.

27th April

"Benedict Keller, you're under…" Harry called out, having successfully figured out where he would be going. Returning to the scene of his crimes, Harry was furious he hadn't noticed the damn pattern earlier. Fortunately, it meant he could finally get this over with and return home. So, he had set everything in motion, just waiting for him to come.

The second he spoke the wizard tried to Apparate away, only to find himself trapped. Snarling swiftly he unleashed the full extent of his magic, ready to go to war with the wizard before him.

Harry felt off kilter for a moment, before he too unleashed the full extent of his magic.

Keller's breath hitched at the unsurmountable amount of magic pressing up against him. Normally his own magical strength intimidated the wizards and bounty hunters into slipping up. Making it easier to deal with them, to kill them and flee.

"What are you," he breathed out, blasting out a curse that would turn the wizard to stone.

Harry easily deflected the spell, this wasn't his first rodeo, "My name is Harry Potter, give up and come in quietly," his name caught a reaction, "Stupefy!" he would try to bring in the wizard without harming him, but given his death count…he wasn't getting out of here alive not while he still drew breath.

Keller scoffed and the duel was on, both refusing to step aside or give up.

"cor impetum!" he enchanted with a wicked aim, legs ready to move at a seconds notice.

"Protego! Restringo!" Harry retorted, annoyance suffusing him. The spell would have made it look like he had a heart attack to the Non-Maj population, and the spell faded quite fast actually, so that if the wizards found him after twenty-four hours all evidence of the spell would have subsided.

"Bombarda Maxima!" trying to bring the wizard and the building down so he could get the hell out of there, his magic was oppressive. That was the problem with these Aurors they didn't use their magic to the fullest extent, always trying to bring him in to face justice. Never once thinking about killing him, pathetic the lot of them.

Harry jumped out of the way, sliding across the floor, "Subdomo!"

"Are you sure you defeated the greatest wizard in the world?" Keller scoffed, "You're pathetic," easily and casually flicking the spell away as if a child had done it. "Caecus!"

Harry froze, scrambling to get away in the nick of time, that spell would have blinded him. Yet that wasn't what was bothering Harry at all, he could feel fear and desperation coming out of the bond, his pack was int trouble and of all times…it had to be now?

"Avada Kedavra!"

"Diripiro!"

Harry still disorientated, could only dodge the spells coming his way, barely getting out of the way in time. He couldn't focus on the bond and the duel at the same time, his heart pounding he made the tough decision to suppress the bond for the moment.

He had to get this duel over with. Now.

Screw giving him a chance to come in, why should he get the opportunity when so many others never would again? He was not going to let his pack suffer because he was busy trying to bring in this wizard, thereby saving the life of this serial killer.

And the duel was on, how the remains of the house managed to stand through the hour long intense duel was anyone's guess. In the end, Harry used a blood rune to take the wizard down, managing to paint a rune on the wall, while defending himself and press his palm against the centre, pulsing his magic through the room.

Blue light encompassed the wall, and shot straight through the room, and Benedict Keller fell to the ground, his entire body twitching and shaking, before it stilled, Harry fell to the floor, breathing heavily, entire body shaking with adrenaline and fear.

He couldn't remain here, he had to get back to Beacon Hills. Bloody, dirty and injured, he scrambled to his feet, leaning back against the wall, for a moment, just a moment to regain his equilibrium, he'd lost quite a bit of blood and he was a little dizzy. He barely stopped to bandage three of the worst gashes. "Accio bag," thankfully there were absolutely no neighbours around this area, rummaging in his bag he extracted the portkey, writing a shaky note to the president of MACUSA, Dentin would need to understand.

Sticking the note to the body, he lit the building on fire, or more specifically the wall where his blood was until the wallpaper was naught but ash. He left the fire to spread, by the time any no-Maj came it would be utterly destroyed, but unlike the cursed fire, the no-Maj's will be able to put the fire out unless the Mexican Aurors came first.

Before the smoke could overwhelm them, or worse the fire could touch them, Harry used the Portkey and got them to MACUSA, the portkey took them directly to Donovan's office, but Harry didn't wait around, he immediately Apparated to Stiles, who's pain was loud and overwhelming.

He found himself in a basement.

Stiles wasn't alone.

"Harry," Stiles whispered out in relief,

"Merlin's balls, kid, what the hell happened?" Harry asked, carefully cupping Stiles face, bruises and blood blooming all over him. glancing at the girl who was attached to a metal grate that was pulsing electricity through her, preventing her from shifting or healing. It was similar to the one that Kate Argent had set up under the Hale house that day. "Who is she?" gesturing towards the girl, although he suspected already.

"That's Erica," Stiles whispered, clutching his stomach, his ribs were definitely broken. He whimpered in relief when the pain abated, as Harry helped him. "What…the others…they're in danger, I don't know what he wants…" self-recrimination rolling off him in waves.

"One thing at a time," Harry said, grunting as he eased himself back up, yanking the cables off the grate magically, and unlocking the cuffs keeping her there. Ignoring the wide eyed look he gained at his magic usage. "Everyone else is still alive, that's all that matters right now,"

Stiles, now that he didn't feel the pain from his ribs was able to move a little more freely. He could still feel that something wasn't right inside, but the pain had been numbed. "The others…" the thought of anything happening to Derek or Teddy nearly tore him apart. "Teddy…"

"Why do you feel like pack?" Erica asked, trying to insert herself between Stiles and the other guy.

Harry's entire body stiffened, "Teddy is here?" suddenly even more worried than before. His mate and his son was in danger?

"He came to see my game," Stiles said, guiltily. "I'm so sorry…"

"You didn't cause this, kiddo," Harry retorted immediately, it explained by Stiles felt so guilty. "Let's get you both home," they were injured they'd just hold him back.

"No, don't waste time, lets go!" Stiles declared, "What if he dies?" he choked off, not exactly helping Harry at the moment.

"Keep behind me and grab a hold," Harry hissed, heart pounding, he had no idea what the hell he was leading them into. It was dangerous, as an Auror he wasn't supposed to let emotion cloud his judgement, but as a father…and a mate, he was compromised. So, instead of acting like an Auror and doing the right thing, he did what was quicker and easier.

He used the locating charm on Teddy as a guide, leading them to him, Apparating the three of them. His hands free, wand already in hand, breath hitching at the sight before him. Hunters surrounded his pack, weapons at the ready. Derek and Teddy had arrows protruding out of them, and Peter was still, on the floor having just been unceremoniously dropped by Scott for some reason. Gerard Argent was standing next to them, with a bleeding bite wound and a smug look of sick satisfaction on his face.

Fury rolling off him in waves, he used an emergency location beacon to summon Aurors to him. "IGNIS!"

Stiles didn't wait behind him, he bolted towards Teddy, who was on the ground with an arrow protruding out of his side. Pale and clammy to touch, he realized as he almost fell over in order to get to him. Derek was similarly affected but was pulling the pain from Teddy, looking ready to pass out.

"ACCIO!" and every single weapon they had zoomed out of their holders or hands and flung themselves at Harry's feet, and without a word spoken, he had every single hunter was propelled off their feet, onto their knees with their hands behind their backs magically subdued and bound.

Including Gerard Argent.

"Allison!" Scott cried out, futilely trying to get to her free.

"Dad!" Teddy wheezed out, fear and relief in his amber eyes.

"I'm here, son, I'm here, help's coming," kneeling down, his own injuries – like Stiles' forgotten for the moment – his hand hovered over the arrow, not daring to move it in case he hit something that caused fatal damage before the Aurors got here, like his heart it was too close for comfort. "Peter?" he asked wildly, heart pounding as he stared at Derek who was still taking Teddy's pain.

I know I hope that time isn't going too fast for your liking with two months basically passing between these past two chapters it's just that there was nothing happening during those times so time did have to move and this was the best way to go about it! Will Gerard Argent be killed BEFORE the Auror's get there by Harry? Or will he suffer the same fate at his daughter? Will it have been him who hit Teddy or will Allison have shot Teddy and condemned herself? after all I doubt Harry will take pity on anyone who harmed his son! Will Teddy survive? just how did it all go down? Even I don't know that myself so suggestions would be welcomed ;) especially without the presence of a Kanima! so yep, suggestions welcome :P R&R please!