Lucky Balance

by melibelly

Nothing is going to plan. The Order is three days late to pick him up and Lucius Malfoy has somehow managed to get out of Azkaban. Remus always wants to talk, but Harry can't bring himself to even think of what happened in June. It was time to face facts: Harry's life belongs to the cause and his own feelings don't matter. Begins after Order of the Phoenix. Eventual Drarry.

38. More Than a Figurehead

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am just borrowing the characters for some fun.

Warning: This story will contain swearing, scenes of torture and sexual innuendo. Eventual Slash.

Summary: Nothing is going to plan. The order is three days late to pick him up and Lucius Malfoy has somehow managed to get out of Azkaban. Remus always wants to talk, but Harry can't bring himself to even think of what happened in June. It was time to face facts: Harry's life belongs to the cause and his own feelings don't matter. Begins after Order of the Phoenix. Eventual Slash.

Chapter 38: More Than a Figurehead.

"For the second spring in a row, Death Eaters have attacked the Ministry of Magic." Read Hermione, over breakfast the next day. "Luckily, due to an anonymous tip, the aurors managed to make it to the battle just before it's attack. The ministry's finisest fought bravely, and 5 aurors are reported to have lost their lives. We are still awaiting confirmation of the deceased's names."

The majority of the fighting took place in the entrance hall, the Department of Mysteries and the entrance to the minister's office. The auror's were able to safely evacuate the Minister, however his office was completely destroyed by Azkaban escapee Bellatrix Lestrange. It will reportedly take weeks before the ministry is back to its former glory and all ministry offices are closed for the next 3 days."

"That's horrible." Said Ron, "Glad that somebody gave them that anonymous tip."

Harry rolled his eyes. "So, they were trying to kill the minister and take over the ministry. That seems pretty obvious."

"They also seem to have ransacked the Department of Mysteries." Said Hermione, still scanning the article. "The Prophet alludes that some items could be missing from there."

Ron shivered. "If they want it, it can't be anything good. That place freaked me out."

Harry turned away and surveyed the Great Hall. Neither Dumbledore or Snape were at the head table. Students were clustered about their newspaper's and the Slytherins looked particularly somber. Nott was whispering to some of the seventh years and sixth years, looking like he was holding court. Draco and Blaise sat in silence at the other end of the table with perfectly blank faces.

"Seems like news has spread that Snape was a spy." Said Harry, "The Slytherins are in some kind of huddle."

Hermione moved the paper to look at the table across the hall. "I hope that they don't try to take revenge or something."

"Don't worry I'm sure You-Know-Who isn't vindictive or anything." Ron rolled his eyes. "Of course they're plotting something."

Suddenly feeling nervous Harry stood up. It wasn't like Snape to missing a morning meal."I'm going to go see him, just in case."

Before anyone could object he moved toward the door and swiftly made his way downstairs. Snape was probably just sleeping in after a long hard battle the night before, but then again he would not put it past Nott to have already tried something.

Most of the students were at breakfast, and Harry was happy to avoid any confrontations with Slytherins on his way through the dungeons. He had just arrived at the door to the potions classroom when he realised that Snape probably wouldn't be in there; If he was relaxing after a long night, he probably wasn't doing it while correcting papers after all. McGonagall often liked to chide them that teachers do have lives outside of school. Harry paused in uncertainty. It wasn't like he had any idea where Snape's quarters could be, so he may as well knock.

Toc. Toc. Toc.

...Well that did nothing, thought Harry. The door was still and Snape was not yelling impactiently for him to come in.

He sighed and jiggled the handle for good measure. Maybe it was unlocked?

"Potter, why are you not at breakfast?"

Harry jumped and reflexively straightened his tie. He looked around but saw nothing. The door was still just as locked. "Professor Snape? Where are you?"

"I believe I asked you a question. Why are you here, Potter?"

Well, a disembodied Snape was as snarky as a real life one. "I-um...came to check on you, sir."

There was a pause so long that Harry could feel the eye roll, and then the door clicked open. "Very well, come through to my office."

Harry nodded and pushed open the door, eager to see his teacher. To his surprise both the classroom and the office were empty. Just as he was wondering if he should take a seat to wait, one of the bookshelves swung open to reveal a doorway into what looked like a decently cosy living room.

Harry started in confusion.

"Don't just stand there, Potter, come through before I change my mind." It was Snape sitting on one of the fluffy looking chairs. And to his further surprise, Remus was at the couch enjoying some tea.

Harry stepped past the threshold and the bookshelf swung shut behind him. When he turned to look, an almost identical bookshelf stood as a door on this side. He tired to look around the room without being too obvious. It was much brighter than anything he had ever imagined Snape living in and, judging by the windows, he was not in the dungeons any longer. Most of the furniture looked old but well taken care of. The walls were decorated in prints from old books and pictures from days gone by. To his right was a small dining area, and beyond that was a kitchen that looked dated, but serviceable. Everything about the place screamed of shabby comfort.

"Are these your quarters? How did you know I was at your door?"

Harry sank into a seat next to Remus on the old leather couch. The werewolf waved his wand and another cup of tea appeared.

"It is a system I have so that my students, Slytherins in particular, can reach me at any time should they have need. I see whoever is at the door in the mirror over there. All the heads of house have a similar system in the case of an emergency."

"McGonagall does that too?" Said Harry

"Professor McGonagall." Correct Snape. "And yes. Not that you would ever avail yourself of help like a reasonable teenager."

"Hey! I thought I did pretty well last night!" Countered Harry. " Unless you would have prefered me to say nothing."

The potions master pursed his lips as if he had swallowed a lemon. "I distinctly remember a conversation where you promised me that you would do nothing. However, I cannot deny that considering the circumstances you may have made the right choice."

Remus laughed. "I think that's about as much of a thank you you're going to get, Harry. A well done would be much too much outside of Severus's experience."

"Oh for goodness sake." Snape huffed...but it seemed almost playful to Harry- well for Snape. "Thank you, Potter. You did well. Is that sufficient?"

Harry couldn't hide his smile. Snape has thanked him! This was definitely one for the history books! Remus winked at him and took a sip of his tea.

Harry turned his attention to the werewolf. "I didn't expect to see you two hanging out. What are you doing here?"

"Despite Severus's protests it is happening more and more." Remus's lips twitched in amusement. "We just had an ordering meeting and we were meeting in regards to our next task."

"Which I guess is another top secret thing I can't know about." Harry rolled his eyes.

"Actually, it involves you a rather lot, so I would like your input." Remus tired to keep his voice mild, but could not keep the mischievous grin at bay upon seeing Harry's unbelieving face. " How serious were you about meeting with the werewolves?"

Harry's mind raced. This probably mean that Remus had organized a meeting. It was way earlier than anything he had anticipated, but going back on the meeting would definitely be a faux pas. "Dead serious. If we can bring them to our side that would be great."

The werewolf gave an approving nod. Snape looked like something particularly foul was sitting under his nose.

"This will not be like meeting with your schoolyard friends." Said Snape. "This is world politics and one misstep could have serious consequences."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I know that. But what are the consequences otherwise? They join Voldemort? What good will that do us?"

"They very well may join Voldemort if we do not meet with them" Said Remus. "As I said, they do not look on Dumbledore favorably. Voldemort has promised them a prestigious position by his side."

"If they believe the Dark Lord's promise they are fools who deserve their fate under the leadership of Greyback." Hissed Snape.

Harry saw the lines around Remus's face tense and his hand still.

"Greyback is the werewolf leader for Voldemort right? I have heard of him."

"He is the most vicious werewolf alive. He goes after children and is sadistic to his pack." Remus's voice was hard. "He has taken many of the traditional structured roles of the pack life to a horrible extreme."

Harry looked to Snape, and just saw his teacher give a subtle nod. Clearly if Snape thought he was vicious, well the man must be horrible. "Well...what if we show them what they are in for? Maybe offer them some new pack members of their own?"

Remus shook his head. "I have tried explaining to them many times, but-"

"What if Pansy came to our meeting?" Interrupted Harry. "She must be in Greyback's pack, but she's not too happy about it, is she? She probably knows details that you don't, and maybe we can get some of the other Hogwarts werewolves to join this other pack?"

"That is quite an interesting idea." Remus put down his cup and stared over Harry's shoulder. "It would certainly appeal to Devereaux's ego. He likes gaining new members to his pack. And Perhaps Pansy could convince him in a way I could not." He turned to Snape. "Is she trustworthy?"

Snape drummed his fingers on the side of a chair. "I believe so. She is aware of the precariousness of her situation and all the younger werewolves are not treated well by Greyback, or by The Dark Lord's followers as a whole."

"So this could work?" Said Harry, surprised that both men were agreeing with his idea.

"Yes, it's actually a very strategic plan." Remus smiled proudly. "But it does mean we have a lot to prepare for. He wants to meet with you tomorrow afternoon. So you have one day to learn the protocol."

Harry groaned. So much for a relaxing day.

HPHPHPHPHP

Harry fell into his bed that evening with a sigh. He had spent the better part of the day with Remus and Snape going over how to act towards a pack leader. Remus had been the brains, and Snape had barked orders. Once they had finally released him from that torture he had hidden away in the Ingenium room in the vain hope that he would run into Draco. No Draco had appeared, but he had finished his Potions essay, so Hermione would be proud.

"Where have you been all day?" Asked Ron. The red head was laying the wrong way around on his bed, with papers strewn about. He had a container of ink precariously balanced to his right and was hurriedly writing something down. "Hermione and I went looking for you this afternoon."

"You mean you came up for air long enough to wonder where I was?"

"Bugger off." Ron hardly paused in his writing.

"I was with Snape and Remus." Harry glanced around the room out of habit. Neville's curtains were drawn, and he was probably asleep. Seamus and Dean had yet to come up to the common room.

Ron paused and looked up. "All day?"

"Well most of the day. Then, I just worked on my potions essay."

"Was Snape alright in the end?"

"Course he was." Harry rolled over to get more comfortable. "You think I would be lucky enough to get out of having Potions with the git?"

Ron laughed. "I can never decide if you're really lucky or really unlucky. So, why were you there so long? More defense lessons?"

Harry gave Ron a weighty look. Remus and Snape had not wanted him to talk to anyone about their plans, but, as far as Harry was concerned, Ron and Hermione were not anyone. "I'm going to meet with a werewolf leader. A big one. To see if I can get him on our side. He doesn't like Dumbledore much, and Remus thinks I stand a chance. So, he spent most of the day prepping me."

Ron dropped his quill. "That trumps transfiguration anyday, sod this."

"Isn't that due tomorrow?"

"I'll finish at breakfast." Ron piled his papers up. "Tell me more about meeting with werewolves."

"Well, Remus had to teach me all the protocols so that I don't offend him. Apparently, werewolf leaders are touchy."

Ron slid his pile under his bed and sat up. "What did he say to do?"

"Here's the quick version; This guy is not only the head of his pack, but the alpha of several packs put together throughout France and England. He's not a fan of Dumbledore, and is feeling more and more pressure to get involved in the war. Many of his pack members like what Voldemort has on offer. Don't try and shake his hand. Appeal to his ego. Don't make too much eye contact. Show your neck to acknowledge that he is a Alpha. He doesn't like to be questioned. He likes power." Recited Harry. Snape had all but drilled every point into his mind.

Ron nodded. "Yeah everyone knows that werewolf packs are really strict with their chain of command. So what's the plan? You gonna call him out?"

"Definitely not." Harry shook his head. "I don't want to get killed. This guy likes being the Alpha, and Remus said not to challenge his power. No eye contact, no this, no that."

"They said he he likes power right?" Said Ron

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, It sounds like Remus gave you some solid advice for if you were trying to join his pack." Said Ron, "But I think it's a bad strategy if you are trying to get him to follow you. I mean you have to show you're an alpha too, one that is strong enough to have him on your team. If he likes power, why would he follow a 16 year old who doesn't even look him in the eye?"

Harry bit his lip. Ron kinda did have a point. "I don't know, Remus seemed pretty sure this would work."

"Sure," Ron Shrugged, " and it probably worked great when Remus was trying to not get noticed and find out information on the werewolves this summer, but your goal is different this time so your strategy needs to change. Meet power with power. Have you thought about offering him a potential new pack member?"

Harry nodded. Ron had always been the best at strategy out of the three of them, so of course he would think of the Pansy angle. Sure Hermione was smart, but she lacked subtly and pushed forward with what she wanted, strategy be damned. But, when Ron put his mind to it he was actually a master of manipulation. "Yeah, already thought of that. You really think I should do the opposite of what Remus said?"

"I don't know." Ron ran his hand through his hair. "Remus knows werewolves more than I do of course, but the worst thing possible would be to come off as weak. I mean the guy is choosing between you, Dumbledore and Voldemort - Do you think either of them would avoid eye contact or tip toe around his ego? I don't, and you need to seem as powerful as them if he's gonna go with you."

Harry groaned. "You're making too much sense and I'm tired. I'll ask Remus about it before the meeting."

HPHPHPHPHP

Pansy was not a girl who struck Harry as easy to scare, but she looked terrified. Of course, she was doing her best to not look terrified, but he could see past the tight set of her lips and the tense energy in her shoulders. It was the same way Draco positioned his body when he wanted to put on a front. Snape looked almost as uncomfortable as her, but he was much better at masking it. However, Harry would bet money that Snape had been in battles that put him more at ease then the meeting with Devereaux.

Harry mentally went over the most important bits from his lessons the day before. Don't try and shake Devereaux's hand. Appeal to his ego. Don't make too much eye your neck to acknowledge that he is a Alpha. He didn't like to be questioned. He liked power. He was not a fan of Dumbledore, and many of his pack members liked what Voldemort had offered.

"Don't look so tense." Said Remus, the only one who looked anything approaching relaxed. "Just remember what we talked about yesterday and you'll be fine. Keep to the speech we gave you. I'm sure he will appreciate your message. Trust me. You don't need to go off script like Ron said. I know he means well, but this is one thing I happen to know a bit about."

Harry nodded. "Okay."

"He's late, Lupin. If this is a trap-"

Pansy's face went white and her hand went toward her wand.

"Calm down, Severus." Remus rolled his eyes. "It's not a trap. It would be bad form for a pack leader to arrive first. This was to be expected, as I told you yesterday."

Harry fiddled with his butterbeer. They were in a cramped private room in the Hog's Head. The private rooms were as well cared for as the main bar, that is to say, not at all. But the owner had just nodded at Remus and waved them on. Clearly, Remus had some kind of repore with him. Given the filthy state of the glasses (Aunt Petunia would have fainted), Harry had hesitated in ordering a drink, but the owner had stared at him until they all got something. And despite his previous concerns, now drinking was the only thing he could do with his hands.

Just as the silence was getting particularly tense, the door swung open to reveal 5 imposing figures. Harry tensed immediately and worked to keep his face calm. For the first time it occurred to him that these were Werewolves.

Werewolves werewolves. not Remus werewolves. Not Pansy werewolves. Werewolves; and judging by their attire they were more wolves then human. Everything from their clothing to their stance was animalistic, and Harry would bet money that the biggest one in the middle was Devereaux.

They all stood to greet them, and Harry hurriedly averted his eyes from Devereaux's face like Remus had instructed. He gulped when he realized that even standing he was well below the pack leaders shoulder, and probably 10 times as scrawny.

"Hello." Said Remus. "Thank you for making time to meet with us."

"This better be worth my time Lupin." Devereaux's voice was rough and hard. It demanded to be listened to.

"I assure you it will be. I think you will be very interested with what Harry has to say." Remus motioned to the 3 chairs across from them. "Please take a seat. It seems we are 2 chairs short I can ask-"

"They'll stand." Interrupted Devereaux. "Who's the pup?"

Harry chanced a peek through his fringe and saw the pack leader eying up Pansy. The Slytherin girl had lost all bravado and looked like a dog with its tail between its legs.

"I'll let Harry explain." said Remus. "Suffice it to say you may have a new member of your pack by the end of this meeting."

"I don't like surprises, Lupin." his voice was low and dangerous. A breath caught in Harry's throat. "But I suppose I can listen this one time."

Devereaux and 2 of his pack members lowered themselves into the chairs, and Harry sat down a respectful time after they were settled. Harry's throat was dry, but he was too nervous to take a sip of his drink; Deveraux would see his hand shake for sure. He was rigid in his chair and was trying not to make any noise.

"Well!?" Barked Deveraux "Speak. Lupin said you had something interesting for me, Potter, or do you intend to sit there in silence and waste my time?"

Harry took a deep breath and took a moment to collect himself before raising his eyes to meet Deveraux. Ron was right. He needed to meet strength with strength. If Devereaux liked power, it didn't make sense to try to act like he was below him in the food chain. Deveraux liked power and would only respond if Harry seemed powerful; Uncle Vernon had taught him exactly how to deal with people like Remus telling him not to make eye contact-It wouldn't do to have the pack leader think him meek. He could keep his eye's averted and Dereraux would think him a powerless kid, or he could meet him head on and show him that Harry Potter took no shit. If everything went to plan they would leave here with an alliance; the trouble was that he had forgot everything he wanted to say and he knew he had to pivot from their initial strategy.

"Let's get right to the point then." said Harry, deciding to just throw caution to the wind and be direct. "You're in a tough spot. Let's face it Dumbledore is a prat who would keep the status quo which basically treats your people like second class citizens. Unfortunately, Voldemort is a sadistic tyrant who lies and promises you power, but we both know that to the purebloods you'll never be anything more than a half breed."

"Watch your mouth or this half-breed will rip you apart." Hissed a heavily scarred woman to the pack leaders left. Her nails had been filed to long deadly points.

Harry clenched his hand under the table, but worked to keep his face blank. "Stand down. I don't think of you that way, but Voldemort and his Death Eaters certainly will. Pansy!"

The girl was displaying her best Slytherin bitch face and it was crumbling.

"Tell us a bit about your time as a member of Greyback's pack and as a Death Eater. Are you given respect?" Asked Harry

Pansy tucked her hair behind her ear and kept here eyes on Harry. "Not the respect I deserve. We are the bottom of the food chain. During our first full moon Greyback locked us in the Malfoy's Dungeon. He knew we wouldn't be at full strength, so we weren't of use in their raid. The other Death Eaters avoid us and say we are less pure."

Deveraux's eyes looked stormy. "They locked away their pups. What of mentorship? Have you been placed with a senior to teach you the ways?"

"No." Said Pansy. "Greyback doesn't work like that. He prefers to have us fight each other to see who the strongest is. He believes only the strong will thrive and the rest of us are useless."

"And what about Greyback himself?" Said Harry "Does he strategize with Voldemort?"

"Of course not. The werewolves are seen as a weapon and given little say as to how they are used." Said Pansy. "Greyback isn't even in the meetings, he just gets directions."

Harry nodded. "Well that's the first way that things would be different. If you align yourself with me, you will be given a seat at the table. I will not dictate what you do with your pack. It is an alliance, not a dictatorship."

"You would have me believe that the boy wonder would treat me as an equal?" Deveraux snorted. "No wizard has ever done such a thing. Your mentor Dumbledore would certainly never consider himself on equal footing with a werewolf."

"Dumbledore is wrong and he isn't my mentor, Remus is." Harry leaned forward and gained speed as he spoke. "Sure, Dumbledore threw me into a bunch of dangerous situations, but those were tests and training; he never actually taught me anything. I lived with Remus all summer, and he and Professor Snape trained me. I happen to believe that wizards have been approaching this all wrong. We need to respect each other's cultures. The way I see it, we should make an alliance with you and treat you like another nation, because that's what you are. You have your own customs and way of doing things. I'm not looking to change that or stomp on it- I just want us to work together to grow an understanding between nations, and get rid of Voldemort who would kill us all off until there was nothing but purebloods left. To him you are an ends to a means."

"And the fighters in my pack are not an ends to your means? They serve you no purpose?" The Wolf pack leader was giving him a weighted look.

"Of course making an alliance with you serves a purpose, but that purpose is greater than this war. One day I hope that Werewolves, muggleborns and purebloods can live together as friends. Why do we all have to be one way? Maybe we can work on each practicing what we believe, while not demanding others stop being who they are." Harry leaned back and crossed his arms. "And of course I wouldn't say no to a bit more man power and some experienced fighters, most of my little group does consist of school children."

Deveraux looked like he wanted to laugh. "You admit that you are inexperienced school children who want to use my pack for their strength, and you expect me to join you?"

Harry shrugged. "That's not exactly a secret, but I still think we are your only good option. Let's be frank, you would be using us too. I can guarantee that my inexperienced school friends will be fighting in front of the wizardmont for werewolves rights within 2 years. If you haven't heard of Hermione Granger yet, then you will. And together we can shape a world where you won't be discriminated against. It's shameful how hard it has been for Remus to hold down a job, and he's one of the smartest people I know. So. you can get us or you can go with Dumbledore who won't change a thing, or you can side with Voldemort who will use you to fight for his cause, but never consider what's best for you. You heard Pansy, Greyback isn't even in the meetings."

Deveraux seemed to be considering what he was saying. Harry risked a glance at the other werewolves around him, and they all seemed to be working hard to keep a blank face which he hoped was a good thing. Snape was glaring at him, and Harry knew that his professor was probably counting all the pieces of advice he had broken.

"I believe you have made your case, if that is all, I have other things to do today." Deveraux was already standing.

Harry stood too. "We will be in touch."

"Certainly." Deveraux's eyes turned to Pansy. "And what about you, pup? Do I have a new member to my pack? Sampson is looking for someone to mentor." He motioned to the gruff woman next to him.

Pansy looked more lost than a muggleborn first year at the sorting ceremony. Her pureblood facade had melted and she seemed to be trying to consider every possibility as she stood there. She opened and closed her mouth, probably wondering what was best and how not to offend.

"It seems that Pansy has something to consider. Maybe if we make an alliance she can decide if she wants to be in your pack after seeing how you run it." Said Harry. Draco would never forgive him if he sent his childhood friend to live with strangers.

Sampson looked like she was ready to rip his face off. "How dare you insinuate-"

Deveraux actually laughed. "You are but a pup yourself, Potter, and you question how I run my pack? The largest werewolf pack in Europe?"

"Pansy is a friend and an ally." said Harry, " She got stuck under Greyback because she didn't have a choice, this time she will. And when she makes that choice I want her to be sure she will be happy with whatever pack she choses, until then, we will be her pack."

Far from upset, the pack leader looked amused. "Very well, but when you need someone who truly understands you, Pansy, have Lupin contact me."

Without any kind of salutation, Deveraux turned and strode out the door. His guards fell into formation behind him and barely spared Harry a glance.

"Potter, were you even listening when we prepped you?" Hissed Snape.

"Of course I was! But then, Ron pointed out that he needs to see me as a leader, someone on his level. I mean your advice worked well for Remus when he was infiltrating the packs, but we're trying to get an alliance not become one of them."

"I vividly remember telling you that you need to appeal to his ego and that he will be more likely to align with us if we promise him pack members, but you ended the meeting by telling him that you can't even guarantee him one new pack member, which, need I remind you was a strategy you suggested to begin with. " Snape looked thunderous.

Harry rolled his eyes."We don't know anything about that guy except that he's a werewolf pack leader, so forgive me if I'm not about to just send Pansy marching. I'm trying to be different than Voldemort, not copy him!"

"Harry, " Remus grabbed onto his arm to get his attention. He looked like he was praying for calm. "You abandoned every piece of advice I gave you. You may have cost us the alliance. I arranged this meeting because I thought you were mature enough to understand how important this was, but now I am worried I misjudged."

Harry pulled his arm away and looked away from Remus. Snapes anger was something he was used to, but Remus's disappoint hurt. "I understand exactly how important this meeting was, which is exactly why I did what I did. Did you even look at that guy? He said himself, I'm a school boy; So do you think he would have taken me seriously at all if I had acted like one of his pack members? If I had been too much of a wimp to even look him in the eye? If I had shown him my neck?"

Harry risked a glance back at Remus, and saw that he was listening. Emboldened he continued.

"Deveraux needs to see me as another alpha; someone who has power and can help him. If he had left this meeting still thinking I was a meek kid, then I would have guaranteed that he went to Voldemort or Dumbledore, because there would be literally no reason for him to ally himself with the weakest link. Ron was right, I needed to meet power with power."

Remus forcibly pushed in his chair. "What's done is done. Let's just get back to the safety of Hogwarts. We can debate this more later."

He sounded exhausted and emotionally wrung dry.

"That was very foolish, Potter." Said Snape. "We are lucky that he did not fillet us on the spot after your display."

Something inside him snapped. They all kept treating him like a little kid who they could control. The truth was that he was not a kid anymore, and he had not been one for a while. "Your just like Dumbledore- mad because I didn't do what you told me because you think it's for the greater good. Would it be so hard for any of you to think that maybe I know what I'm doing? And last I checked they were joining Harry Potter's side- not Severus Snape's or Remus Lupin's. And on Harry Potter's side we fight for what's right. We don't make people join pack's that they don't know anything about for a political edge. And we don't roll over and beg for people to follow us. We made him a good offer- if he doesn't take it, then he will regret it later, because one way or another Voldemort's going down and Dumbledore is out of touch. We are the only ones who will treat the werewolves as equals and not fuck them over when the fighting has stopped. So, you can either get on board with my way of doing things or go get orders from Dumbledore."

Harry didn't realise that his voice had gotten progressively louder and more passionate as he went. Remus looked absolutely stunned and Snape's face had turned stoney. The potions professor turned on his heal and stormed out of the room.

Remus opened and closed his mouth a few times, then finally shook his head. "I'll be outside when you're ready to leave. I need to escort you back."

As Remus walked out Pansy let out a low whistle. "Way to take charge, Potter. I appreciate you not throwing me to the wolves, literally."

Harry blinked at her. He couldn't believe that he had yelled like that and no one had smacked him upside the head. I mean, he was the leader, but Remus and Snape were the real brains behind almost everything he did or could do.

Pansy smirked. "You know I never got what Draco saw in you, but now I kinda get it."

"I'm sorry-What?"

She laughed. "Let's go, Remus is waiting. Lead the way alpha pack leader."

She looked far too amused.

HPHPHPHPHP

When the Floo spit them back out in Snape's office Draco and Lucius were waiting for them. Neither Remus or Snape had said a word to him since he had yelled at them. Harry could feel the shame about his outburst building. Sure, he was the figure heard of their operation, but they were the brains. What did he know? Hardly anything, and 80% of what he did know was because of their help this year.

Snape scowled at the Malfoy's. "When did my office become a public waiting room?"

"How did it go with the werewolf leader?" Asked Draco, totally ignoring his head of house.

Nobody said anything. Harry wasn't so sure how to answer. He still thought he had done the right thing, but the slightest bit of doubt had worked its way in. Remus had definitely seemed upset, and he was the expert on werewolves.

"It went great. Potter insulted them, starred them down, and basically said he was their only option." Pansy was smirking mischievously.

Harry decided that Pansy was having far too much fun with this. Even though they had agreed to be friendly for Draco's sake, she was clearly enjoying torturing him.

"I made a few changes to the plan on the spot." Said Harry.

"A few changes?" Remus pinned him down with his eyes. "You totally discarded everything I taught you based on a hunch, but I suppose it's not my place to question you, is it?"

Harry winced. "Remus's that's not what I meant. Come on."

"Then explain yourself."

"Well, I mean I already did." Remus's expression was stone. Harry licked his lips. "Ron was right. Deveraux was never going to think of me like his equal if I went in to the meeting like one of his pack members. I need him to think I'm powerful, or else he won't want to join us."

"Weasley came up with this idea?" Said Lucius. He looked like something smelly was under his nose.

"Yeah, Ron's great at strategy. He was the one who said we shouldn't call the auror's after the werewolf attacks in the tower." Harry crossed his arms. "And I think it was a good idea."

The blond tisked. "I have to agree that the idea does have merit, which is why I was so surprised that Weasley came up with it. "

"I wasn't really planning to tell him that he couldn't have Pansy, that just kinda happened." Said Harry, "I mean we don't know anything about this guy, I'm not just gonna offer her up with no information."

Draco was looking back and forth, and seemed to be trying to put together the puzzle of their fragmented convernation. At the mention of not selling out Pansy he smiled.

"You seem upset Lupin." Said Lucius. "Did Potter miscalculate? Did he cost us the alliance?"

Remus looked away from his young charge and deflated. "No, I think he actually did a very good job and his approach likely achieved exactly what we had hoped." The Marauder looked back up at Harry. "However, that does not excuse how you spoke to us."

"I-Yeah. I didn't mean it to come out like that." Harry sighed.

"If that was an apology I missed it." snarked Snape.

Harry bristled. "Look, it's not that simple. Of course you guys know more and you're probably the reason I haven't been used in some kind of dark ritual yet, but at the end of the day it's my name that's out there. It's me who is having classmates corner me to say they want to be on my side. It's my name thats dragged through the mud on the Prophet. Is it so crazy that I think I should have a say in how we do things? I mean, Remus even said it probably was for the best so I don't see what the big deal is."

"The fact of the matter is that you were lucky this time, Potter." Snape looked grim. "You were lucky that your gamble paid off, but most of the time when you are briefed for a situation you will need to follow the information you have been given. To ignore it could cost your life or the entire mission. I will not allow your misplaced arrogance to destroy the war effort."

"I'm not arrogant." Said Harry

"Your display after the meeting reeked of arrogance." Sneered Snape. "You are a child. You need to clear any foolhardy ideas you have with an adult."

"I told you what Ron said and you didn't take it seriously. You brushed me off like a little kid. I'm not just some kid who knows nothing. For better or worse I'm the figurehead, and that means that I need to have a say. My opinions should matter, at least enough for you not to brush off." Harry crossed his arms and glared at the floor. "I'm sick of being in the center of things but having no say in how they go."

"And if you were a normal teen, I would be totally behind that." Remus gave a small smile. "But, this is by no means a normal situation and the stakes are too high. As I recall we took your suggestion to bring in Pansy with all the gravitas is deserved."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Okay, yes you took one thing I said seriously. But that doesn't change that I am still not allowed to know most of what's going on around me. All year you've kept your missions a secret and Dumbledore hasn't even tried to reschedule those private lessons. If I'm to lead this so called third side, then I need to know everything and I get to have a say in it."

"Very well, I will work on taking your ideas more seriously and keeping you informed as long as you don't put me in situations that risk us all without any warning." Said Remus. "All that I ask in return is that you really listen to us before you do what you like. It may seem like Professor Snape and I are trying to hold you down, but that's only because we care for your welfare. Do we have a deal?"

Remus held out his arms with open palms.

"Fine, I suppose." Said Harry with faux annoyance. "I do care about what you guys say, you know."

"If you value your life, you will." Said Snape, clearly not convinced. "Now if you would, I have had a long day and I still have many Potions essays yet to grade. I will require my office and silence. I can't possibly deal with the idiocy of you all whist also reading the drivel put forth by the second years."

"Well I can see my presence is no longer welcome. I will go share the news with Narcissa." Lucius turned to his son. "Make sure to spend some time studying for your charms test today."

Draco looked as if he was holding back rolling his eyes, but just barely. "Yes, Yes, I will."

The Malofy lord pinched his lips and help his son's stare for a moment, as if he was looking to see that his warning had sunk in. For once Harry was glad that no one cared to look at his marks.

Eventually Lucius nodded and floo'd away. Remus followed not long after, and none of the sixth years waited around for Snape to ask them to leave a second time. They spilled into the classroom and made there way toward the door.

"Ingenium room?" Asked Draco

"I had better not." Said Pansy. "I still can't be seen with you, and I do actually have to get some studying done for Charms."

"Gods, Pansy you have gotten boring without me."

Pansy ignored him. "Thanks for that, Potter. That was less painful then I thought and much more entertaining. Happy to play your token werewolf again should you have need."

"Well I do live to entertain you." Sniped Harry.

She winked. "Ta, Then."

"Fine then, go be a Ganger." Draco slug his arm around Harry's shoulders. " More time for me to snog my boyfriend then."

The potions classroom door swung shut and Harry risked a quick kiss. Snape would have a fit if he saw them making out in his classroom, but he couldn't resist.

"I was hoping for a bit more than a snog."

Draco raised his eyebrows. "Are you propositioning me? Fraternizing is against school rules. Someone should tell Dumbledore that his golden boy had been corrupted."

Harry laughed. "I think he is well aware, after recent events. A little more bad behavior couldn't hurt."

"In fact, I rather think it could help quite a bit." Draco's eyes lingered low and Harry blushed.

"While I do fancy some bad behavior, I would rather not be killed outright. Let's get to the Ingenium room, Potions don't exactly do it for me."

Draco pushed open the door. "After you."

Authors Note: I did not forget about this story! I am still here! I am so so sorry for the wait. My life kinda exploded last year. I lost my job, had a baby and my husband went on medical leave for work (he is doing well now and back at work). During all of this my laptop broke and it took me a while to get a new one. I have more than half of the next chapter written already and I have been writing almost every day so I hope I can get that to you soonish. Life has finally calmed a bit and it feels so good to be back to writing. Thank you so much for being patient with me.