Night of the Wolf

by WolfgangNH

Harry and Hermione's summer is the same as usual: Isolation. Then events change their lives going into Fourth Year. Wolf calls and blackmarks haunt England and in the protected walls of Hogwarts. Werewolf Harry/Hermione dive into the world of the werewolves. An AU fourth Champion. Dumble Bashing. M rated for all the right reasons.

14. Chapter 14 - A Howl in the Night

I will remind people, this is an M rated story.

A/N2: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Chapter 14

November 12, 1994

Winterton-on-Sea, England

The waves were rolling in from the North Sea. As they crashed on the beach, they frothed and drove high up on the shore. Rain whipped in on the stiff breeze. It stung as it hit any exposed skin, so Sirius was trying to keep his hood up and hands in his sleeves. He couldn't risk casting anything to make his predicament any better as he watched the old seaside tavern. Its white washed walls were dingy and cracked. The old beams were dark, weather worn and pitted. The old slate roof was pitching in on itself and it had a musty, bar room smell even from where he sat. That might be his animagus, but he could still smell it.

This inn was only visited by people like him now. Those on the run, trying to avoid the DMLE and not with much else where to go. It was a good place to find a job to make a few galleons or a find a good wench. It was also a good place to find the seedier side of the underworld of England.

He had been here many times, but never seen an active guard outside the tavern before. There was something going on, and it appeared to be invitation only. He considered turning into Padfoot to see what was going on, but there was something about the men that stopped him. It took him a little bit before he figured out why when a breeze wafted their scent to him.

"Werewolves," he muttered. He was far enough down wind that they should not see or hear him, but he was more alert now. His years of being an Auror had come back to him over the last few months, and his knowledge of the underworld from Remus was helping.

Looking at them, he had a bad feeling and decided it was time to move from his spot. Crawling back over the dune, he made sure he was out of sight before standing and weaving his way through the dunes to see if he could see the back of the tavern. "Talia, are you sure you saw something," a man's gruff voice drifted down wind. Sirius stopped for a second to look around.

"Silence, you idiot," a woman whispered. "You want to scare them away."

Sirius crouched as two figures walked around a dune. He sank into the tall grass. He was still downwind and should be safe, but he didn't miss the wands in their hands. After they walked the way he had come, he figured it was the best option to leave for the night. He needed to check in with his contact, but not tonight. Changing into a dog, he quietly snuck away until he was far enough he could apparate back to his safe house.

A moment later, he went from the windswept dunes along the North Sea to a vantage point in an old bell tower. Another quick turn and he was in a secluded copse of trees. He didn't wait before doing the last leg in the journey. At best, a witch or wizard could apparate over a hundred miles. He had just traveled about 325 miles in three quick turns. Before him was an old Manor house that had been well maintained. It was a property owned by Remus and one he knew would be safe for him to shelter at for a while. Tomorrow he would return North, but tonight he needed to speak to someone.

After looking around, he crossed the old lane and into the yard. He could see Lily's influence in the well-manicured lawn, the slate path and rose bushes. The door opened at his touch. He was thankful Remus had added him to the wards. Stepping inside, a well-kept house elf greeted him with a smile. "Master Sirius! Oh, Prim hoped she would see you again soon. You look so thin. Mistress Lily would have been so worried about you. Would you like the stew or a nice steak." The elf was happy to see him and probably bored with only Alexandra here. He knew the other little one that lived here was at the Grangers. Dan was splitting his time between the two houses until Jane could find or setup a new practice close by. They figured it was safer for everyone to be here once school was out.

Sirius just hoped Harry and Dan got along being that close all the time. Sirius could smell the differences between them and he felt uncomfortable around the man. Harry had claimed him as pack, and as a dog animagus, he knew the importance and seemed to sense it. He had not expected that.

"Prim, I'll have whatever you have ready, even if it's out of the cold box. Is Alexandra available?"

"Oh, yes, Master. Shall I get her to come down?" Sirius, having grown up with house elves, didn't like their servile nature. He knew that it was their nature though, so he nodded. She would be upset otherwise.

A short time later, Sirius was eating a steak pie. The butterbeer was just the right temperature and the green beans and pickled beets finished it off nicely. He was about halfway done when Alexandra joined him in the dining room. She was in a sleep coat and had her hair up in a bun. Since meeting her a few months back, he had found that he rather liked the older Russian woman. She was straightforward, cared for her charges and right scary with her wand. Remus had said she was involved with some resistance at one point, but he didn't know which or where. He rather suspected it had to do with the issues in the Balkans a few decades back, she would never talk about it.

"Evening, Sirius," she said in an almost flawless English accent. "Primrose said you would like to talk to me."

He took a big gulp of butterbeer to flush down his mouthful of pie. "Yes. I was at the Wandswept Tavern earlier. Came across a group of wolves guarding it. Was almost found by a few prowling the grounds."

She frowned. "You mean it was a pack? Did they allow you entry?"

Sirius ate some green beans before answering. He had not had a good meal in days. "It smelled more like three packs. I didn't bother approaching. They had some bouncers out front. Figured it was a private party."

Alexandra looked at him for moment. "Those are not the clothes you wore. Where is your cloak?"

"In the entry hall. Cloak and robes. It was a little blustery out that way."

"I'll be back in a moment," she said getting up. He took the opportunity to finish his food and drank the last of the butterbeer as she came back. He would like something stronger, but he had promised Remus to stay sober while out spying.

He took one look at her and frowned. She was looking a little pale. "I know two of those packs. One is from Poland. Its original sire was mine."

His brows furrowed. "What do you mean original?"

"I am Dan's Beta. I was Beta of a pack before. One of the jobs of the beta is to ensure the Alpha is protecting us. There is something that has afflicted many packs over the last hundred years that have made them more feral, more like a rabid beast. He was afflicted by it in the end. I needed to protect the pack. Our daughter took over as Alpha many years ago."

Sirius regarded her. "What do you mean an affliction? I thought all werewolves were always that monstrous."

Alexandra shook her head. "At one time, we were not. At one time, it was the gift of the wolf that turned us. We hunted with the packs of our fathers. Then, something changed. We don't know what, but it did. Since then, we have seen many packs succumb to the deranged affliction that makes them into the beasts that people fear. A true wolf would not hunt our true forms. It would steer clear or only fight if needed. Like a true wolf."

Sirius sat back in his chair processing things. "Why are you not with that pack?"

She sighed. "To kill your Alpha, even to protect the pack, means you either claim the pack as your own or you are thrown out. Betrayal of a pack is worse than murder."

"You didn't want to become Alpha," he said.

"No. I am not an Alpha. I don't have the ability and would have died trying to keep the pack together. There were already two others that might be the next Alpha. I said goodbye to my daughter that night and have not smelled her or the pack in thirty years."

This was more serious than he had thought. Why would a pack that was from Poland be on the British Isles? Why would they want to be? They would fall under the new laws and risk the pack. She sat there quietly, staring ahead, probably pondering what had happened. As she sat, he came to a realization. "Your daughter is afflicted with the madness, isn't she?"

Alexandra closed her eyes. "It does smell that way. She is also running with a very dangerous man. One that does not bide well with other Alphas. I do hope that meeting tonight was not what I think it was."

"What are you talking about?"

"I could smell several females in heat. That is a dangerous time for us. We will seek out the best sire for future children if we are not mated. None of the females smelled mated. This is not the right time of year for my daughter's normal cycle, but if she is involved in this, they are breeding to join packs. If children are sired, then the pack that sired them could gain dominance over the other. If a pack is joined, then the less dominant Alphas will either become a Beta or die." She sounded sad.

"Who was the other pack you recognized?"

"I believe you call him Greyback. I know he fled after the fall of You-Know-Who. I didn't realize he had come back to Britain. Last I had heard, the ICW had hunted down a large portion of his pack after they caused issues in Sweden. That was last winter. Quite a few innocents and monsters died in that."

Sirius was left pondering why the rat would have been at a meeting like that. It was unmistakable that Pettigrew was there or had been very recently. The man was a louse, but he didn't typically go that low. More troubling was what Fenrir Greyback was up to. It seemed obvious he was trying to take over a number of packs and that couldn't bode well for anyone.

-oOo-

Godric's Hollow, England

Harry looked at the statue that was in the center of the town square. He was happy to see his parents but found it odd at the reminder of what the magical world thought of him. He was on a pedestal, quite literally this time, looking like a content baby and his parents' faces were staring down a road, a regal and determined look on their faces. It didn't look anything like the pictures Hagrid or Remus had been able to dig up for him.

"Who ever made this statue didn't know Lily or James. James would have laughed at that expression and asked to have the thing torn down," Remus said next to him.

"Is Padfoot joining us," he asked.

"Not today. He's been busy and couldn't get out of a certain appointment."

Harry frowned. He would have liked his godfather here. They hadn't seen him since St. Mungo's. He was also disappointed Tonks couldn't make it. As much as he found her annoying at times, he had started to look at her like an older sister. Hermione squeezed his hand. "Maybe Remus should show us the graveyard," she said quietly.

He nodded. He didn't think he would ever return to this statue. It was a tribute to people that wouldn't have wanted it and a reminder to him that he knew about as much of who his parents really were as the wizard that had made the idol before him. "Yeah. That would be good."

Remus led them away from the statue.

It wasn't long before a stone church came into view. There was a large graveyard around the church and something told him this was the place. He didn't wait for Remus as he walked up to the low stonewall with wrought iron fence on the top. He stopped in the graveyard, looking. There were hundreds of graves around. He wasn't sure exactly where to go, but he knew this was the place.

"Remus said it was over here," Hermione said coming to his side and taking his hand. It was a comfort to have her there and he let her lead him in the direction. He saw names of many wizarding families: Bones, Abbot, McKinnen, Figg, Dumbledore...

He stopped and Hermione pulled up short as he did. "Harry," she asked.

He looked at the two gravestones. There was a Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore. "Do you think this was Dumbledore's family?"

She moved to his side and looked at the graves. "There is a chance. He is over a hundred years old."

"I wonder what happened to them." He looked around. There was room for two more graves besides them, but none of the other graves around them had the Dumbledore name. Arianna had been only fourteen. The same age he was. He was curious, but he knew he was stalling just a bit. He knew his parents were dead, had been for a long time, but there was something so final about seeing their graves for the first time that he wasn't sure he was brave enough to do it.

Hermione seemed to understand though. "We can look later. Harry, if this is too much today..."

He shook his head. He should visit their graves. They were his parents. "No, I want to see them."

They made it further into the graveyard towards some trees. As they went, the dates got closer to present and finally, in a back corner where the graveyard jutted out some around a house, they came to stand before his parents. They stood for a few minutes, just looking at the grave and reading, 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death'.

"Hermione, what do I do," he asked after a few minutes. He had never visited a graveyard before.

She squeezed his hand. "You can talk to them. I do that when I visit my great-grandmum's grave. I like to think she can hear me."

Nodding, he searched for what to say. He felt numb at the moment. "Ah, hi, mum and dad. I know you may have expected me before now, but, I, ah, was, ah, wasn't able too." Words seemed to have a hard time forming. "Ah. Uhm. Maybe you would be happy to know I am doing well at Hogwarts this year. Uhm, I moved up to fourth, but, ah, you didn't know how I was doing before, so it probably isn't important."

He felt like he was muddling it up. "So, ah, this is my mate, Hermione. And I don't mean mate, like, you know, a friend. You see, ah, I'm like Remus now. I know you will understand that. They say you used to call it his 'little furry problem'. Hermione and I are both like Remus now. She is my mate." Hermione squeezed his hand and sniffed. He knew she still blamed herself, but it wasn't her that intentionally locked himself in a room to make sure she didn't bite others.

His voice sounding choked up as he tried to go on. "Mum, dad. I wish you could meet her. She is the brightest witch and top of our class. People say, ah, you would like her, mum. I wish... I wish you could still be around sometimes." He couldn't say anymore. Harry wasn't sure how he should feel, but he felt the hot welling of tears in his eyes and his nose grew stuffy. They shared a tombstone as they had shared a life together. A life that he was born into and ripped from. A life that he would have probably felt loved and not been abused. A life where his parents had sacrificed themselves for him. Like he would for Hermione.

"Would you like some time alone," Hermione asked quietly besides him. He held her hand tight. Sinking to his knees, he fought back his tears.

He didn't understand why he would have this swelling of emotions for people he didn't remember. His only true memory of them was the night they were killed. The scream of his mother. Her pleads not to kill him. The green flash and the disfigured face of the thing that tried to kill him, and had already killed his parents. Hermione wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and he started to cry.

"I'm sorry, James and Lily, for not looking after your boy better," Remus said watching Hermione hold Harry from a fair distance away. This was a moment for Harry and his family. "I promise I will now. Both of them."

-oOo-

November 15, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry grinned to see Ron and Neville keeled over on the flag stones of the courtyard taking in ragged breaths. Hermione was next to him, looking barely winded. He watched as the next pack of three came up the hill, panting and holding their sides. Remus had been encouraging them to do more workouts so Harry had invited the class to join Hermione and him. They had a free period before DADA, and Harry figured it was a good way to warm up for the class so they could spend more time studying than working out.

"You're... a... ruddy... arse... Harry," Ron said through gasps. Harry laughed at his friend.

"This isn't much different than what Wood made us do," Harry told him. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I doubt Wood made you run from the courtyard, around the pitch, and then back," she told him starting to stretch. He joined her and nudged Ron to do the same. Neville was on his back, but he had managed to keep pace with them. Lavender, Parvati and Padma came up into the courtyard, all breathing heavily and looking ready to collapse. After a few minutes, he held his hand out for Neville to join them. Harry may have pushed them a little far today. Just behind them was Jason and Bonnie.

He frowned at that. Next time he would have to make sure he ran closer to them. A few moments later, Michael Corner and Susan Bones came up. Harry was done with his stretches by then, and following Hermione in doing a series of crunches, pushups and burpies. He had never been happier that he had been able to keep up his workouts over the summer and fall as he was now.

"Next time, make sure you don't leave the Lobo's behind," Hermione said when they were done. He nodded and promised.

Ron was glaring at him, looking red and sweaty in the cool November day. "I hate you," he said to Harry.

"Join the club," Neville added.

"I think I'm going back to Lupin's workout. These are brutal," Susan said glaring at him and Hermione.

He shrugged. "Hermione and I have been doing this five days a week for months. I think this was moderate. We have thirty minutes to shower and get to class," he told them.

There were a few groans. "Come on, Jason and Bonnie. You look like you need a nap."

"Can you carry me," Bonnie asked pitifully.

"You can walk," Hermione said stepping to his side. "It will help to keep your muscles from Charlie horsing."

"I hate you," she said to Hermione, who chuckled.

They had just enough time to make it to the dorms, take a five-minute shower and report to class. The few that didn't join them went through their normal routine while Remus took the others off to the side. He gave them all an appraising eye. "You lot look like you are ready to fall asleep," Remus said.

"Blame those two," Lavender said nodding towards him and his mate.

Remus nodded. "Ah, I see." He looked around them before seeming to settle on something. "I think you have all reached a level that we can start becoming serious in class. Today we will be practicing stunning and reviving spells. I expect a seven-inch paper on both next week. Now, as you know, in a duel or just in real life, if you can find a way to incapacitate an attacker then it will give you time to escape or capture them. There are a few ways to do this. I know you have all been taught how to Immobilize and put a body bind on people, but those are only for stopping movement. The subject is still conscious. Can anyone tell me why that might be bad?"

Hermione went to shoot her hand up and quickly tried to put it down. Remus had made it clear she was to give others the opportunity. The classroom was his domain so Hermione and him would defer to their Beta on this. "Yes, Mr. Corner?"

"Some one that is still awake can still access their magic," he said.

"Yes and no. You can access your magic, even in a dream, but while awake, you still have control. That is the key point. If you are determined and skilled enough, you can learn silent, and wandless magic. Most will not learn wandless magic, finding the concentration needed is more than they are willing or able to maintain most times. Wandless magic is not the preferred method of most wizards because of the draw on your natural power and reserves. Any wandless magic will easily use three to twenty times the reserves and magic to get the same effect you could with your wand. Wordless, or silent, casting is very useful, and most witches and wizards learn this. If you are doing well, I plan to start you on that after Christmas."

They all sat in the rough semi-circle of desks looking at him. "Professor, shouldn't the others be hearing this," Hermione spoke up.

"They will, Hermione, but at their own pace. You nine are showing you are ready for more and you have all shown understanding of all creatures required for a typical third- and fourth-year Defense course. I think it is time to focus more on the practical for a bit. If you all do well, I may consider teaching you how to cast a Patronus by the end of the year."

Harry tried not to laugh when most of their eyes went wide. "But a fourth-year can't do that," Susan said.

"Harry cast one last year," Ron told her.

"A third-year can't cast that either. That is just a rumor," Susan spoke up again.

"Harry did. I was there to see him cast one that chased dozens away," Hermione snapped at Susan.

Harry stiffened and looked at her. Hermione immediately put a hand over her mouth. They had promised never to talk about that. Given the smell off her, he was wondering if she was feeling challenged by Susan.

"That is enough," Remus said quietly holding up a hand. "Harry, why don't you show us."

Harry gave a nervous smile to Remus. He didn't like being the center of attention. Taking in a deep breath, he stood up and looked at Hermione. Last year, it was the thought of his father that had chased the Dementors away. It was the thought of his friends that had allowed him to even learn the spell. Now, looking at the beautiful young woman who was looking abashed at her outburst, he only thought about her. "Expecto Patronum," he said clearly and with determination. The familiar bright white-bluish glow filled the area. He watched Hermione's eyes go wide. He gave her a questioning look. "Harry, look," she said.

He turned his head expecting to see his stag. It was one thing he loved so much about his Patronus. It was a piece of his father. Instead, Harry took a step back to see a large wolf staring back at him. It was almost as tall as he was and looked solid enough to touch. He had a quick moment of panic to not see his father's stag. When he felt Hermione's hand in his, he knew she understood.

The wolf stepped towards him. It sniffed at him before bowing its head. Next, its snout reached past him to Hermione. It sniffed and looked at her for a moment. Harry thought he saw his own feeling for her reflected in its eyes. Harry was about to release the spell when the wolf suddenly leapt. Hermione and Lavender both gave out a scream. The wolf jumped at her chest and disappeared into it, leaving wisps that dissipated in a few seconds. Hermione stood next to him.

He was afraid to see her eyes lose focus and she looked so surprised. "Hermione," he said pulling her into his arms. She blinked a few times before focusing on him. She didn't hesitate to grab his hair and pull him down into a heated kiss that soon had their tongues dancing and she crushed her body into him. Remus cleared his throat and she stepped back, realizing they were still in the middle of the classroom. Harry felt his head reeling from the kiss, his heart racing and his body wanting more.

"As you can see, with a powerful enough Patronus, you can actually share the emotions that made it. I can only assume Ms. Granger was the focus of that patronus. Can I please ask you to refrain from such displays for the rest of class," he asked them. Harry thought he detected an uptick of Remus mouth. Hermione turned a nice shade of pink.

"Yes, Professor," she said contritely.

"When can we learn that," a breathless Parvati asked looking at them with longing.

"Bloody hell," Ron said. Ron had seemed to struggle a little with Hermione and him being together. This time, there was a look of acceptance on his face. "You need to teach me how to do that."

Remus chuckled. "Yes. That will come later this year. For now, stunning. It will knock your opponent out, leaving them incapacitated and not in control of their magic. A useful thing if you are in a duel. Now, if your partner or someone else is hit, knowing the counter curse is also a necessity. That is why we will learn both of them at once. Now like all spells, intent matters. What do we focus on when casting," Remus asked. They all knew this, having it drilled into their heads first year, but Remus always covered the basics before he dove into the more advanced. As much as it may annoy him at times, he had to admit there always was a reason. Even if Hermione had to explain it to him later.

An hour later, he was trading stunners with Ron. His mate had become quicker and more determined in the last month or so. He dodged Harry about two out of every three times. That still meant Ron was hit almost twice as much as Harry. "Stupefy," Ron called out while moving to the side of the dueling platform. Remus encouraged using everything at their disposal so Harry jumped off the side and shot one under the platform.

"Merlin, Harry," Ron yelled as it just missed his feet. "You trying to get me," he said rolling onto the platform as Harry quietly called out, "Stupefy!"

"That is the point," he said ducking one from Ron.

"Right, good. That should be it for the day," Remus called out. "I know the advanced group has invited everyone to join them. Hermione has posted a schedule on the board for those that want to join in their exercises."

As they were walking out of the room, Hermione took his hand. Ron fell in next to him as Neville talked with Dean and Seamus behind them. "You two coming to Gryffindor tonight? I haven't seen you in a week in there."

Harry shook his head. "No. We had plans to go to the library for a little bit and then I need to go back to the Den." He could hear a conversation between Parvati, Padma, Susan and Hannah behind them. He really wished he didn't have such good hearing some days. He was sure that would stoke some of Hermione's jealousy he had seen recently.

"We haven't had a game of chess in weeks," Ron whinged. "I could use some help with Herbology too."

"Then you can join us in the library," Hermione said to their friend.

Ron looked put out. "I wish I could join you up in your dorm some nights. Why won't McGonagall allow you to have visitors."

Harry shook his head. "I don't know, but personally, I don't want anyone else up there. It's the only place I feel safe in this castle."

"What are you talking about. You're safe in Gryffindor," Ron spoke up. "Just come up for the evening."

Passing by a group of Ravenclaws he could hear them complaining about Draco. Harry tried not to snort. He hoped the prat got what he deserved for that trick. Harry was in the camp that didn't believe he didn't do it.

Hermione stopped them and they huddled into an alcove. "Ron, do you know what it is like for us to walk the hallways? Right now, I can hear a dozen conversations going on and my wolf wants to keep jumping between them all. Harry is experiencing the same thing. It doesn't go quiet out in the school unless no one is around. We can also smell things. Like I can tell who put on deodorant and who didn't." She gave him a look and Ron flushed. "By the time dinner comes around, most days, we are both at the point that it is overwhelming. Going back to the Lobo Den is a reprieve. The only smells in there are from the six of us or what we drag in. There is no extra noise. We have places to go to have a private conversation without others overhearing. You are my friend Ron, but you don't understand. There is a reason why werewolves don't like to live in populated areas, and it's not just because wizards fear us."

He looked at her, telling she was getting close to her breaking point for the day. He knew he was too. Ron looked taken back. "Alright, Hermione. I didn't know. I just miss hanging out with you."

Harry felt guilty and he could tell Hermione did too. They had been avoiding him, well, not Ron specifically, but most of the school in general. If it was a free period, they sought out quiet places like the library, or the school grounds, or an abandoned classroom or the Lobo Dorm. They could invite Ron and others more when they do those things. "I'm sorry, Ron," Hermione said. Ron looked a little relieved. "This is just so overwhelming at times. Can we do something tomorrow afternoon? Find a quiet place just to hang out for a while? The Gryffindor Tower is just to active most of the time and not everyone wants us there. What if you and Harry take out your brooms? I know we are all free after your Divination class."

Ron brightened up. "Yeah, that would be brilliant. How about we head to dinner and I'll go with you to the library?"

"Sounds like a deal. I'll help you with the Herbology assignment," Harry told him.

Ron gave him a dubious look. "I'd rather have Hermione," he told him.

"Harry is fourth in the class this year, he can help you. I need to work on my Transfiguration essay," she told him

"But that's not due until next week," Ron told her.

She gave him a smile. "We already did that one. I am working on the syllabus Professor McGonagall gave us for the year."

Ron's mouth opened. "Just how far are you ahead?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. Into next term, maybe."

Ron blinked a few times. Then shook his head. "You really weren't joking about needing to study hard. Do you really have to get five OWLs of Exceeds Expectations? I thought you were just saying that that day to take the mickey."

"Yes, Ron," Hermione said with a little emotion. "That is why we are trying to get as far ahead as we can. Most of the Professors have been very accommodating and we have been helping Bonnie, Jason and Annabel get there too. That is also why we don't come to the Common Room most nights."

Ron ran a hand behind his neck. He looked lost for a moment. "Dad said just treat you like I normally would. You two are still my best mates. I don't care about what happened to you, but I didn't know all that. I've been being a prat, haven't I?"

"Arse is more like it," Harry joked and it earned him a hit from Hermione.

"Harry," she said with no real heat. "Ron, we will find a way to spend more time with you, but you have to understand we can't joke around. If we say we need to study, we need to study."

Ron gave her a wry smile. "So, just like normal then?"

She rolled her eyes and Harry chuckled. Harry ducked to avoid his mates arm when he spoke. "Pretty much. Dinner and then library tonight?"

Ron nodded. "Just one thing," he asked.

"What," Hermione said in an exasperated tone.

"Can you not kiss like that again when I'm around. It was odd to see my two best mates snogging like that."

Hermione blushed and Harry smiled. "I promise I will only snog Hermione like that where you can't see it unless I know it will annoy you."

Ron punched him in the shoulder. "Bloody git."

Harry laughed.

-oOo-

November 17, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Things had not been going well since Halloween. Much of Slytherin House was giving him the cold shoulder. The status he had contrived over the last three years, as well as what he could get from his family name and what his father bought him, like new brooms, had eroded away. Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle were the only ones that were standing fast with him. The others, Nott, Zabini, Greengrass and Bulstrode, were only with him because they needed to be. The balance of their House had been rocked and everyone was still trying to figure out where it would land.

Draco knew that his place, both in Slytherin and with his father, would depend all on the first task next week. He had been meeting with a private tutor that was training him how to fight a dragon. His mother was not part of the tournament, so it was legal for her to do this. Being a Champion, most didn't question him disappearing four nights a week after dinner.

Pansy knew.

She also knew that their fathers were working out a betrothal for them and had become even more possessive of him. She was every bit the sly Lady-in-training she should be keeping people of Slytherin off his back and inline.

Pansy had also been far more affectionate in private since then. Something that brought a satisfied smile to his face to think of her.

Now was not a time to think of her though. He was on his way to a stupid ceremony to 'Weigh his Wand'. It was some asinine contrivance where the Champions needed to Register their wands. Only registered wands would be allowed. The rules didn't say 'how' many wands, so Draco was forced to reveal that he had more than one, though his hawthorn and dragon heartstring was his preferred.

In a holder on his leg was a ash and unicorn. It was as powerful as his hawthorn, but didn't like his hex work as much. In a box in his hands he held a third. It was from the Malfoy Vaults and had proven to be very adept for him. It was powerful, it did everything he asked of it and more, but it felt wrong. There was something about it that pull on his magic to do things he didn't want to. Dark things. He didn't like it, but it was best to have options in case something happened. Especially since the rules allowed you to only wear set amount of clothes and carry a wand. Nothing else.

He walked into the antechamber where Diggory and the half-veela stood talking with Mr. Crouch and Mr. Ollivander. He barely made it in three steps before a flash went off. He took a step back and snarled. "What are you doing," he asked out loud.

"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, such a pleasure to meet you. My photographer was just taking a picture of you walking in," a short, clipping voice came for a woman in bright green robes that were cut way to low, making her look more like a high-class prostitute than a reporter.

"Who the hell are you," he said in an aggravated voice.

"Rita Skeeter. Official reporter for the Tournament for the Daily Prophet," she said with a smile that made him feel uncomfortable.

SHITE! That was the last reporter from the Prophet he wanted to deal with.

-oOo-

November 18, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry stood against the bars. He was holding Hermione's hand and looking into her eyes. He was growing to hate these nights. Luckily, he had convinced them to move the cages closer so that he wouldn't have to stretch to hold her hand.

Personally, he wanted to hold her closer than that. Their relationship had started to reach new adventures in their bedroom, which included hands below their belt line. Hermione had instigated it that night that his patronus had passed into her. She had said she wanted to show him that she felt the same way. Having Hermione stroke him until he got off was far better than doing it himself. He had bucked in her hands and called out her name as she kept going. The fact she was grinning at his reaction like a cat who got the canary, instead of disgusted, had taken any guilt away from him for spewing all over her hands. He had returned the favor the following morning with her only in her nickers as his hand found how she liked it and his mouth sucked on her breasts. The way she bucked under him once he found the proper rhythm was as big a turn on as when she touched him. When she started to shiver, he thought he was doing something wrong before she grabbed the sheets and started repeating his name before crying out in pleasure as he felt her spasm around his finger. The last three nights she hadn't worn any bottoms, just her knickers, to bed.

He doubted she was having the same thoughts right now, but the happy smirk she wore on her face that day mirrored his. Ron had asked them what they were so happy about, while Lavender and Parvati gave them knowing looks that made him blush and Hermione look smugly at them, as though she was claiming her territory.

Now though, he would be forced to spend a night without her in his arms. He wanted to curse the damned beast for doing this to them. But, at the same time, he knew he wouldn't be able to spend most nights with her curled up next to him if not for the beast. It was a double-edge sword that always leaned towards Hermione.

"It's almost time," he heard someone above him. He really didn't like being looked over like some lab experiments. Five Healers, including Healer Tonks, were above them this time, and most of them focusing on his pack. Since Harry had claimed Tonks as pack, she was here too.

The familiar burn in his veins started as the long rays of light on the wall disappeared. He really didn't like these nights. As usual, he grunted as the magic coursed in his veins and skin bubbled. After a few, it stopped. When he was able to sit up, Hermione's chocolate eyes were looking at him.

You're still beautiful, he told her in a yip.

Her muzzle pulled back in a smile, though anyone not a werewolf would probably find it disturbing. Handsome, she whimpered. He looked around.

This time, the others were settling nicely. Remus was already curled up into a corner. Bonnie was close to them and Hermione reached out to scratch the fur on her head. The girl whimpered. Harry could smell she was already giving herself over to their pack. It was only him accepting her that kept her from being pack. He would have to meet with her mother and discuss it. Remus had said a wolf would just claim what they want. He wouldn't do that.

Jason was circling his blanket, sniffing at it and looked at them before laying down. The boy was deferring to them as Alphas, but he wasn't ready to submit. Annabel was sitting in a corner, closer to them, her arms around her knees and just staring at the wall.

Harry didn't feel like talking. Each of them were in their own world, induced by the wolfsbane potion. Outside influences could break it, but he didn't want too. At the far end of the storage house Pierre was sitting, staring up towards the castle. The smell off him was leading Harry to believe that the boy may have found his mate, but the wolf wasn't quite mature enough to claim her.

Understanding more about wolves, especially after talking to Alexandra himself, he understood Hermione and him were on the young side of the curve for mates, but it wasn't uncommon for wolves. He was curious what would happen when Hermione experienced her first heat. He wasn't sure he was ready for that yet. The wolf didn't agree.

"This is remarkable," he heard a man say overhead. He looked up to see three Healers looking down at him. He kept the growl from coming to his lips. He didn't like feeling like some curio in a zoo, and liked it even less that Hermione was being looked at that way.

"I told you. Never seen anything like it," another man said. Harry recognized this one from last month. He looked down and towards Hermione, who was still stroking Bonnies head. He really needed to talk to the girl's mother. Hermione was growing attached to her.

After a while, she moved to hold his hand and they rested against the bars. Part of him wanted to get up and run. It wanted to hunt. To taste the fresh blood of a dear or rabbit. The wolf wanted to play, but he couldn't let it. It was too dangerous, or so he was taught. There was nothing about his wolf though that wanted anything to do with the people above. That was not the natural place for a wolf.

He could smell the cold earth outside, going dormant for the winter. The forest and its inhabitants called to him. It was a scent that enticed him. Not as much as the beautiful wolf next to him though. Her scent, as usual, was intoxicating.

Harry let out a low growl of need for her, which was quickly echoed.

He let out a snort before settling in. It was better to try and sleep than think of what couldn't be.

His legs were pumping. The feel of soft loam and grass in his paws made it easy to pad through the high grass. His mate and three of his pack were close by, following him. He nodded and they split into three groups with him in the center. His mate took one of the pack while his beta took his mate in two separate directions.

They would flush out their prey, chasing it towards him. He would take it down to feed the pack. It was his responsibility to provide and lead.

He moved to the crest of the hill, crouching low on his paws. In a dell between hills, a stag stood sentinel, guarding two doe and two fawns. He could smell they were in good health. It would have been preferable to take down one that wasn't in their prime, but food was food and when the pack was hungry, you did what you had too.

The wind blew across the small hills at the base of the woods. He was far enough to the side not to be sensed. It would be a few more minutes before the others were in location. If all went to plan, they would bolt for the woods, through the small rut between hills. It was the fastest way back to the woods and that would be where he would catch one. Preferable one of the does. The buck could be troublesome, and the fawns were too small still for the five of them.

There was also the fact that this buck had produced some very healthy offspring and would for seasons to come, meaning his pack would have food. The older doe had already birthed a few children. It would be her time in few season cycles anyways.

He was about to give the signal when he heard a howl in the distance. The dear all turned to the wood. He turned towards the sound and growled deeply. This was his territory and his pack. A few minutes later, he heard the howl again.

It was the call of an Alpha to its pack.

Harry shot up, launching himself to his feet and slamming into the bars, his instincts telling him that there was a danger. Hermione was already up, growling and looking ready to strike. "Tonks, what is going on," a man said above them.

Harry shook himself. Looking at Hermione he barked, Another pack.

Deep in the woods. Almost didn't hear them, she yipped back.

He looked back towards the side of the building, in the direction of the Forbidden Forest. The howl came again a short bit later. He growled and felt his magic flow in him.