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

A/N: I am trying to post the next few chapter rather rapidly because they all play into each other.

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 15

November 18, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione howled next to him as he felt his magic swell. This invading pack could not be allowed to claim this territory. "What is going on," a scared man said behind them.

"Harry, stop!" Tonks yelled from somewhere.

"Get ready to stun them," someone else yelled.

Just at the edge of his hearing he heard an answering challenge to his mates. He howled, long deep and issuing his own warning. Hermione joined him, and he was quickly joined by Remus and Bonnie. "No, you can't harm them," Healer Tonks cried out. As he howled, his magic pushed at the wards around the cage. His magic swelled and was quickly joined by Hermione's and Remus'.

"Tonks, what are you doing!"

The doors to their cages suddenly unlocked and wards dropped. His packs magic flew past the wards and slammed into the building. There was a deafening crack and loud boom as part of the building gave way to their combined strength. Harry dug his claws in to avoid being toppled with the backlash. He heard someone yelp in pain. Harry looked around quickly to see who was hurt. There was a cloud of dust that obscured everything. He could smell the people and wolves around them. The smell of blood reached his nose. It was Bonnie and he suddenly crashed back to reality, unsure what happened.

HARRY! Hermione barked at him. He turned to her to see her at the door to his cage. She looked determined and powerful. We need to go. Now.

As she said it, the importance of protecting the pact meant more than a hurt Bonnie. She would heal. If they didn't stop this new pack, she would not. He gave one bark to the others. Stay!

She turned and he took off after her. "They are escaping! Tonks, get back here!" There was some spell fire behind him and he took off at a lopping run as he used all four hands and feet to run faster than he could ever remember. Hermione was beside him. They ran fast over the grounds in the direction they had heard the howls. As they broke away from the building, he had the sudden sensation of finally being free. This was what a wolf should be. They angled away from the castle. As much as he was on the hunt for this other pack, he wouldn't endanger the school.

He heard something following him and he glanced back. A wolf with a pink stripe down it's back was keeping pace. He didn't question it as another howl came and they took off at a straight shot for Hagrid's hut and the Forbidden Forest. Behind them, the sky lit red like a firework had gone off. He didn't look back. He was giving himself over to the wolf, knowing this was something between wolves.

"What the ruddy hell is going on," Hagrid bellowed as he came out of his hut with crossbow and Fang by his side. He growled to guide Hermione around the hut. She nipped at him in annoyance. I would never hurt Hagrid, she yipped. "Harry!" Hagrid watched them as they ran a wide birth around his hut. Fang barked and started to chase after them. "Get back you ruddy dog!"

Harry barked at the dog. Fang was a large boarhound but the dog would not survive a fight like what they were running towards. Fang was too soft. He didn't look back to see if he was following. He could tell the dog fell back soon after the warning. They angled towards the Forbidden Forest and Harry growled as he saw a dark shape running towards them. They were running into the wind and soon the giant Grim was almost on them. Harry picked up his pace to avoid the dog. He could tell his Godfather was trying to cut him off, but he couldn't be stopped in this. Hermione picked up her pace, but as they dove into the woods, he could tell she was starting to struggle a little.

Harry slowed enough not to push Hermione too much, but enough that Tonks and Sirius couldn't catch them. He was following in the direction of where the last howl had come from. His nose was working hard to pick up anything while his eyes picked a way through the trees in a line he knew to be as straight as it could be. Animals and beast scattered as he charged through the trees and streams.

Hermione... can... you... tell, he huffed out.

Right, she said sounding more out of breath. He didn't question her and soon found the scent she had picked up. They slowed as it grew stronger. He could smell at least five others. After a few, he pulled to a stop, panting hard and looking around. They were getting close and he sensed a clearing not far away. He had angled to ensure the wind was blowing towards them. Hermione came to stop next to him. She was taking in ragged breathes and leaned against a tree. He didn't know how far they were into the Forbidden Forest, but it was farther and in a place he had never been in.

Soon, Tonks and Sirius joined them. Tonks was panting and frothing some at the mouth. Harry knew he had set a grueling pace, but he needed to get here as soon as possible. They all took a few minutes to catch their breaths. Harry. Can you hear, Hermione asked standing up. Tonks was on the forest floor. Her breathing was easier, but she looked near exhaustion. Sirius came up to him, his ears forwards and a growl in his throat. He smelt and heard it too. It was a pack and they were arguing.

Harry started to make his way quietly through the trees. Protect Tonks, he yipped quietly to Hermione. She growled at the order in challenge. Sirius padded silently next to him as he approached the clearing.

We don't work for a wizard, a wolf barked.

There was a dangerous growl. You do as I say. I am ALPHA! We will get fresh meat tonight. The moon is almost at its zenith.

I can smell the town. We should attack now, a female yipped.

NO. We attack at the zenith. We do not attack the ones in masks, the Alpha ordered.

Where is Gemma? She should have been here by now, another whined.

She knew where to meet, another wolf said with command. Harry could tell it was the Beta of the pack. We attack Hogsmeade when Tobias tells us too.

Sirius nudged him. He pawed the ground six times. Harry understood it was six of them. He couldn't let them do what they were planning. He stepped out from behind a tree. The call of the challenge he had heard on the grounds still coursing in his veins. There was a soft growl next to him and he knew Hermione had joined him.

He issued his own growl of challenge. ALPHA he called.

Stepping into the clearing, he saw the pack. They all looked more like Remus had in June. Most of them had thick fur, but it was matted, course looking and they were grey or brown. They snarled to see him. Their teeth were more dangerous looking and the look in their eyes was sick and feral. He could tell they were strong, but none of them appeared as healthy or as muscular as his pack.

Kill him, a slightly larger grey wolf growled at them. He looked more scarred and feral than the others. He was the strongest, thus he was Alpha.

Harry let out a dangerous low growl, standing up and baring his fangs and claws. He pushed his command and magic. He was an Alpha and would not be challenged. Hermione was next to him, giving just as dangerous a growl. She was crouching ready to pounce. The pack moved and hesitated as Harry barked at them. Come to die, he challenged. The wolf was at the front. It would not allow harm to its mate or pack. Or come to submit!

The other Alpha growled, advancing on all four and projecting its own power. Kill them!

Hermione barked and nipped to let them know she would not allow her Alpha to be harmed. He advanced on the other Alpha. Two of his pack took the challenge and dug into the dirt as they launched themselves at him. It was a dozen running steps to reach him. They were taller, longer in arm and obviously adults. He didn't hesitate like the other pack had. He threw himself at the first one as it came in range, quickly getting under the long arms of the beast. His claws came up and raked down the brown werewolf with a snarl. The wolf gave out a yelp of pain and he stood up, throwing the wolf over his shoulder.

He spared a quick look to see Hermione tackle the other before it jumped on him. They rolled and Hermione wound up on top. The grey werewolf was struggling wildly. Harry stepped to her and grabbed the head of the werewolf as it tried to nip at Hermione. He pulled and twisted and felt the neck snap. The creature went limp in his hands and he dropped it. Turning back to the one he injured he growled at it to stay down. The wolf was clutching a few ragged wounds as it backed away from him. He showed no remorse as he turned back to the rest of the pack. He growled his warning long and slow. Submit now or you will never leave this clearing.

The pack Alpha took a step back. Harry stood tall with Hermione next to him. Her claws dripped some blood where she had dug into the side of the one he killed. It had threatened his mate. He wouldn't allow another threat like that tonight. He growled at them. Tobias, the Alpha, shook his head and growled. Kill him Tobias barked.

Submit now, Harry barked back. One of the grey's looked at the pack and back at him. She looked uncertain. Last chance. Submit or you will not leave this clearing, he growled one more time. The uncertain grey moved towards them, then she got on all four, lowering her head and whined. It was a sign of submission. He looked at the others. Tobias growled at the grey. Harry snapped his jaw at the werewolf when it advanced on the grey. There was already a change in scent in the werewolf that was whining.

Harry was losing his patience. He knew what he must do. He took a step forward and the three before him took a step back. He growled, knowing he could not allow them to leave. He couldn't allow them to attack Hogsmeade.

A second werewolf pulled off to the side and did as the grey. It got on all fours, lowered its head and whined. Tobias growled, shaking his head again. Harry stood as tall as he could, looking down his muzzle at the beast. He let his will dominate the clearing. He pushed his magic out. He was an Alpha and he knew how to call his magic. The man's beta whined, falling back. Harry could tell they wouldn't submit. He growled, got down on all fours and advanced. Before he could get too close, two stunners hit Tobias, throwing him across the clearing and into a tree.

All the werewolves snapped their heads up, growling and moving to attack the wizards. Harry barked STAY! The three he had dominated stumbled and fell where they were. Their Alpha had spoken and they would listen. Tobias' beta charged. Harry turned to see Tonks, Sirius and a third wizard at the edge of the clearing. They started to cast spells, which she dodged. He wasn't close enough, but took off at her anyways. "Harry, no," Sirius yelled, casting a spell at him that tripped him. There was a yelp and he looked up to see the werewolf skid to a halt in the leaves. She tried to get up before three stunners put her to sleep.

Hermione rushed to his side, standing over him and growling at the wizards. He slowly stood.

"Harry, I don't want to hurt you," Sirius told them. "Please back up."

Harry stood tall. He could not let the pack know he was weak. He growled and the two that weren't hurt came to his side. They crouched behind him. The last, starting to breath heavily from its wounds, whined and whimpered in pain.

"Wotcher, Harry. Please, stand down," Tonks said next to Sirius, taking a step forward. Someone growled and he yipped for silence. The grey whined for forgiveness. Harry knew they were too dangerous to not confine in some way.

Looking at his godfather and Remus' mate, he lowered himself. "Rooopees," he said.

There was a flash of surprise over Sirius' face. Hermione whined. He understood. He didn't want to be bound either, but it was the best way.

Tonks looked uncertain for a moment before nodding. "Sure thing, Harry." She made a small loop with the tip of her wand and pink ropes shot out. The other wizard and Sirius followed suit. Soon they were all in ropes except him and Hermione. "Harry, we need to get you out of here. I'm so sorry but you have broken the law. I am going to give you a rope for a portkey. I need you to wrap it around the others, tie it to yours and Hermione's arms and then I will need to put you in ropes."

"You still promise to turn yourself in, no tricks," the other Auror asked his godfather. Sirius looked at him and nodded.

"Harry, over here," Tonks said. "Sirius is going to be taken into custody too. I promise he is not going back to Azkaban. Not without a trial this time."

He looked at her. Soon, Hermione was in his arms before and Tonks bound them. She summoned the end of the portkey rope to her hand. She looked very sad to say "Portus."

-oOo-

Forbidden Forest, Scotland

Auror Le Brun panted as he tried to keep up with his quarry. He was a man in his mid-thirties, fit and used to running, but the two young werewolves were faster than he had anticipated. He figured the young Auror, who was in a world of trouble, was pushing herself to her limit to keep up with them. The smell from her was strained and heavy. He was also concerned with the fourth scent that was running with them.

He had followed their scent from the old store house. It now had a hole a good three meters wide and through the roof. He had heard of werewolves using magic in their changed form only a few times and never with that strength. He ran quickly after the Auror once he was sure everyone had survived and the other werewolves were contained. The pack around Harry didn't even move or resist as they stunned them. If he hadn't known better, he would say their Alpha had told them to stay and they listened. Pierre had been very agitated.

Following the scent, he was surprised the group had skirted the grounds, staying far away from the school and running wide around the Caretakers Hut. It was as though they were avoiding contact with anyone. A very unusual behavior for their kind, and a route that added extra distance to their destination. The fourth scent had joined them at the edge of the woods.

He slowed as his ears started to pick up sounds of movement ahead and he stopped just down wind of the group. Harry Potter, the black-haired lycanthrope, was yipping at the more chestnut colored werewolf, Hermione Granger. He could make out a white streak of hair in the shape of a lightening bolt on Potter's forehead before he turned and very silently lopped off. A large black dog padded next to him, keeping close, but not arguing. He could smell all four of them where there, but he hadn't seen Tonks yet.

The chestnut werewolf whined softly as her mate disappeared into the dark cover of the forest. She moved to a pile on the floor and Le Brun realized it was a heavily breathing Tonks in the form of a wolf. He had seen her transform and chase after the two teens. Granger whined again as she looked down at the Animagus before gently brushing a hand through her fur. He was not used to seeing such signs of affection from a fully turned werewolf. He hadn't been prepared to witness it last month either when the pack Alpha had sat their quietly, keeping order if one of them got out of line, and holding hands as though they were out on picnic.

He had heard the howls that most likely set them off. He was kicking himself for not realizing what was probably going on.

Granger suddenly picked her head up and growled. She looked torn to leave the laying wolf, but she took off after a moment. He waited until she was out of site before padding into the clearing. His collie form was no match for the werewolves, and probably not for Tonks, but she was not in a way to start a fight.

He approached her cautiously and came around until his eyes met hers. She whined but didn't move to stop him approaching. When he was within five feet, he regarded her before transforming back. She whined again and he lifted his wand. "Can you transform back," he asked gently.

She whined again. A moment later, he watched her change back. Her hair was the typical pink she seemed to prefer, but her other features were sharper and her eyes were a grey he had seen on her before. "Harry," she said before groaning and curling in on herself. "Keep Harry safe. Promised Remus."

Understanding came over him. He knew she had been seeing someone and now he pieced together it was the werewolf that he was sure was Potter's beta. "If I pass you a pain relief potion and a pepper-up, will you be able to take them?"

She nodded. He removed two vials from his robes and tossed them to her. He didn't think she was a danger, but he had been an Auror too long to take chances. She managed to sit up and take the potions. A few moments later she was looking more alert. There were sounds of a scuffle and the unmistakable yelp and whine of a hurt dog. "We need to get to Harry."

She scrambled to her feet and ran in the direction of the other.

"Tonks, wait," he ordered. She pulled up short, looking at him with determination.

"You can arrest me or whatever you want after we save Harry and Hermione. I will willingly hand myself in," she told him before turning and stalking off.

He cursed under his breath. English were so damned stubborn and pigheaded. He followed her. "Who is the other Animagus," he asked.

"Not totally sure, but if my guess is right, I'm about to see my cousin for the first time in a few years. Oh, by the way, the Ministry is looking for him," she told him with little concern.

They approached a clearing. There was growling, whining and barks being traded. A black dog turned and growled at them. "Wotcher, Black," she said raising her own wand. "I am assuming you are not hear to kill Harry, otherwise you would have already. Turn now or I will stun you and not give you a chance to explain."

Le Brun raised his own wand. The ICW had knowledge of Sirius Black. He was wanted as a very dangerous criminal. The dog morphed and stood. The man that came out didn't have the same insane look that his wanted posters did. He was tall with long black hair, a nicely trimmed mustache and goatee and sported a nice pair of robes cut very similar to an Auror's.

"Hello, cousin," Sirius said to Tonks. "Who's you're friend?"

"ICW Auror Le Brun," he said to the man. "Sirius Black, you are under arrest per the International Criminal Act of 1947. You have an active warrant in a member state of the Council and an ICW Auror is the ranking member."

The man looked relieved. There were a few more yips and growls from behind the trees. "If you don't mind, I would like to make sure my godson and his girl are alright, then I will hand myself in, wand and all. Your looking good, cousin," he said with a wink to Tonks.

She snorted. "I hated your jokes back then too," she snarked.

He gave her a roguish smile. "Shall we." The man went for his pocket and Le Brun raised his wand threateningly. "I will swear on my magic if you like, but I need my wand."

"Any tricks and I will take you both out," Le Brun threatened.

Sirius gave him a grin and took out his wand. "Ladies first," he indicated to the clearing.

-oOo-

Hogsmeade, Scotland

Amelia Bones did not like being woken at nearly two in the morning. She liked it even less when it was an alarm for escaped werewolves who were under WRC supervision. Worse was that one of her Aurors had help them escape and then run off with them. Now, she found herself sitting at a table with Captain Le Brun, Head Selwyn, Head Scrimgeour, Captain Shacklebolt and a bound and defiant looking young Auror who had probably just thrown her career away.

She sat at the head of the table, staring at Tonks. "What the hell were you thinking," she said in quiet anger.

"There was another pack close to the grounds. Harry and Hermione were reacting to them. They had almost overpowered the wards and I thought is safest to drop them instead of letting them blow up and kill the other people in the storage building," she said rather defiantly. She had been trained by Moody and apparently had his same respect for authority when he thought he was in the right.

"Werewolves cannot use magic while turned," Selwyn said in his gravelly voice.

"Actually, they can," Le Brun said. "I have seen several packs where they are more of the pure form like these two teens and they access to their magic while changed."

There was a ringing silence in the room for moment. She noticed Selwyn's eyes bulge and Scrimgeour give a curious look. "What do you mean 'pure' form?"

"I am not the authority on this, but we have been trained to recognize those that are more feral and those that are more like the wolf."

"They are all feral, Captain," Selwyn said with distain. "Madame Bones, this is exactly what I told you would happen for months now. We are lucky they didn't attack the school. Can you imagine what that would have been like?"

"They would never attack the school," Tonks spoke up.

She eyed the Auror. There was a surety in the woman's demeanor that made her curious. "What do you mean?"

"I know Potter and Granger. They are good kids that would sooner kill themselves than hurt another."

"And yet they killed one of the beasts tonight and maimed another enough that the healers doubt the werewolf will survive," Selwyn said with distain. "They should be walked through the Veil."

"The Alpha killed another werewolf during what appears to be a pack dispute. The ICW does not have any laws against that. It is part of the nature of the creatures that is classified under INICA that is allowed if proven it was in defense of pack or others. Once we entered the clearing and stunned the other Alpha, Mr. Potter only reacted when the other werewolf tried to attack us. Besides that, he kept the other werewolves that had submitted to him from attacking and Ms. Granger showed no indication of violence towards us," Le Brun told them. She looked at the man. He had proven to be extremely competent and a well-reasoned voice.

"He killed a man," Selwyn said, his gravelly voice sounding venomous.

"He killed a class V beast, which last I knew had far different laws than if he had killed a wizard or muggle," Scrimgeour spoke. "I say we talk to Potter before we decide what is to happen."

"And you will trust the thing," Selwyn snarled.

Amelia had already been thinking she would raise Fudges ire by getting rid of the man. This conversation had hardened her decision. She knew it would make waves between them, but she couldn't have the Head of the Werewolf Reform Commission recommending to put them down for something that might be perfectly legal.

"I trust Harry," Tonks spoke up.

"Auror Tonks, if you say one more word I will personally march you to a cell and snap your wand in front of you. You are facing an inquiry over this," she snapped at her Auror. She knew she was taking her frustration out on Tonks, but she had to take it careful with Selwyn still.

Le Brun cleared his throat. "You know that Mr. Potter has declared her part of his pack and with her Animagus form she may not be immune to his Alpha control."

She blinked slowly before opening her eyes wide. She looked at the ICW Auror before turning to a Tonks that looked flush. After a second she took in a sharp breath. Before she could speak, Selwyn was standing up and pointing his wand at her. "You let one of the mutts loose in the cages and now here!" He started to flick his wand before a red jet hit the man in the chest and he crashed into the wall behind him.

"Don't you dare," the raspy voice of Moody came in. "I heard my trainee was in trouble, but not this much."

Others had gotten up and there was general mayhem as Shacklebolt grabbed Selwyn's wand and bound the man in ropes. Scrimgeour was moving to cover Shacklebolt while Moody moved to cover Tonks.

"Hey, Boss. Heard there was some trouble," Moody said with a grin. She shook her head.

A while later, a very tired Amelia Bones walked down the narrow steps to the holding cells below. Selwyn had already been led down here and was still stunned on the hard rock floor. He had tried to attack a prisoner, who was bound and unarmed. She would see him in Azkaban. Auror Le Brun walked behind her. There were six cells and they were all full. She passed a man with thick black hair, grey eyes and a well-maintained air about him. She knew him and would have to let the ICW deal with him. The realization that he had tried to stop Harry, and may have been protecting Harry as his godfather, was still rocking her. If that was so, then half the crimes he was convicted of would have to be overturned.

He sat with a very frizzy haired witch who looked agitated and with tear streaks on her face. She looked up as she passed. "Where is Harry. I need to see Harry," she said.

Amelia frowned. "Maybe in a few minutes, Ms. Granger."

"He will not be harmed. I give you my word," Le Brun said behind her.

Across from them were two werewolves that had submitted to Harry. The third had been taken to St. Mungo's shortly after sunrise. Tonks sat in the next cell with the boy she wanted to see across from her. Tonks looked up, looking a little more uncertain than she had earlier, but she still looked defiant. She had turned herself in the second she had portkeyed the others here.

She didn't want to go the last cell yet. The former Alpha and the last of his pack were there.

"May I enter," she asked Auror Le Brun. Technically all the prisoners accept Selwyn where in ICW confinement. It was probably best that way. He nodded and flicked his wand. The door to the cell unlocked. "May I enter, Mr. Potter?"

The boy was huddled in a corner, his hands shaking in his lap and looking at the floor. "I'm not sure that is best," the boy said. He looked up at her she recognized the signs of someone who had killed for the first time. He was in shock as his mind caught up with the reality of his actions. This was a good sign that he wasn't a blood thirsty beast.

"I'll take my chances," she told him. She walked in and pulled out her wand. He flinched and pulled away. This was not the reaction she had seen a few months ago when she had met him for the first time. She didn't say a word as she conjured a stool and sat on it. She returned her wand to her wrist holster.

"That was an eventful night last night, Mr. Potter. How are you doing?"

He looked at his hands. They were still dirty and stained. "Is Hermione alright? I can't smell or hear her."

She tried to give him a reassuring smile. "Ms. Granger is just fine. Concerned for you, but just fine."

He let out a ragged breath before sinking into the wall and putting his forehead against it. "I didn't mean to do it. She was attacking Hermione. I couldn't let her get hurt."

She nodded her head. "I understand, Mr. Potter. Can I ask you a few questions and then I can bring her into your cell?" She knew the power of a mate for their kind and the paperwork clearly defined her as such. She really wished she could wait on this, but it this was a matter of life and death for him and his pack, then she needed answers now. Starting with the easiest of questions would be best. she would let Healer Tonks come down too.

Harry nodded. She took that as his assent. "Mr. Potter, did you claim Nymphadora Tonks as your pack?"

He looked up at her, his hands settling some. "Yes. We filed that with Dedalas Diggle after last cycle."

She frowned. That was not in his file. She was wondering if other items might be missing from his file. If Selwyn was found to have tampered with their files, he would be going to Azkaban. "Did you know she was an animagus?"

"No," he told her. "Is Tonks in trouble? I never wanted or asked her to help us."

She could see a determination coming over him as she thought he might perceive danger to his pack. She nodded. "Would you swear the same under veritaserum?"

He looked at her confused. "What is that?"

She blinked a few times. Any child that grew up in their worlds should know this... but he didn't grow up in their world. A child of one the most powerful houses still known didn't really know anything about his heritage, did he? "It is a potion that will compel you to tell the truth."

His hands were still shaking slightly. "I am telling the truth but I will take your potion if I need to."

The way he held her gaze she knew he was telling the truth. "Are you the Alpha of your pack?"

He frowned. After taking in a deep breath, the boy said in a very clear voice, "I am the Alpha. Anything that happened last night was me. I claim leniency for my Pack under the Supremacy Clause of the Intelligent and Near Intelligent Creatures Rights Act."

If there was any question it was gone now. "Why did you escape last night?"

"Hermione and I heard a pack enter our territory and give a challenge. I was protecting my pack, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. They had plans to attack Hogsmeade."

She took in a sharp breath. Le Brun had conjectured something like this, but she had never heard such a thing from a werewolf. "Are you telling me, with full knowledge of what you were doing, that you intentionally ran around the school and into the woods to protect it?"

The boy's eyes took on a hard look. "I swear on my magic that I will never intentionally, or if I can ever prevent it, harm any innocent. Nor will my Pack. We are wolves, not beasts that will kill anything that comes near. Last night I prevented all I could from harming those that were not involved or those not already infected."

There was a whoosh of power as Potter finished his words. Even without a wand, his magic and that around them answered him. It was a surge that pulled at her magic to either challenge him or accept his words. She leaned back on her stool. "I think that proves my point," Auror Le Brun said quietly behind her.

She contemplated his words for a moment. "You said you will not harm innocents. What do you consider innocents?"

"Any person or creature that does not threaten my pack or threaten those that cannot protect themselves. If they mean harm to others, I will protect those that need it, as will my pack."

There was a heavy air in the room. She had never met a werewolf like this. "Was the one you killed last night a threat to your pack or others?"

"I already said they planned to attack Hogsmeade and she tried to kill Hermione."

It became clearer. Given his other actions last night, she had thought his response to kill another werewolf a little over the top for what she knew of the boy, but if his mate was in danger of dying, then she doubted his inner wolf would do anything less than eliminate the threat. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. Auror Le Brun, do you have any questions?"

"No. Mr. Potter, thank you for preventing what you did and controlling your pack," the man told him. "Will you stay there while I get Ms. Granger?"

He nodded. She stood and left the cell. After stepping out, Auror Le Brun opened the cage with Sirius Black and Hermione Granger. "You can join your Alpha, Ms. Granger."

She came out, looking frazzled and giving them a cautious look. "Harry never tried to hurt anyone. He was only stopping that pack from hurting others."

"I am aware, Ms. Granger. I think we can release you, maybe later today. We just need a few more statements."

"Are you going to throw Sirius back into Azkaban without a trial again?" Again? She saw no lie in her yes. Amelia felt uncomfortable that this girl showed far more presence of mind for her age than she ever would think.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Granger, but I don't understand. He escaped Azkaban after being sentenced there."

The girl snorted. "Why did I ever trust you? Harry's godfather never received a trial. He never betrayed the Potters. Peter Pettigrew did, but what did I expect? No one believed us last year either. If you will excuse me." She stood tall and tried to look as nothing was bothering her, but she saw the fear behind her bravery. Without waiting she walked past her.

"Hermione," Potter said with emotion. She watched him stand and Granger rushed into his arms. They hugged tight. It was the hug of two that desperately needed each other. "I was so afraid they took you away," he said softly before kissing her forehead. "I couldn't smell you."

Granger buried her face into his chest. "I thought I lost you."

The gate closed, the silencing and sensory deprivation charms taking affect. It would afford them a little privacy. She felt unsettled by the girl. That is twice now she seemed to call her on not doing her job. "Would you like to talk to Mr. Black? We are looking at transporting him to the ICW tomorrow if you don't clear him."

She frowned. After scrunching her brow, she took in a deep breath before steeling herself. Black had been one of her top Aurors in the last war when they were all under Crouch. He and James Potter were top of their class, the most dedicated and the deepest of mates she has ever known. It had rocked her and the department when they found out it was him that had betrayed the Potters. She had been so busy hunting down the remaining Death Eaters, she had just assumed she had missed his trial. His betrayal had felt as though he had betrayed the entire department. There wasn't anyone that didn't like James and his family and Sirius had been his brother in all but blood.

She stepped up to the door and looked at him. His grey eyes were already looking up at her. The haunted look in them was not the one she was used to seeing on people that had spent more than a decade in the hellhole that was Azkaban. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this. "Hey, Boss. I see you finally got around to checking on me," he said sarcastically.

She held an even face, but she probably deserved that. It was the way of the Aurors. You look after your own. "I was a little busy at the time. He-who-must-not-be-named had just fallen and the Death Eaters and other supporters were running like chickens."

He snorted. "You always told us you would be there for us. How could you think I would ever betray my godson or my brother? It would have been kinder to walk me through the Veil, or would you not even give me the honor of doing it yourself. It is tradition for your Boss and your Squad to cast you through if you earn it." He sounded bitter. "Of course, you need a trial to get that honor, I guess."

She knew he was right. She had given the Honor to a few that had fallen to that side. Why would she not do that for one she thought of as a protégé? She had assumed either him or James would be in her spot one day. She felt ashamed that she let her sense of betrayal get her like that. "You are right, Auror. It was my duty to give you that respect. That is twice now though that I have heard you didn't get a trial."

He snorted again. "I am no Auror. You made sure of it that day they took me to Azkaban. I wasn't even taken to the DMLE. They portkeyed me straight from the street in London to the black fortress and threw me in a cell. Figured you knew. Why else wouldn't you check on me?"

She frowned. Why wouldn't she have checked on him. He was right. To the Aurors, you stuck with squad. Even if one betrayed you, you did the Honor. It was as much a way for your previous brothers-in-arms to see justice served as it was for the condemned to know they had done wrong. It was not right that she hadn't done what she was supposed to. "I can't tell you why I didn't check on you. If you never betrayed James and Lily, then you are still an Auror."

He shook his head. His voice was full of hate and hurt. "You and them all abandoned me. I would sooner walk through the Veil than walk back into that den of traitors." His eyes shown a little. "Because of you, Harry grew up knowing nothing of his parents, nothing of our world and abused. Just let me say goodbye to Harry before you take me this time. Last time Dumbledore and Hagrid wouldn't even give me that much."

Her eyes narrowed. "What do mean Dumbledore wouldn't let you?"

He looked at her as though she was barmy before laughing. "You don't know, do you?" He shook his head. "I once looked up to you. It was such an honor to have Bones take you under her wing, but you missed the most basic steps that you drilled into James and I."

Sirius stuck up a hand. "Always ask why," he lectured her. As he did, he ticked his fingers up. "Always ask Who. Always find everyone that was involved. Rule one, over all the others, always protect the victim. Make sure you know where they are. Who they are with and that they are not in danger. How many times did you have to face Crouch for following that rule yourself, never mind your squad?"

Sirius scrunched his nose in disgust at her. "If you knew Harry survived, why would you not check on him? James was your squad, Bones! You betrayed him as much as you betrayed me. Dumbledore had Hagrid take Harry that night. Not me. Not the Aurors. Not Child Services. When I arrived, Hagrid already had Harry in his arms and would not give him to me. Dumbledore then hid him at his abusive relatives. Against the expressed will of his Parents. Oh, wait, that is correct. No one read the Will because Dumbledore sealed it."

Amelia sucked in a sharp breath. "Bones, did you know you were named third as his Guardian? They trusted you. I trusted you! I swear, you let Harry down again, I'll come back for you from beyond the Veil."

Guilt raced through her. What had she done? Her shame and disappointment in herself warred at the anger at Dumbledore. She knew Dumbledore had done some things in his time, but he was the one responsible for the disappearance of Harry Potter, meaning he had been the boys Guardian at the time, she would finally have something to pit the man on a stake. Now she just needed to prove it. She couldn't bring him before the Wizengamot without concrete proof. "Auror Black, I did not do right by you and James. I can never fix what I did the past but I can look into your case and I am doing all I can to protect and help Harry now."

Sirius snorted again. "Stop calling me that. You cast me out years ago."

She frowned. Her betrayal deep. "You are right, Mr. Black. You were abandoned."

"Lord," he said.

"Excuse me," she asked.

"I am Lord Black."

"That isn't possible. Your father cast you out of the family."

He laughed again. "My mother cast me out, but she was not head of family. Gringotts got my father's Will to me after I escaped. Because I was never convicted, I am Lord Black. Have been since my father passed, but my loving mother never mentioned that. Perhaps Fudge might like to know that before the dementors show up to kiss me. Think there might be something in the Magical Hermitage whatever and it he might not like the consequences for eliminated the last direct descendant without a conviction. I claim Harry Potter and Hermione Granger as my heirs. My last request is to spend at least ten minutes with them before I go. I think the law allows me that."

He looked at her with a hard look. "Or can I not trust you to carry out this last request, Boss?" Her honorary title was full of sarcasm and distrust.

He was right, he had been cast out. What was left of his squad had turned their back and treated him less that the worst murderer among them. Amelia swore to herself she would do right by her ex-Auror this time. He deserved more, but it was best she could do.

-oOo-

Grounds of Hogwarts, Scotland

Albus looked at the gap in the side of his old storage house. The remnants of the magic used were still strong. It must have been a huge amount of power to cause this. Being on the grounds, he had only been alerted to the use of magic. The wards out here only protected the boundaries of the school, not really the grounds itself, except for the anti-portkey and anti-apparition wards. The general sensory wards let him know something was going on, but not the scale.

He had felt it though. It had woken him a fraction of a second before his alarm woke him.

Poking around, his wand flicked and runes appeared. He read them and his eyebrow rose. This wasn't the work of a single wolf. There were three signatures. It took more spell work before he was able to separate them. His brow scrunched this time. Harry had been the focus. His power was many times what it should be for his age. His chit's was roughly the same as the much older Remus. They had both just started their first real power growth and they were stronger than many adult wizards. In a few more years, Albus wasn't sure he would be able to contain the boy. He couldn't understand this sudden growth in power.

In Hogwarts, he didn't register as such. His spells were a little more powerful from reports from his Professors, but not enough to raise concerns. This was a magnitude over that. He now understood how the pack had almost overpowered the wards. Three powerful magical sources concentrated on one spot. He was hard pressed to think of a way to hold that back besides linking them to the lay line node under the castle. He was loath to do that. Too much pull on that source at one time could cause other wards to collapse and possibly cause a cascade. If he was lucky, it would look like a firework show. If not, Britain may lose a generation of young witches and wizards.

Stepping to the edge of the gap in the building, he looked down. There was rubble and wood scattered around. Part of the roof was leaning in. He would be able to fix it. It was the fact it happened that bothered him. The Aurors had refused to tell him anything about it and the only sources he had to find out were now in a holding cell or he couldn't risk contacting them until later.

He noticed the cages were not harmed. The marble stone etched with runes on the top of Harry and his mate's cages looked burnt around the edges and cracked. He didn't doubt if they had failed then half the building would have been destroyed. Someone had released them, most likely trying to prevent that very eventuality.

There was the sound of shifting rubble behind him. "They should be put down," the person said.

He sighed. That wasn't an option for him. "They are young and still learning what they are," he tried to reason. He wasn't sure if he was convincing himself or his Potions Master.

"You would risk them in the school again after this," he asked.

"Until I find out what exactly happened, I don't plan on anything, Severus. Has Hagrid returned from the centaurs yet?"

He could hear the man's strain in his voice. "Not yet. I came because Minerva needs you. There was an issue with the things this morning. Some students were giving them a hard time after seeing this. Rumors are Potter and Granger killed some students."

He let out an annoyed breath. How stupid could children be? Would they think he would have allowed the others back in or that the school wouldn't be crawling with Aurors if that had happened? "I will be in shortly. Can you send a message to Madame Bones that her presence will be required in twenty minutes and have an assembly called for eleven. I want the werewolves in their dorm for the morning."

"Minerva has already done that. Remus is staying with them," Snape told him.

Albus nodded. Depending on what happened last night, this could be bad or worse. He hated not knowing, especially at his own school, but the WRC had made it clear they were in charge of the beasts. Damn Remus for calling those life debts.