This is an M rated story.
A/N: 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 24
February 10, 1995
Hospital Wing, Hogwarts, Scotland
It was a little past midnight. Harry had not been able to fall asleep. As the day had gone by, some color had returned to Hermione and around sundown she had started to move in her sleep. Madame Pomfrey was keeping her asleep for now, saying it would help the healing process. Tomorrow she would be allowed to wake on her own.
For now, he had sat in the chair after a large argument with Madame Pomfrey. She had tried to make him sleep in the bed next to her, saying he needed rest. Harry refused to sleep until she woke up. Remus had had to step in and had been accused of doing as his Alpha demanded. Remus had gotten upset at the Matron and eventually she had relented. She had been very disgruntled and Harry did as told as she checked Hermione over again and the cuts on his legs. Harry hadn't realized he had gotten a few stone chips in his legs.
Something shifted in the Hospital wing and he raised his wand. He could smell his Pack. They were all in the Hospital wing tonight. Remus was across the hall between Annabel and Jason. Bonnie was in the bed next to him. He smelled Tonks outside the doors. Only Sirius was missing. Harry wanted all his pack around.
"It was just a mouse, Harry. You should get some rest. Your magic and body need to sleep to make sure your leg is healed properly," the sandy haired man told him. Remus hadn't opened his eyes, leaning back in the chair and looking like he was sleeping.
"I can't let them get hurt again," he told Remus.
"I understand, Harry, but you do them no good if you are so exhausted you can't lift your wand," he instructed.
Harry took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. "And what of you and Tonks? When do you sleep?"
"Harry, as your Beta, I am telling you to sleep. As you watch out for us, we watch out for you."
Harry sighed. Remus was right, he just wouldn't be able to take it if something else happened to his love. Remus opened his eyes and looked at him with understanding. "Can I climb in with Hermione?" He really needed to be close to her to know she was good.
"I'll make sure Madame Pomfrey doesn't bother you."
He gave him a look of thanks. She had rolled onto her side away from him. They had all been given fresh clothes and he had helped Madame Pomfrey get a button up night shirt on her. Her left shoulder was up and he very gently lay on the bed. "Harry, if you want to be under the covers, none of us will say anything," Remus told him settling back into his pose that made him appear asleep in the chair.
Harry gave him an appreciative nod before trying to slip below the covers. He very gently put an arm over her and she let out a sigh. Harry buried his nose into her hair, needing to smell her and to feel her to know she was still there. If it had been anyone else in here besides his pack, he never would have felt this comfortable to do this. He held her to him as gently as he could.
He woke a while later to hear voices. "...it was a trap," Remus was saying. It was still the middle of the night with how dark it was out. Harry could smell his godfather.
"Sirius," he said lowly. There was some scuffling before he felt his godfather next to him.
"Just stay there, pup," Sirius said in a low voice. Harry felt his muscles relax as Sirius put a hand on his shoulder. "How are you?"
Harry moved to at least look towards the shape that was Sirius. He could not see well more than three feet away. "Sirius, she almost died."
"I know, pup," he said gently. "You just get rest and keep her safe. We'll watch over you."
"I'm glad you're here," Harry told him. Having all his Pack here now was a giant relief. He felt like he might be able to get some real rest now.
"I'm glad I could be here. You did good today, pup. Now, get some rest."
"Sirius," he said quietly. "Who did this? Remus isn't saying anything."
"I already told you, Harry, we don't know," Remus said sounding tired.
"Remus, I took a trip through the site. Shacklebolt gave me permission. It was Fenrir's pack, and some others I have smelt before, but not sure where," Sirius said. Harry had a small growl come to his throat.
There was a short pause. "I haven't left them so I couldn't confirm that," Remus told him. "I think this is a conversation for tomorrow. Harry needs his rest."
"I'll kill him," Harry told them.
Sirius squeezed his shoulder. "Don't worry about that right now, pup. Just keep your girl safe and we'll worry about the rest."
"Sirius, she almost died. Bonnie and Jason..." he trailed off. If he had lost Hermione and the others, he would not know what to do. The thought was so scary his stomach clenched and he felt like his heart was falling through his chest. It was painful and made him feel like he couldn't breathe.
"Harry, Hermione and the others are safe now. You made sure they survived and are doing what you should. As Sirius said, just keep your mate safe for the night. We'll take care of the rest," Remus told him kindly.
He yawned and leaned back into his mate. She had grabbed his hand in her sleep, as though knowing he had rolled away some. Harry buried his nose into her hair again before settling. Hermione was safe. She was in his arms and his pack was together and here for the night. He wasn't sure if he would ever feel safe at the school again, but he knew Sirius, Tonks and Remus would do everything they could to keep them safe.
-oOo-
February 15, 1995
Scottish Highlands
Tonight was going to be a full moon. Sirius had been waiting for this for weeks. After what happened last week, and knowing it had been Fenrir's pack that had been involved, he was hoping to track down that cave again. Since that night, he had not been able to find his way back. The beasts had hidden it on him. He needed to find it. Harry and Hermione would not be in that type of danger again.
This time he wasn't alone. Tonks and two other Animagus Aurors were with him. Tonks was impossible to mistake. A grey wolf with a pink streak down her back. Of course she could change it, but she didn't. Green was a Reindeer, of all things, while the raven on his antlers was Benshaw. He really didn't care to be working with the DMLE again, but Remus had been able to convince him how important this was. Until last Sunday, the beasts had been silent for two months and everyone was getting itchy. He had a feeling that Harry and Hermione were not the main event.
Sirius was looking over to the other side of a valley. He could have sworn it was around here.
A lone muggle road passed below them. It was seldom traveled, used mostly in the summer and fall to go to the old inn at the headwaters of the river that moved along side the road. It was a cloudy night, so it should be easier to see any lights, but there was nothing.
Sniffing, he couldn't smell anything either.
The raven jumped off the antlers and transformed into a tall witch. "Alright Black, we have been out here for two hours and nothing. Should we pop over to the next valley and check it out?"
The rest of them did the same. "I am not sure. I swore it was around here, but there is no sign or smell of them. I don't get it. Even with magic, it would have been nearly impossible for them to move everything in that cave."
"Are there alternate exits," the man asked.
"I don't know. I was only able to be in there for about ten minutes before I had to leave. I found it by following one of the werewolves. There was the smell of dozens of them that used the path. That isn't just something you enchant away," he told them.
"We believe you, Sirius," Tonks said, still looking across the valley. "Even if you are an old fleabag."
He smiled at the young Auror. "Experienced," he told her.
"Experienced fleabag," she retorted. "What's that," she nodded.
They looked and saw a small light about halfway up the side of the valley and about two miles down. Sirius frowned. "That isn't natural, if that is what you mean."
"I wasn't talking about you," she rolled her eyes.
"Alright, enough. Benshaw, scout it out. Be careful," he told her. "I think the rest of us should move towards it. Lets get down towards the road and keep quiet."
Benshaw transformed into her crow and took off into the night, a black shade in the cloudy night. It took them a good twenty minutes to make it down the slope and to a spot across from the lights they had seen. No more had appeared, but they could see a wide ledge where they could have come from.
They stayed in their animal forms. Sirius was not going to take the chance of being bitten as a human tonight. After a while, Green pawed at the ground and they followed his eyes. The shape of Benshaw gliding out of the darkness greeted them. She flew over them to land behind a rock outcrop a few hundred meters up slope. When they joined her, she wore a frown.
"You hurt," Green asked her.
"No, but I don't like what I found. The hags or someone performed a ritual. There was a ritual circle and evidence of more than one sacrifice recently. The mutilated remains were being picked over by a few werewolves. I didn't dare get close enough for them to see or smell me." She closed her eyes and let out a breath.
"Shite," Green said. "Any sign of a cave?"
She shook her head. "There were a few animal tracks, but nothing that seemed like a cave. There is a lot of magic up there. Filthy magic. If I had to guess, I think some of the spells or whatever will make us forget this place. I can already feel the details going. Did I tell you there was a ritual circle?"
"Tonks, a crystal." Green ordered.
Sirius was starting to feel his mind go fuzzy on the details too. Tonks pulled a crystal quill and some parchment. She started to write down all she could. She was about finished when they heard the first howl. "Merlin, I think they found us," he said.
"Benshaw," he said holding out his arm. She transformed and took the parchment in her mouth before disappearing into the night. They all transformed into their Animagus forms and began a mad dash up the mountains. Howls came from behind them and to either side. The beasts had not expected them to go this direction. Sirius had spent much time in the area and knew the tracks he was looking for. There was also the fact these wolves were not as fast as his own Alpha and his mate.
They scrambled up the mountains. They wouldn't be able to apparate until they were over the peak. Many of these old valleys had barriers or old rune stones when the Clans used to inhabit them and live side-by-side with magic wielders. It was the old ways and always seemed more powerful and over larger areas that what was practiced today.
The sound of the werewolves behind them or clawing up the steep sides were all around them. Sirius highly doubted it was less than ten. They yipped and barked as they tried for their quarry. Sirius let out a small yip as he took a sudden turn on a switchback that would lead them on a little longer trip, but it easier to maintain a rapid pace being a gentler ascent.
He pumped his legs and looked back. Green was right behind him, Tonks taking up the rear and pushing Green when needed. A hundred fifty meters or so down slope he saw a werewolf fall as the rock it grabbed crumbled in its hands. SHITE! They were getting closer than he wanted. Green was not James and would not survive a fight like this in his Animagus form. Tonks would hold her own. He had been very impressed with the Junior Auror, but to be trained by Moody he should have expected she would be good.
There was a howl behind them. When one answered down slope and before them, he felt some fear going through him. They were outpacing the group behind them, but would they do the same for the one now in front of them. He barked to urge them faster. Green was starting to pant. Not good. Not good. Not good, he kept repeating to himself. He knew he should have worked alone or only taken Tonks. Green was too soft for this, even if the man looked in good health.
They ran, still hearing the group behind and the group scrambling before them. They still had half a kilometer to the next path. That one was much steeper and he wasn't sure if Green would make it up. That one would only take about three-quarters a kilometer to get to a point to apparate. This one was a good two-and-a-half.
As they ran, he noticed that some of the rocks were loose on the edge and kept becoming dislodged as they scrambled up the path. The yip, growls and snarls were getting closer as they ran. Green was starting to lag. OH bollock! Sirius dashed ahead on the edge. Loose pieces started to fall and he heard a satisfied yelp as a cascade of falling rocks and shale started to sound. He slowed down just a bit after almost going down with a small ledge. Tonks was still urging Green and the group behind them sounded a little closer.
They continued this way for a few more minutes. He could see the top of the ridge he was angling for. Tonks barked behind him and he saw a werewolf crawl over the ledge of the path. He turned and bound past them, barreling into the creatures. It snarled and reached for him, but he had grown up playing with Remus and easily avoided the much less experienced beast.
The brown werewolf yelped and stumbled down the slope. He turned and barked at Tonks to move. Green was not holding up well. He moved onto the other side of the reindeer and they just about carried him up the slope. They broke the ledge and passed an old stone with faintly scribed runes. There were a few werewolves a hundred meters down slope.
Sirius transform and his wand was in his hand. A quick movement and Green morphed into his human form, still foaming around his mouth from the exertion. Tonks started to cast spells to keep them back. He hefted Green onto his shoulder. "Now, Tonks," he said.
She looked at him and popped away. He was a second behind her.
-oOo-
February 16, 1995
Hogwarts Grounds, Scotland
Andromeda was kneeling besides the cage, watching the dark hair girl heaving on the far side of it. Seconds after they had changed back, the girl had gotten violently ill. She hoped it was not a reaction to the changed wolfsbane potion, but figured it probably was.
Daphne and Harry had agreed, after she had asked their guardians, to try it to see if it made a difference. She had complained about her blood being painful, but not the burning the Potters had complained about. "Daphne, are you alright," she asked gently.
A ragged looking girl looked up at her, still naked and trembling. The stuff that had come out of her was dark and sickly looking. "What happened," Daphne asked.
"Can I come in," she asked.
Curtains had been drawn around the cages for privacy. That had been added after the first month. Daphne nodded.
Andromeda helped her away from the vomit and wrapped her in a blanket towards the cell door. Daphne leaned against the side of the cell and put her forehead on an iron bar. "Why did I throw up? That didn't happen last month."
She frowned. "I don't know. I am going to run some tests on you. How do you feel?" There was a concern that some of the sick looked like blood.
The teen hugged the blanket to her. "Cold. Light-headed. It feels like my blood tingles."
Andromeda nodded, not wanting to get her hopes up. After running her wand over Daphne, she determined the girl was physically good. There was no sign of internal bleeding or trauma. As she did some scans for the lycanthrope infection, her heart leapt some to realize the response was weaker. Daphne had closed her eyes and seemed to be falling into a state of calm. She just seemed exhausted and hungry. "Daphne, would you like me to help you get dressed and then you can go take a nap after a little something to eat?"
She could see the quick struggle. Andromeda understood the instincts drilled into a Pureblood. She was a Blood Traitor to many. Daphne had not treated her as such yet, but, when not feeling well, tired and in her state, base instincts could come out.
Daphne shook her head. "Just want to sleep," she said sounding half out of it already. Andromeda frowned. This was not the typical reaction the morning after a full moon.
"Jasper, get a stretcher and take her up to the castle. How is Potter doing?"
"Jordan is looking him over, but from what I can tell he is his normal self. Do you think this reaction is to be normal or is it something else?"
"I don't know, but I want to look at what came up. I'll take it back to my lab in Wessex. No need to risk contamination at St. Mungo's," she told her boss.
He nodded. "I agree. Are you going back now?"
"I want to ensure Ms. Greengrass is better before I leave." She reached into her satchel bag and pulled out a large jar. Jasper and another Healer took Daphne on the stretcher as she cleaned up the mess with her wand. She didn't like the look of it.
She followed the others up to the castle and her daughter fell in step with her. "What you got there," Nymphadora asked.
"Ms. Greengrass spit it up after her change. Not sure if its related to the potion changes or something else."
Nymphadora scrunched her nose. "Looks worse than that time Charlie cursed be with that slug spell."
Andromeda shook her head. "How much trouble didn't you get into up here?"
Her daughter smiled. "You really want to know?"
She eyed the young woman next to her. Nymphadora wagged her eyebrows. She was too much like her father. "Not really. I worry enough about the ones here right now, I don't need to know what other mischief they could cause."
Her daughter laughed. "Those two are saints compared to me. Though I didn't have my own room, so we had to find other spots that the Professors or Prefects would check from time to time."
"Nymphadora, please don't start that again. You know your father went through a whole bottle of scotch that day we got that letter," she told her. Yes, her daughter had always been an adventurous spirit. Even in school she had experimented. To know she had been with two boys was the first exposure they had had into her private life.
Except for her work ethic, she should have been in Gryffindor. Though, now that she had started dating Remus, her more adventurous side seemed to be subsiding. She had never known Nymphadora to stay with one man for this many months before. "How are you and Remus?"
She smiled broadly. "I think I'm in love, mum."
Looking at her daughter, Andromeda was surprised to see the expression on her daughter's face. Many times she had heard her daughter declare that, often after a few weeks, and then a month later she was on to her next guy, or girl a few times. Sometimes both. The look was always serious when she declared it, as though challenging her to contradict her daughter. She had found out a long time ago that only led to a row, and usually a string of relations that brought her daughter back with a bottle of fire whiskey and commiserating with Ted.
This time, she had more of a wistful, faraway look with an easy grin. Her body looked relaxed. It was so different, she had to look twice to see if she had seen it right. "You really like him, don't you?"
"Yep," she popped the 'p'. "It's funny, since he asked me out, I haven't looked at anyone else. I don't feel I want to. I know it sounds strange, but I think there really is something to this mate thing among the wolves. I mean, look at Harry and Hermione."
She had a wistful smile of her own. It would have been best if this could have been avoided for the next few years. They were young, but after some conversations with Alexandra, she now understood more about werewolves than anyone she knew and understood the attractions of mates. How could she not to see the two Potters walking hand and hand with their Pack.
"You want to catch up with your pack," she asked.
"I will. Remus has dinner scheduled with all of us tonight. Looks like Hermione is finally recovered from last week," she said with anger.
She had been called in by the Matron to ensure she had gotten all the poison. They had removed all they could, but some of it would need another week or so to completely work out of Hermione's system. Harry looked so worried and pale she wasn't sure he hadn't been hurt worse than he was. A bond can do many things and there was no doubt they were a bonded pair now. He had most likely saved her with that bond. "Have they found the culprits?"
Her daughter looked at the five that were walking next to Remus. He looked over his shoulder at them. Tonks didn't say a word. That meant one of two things. Either she was on the case and couldn't say anything or she knew what was happening and couldn't say anything. That was something Andromeda understood. As a Healer she had to keep many secrets too. "Is that why you didn't come until almost morning?"
"You know the answer to that, mum," she said in a flat tone trying to give nothing away.
"Just promise you see justice done. I've grown fond of those two," she told her daughter.
"You should come over to Bliyhl House on Easter. They are all going to be there and I know the Potters would like that," her daughter said.
"How serious is it, Dora?"
Her daughter could tell she was being called on her change in tact. Her daughter huffed. "Not good," she said in a few. "I suspect the Prophet will get wind of this today or tomorrow. There was another Dark Mark, this time in Ireland, out by Cork. There were also two attacks last night on magical households."
She had been hearing enough she could read between the lines. "Were they anyone we know?"
"A first-year muggle-born's family, Heather Cameron. The mother is missing, her father and older brother dead. Not sure of the other one yet."
"That is awful. I will let child services know there is a house or two that would bring her in if needed. How many muggles?"
"Three confirmed. Not sure if this will make it, but two ritual sites where found with the remains of four or five people found at each one." Her daughter's perkiness had deflated and she could see how tired she was. Andromeda suspected a pick-me-up potion or two.
"How long have you been using the potions?"
Her daughter sighed. "Three days. I was going to take a bed in Remus chambers until dinner. He's got classes so it should be quiet. Scrimgeour kicked me out for the next two days."
"At least someone has some sense," she gruffed.
"Mum, can you just promise you and dad will be safe? Harry has offered to pay for more wards if you need it. The pattern is Muggle-borns and dad has become a little too popular lately," her daughter asked, looking worried.
She must have been very worried and their must have been something big she wasn't being told to see her eyes go the slate grey of Andromeda's and her hair to go darker. By now, they had made it to the castle and they followed the Healers, Daphne and the Potters to the Hospital wing while the others split for the Great Hall. The wolfsbane potion really was a saving grace for those poor children. Before, she doubted they would return to classes as easily the next day.
"Dora, are we under threat?"
She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "I don't know. I just have this feeling," she told her.
Andromeda nodded. Her daughter knew stuff. It wasn't a direct threat to them or the DMLE would have told them, but with her father being who he was, they could be a target and not know about it. "Let me talk to your father later. We have enough to pay for some wards or we can look at something else."
Nymphadora looked relieved. "Thanks, Mum. Remus and I can come over tomorrow if you need to talk about anything. Thursdays are one of his nights off from Duties."
"That would be nice. Is seven good," she asked.
"Perfect. That will give Remus time to prep for the next day," she responded.
She gave her daughter a hug before walking into the Hospital wing. She needed tests and samples to determine how things went last night.
-oOo-
Lobo House, Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry lay in bed with his arm around Hermione's shoulders and her head on his chest. It was the first time they had been able to sleep in their own bed for days. Madame Pomfrey had refused to let her go until yesterday morning, and after she had found he had crawled into bed with her the first night, she had told him he was not to do that again while in her Hospital. He had always liked the Matron, having spent his fair amount of time in the Hospital Ward, but he was not happy she was keeping him from his wife that way. She was his mate and slept better when in his arms.
Then last night, as normal, they had been kept apart. He was starting to hate the full moons. Healer Tonks looked sympathetic at him when he told her he didn't want to spend time in those cages anymore, but they didn't have a better way to comply with the WRC.
Harry, thankful and frustrated with the WRC, had to agree with her for now.
Hermione was breathing in deep and slowly. He was pretty sure she was asleep, but he didn't feel like sleeping yet. The lamp at his bed side was on and he turned a page in his book. It was a book on a Magical History of Europe he had checked out for a paper for Binns. The current section was on the ICW. He found it interesting that when it had started, the ICW was essentially just a gathering of wizards to agree on rules to help protect their communities. As time had gone on, many things had happened for them to increase the restrictions around the Statute of Secrecy and the power of the ICW.
After the great upheavals around Napoleon, the downfall of the Ottoman Empire and many other social strife and rebellions, the Magical world had been under a great amount of danger. That was when the ICW had first established their Auror Corp. It was organized much like the British DMLE, but better staffed and given the Authority to 'use the appropriate means and force' to maintain the statute and other laws meant to maintain order in the wizarding world. DMLE laws would hold sway over the ICW except anything related to the Statute of Secrecy.
In 1856, the ICW used the clause for the first time to remove a government in Sicily that was allowing Muggle hunting and the use of dragons as guards. It had led to witch hunting and other events from the Muggles that had almost shattered the Statute. Many governments had protested, but England, France and the German Confederation had backed it. That had been all it took to give the ICW the power it needed. Since then, the ICW usually played hands off, only issuing fines, warnings or sending 'Peace Keepers' on the whole. Five times they stepped into government to force change or dispose them. Twice in England, once in Spain, once in Poland and once in Sicily. Thus, most governments feared their power and Auror force. As far as anyone knew, they had the largest force in the world with numbers around one-thousand members between the Aurors, Magical Reversal and Obliviator Departments. They would also call on member states to provide more if needed and approved by the High Council.
As he read more, he slipped his hand through the over large sleeve in the shirt she was wearing to rub his hand over her shoulder. She had come to bed in one of his t-shirts that Tonks had gotten for him. He had to admit he liked her narrow frame in his shirts. Something about her frizzy, half-wild hair worked with the shirt. His hand found her new scar and ran his finger over it. His heart still clenched to know how close it had come. If it had been a few more minutes, he would probably be sleeping in this bed alone.
He put the book down and nuzzled her hair to know she was there and to make sure her scent was over him. He had missed this. Not having her by his side last night had been awful. He hadn't been able to leave her side to go to classes unless Tonks and Sirius were there. He didn't trust almost anyone else with her right now and she wouldn't let him or any of their pack out of her sight without an Auror, a half dozen friends or a Professor they trusted.
The last turn had seen her be very protective of them all, and actually barked at and threaten Daphne when she had stood and growled at them when Jason had had a nightmare. Hermione had pressed her magic out and challenged Daphne until she backed down. Harry had been at her side, but he knew not to challenge his own mate last night unless he needed too. It was hard enough for him not to go after the other wolf. It was probably a good thing they had been on opposite sides of the building.
He continued to outline her scar. It was a reminder that he had to do better to keep them safe. He couldn't see her hurt again.
Hermione shifted under him, rolling her shoulder. "Stop, that tickles," she said sounding barely awake.
"Sorry love." Harry kissed the crown of her head. She had fallen asleep at his side a little after nine. He pulled his hand away.
"No," she said a little needy and wrapped her arm around him. "I need to feel you."
He moved his hand under the hem of the shirt and put his on her skin. "What ever you need, luv," he said gently. She relaxed as his hand spread over her lower back. "Go back to sleep."
She yawned into his chest. "What about you? It's almost eleven."
"I'm not tired," he told her.
"Harry, don't lie to me," she said moving to mold her body into his.
He snorted. "I need to learn how Alexandra hides her emotions in her scent."
"That would be useful, but you ever do that to hide anything from me and we will have words. Now, put that book down and come to bed with me," she told him.
He kissed her head again. "Aren't I already in bed with you?"
She lifted her head and shifted so she could look into his face. "Harry, how much have you slept in the last few days? Tell me Tonks didn't sneak you those pick-me-up potions." He sighed. Harry wasn't trying to hide this from her, but he didn't feel like he could sleep when she wasn't at his side. What if they found a way to get in? That phrase kept echoing in his head. She shifted as though she was going to get up.
"What are you doing," he asked pulling her back in.
She was looking less tired now. "Harry, you have bags under your eyes. You need to sleep. How much have you slept in the last week?"
He looked away from her. "Only those times I was in your bed or I couldn't stay awake and I knew Tonks, Sirius or Remus were around."
She put a hand on his face and pulled him back to look at her. He was ready to see her reproachful eyes. Instead, she climbed more on him and her lips met his. She put her forehead on his. "Will you sleep if I stay up?"
He should have known she would understand. "You need to sleep still. Madame Pomfrey said some of the poison is still working out of your system."
"She also said that she won't let me go back to classes until next week and if you didn't get any sleep I was to drag you to her in the morning where she would make sure you sleep. I already spent four nights without you by my side and I don't want to spend any more," she told him. "Harry, I need to know you are there as much as you need to ensure I am. I felt myself slipping and it was only you that kept me fighting to come back. I heard Remus that night. If you aren't at peak condition who will protect our pack? We only survived because of you."
Her eyes were fierce, and brimming with tears. Seeing her big brown eyes looking at him, he couldn't deny her what she wanted. "Will you sleep too? You need your rest."
"I am not going to fall asleep until I know you are. There are Aurors outside the door. We will be safe," she told him.
"You will sleep? You're not just saying that," he asked her.
"If you get to lie to me about that at times I get to lie to you." She kissed him on his lips when he gave her a hard look. "Harry, your mate is telling you to sleep, now do it."
He chuckled at the command in her voice. In almost anyone else, he would have fought against it. From her, he would listen. "How about I listen to my love?"
She smiled and kissed him again. "You're a good man, Harry Potter. Your pack is safe. I am safe. We have people we trust watching over us. Now go to sleep." She started to run her hands through his hair. He let out a contented breath. "Just sleep, my wolf," she told him. He smiled. She had picked that up from Luna and he was finding he liked it from her. From Luna, it was quirky enough to be funny. Hermione wouldn't allow anyone else to poke fun at him for it. He was hers.
"I love you," he told her as he felt himself drifting off. He really hadn't slept much in the last four days.
