Night of the Wolf

by WolfgangNH

Harry and Hermione's summer is the same as usual: Isolation from the magical world. 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.

37. Chapter 37 - Two Malfoys

A/N: Long Chapter. Next one will be too, but Year 4 is winding up and will end next Chapter.

A/N2: Harry Potter and his world belongs 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 37

May 14, 1995

Blyihl House, Devonshire, England

Harry was sitting up in bed. It was an improvement over the last few days.

Hermione had made sure he was leaning against multiple pillows and his right arm and shoulder were elevated and not going to move before Alexandra and Healer Tonks had worked on him today.

Now, a book was in his lap as he looked towards the window. It was a cloudy day and threatening rain. It had been that way for two days. Instead of reading his transfiguration book, events of eight days ago were playing through his mind. The images of a black cloak figure that had flown over the cliffs, his wand flying away, just wouldn't go away. He thought of that more than anything else. It could have just as easily gone the other way. If the Death Eater had done the same, it would not have taken much to push him and Draco over the cliff.

The fact it had felt natural to just push out his magic to push the man over the ledge was what worried him. Voldemort had killed people just as callously. He feared to be like the man. What if some of Voldemort's soul was still left in him?

"You alright, Harry," Hermione asked from the desk on the far end of the room.

There was a sharp pain in his shoulder and he grabbed at it. "Yeah."

"The Skele-gro?"

He sighed as it passed. Healer Tonks and Alexandra had decided his shoulder should be fixed before the full moon tonight. The hags had done something that forced the healing without using his magic, but it had been done poorly. It had been decided to vanish some of his bones and regrow them. His magic was finally strong enough today to do this.

They had had to give him a special brew that should only work on his shoulder. They didn't think he was strong enough yet to support healing the damage to his leg or ribs at the same time. Tomorrow, if his wolf didn't heal most of it tonight, they would fix his leg and ribs. They had been clean breaks that happened as they escaped.

"I killed another man," he told her. Thinking of Voldemort and his conversation with Remus and the Headmaster, he was scared. He would do anything to protect Hermione, his Pack, his Family. Did that mean he would kill anyone that got in his way? What kind of man would he be if he killed others to keep the ones he cared for alive? Was his soul already in tatters?

Hermione gave him a knowing look as though she already knew the struggle in him. He didn't feel sorry for what he did. He knew he would do it again if the situation was the same. That was what scared him. Remus said remorse was the only way to heal a ripped soul after such an event. What did that mean if he wasn't remorseful?

She came over and sat on the bed before him. "Harry, you didn't do wrong."

He frowned at her. "Hermione, I've killed two people directly. Both times I did it without thinking. The wolf knew what to do and I just went along."

She reached and took his left hand in hers. "You are not a bad man, my wolf. The beast does not rule you. The first time we were in danger it was five other werewolves facing us. If you hadn't killed her, then that pack would have killed us and then others in Hogsmeade. You did what you needed to do."

Harry's hands started to shake like they did that day he had killed for the first time. "Hermione, I don't feel bad for killing them. I don't like that I did. I wish I hadn't had too. If I hadn't, then either you or me would be dead. I don't want to kill anymore. I don't want to become Him."

She squeezed his hand in hers until he stopped shaking again. "Harry, look at me," she said quietly. He continued to look at his hands for a few before slowly looking up into his wife's eyes. They were compassionate and understanding.

"You are not the only one that has killed this year." He gazed into her eyes. It was not known who killed that witch, but Hermione said it was her blasting spell. "I would do it a dozen times over if it protected you and our Pack. That doesn't mean that I enjoy it. I know what Remus told us about our souls. I may not feel remorse about killing her, but I feel remorse that I was forced too. I feel remorse that I am going against everything my mother taught me. My father has killed. I think he has killed many people. He was a soldier for many years and served overseas. Sometimes I see him when he thinks about it. He looks devastated when he lets it catch up to him. He doesn't like it, but he will do it to protect those he loves, even if he is remorseful."

Her eyes looked bothered as she talked about it. With everything going on, she had been strong because he needed her to be. It really bothered her that she killed that woman, even if that woman had been trying to kill them. "You are a good person, Hermione. Your father is a good man. I can't see your mother with him if he wasn't."

"You are a good man, my wolf. Please don't doubt that. If you didn't feel remorse, you wouldn't be feeling like you do."

He thought about it for a moment. Maybe because he was thinking about it he did feel some remorse.

"Harry, if you were a killer, you would have killed all those girls in the hall outside Flitwick's class. Your wolf would have eliminated the threat, no matter what. Instead, you saved them. Would a killer do that," she asked gently. "Would a killer risk getting injured to save others? Would a killer have been able to not cut those first-years down that hurt you? You are not Him."

He swallowed. "I am not Him," he said. He believed her. It still didn't mean that a concern lingered.

A knock came at their door. He sniffed. "Why is there an odor ward on the door?"

"Alexandra wanted to keep you calm while your shoulder healed. Wait here," she said.

He nodded. Nothing would happen to her in this house. That was the only reason he let her get up without him. She opened the door. "Afternoon, Mrs. Potter. Is your husband well enough for a short visit?"

"Of course, Draco," she said letting him in. "I'll be back in a few."

She walked out and closed the door. Draco looked after her. "I'm surprised she trusts me alone with you, Potter. She has been rather fierce in keeping people away from you and I will admit we don't have a great history."

Harry smiled. "I would be the same way if it was her in this bed."

Draco turned to him and nodded. "For some reason I fear her more though."

Harry chuckled, trying not to disturb his shoulder or ribs. His leg was bound so tight, he didn't notice the pain from it as he moved. "I think if she wasn't my wife I would agree."

Draco smirked before growing serious. He stood there for a few. Harry could tell he was looking for what to say and kept his mouth shut to let Draco collect his thoughts. "Thank you," he finally said.

Harry nodded. "You helped too. It wasn't just me blasting that wall."

Draco frowned. He regarded him for a few. "I never really believed it before. I always thought you were just an attention seeking prat those years you somehow won the House cup for doing some heroic thing that were only rumors. We all believe you were just Dumbledore's pet."

Harry growled. "Don't mention that man in this House."

Draco eyed him. "What I saw the other night, even with you wounded, was nothing short of terrifying."

"Draco, you helped too. I didn't have enough power alone to overpower that ward."

Draco shook his head. "You really are a prat, Potter. You really don't realize how much power you have, do you?"

Harry shrugged and winced. He let out a hissing breath. "Merlin, that hurts."

"Should I go get Hermione or Alexandra," Draco asked.

Harry shook his head. "I already have pain relief in me. Some muggle medicine too."

Draco's lip twerked some. "You trust that stuff?"

"It works. Muggles are not dumb. They have many things that are more magical than anything I could do with my wand," he told Draco.

Draco regarded him. "Perhaps I should look into that."

Harry nodded. "I think your wives would like a movie theatre. It's like watching a wizarding photo that shows and entire story with sound on a screen as wide as the Great Hall."

Draco shook his head. "You really don't think about yourself much, do you? I see you in bed, wincing, but you worry more about others than yourself."

"Hermione, my Pack and my family are the most important things. I will do whatever I need for them," he told Draco.

The blonde boy snorted. "You really aren't anything of what I thought." They looked at each other again. Harry didn't have anything else to say to him. "They used my blood to bring him back. You-Know-Who said my father has betrayed him and father didn't show. I haven't talked to him or mother since coming here. They don't seem to want to talk to me."

"I'm sorry, Draco. You can stay here as long as you want," he told the boy. Until this year, Draco had been his largest enemy and bully. Now the blonde boy looked half-defeated. They had had to work together to escape. That was eight days ago. Harry knew he would do the same thing again.

Draco looked scared. Harry was himself. "Harry, he's back. I was taught to always revere the man's values. After seeing him..." A shiver passed through Draco. "He wanted you to kill me."

Harry licked his lips. He had gone through his own horrors that night, but he felt as though Draco had taken the worst of it. Harry had seen the bald man with red hued eyes. A shiver ran through his own body to think about it. "Draco, I know he is back. He wants to kill both of us. Voldemort killed my parents."

Draco swallowed. "It is not a man, Harry. He didn't have a prick. The thing said it would have used your blood if you weren't a werewolf."

Harry swallowed this time. He didn't doubt that. The maniacal laugh that still echoed in his heads some nights from the dementors left him little doubt the man would see Harry dead, especially now that the man knew he couldn't be controlled. Neither shall live while the other survives. He had no doubt the man would be hunting him, and Draco now. "Draco, we can try to keep you safe."

Draco shook his head. "I am in debt to you enough. I don't need you holding anything else over me. We are going back to Hogwarts. Head Scrimgeour has agreed to give us an Auror Guard for the rest of the year. They are looking for father too."

Harry shook his head. "Draco, you owe me nothing. We escaped together and I would do the same again. Don't be afraid if you need us. Remus said Voldemort tried to separate people last time he was in power. We are stronger if we stay together."

Draco still looked scared. "Yeah. Maybe."

Harry understood. They had hated each other for years. If not for his new wife, Harry doubted he would ever had had a conversation like this. There was a fleeting thought about whether he would have escaped with Draco or not if the boy was still the same boy he had seen at the start of the school year. He decided he didn't want to know. "Just take care of Tracey and Pansy. I still mean it I will be coming after you if you mistreat her," he said without any real malice in his voice. After their experience together, he knew Draco would not harm either of them.

Draco smirked, his cockiness masking what Harry knew was beneath it. "She is my wife, Potter. You do well to remember that if you harm her."

He nodded. He knew they had been married yesterday. Draco hadn't wanted it put off anymore. It was already two weeks after the original wedding date. Harry was wondering if they were bothered that only people from this house were in attendance. Remus and Hermione wouldn't allow the Davis's here. It was unknown where they stood on Voldemort. He knew Draco parents didn't approve of the wedding, but a magical contract was a magical contract. "Draco, be safe," he told him.

Draco nodded. "I owe you, Harry. No matter what you say, you are the one that got us out of there. To a wizard, that is a debt that must be paid." Harry shook his head and Draco went on. "We are going to be moving into Lobo House. As you said, Tracey can't be anywhere else and I will not abandon my wife."

Harry smiled. "Just be careful of Greengrass. She's a bit of a pain at times."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Tell me something I don't know, Potter." With that, Draco turned and opened the door. "Any pain he might be in was not from me," Draco announced to Hermione.

She walked in and extended a hand to him. Draco looked surprised. "Draco, if you or your wives ever need help, do not be afraid to call on the House of Potter or Black. You help save Harry. I would release you from any debt you feel if I could."

Draco cautiously reached his hand out. "What is with you Potters? You save me, protect my wives and forgive me for being a prat without a word and you act as though you owe me. Damned noble Gryffindors."

Hermione smiled. "That is Lobo. A wolf knows when to recognize those that help and when to protect those that need it. It is what makes a pack stronger."

Draco snorted. "Damned noble Gryffindor," he repeated. "We'll be leaving within the hour."

"You can stay," she told him.

"I really should be getting back. I still need to compete in the last task. Thank you for your hospitality, Heiress Potter. Heir Potter," he said toward him before walking out of the room.

Hermione made sure the door was closed.

"He really doesn't owe us anything," he told his wife. Harry wouldn't hold anything over people like that. He and Draco had escaped together.

She smiled at him. "I agree, but maybe we are just damned noble Gryffindors."

-oOo-

May 15, 1995

Blyihl House, Devonshire, England

The cells of Bliyhl House were a little better than the containment cells at Hogwarts. One of the largest things he liked was that it was in a place he felt safe. This house felt more like home than when he was at the Grangers. It was also a plus that there wasn't a group of Aurors watching over them nor were they being studied.

All those paled in comparison to the fact that he got to spend the night with Hermione. It was the first time since they had both been turned he had been able to do that.

He was doing better than when he first woke five days ago, but he was still far from being better. Thus, he was glad that no one was in the cell across from them. By the middle of the night, he had fallen asleep and woke in Hermione's arms shortly before they turned back. Even now, he was still in her lap.

"Your clothes, Master Harry and Mistress Hermione," Prim said putting two small piles just inside their cages before pulling the curtain.

"Thank you, Prim," he told her, sitting up. He put a hand on his shoulder and rolled it. It was still stiff and sore. Alexandra had liked how the bones regrew. Healer Tonks said they still had to fix some of the torn ligaments and muscles. That was the harder part.

"How's it feeling," his wife asked, putting a handover his on his shoulder.

"Fine," he told her.

She rolled her eyes. "Harry, how is it really feeling?"

He sighed. "Better. Still really stiff and sore."

She leaned in and kissed his bare skin. He felt his skin tingle when she did. His skin tingled wherever her bare skin touched his today. It was the first time since waking five days ago he felt the physical attraction for his wife. She placed her head on his hand on his shoulder.

He leaned his head against hers. "I need to be better. We need to protect our pack."

"Harry," she said.

He pulled back to look at her. He only managed it out of the side of his eye. "What? You sound like something is wrong."

She smiled. "No. You realize that is one of the few times you said 'we'?"

"You two coming out of there," Jason yelled on the other side of the curtain. "Or do you need more time to kiss?"

"Jason," Bonnie scolded him and Annabelle laughed.

"Leave them alone," Annabelle told him.

"We can hear you just fine," he told his troublesome brother.

"I know," Jason said cheekily.

Hermione huffed. "We'll be up in a few."

"You know what I told you, Mrs. Potter," Alexandra said as she moved past.

"Yes, Alexandra," Hermione said sweetly. Harry shook his head. They had been told, very directly, to not be intimate yet. Feeling her skin against his, he wasn't sure if he might follow his Healers orders or not today.

"We shouldn't stay down here too long. You need to eat and I want Alexandra to look at your shoulder before Healer Tonks gets here later," she told him after they heard everyone go up the stairs.

He chuckled. "I thought I was the Alpha."

"Of course you are. That is why you will listen to me."

"Yes dear," he said contritely before chuckling at her less than impressed look.

She wrapped her arms around him. "I guess Mr. Tonks has taught you something."

He laughed and then hissed. His ribs had definitely not been healed fully yet. After a moment, he groaned as the pain passed. "How am I going to keep them safe if I'm like this?"

She looked worried as she moved to his side. "Harry, you just said it. We. You may be the Alpha, but we are a Pack. We stick together. We take care of those that are weak until they are better. You aren't alone anymore. I thought you knew that."

He smiled at her. "I know I'm not alone. It's my wolf. He doesn't like that he isn't in a position to do his job."

"I can feel it, but your wolf should know you are doing your job. Because of you we have people that care about us. There is a group that is doing everything they can to protect you and our Pack, because they know you would do the same. Do you see any other Pack where a hurt Alpha wouldn't have a challenge? They know you are the Alpha. They know you will get better. We are all stronger together. That is you, my wolf. They all come to you and in turn we are all stronger," she told him passionately.

"When you were gone they protected me. When we weren't sure you would make it when Dobby brought you here, they all gathered around you to protect you and each other. That is what a true Alpha is. You are the strength of the Pack by making the entire Pack stronger. In turn, the Pack gives its strength to each other, and you. We are not beasts, even if we feel like it and give into it times. But we are wolves. Our Pack is strong, my wolf. They don't question that you are the reason."

He gave a weak smile and leaned in to put his forehead against hers. She held his gaze, even if it was hard to focus on her beautiful eyes being this close. "You are protecting your Pack, Harry, and we are protecting you."

He didn't say anything as he leaned in to kiss her. It was a soft kiss. One shared between two that cared for each other deeply and didn't need to let their teenage hormones take over. "I love you," he told her.

Her arms pulled him in tight. "I love you. Just don't leave me again."

"I will do my best," he promised her. He really would, but something nagged at him that that may be a promise that he may not be able to keep. She hugged him tighter and he hissed again.

"Sorry," she said backing away.

By the time they made it to the dining room there was a full breakfast spread on the table and most people were already half done. It made him feel so much better to see his Pack. They had held a spot for them at the end of the table. He didn't miss the significance. Remus sat at one end, he took up the other. Dan was sitting with his wife, Theresa and Alexandra. The rest of the table was taken up by the Potter Pack. He felt like two might be missing, but he didn't think that would be that way for long.

When everyone was full, Remus called for silence. "Now, since we are all here and Harry is getting better, we need to talk to all the younger wolves at the table."

He looked at his Beta. It looked like most of the adults knew what was going on. "Remus, what is this," he asked.

"I made a promise to your wife that I would not keep you out of anything I believed you should know about. All of the adults have agreed that you all should know."

"Dad, does that mean I can stay," Theresa asked Dan.

Hermione reached for his hand and he held it. Mr. Granger responded. "Yes. I know some of this might scare you, but I think you are old enough now," he said to the eight-year-old girl.

"If you need, it is alright to leave," Remus said kindly to her. "Now, as you all know, Voldemort has returned." Annabel paled while Bonnie reached for Hermione's other hand.

"I don't believe his plans included Harry or Draco escaping. He tried to have hags use the Hag's Call on Harry. He was able to fight it off, like I think everyone in this room will be able to soon as we take Andromeda's potions. She thinks that any of us that have any of the Werewolf Sickness in us will be purged within four to six moon. She will be here later today to check on Annabel and myself for signs, but since neither of us had any of the side effects last night, I think we might be purged."

"Merlin, you really meant that, didn't you," Dawn asked. She was sitting across from her daughter with Sirius next to her.

"I am very serious. Alexandra and I are positive the hagbestian silver in Harry is why the hags potions had no effect on him. All their control potions use hagbestian silver," he told the room at large.

Alexandra looked at him. "I always thought that stuff would kill us."

"Yes. I know, Alexandra. Onto the other news though."

Hermione sat up straighter.

"It has been decided that you will not return to Hogwarts until next year."

The Hogwarts students looked dumbstruck for a moment. "Remus, we can't," Hermione said before he could protest. "We have to go. Won't the Ministry take our wands or what about end of year exams? I have two weeks worth of assignments to hand into our Professors..."

"Hermione, let him finish," her father said to her.

She looked at him. It wasn't a command. It was her father being her father. She closed her mouth and turned back to Remus.

"Mum, you can't," Bonnie said sounding distressed.

"Bonnie, just listen," she told her daughter.

"Thank you, Dan and Dawn." Remus looked at them and then all the other younger wolves around the table before turning back to them. "Hermione, I quiet agree with you due to the current laws. Madame Bones and Mr. Diggory have informed us the WRC will allow it as long as you all agree to hand in all your assignments and take your end of year exams here. There have been changes forced by the ICW on the Commission to allow this. I shall continue teaching through the rest of the year at Hogwarts and have been approved to proctor your exams no later than June twenty-first."

"Remus, we should go back," he told his Uncle. Hermione and him had responsibilities towards others at the school. He would admit to his wife he feared going back, but others needed him.

"Harry, neither Alexandra or Andromeda will allow you to go back before you are back to full health, and they both agree that is at least another two weeks out. Most likely longer. We would have all of you stay here until better protections can be established," Remus told him.

"We need to go back," Hermione said. "Daphne is relying on us to help protect her sister. You know what her family is offering. Remus, that could be eight more votes for when it is needed."

"I understand, Hermione. Lord Greengrass and Sirius are already talking. I have talked with Professor McGonagall. Astoria has been moved into the Lobo Dorms. Daphne has stepped up and claimed Alpha. She claims Blaise, Tracey, Astoria, Draco and Pansy her pack. Draco and Pansy have moved in with Tracy, now that they are married the dorm has allowed it. Cedric Diggory and your other allies have agreed to help them as well."

Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Hermione squeezed his hand. "What about Draco's parents?"

"Lady Malfoy has resurfaced, though she is heavily guarded. I have only been able to talk with her by letter. For now she has agreed to have Draco return to Hogwarts. The DMLE is looking for her husband and Draco has expressed that he does not wish to move back in with his mother or father."

"Remus, you know Dan and I agree that he can have a place here if needed," Mrs. Granger said.

Sirius looked distinctly dissatisfied.

"I know, Jane. Lord Greengrass and Davis have offered it as well. With Daphne claiming him as Pack, I think her residence a far better solution," Remus said, looking at Sirius. "They are also blood. The Malfoys married a daughter to the Greengrasses three generations back."

"Remus, what about our friends," Bonnie asked. Harry had a feeling she was thinking more of Neville and Luna.

Remus sighed. "Ulia, Veronica and Harriet have been released from St. Mungo's and are back at Hogwarts. Ms. Francis is still being seen by the mind healers. We don't know her condition."

Harry had a pit in his stomach. He knew the girls had been imperished and obliviated. They had supported them all year. It still didn't mean he wasn't weary about them. Bonnie nodded. She looked conflicted as well. "What about Professor Sprout," Annabelle asked.

"She has been cleared. The obliviation on her was sloppy and incomplete. We think Karkaroff was in a rush with her. Harry, Professor Sprout would like you to know she is deeply sorry. She is so bothered by it, she is considering retirement. She doesn't want to endanger another student again."

He looked at Remus. It had been her that had sent him to Voldemort and the hags. He knew she had been imperished. Like the others, he wasn't sure how he felt yet. There was fear and the fact he had always liked the Professor.

"Remus, she can't. Professor Sprout is an excellent Professor. I don't hold her responsible. If I ever find Karfaroff I'm going to kill him," Hermione said next to him. "I don't blame any of the girls either. We know how hard it is to break an imperishment thanks to you."

He squeezed Hermione's hand. He mostly felt that way.

Bonnie bared her teeth and even Annabel growled. "You are not killing that Morgana-be-damned...," Bonnie started before her mother spoke up.

"I don't think we need to talk like that, young lady. You are all still too young," Dawn Green said.

"We shouldn't be talking about killing anyone. Isn't it enough Harry and that poor child, Draco, almost were," Mrs. Granger said, sounding distressed.

"Jane, if they get the chance, I will not hold it against any of them," Mr. Granger said. "From the sounds of it, the Death Eaters would not hesitate. It was one of those bastards that kidnapped Harry, almost destroyed our daughter in his absence and tried to take over their Pack. I will not hesitate to put a bullet in his head if I were to find him."

Mrs. Granger looked very disturbed. Theresa pulled away from Mr. Granger and wrapped her arms around Mrs. Granger's. "Dan. I don't like violence."

"Mrs. Granger," he said and they all turned towards him. "I do not like violence either. I will not allow my pack or other innocents to be threatened or killed, though. If any of my Pack is in the position to kill one of them or be killed, I don't want them to hold back. Mr. Granger is right. The Death Eaters or other supporters of Voldemort would not hesitate if given the chance."

She pursed her lips.

Mr. Granger reached out a hand to her. "Jane, we don't live in the muggle world anymore. You have been in the meetings. This is a possible war that is brewing. I would protect you, Theresa, Hermione, Harry and everyone in this room."

Remus spoke again. "People are already choosing sides. Fudge is denying what happened and trying to order Bones to do nothing. He is leaving Draco's and your name out of it, probably because of Lucius. Luckily the DMLE has a lot of latitude in what they can do. The Prophet isn't saying much yet. Fudge is trying to put pressure on the Prophet and a few other publications, but they have a few large investors that believe you and Draco."

"Namely me, Longbottom and Greengrass," Sirius said. "We own almost half the paper."

Dawn shook her head. "How crooked is Fudge?"

"We don't know yet. Some of his largest supporters have been named by Harry and Draco. The Malfoys are probably Fudges largest monetary supporter and Lucius has gone into hiding."

"I can't wait until the Summer Solstice. I want to knock his Undersecretary down a few notches. She has managed to get Nott to back two new legislations. Both would bring the ICW down on the Wizengamot for putting larger restrictions on all creatures."

"Sirius, be careful around her. I had a few dealings with her when she was Head of the Magical Creatures Department. They almost took Bonnie away from me when she was seven," she said concerned.

Bonnie frowned and cast her eyes down. Maybe he should ask what happened? Hermione squeezed his hand.

Harry wasn't ready to back down. "I still think we should go back to Hogwarts if we can, Remus. Greengrass and her pack shouldn't be left there by themselves. You know that some of the students have already been very nasty to us and them. Greengrass isn't prepared to face that on her own. Not now Voldemort is back. There were at least ten other Death Eaters there that we don't know who they were. There are better than even odds they have children at Hogwarts and I doubt most of them would go against their parents if ordered to do something."

Remus frowned. "I think your wife is wearing off on you, Harry. No, we do not plan to just leave them on their own. A deal has been worked out with Dumbledore to allow more DMLE staff on the grounds and to change certain rules."

Hermione growled. "What do you mean deal? He was supposed to finally stand trial tomorrow and go to Azkaban."

Sirius looked even less happy than with the mention of Draco earlier. Remus held a steady gaze. "This deal was worked out between Bones and Dumbledore. He has pleaded guilty to some of the charges against Harry and Sirius and has been removed as Chief Warlock. As long as he keeps talking, his sentence will be commuted and he will remain Headmaster, but it will be more ceremonial. McGonagall will be taking over all his duties. She is stepping down as Transfiguration Professor at the end of the year to do so. It is hoped Voldemort will stay away while Dumbledore is there."

Remus looked at Hermione. "Your little breakdown on Dumbledore, Hermione, cracked the man's vault of knowledge. We have found he knew far more than he has told us and the Unspeakables are taking over the search for you know what."

Harry blinked. Wasn't this exactly what Dumbledore had warned them against. Getting the DMLE involved in this? Not that he was unhappy, but after seeing who some of the Death Eaters were, Harry wasn't sure how much he trusted the Ministry. Next he looked at Hermione. He hadn't heard of this yet. "We will talk of this later," Remus said to them, probably seeing the looks on his and Hermione's face.

"You know what what," Jason asked.

"This is not for you to know, Jason," he told the younger wolf. Bonnie didn't look happy to know she was being kept out of something that seemed big.

"Remus, will you continue to teach your Sunday lessons here," Annabel asked. They looked at her. She looked at him and looked abashed. "I'm sorry. I realized I would not have been much use in a fight. I haven't been doing the heavier workouts or extra lessons you four have. I won't let my Alpha down if you are willing to do that for us."

"Annabel, you aren't letting us down. Not everyone is a fighter," he told her.

"What do you mean fighting," Mrs. Granger asked.

Remus sighed. "I asked Dora to help me make a course that would prepare students in my Defense Against the Dark Arts class to defend themselves. When I asked, I admit I thought it might be against another pack, but it has turned into something more. Annabel, I have no classes on Mondays and plan to spend all day Monday and Thursday afternoon here. We will all help in your training and teaching. Healer Tonks has agreed to continue your potions lessons through the summer. I can tutor you in charms, transfiguration and DADA. Alexandra has agreed to help with Transfiguration and Runes. Sirius and Dora will help with DADA and other stuff as needed."

"What about Arithmancy, Magical History, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology and Astronomy," Hermione asked him.

"I also have Muggle Studies," Annabel spoke up.

"I can teach you Astronomy and Arithmancy," Dawn spoke up.

Remus nodded at her. "Professor McGonagall has agreed to look at tutors to recommend. We may setup for you to go to the Black Wand or another safe location a few times a week. We would all like you to continue all your studies through the summer. Harry and Hermione, you are both eligible to take the IWL's after Harry turns fifteen and the next open test is at Christmas, if you want. Now that the ICW recognizes us as witches or wizards first, that avenue has been opened. Annabel, you will be fifteen in October. If you like, you would be eligible too, even if it is a year and a half early. Or you can take it next June if you like. From what your Professors say, they think you would be ready."

"I can't do that. I'm only a third year now," she said in disbelief.

"A third year that has already finished the syllabus given us and is a quarter of the way through the fourth-year syllabus," Hermione told her.

Harry looked at Remus. "You don't think we will finish Hogwarts next year, do you," he asked.

The room went silent. Remus frowned. All the adults shared a few looks. "Mum," Bonnie asked.

Remus sighed. "Harry, I am unsure what will happen over the next few years. We only have our experiences to go off of what happened last time You-Know-Who was in power. It may become prudent for us to remove you from Hogwarts at some point. The sooner you all have your OWL's or IWL's, the sooner we don't need to worry about it."

"What of Jason and I," Bonnie asked.

"You can't take either test before you are fifteen and you must before the end of your sixteenth year, unless the laws can be changed," her mother told her.

"We will do everything we can to help you and Jason become as advanced as you can. If for some reason you need to be removed, we can now apply for home-schooling so you and Jason can keep your wands until we find a way to have you tested," Remus told her.

"What if you can't? I don't want to give up my wand," Jason said scared.

Remus looked at his ward. "We will find a way. In the meantime, Bonnie, will you be ready this summer to test to see if you can jump to third year?"

Bonnie nodded. "Yes."

"I want to go to third year too. I know everything Bonnie does," Jason told him.

Remus sighed again. "Jason, I agree you know most things that Bonnie does, but your core is not strong enough to handle some things you learn in third year yet. If you work hard, we can test your core to see if it has started the last of your youth growths after Christmas. If it has, we can look at testing you to skip to fourth year."

Jason did not look happy. "I don't want to be in second year by myself. It's not fair Bonnie gets to skip."

"It's only because I couldn't start last year when I was supposed too," Bonnie sniped at him.

"Remus, what do my parents say about this," Annabel asked.

"I can take you to see them this evening if you like," Remus offered.

She nodded. "If you think I am ready to take the IWL's, should I test to see if I can be in fifth year?"

"I would like her to have the same schedule as us," Hermione said. "It's going to be bad enough to have Jason and Bonnie separated now and I didn't like that Annabel has been alone all year."

"I agree," he said.

"I have had my friends," Annabel protested.

Bonnie looked concerned. "Is it better for me to stay with Jason," she asked. "I don't want him getting hurt or anything."

"No. I think it better for you to focus on advancing as fast as you can," Remus said. "With the DMLE in the school, I don't think it's going to be as bad as this year. And you have all made some staunch Allies this year. Many are defending you, even if you aren't at Hogwarts right now."

"Remus, the DMLE isn't going to interfere with Hogwarts, are they? I don't like the idea of feeling like I am being watched by the Aurors all the time. There are times we have slipped and could have gotten in trouble with the DMLE, even if we were within the law," Hermione said.

Remus shook his head. "No. They will patrol. Guard the gates. Provide special protections if need be, but they are to stay out of normal school business. I also think with Minerva in control, things will change."

"So, are you determined we are not going back to Hogwarts for the rest of the year," he asked his Beta. Harry was the Alpha, but Remus was his Guardian. He technically had say over Harry until he turned seventeen.

Remus kept his stare. "The Beta can contest the Alpha when he thinks the Alpha is endangering the Pack. I do not wish to challenge you on this, Harry. But, yes. I am quiet set that you should not return this year. Healer Tonks and Alexandra think you may be well enough in two weeks, but they both agree it may be longer for your magic and body to fully recover. With You-Know-Who out there, I will not endanger you or the other young ones until you are fully recovered and we are certain more safeguards are installed at the school. All the parents in this room are in agreement."

"What about our Allies then? What of the other Lobos? You know they will be in danger. Hermione has claimed Neville and Luna as Pack. I agree. Would we leave any of the Pack behind?"

"What of my brother or Wayne," Annabel asked in a small voice.

"Don't forget Susan. She is alone most days while her Aunt is working." Hermione had set her jaw.

Remus sighed. "I will talk to Lady Longbottom, Madame Bones and Mr. Lovegood. Annabel we can talk to your parents tonight."

"Remus, the house isn't big enough for all these people," Mrs. Granger said.

"I know, Jane. Sirius, we may need to talk to the Goblins. I know these people should be offered a safe haven."

Sirius' cheek quirked. "I don't think we can afford to house half of Britain. You two plan on claiming anyone else as Pack?"

"Mrs. Green, are you going to claim this old mutt," Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.

Sirius shook his head. Mrs. Green flushed a little and looked at him. "Pup, I would appreciate it if you didn't drag Dawn into this. She has done nothing to you."

Bonnie snapped her head to her mother. Understanding crossed her face. He wasn't done challenging his Uncles. "I want to protect my Pack, Family and friends, Sirius. Does that include Mrs. Green also? I am not trying to joke in this. Is it wrong to ask all our close friends to be here? Most of them live with only one family member and we know that any house is vulnerable. Being together gives a greater chance of being safe."

Sirius shook his head. "I swear between you and Lily. She always wanted to protect everyone too. James always argued to keep the circle small."

Harry snorted. He had called it. "I mean it Sirius. Most of these people, we are asking them to support us. Their children are our friends and I know Madame Bones, Mr. Lovegood and Lady Longbottom are away for long periods, sometimes days or weeks, as they deal with their jobs. How would it be if we don't support them?"

"I am in agreement with Harry," Hermione said next to him. "V...voldemort has a body again. He is going to be very upset with Harry and Draco. Can you tell me You-Know-Who won't try to go through everyone close to Harry to get to him?"

The room was quiet. "I do not disagree," Remus said.

Sirius looked at him for a moment before sighing. "I think Dawn might be good to head the project if you want to enlarge the house."

She looked at him. "Sirius, I'm an astronomer, not an architect."

"You and Alexandra are the only witches in this room that Death Eaters don't really know, Luv. You are a witch, meaning you can get to Gringotts without any issues and you yourself said you have been bored around here," he told her. "Remus, Dora and myself may not be around enough to lead this and Alexandra is better utilized as a healer. Merlin knows she may have more patients than Harry in the future."

She blinked a few times.

"Dawn, I can help you too. I know how to run projects, manage people and to do accounts," Mrs. Granger said.

Alexandra frowned. "If you plan to utilize me that way, I would prefer a proper potions lab and a location to treat people."

"I think we should meet on this later. For now, do you have any objections," Remus said looking at him.

Harry frowned. He didn't like leaving people behind, but even he could recognize they can't do everything. He looked to Hermione and saw the same acceptance on her face. He sighed. "I don't fully agree with this, but if you think it best, I will listen, Remus. I don't want to endanger our Pack."

Remus let out a large sigh, as though he had been preparing himself for a different response.

Harry turned back to look at his other Uncle and then Dawn. "Mrs. Green, I really don't want to offend you, but do you plan to claim Sirius? I can smell you are close," he said. The soft scents of musk that he had picked up on Hermione the first she went into Heat were there.

Dawn looked at him, not as a much older woman, but as a wolf. He was challenging her. If she didn't want to claim his Uncle, then she wouldn't be welcome anymore. He knew it would hurt Bonnie, but he couldn't afford to have anyone around that he didn't know their loyalties. It was his wolf. He had almost died and lost everyone for not listening to it before.

After a moment, she bowed her head and he could smell the change in her. "If he will have me, I would claim him," she said silently.

Sirius looked at her shocked, then him and then back at Dawn. "Oh, shite." The man looked at Bonnie, who growled. "Easy, Bonnie. Would you accept me?"

Bonnie stopped growling and looked at him. "You hurt her and I won't care what my Alpha says."

Sirius sighed, as though relieved. "Bloody hell. Not the way I wanted to do this, but here," Sirius said reaching into a pocket and holding a small velvet box to her.

"Sirius Black," Hermione scolded him.

"What do you expect! I had hoped to bring her out for a nice dinner, then to the theater and everything next weekend, but Harry ruined that," he said looking at him. He turned to Dawn and his expression softened. She didn't look happy at all this. "Oh, bloody hell. Bloody Merlin's balls. Now I've upset you. Thanks, pup." The man gave him a glare, put the box on the table and got up.

Harry closed his eyes. Bonnie growled and got up to follow him. "Bonnie, sit," he told her. "I'll go get him. Mrs. Green, I am really sorry about this. I never meant to upset you, but I can't have any dangers to my Pack here. That includes your daughter."

She looked upset before nodding. "I will take you for my Alpha. Just don't scare him away."

Harry sighed. "I'll go bring him back."

-oOo-

May 15, 1995

Calderwood Castle, Highlands, Scotland

His house elf had finally taken the last of his study from Malfoy Manor and set it to rights at his new home. The DMLE had raided his house on suspicions of smuggling and theft. He knew they hadn't found much. Garret had made sure all his files, hidden stores and the vault below the parlor had been cleared before anything else.

He rather suspected they had raided his house because of his old Master, but there was the off-chance Bones really had suspected him of other events this year.

He had heard rumors of several old associates being raided in the last week as well. McNair had been taken in after they found evidence of his favorite hobby. The man was an Executioner for the Ministry for a reason, and he practiced his sadistic art on muggles when he could. The Prophet had reported the remains of several victims were found and one that was still strung up.

Bulstrode had been confirmed dead. The Prophet listed it as 'accidental'. The man had gotten drunk and walked off the cliff outside his house. Lucius very much doubted that story, but he had no spies to confirm otherwise.

A half-dozen other old families had received fines or summons for dark objects. He snorted at that one. The fools in the DMLE hadn't scratched the surface of what was probably in most of those houses. He wondered what games Bones was playing. Her DMLE had been far more competent the last year or two than to miss very dangerous dark artifacts. He would not underestimate her again.

He was far more worried about other things. Severus had been arrested and had spent almost two weeks in the DMLE cells awaiting trial. When they were transporting him to Azkaban, the boat he was on mysteriously sank in the harsh North Sea. The DMLE was unable to confirm if anyone survived. He knew Severus had. A patronus had burst into his bed chambers in the middle of the night.

As they had agreed, he was going back to Voldemort. Lucius wasn't as sure about this, now that Snape couldn't offer the man Dumbledore, but it was the only way to keep him off the Dark Lord's short list. Lucius knew he was on the list. His entire family was now. Narcissa had returned to Malfoy Manor with a dozen security guards that he had paid top galleons for and who had promised to protect his family to the death. They had all made the oath. The fact they were from an old Mercenary clan in Germany, the ancestral home of the Malfoys, gave him confidence they would do as they promised.

The larger question was what to do with Draco. The boy had married the mutt. He wanted to disown his son for going against his orders, but if he did that, then his family name and magic would end with him. Draco was the way forward to keep the Malfoy's alive. He had to keep his son in the running until he had a child. Once Pansy gave him an heir, hopefully two or more, Lucius would have other options. Options far preferable to his sullied son.

Looking around the half circular room, his lip curled. This was nothing of the comfort and opulence he was used too. The stone walls showed signs of age. The exposed beams and floorboards over his head and below his feet had not seen use in many years. He was in the Royal Tower, made to house the family of the Castle. He snorted to think this would have been large and comfortable two or three hundred years ago when it was in its prime. The room he was using for his study was half the size of the one he had a Malfoy Manor.

He looked at the lands that had secured his family a Peerage seat. The Calderwoods were an old Scottish clan that had claimed the loch and valley around him. There must have been hundreds of them in the castle and the surrounding hills at one time. The last of the Calderwoods had married his great-grandfather, passing their Lordship to them. When they had been forced to flee Germany, his family had been stripped of their titles. The Calderwoods had restored them.

Looking around, he found that a clan of the Scottish rabble would have been preferable to his current companions. Creatures, scoundrels and a few respectable half-bloods were all that were around him now. His only hope was to take over the Underworld to get the last pieces of the Dark Lord's soul and then find a way to eliminate the man. He would not be able to come out of hiding until then.

He let out a long angry sigh. His wife would not be able to take his Peerage seat on the Wizengamot, and with most of his Alliance now back with the Dark Lord, he had lost most of his power in the Ministry. He still had spies and those beholden to him. He would have to use them discreetly in what he knew would become a game of cat and mouse with his old Master and Bones.

Voldemort had ruled the downtrodden of Britain with an iron fist and promises of raising them up last time. This time, it would not be his insane old Master who became the master figurehead in Britain and Europe controlling the downtrodden creatures and peoples. Luckily, the Dark Lord had destroyed his relations with the hags now, meaning quite a few werewolves would never work for the Dark Lord. His years of fostering relations with the skanks was paying off.

Balnora and her coven had been incensed when one of their kin had arrived at the Castle with word of the Dark Lords return and his murder of their Sisters. Since then, three more Covens had shown on his steps, asking for refuge or to bargain. The army of werewolves that Balnora had originally promised was suddenly within his grasp.

Stepping to the window that looked into the courtyard, he saw the new greenhouses below and just outside the walls. Men and woman were working them or walking about. Eight new trolls were part of the security and a clinking chain marked where a dragon was hiding in a cave below the opposite wall. Not all goblins were associated with Gringotts or the other banks in Europe. There were still tribes that clung to the old ways, and they knew how to control dragons. A cow a week and some blood sport here and there were small prices to pay to have the strong creature down below and a dozen of its handlers.

Yes. He had thought the DMLE destroying the caves was a disaster. After selling off the last of the opaline and other potions, he had just broken even from a year of production. Still, a half-million galleons at that site should have seen profits for many years. Looking below, he was starting to think losing that cave had been a blessing.

This site was more remote, with better protections and wards not tied to the ley line that ran at the foot of the mountains. The hags had started the new ritual circle and in a few months, he would control the most feared army in Britain. Even the Death Eaters would learn to fear the howls in the night as he started his own purge of the Wizarding World. Some of the other Crime Lords in Britain and the continent would fall to him, not his master. He would deny the Dark Lord.

All he needed was a proper heir to raise in the ways he knew. What he was looking at below was what a true Malfoy should be. They had all been trained to be proper businessmen. It was a front to the true monetary power of his family. He had a few million in his vaults made the honest way, but he would bankrupt himself within a few years with his payroll in the Ministry and elsewhere without the few million galleons a year he brought in here.

For now, those would need to be his priorities: Raise money. Take over a few more families or syndicates. Stop the Dark Lord from recruiting those he needed. Obtain a proper heir. Find the last two Horcruxes.

Helping Severus to get rid of Potter for helping Sirius escape could wait. He owed his cousin-in-law for stealing the House of Black from him. Getting Lordship over the House of Black was one of the largest reasons he had agreed to marry Narcissa when his father had proposed it. The woman was beautiful, could be as sadistic as he would want in a wife and well worth it in bed, but that was about it.

She hadn't really supported his cause in the last war. Narcissa would not bow to a Master. The Blacks were Masters in her mind. She was not interested in this darker side of their family unless it helped to keep their Blood purity. All she had wanted was a few children and to keep playing in her circle of friends. He was able to give her Draco before the potions had made him sterile. She had doted on him for years, making the boy soft. He had allowed it because it made her happy and she would allow him to do almost any fantasy he had in the bedroom. Or wherever he choose.

It has also given him access to contacts he would not have been able to have without her.

It was one of the few reasons he had placated her all these years. His father had not been wrong to sow his oats before being married. He had seen to many bad marriages or even disillusionments to let himself slip from her. Half his legitimate fortune was from her dowry, and she would have it and more if he was ever to be caught with another woman.

Now, he was surrounded by women, and he had never felt so repulsed by the opposite sex.

He saw one of the repulsive hags walking towards his tower. It was one of the new Covens, but it was unmistakable she was heading towards him. The only ones allowed in this tower were the thirty Hessian mercenaries, a few witches or wizards used to keep his books or for other dealings and the Head of the Covens. The beasts and Covens got the main keep, great hall and Loch Tower to live in. The covens needed the room to house the almost eighty werewolves that now roamed the grounds and surrounding area.

"Work you dogs," someone's yell drifted up to him.

Lucius scrunched his nose. Of all the monsters in the keep, the werewolf that was watching over a gang digging a new well was the one he distrusted and hated the most. As though sensing he was being watch, Fenrir Greyback turned to stare up into the tower.

The beast held his gaze and after a moment its mouth curled into a smile, baring the half-turned teeth.

Lucius was going to have to keep an eye on him. The thing had already killed three of the new werewolves. The hags said they had him under control, but if Lucius didn't know better, the thing was asserting its dominance over all the other werewolves.

Perhaps he could arrange an accident or find another Alpha that was more amenable to his goals. Good thing one of the hags was on her way so he could sound this out. Of course, he would never tell them he was planning anything like this. They owned the beasts and took it very poorly when their property was played with without their permission.

He also didn't want to rile them. They were all agitated at the loss of the coven to the Dark Lord. He had not been able to get any details, but he knew it had to do with Harry Potter and his son.

He pursed his lips. Perhaps he should find out how Draco was doing? He was upset with him for marrying the mutt, but the boy was still his heir for now. Narcissa was going to ensure Draco received his scion rights, and even if another heir was produced and he got his hands on the child, Draco would be scion until the child turned five.

If something were to happen to him in that time, as much as he hated to admit, Draco should still be protected and considered part of the family.