A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.

-oOo-

Chapter 43

July 23, 1995

Somewhere in Scotland

There was a foul stench on the air that tickled his nose. Fenrir didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit, but he was told to accompany the goblins.

The goblins and him had an uneasy truce. They were both classified as creatures, both belittled and forced to ground by the Ministry if they didn't conform and both wanted to be free of the wizards and others.

He had been surprised his pack had been picked for this job, but pleased. It gave him a chance to feel out the blood-thirsty little blighters.

"How much of the Old treasures you have down here," he asked, looking around the caves.

Six of his pack were accompanying the goblins as they dug through piles of old armor, trinkets, gold and gems. They were looking for something and so was he.

"This is all goblin wrought or claimed before the current treaties were signed," the Elder Ragnok said to him. "None of this can be claimed except by us."

Fenrir grinned. He had hoped that.

"Can it be bargained for," he asked.

The goblin looked at him. "This is our treasure, fur-back."

He growled. "Greyback."

"You are a beast of the hags. I can not deal with you," the goblin stated.

"You are outside the treaties," he responded.

"We are outside the treaties with the wizards, not the old Covens or Old Ways." The goblin spat on the floor, as though unhappy.

Fenrir punched a stalagmite in his frustration.

"If, for some reason, something were to be borrowed, say a book that belonged to a Pack, then I could consider payment in full at a future date. Should that pack adhere to the old ways," the Goblin deadpanned after a moment.

Two thick tomes landed at his feet from another goblin.

Fenrir looked at the tomes. "I will not be controlled again."

"The werewolves are not the only ones that wish to be free of wizards and claim what we once had among the humans."

His feral smile took to his face. Wolfscrits. They held knowledge that belonged to the wolves, and had secrets. Many secrets the hags would not know. He longed to pick them up. It was a need as great as when he took a wriggling body and mangled it while he took his pleasure.

"My pack and I will serve no one."

"They can be paid for by services under a fair contract that would release you once we are all free again," the Elder Ragnok affirmed.

Fenrir did not want to be controlled. He had been controlled by the hags most of his life. All he wanted was to run free, as a wolf should, and take all the prey he wanted, with his pack under his firm grasp.

The goblins would not break a contract and it would get him where he needed.

"My pack is mine. Their lives are mine. Their children are mine. We get fair compensation per job I accept."

"That will be acceptable. I will not deal with the hags. If you break from them, we will talk then."

Fenrir was working on that. If things went to plan, they would be free in October. He would lose a few wolves, but it would be worth it.

-oOo-

July 31, 1995

Blyihl House, Devon, England

Harry shifted and yawned. A mass of hair was over his chest and face as his naked mate was hugging his side. The last seven days had been long and pleasurable.

That was why they were taking a very rare lay-in.

Between his mate and their schedule, they had all been told to take two weeks off and he wasn't going to argue right now.

Hermione moved and he felt her hair between her legs move against his leg as she put a leg over his. Part of him felt slightly excited, but he was too tired to act on it. It was also just nice to have her warm naked body against his.

The door opened slightly and closed silently as he yawned again. He smelt Dobby before the bald head came into view. "What is it, Dobby," he whispered.

"Mistress is still sleeping, but Mr. Sirius would like to meet with you in an hour," the elf whispered in his squeaky voice.

"Can you bring up some breakfast," he asked.

"Yes, Master Harry."

"Is there any coffee," Hermione asked, sounding just barely awake.

"Dobby will make some, Mistress."

"I don't want it if you need to make it," she yawned.

"Dobby was already going to make some. Others are meeting too."

Harry stirred and propped himself up. Hermione groaned. "Who is it," Harry asked.

"Goblins, sir. They are asking for the Lord of the House and Mr. Remus has said you are it," Dobby responded.

Harry kissed Hermione on the head. "You can stay. I'll go."

Hermione clenched her leg on his and her arm wrapped around his mid-section. "You are staying right there until Dobby gets back. Dobby, can you please make some scrambled eggs?"

She had been more accepting of Dobby and Prim now. Harry noticed she never ordered them.

"Prim was already making scramble eggs," the elf replied. "Dobby will be back."

Dobby popped away this time.

Hermione yawned. "Happy Birthday," she congratulated, forcing him to lay down.

He smiled. "Fifteen and sleeping with an older woman. I think that's my best birthday yet," he joked.

She nuzzled into him. "Emphasis on the sleeping right now."

He chuckled. "Can I get up to take a shower? I would prefer to not have the goblins smell you all over me."

"Mine," she said possessively, holding him tight again. "What is wrong with my scent?"

"I rather enjoy it, but I know not everyone enjoys the smell of sex," he answered.

She moved so she was breathing on his neck. "Our pack doesn't care and that is all I care about right now."

He kissed her on the forehead. If he kissed her on the mouth, he doubted Dobby would find them in a non-compromising situation. "I love you. I need to get up."

She growled at him as he got up. It had been seven days, and she still seemed to be in heat. He smelt it, but it wasn't the all-consuming smell that drove them both crazy. Maybe by tomorrow everything would be back to normal.

"Get back here," she muttered as he rolled off the bed.

"Later," he told her.

She still looked half asleep when he found her in her chair and nursing a cup of coffee. "You smell good. You would smell better with my scent all over you," she said with a smirk.

One would think with the last week he would be satiated, but his arousal at her dark eyes said otherwise. He walked over to her and pecked her. She put the cup down and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in and claiming his mouth.

They had been snogging for minutes before a knock came at the door. He growled and she whimpered as he pulled away. "I'll be back," he told her.

"Don't take long," she pleaded as she shifted in the seat.

All he wanted to do was take her back to the bed and claim her. His stomach grumbled. He needed something to eat before going downstairs but that wasn't going to happen today.

The knock came again. "Coming," he called out.

"I bet you are," the voice of his Godfather came to them.

He growled at his Uncle. The man chuckled. Harry kissed her on the head and he walked to the door. The scent of his mate was calling to him and he would need to return to her soon. Alexandra said this typically only went for five to seven days. It had lasted five days at Christmas.

When he opened the door, he gave the man a sharp look. "I won't comment on you and Dawn if you don't comment on Hermione and I."

Sirius shrugged. "I'll let Dawn shag me wherever and whenever she wants." He just looked at the man for a second before Sirius nodded. "Dawn, Jane and the goblins want to meet with the Lord of the House. Remus has claimed you such, so guess you are it."

"Gees, thanks," he snarked as he walked out. If he didn't leave he would be taking Hermione into his arms.

"A bit grumpy when you don't get anything. I figure being your birthday you would at least..."

Harry punched his uncle's upper arm. "That is not your concern."

Sirius rubbed his arm. "Merlin. You hit like a troll," the man commented.

Harry had added a lot of muscle and nearly eight inches since last summer. Healer Tonks and Alexandra said it was his body catching up with where he should be and his wolf making sure he could protect his Pack.

"Then you know not to mess with me."

Sirius laughed. "James was the same way when it came to Lily."

He grumbled. "So, why do the goblins want to see me?"

"I think they are about done. This is pretty standard when they want to set the wards and talk finishing touches."

Harry nodded. "Sure."

Sirius laughed. "You don't need to understand it all."

"I like too," Harry replied.

"I think your girl is being a positive impact."

"And yours isn't," Harry asked. He hadn't seen a glass of alcohol in the man's hand since Dawn had claimed him.

"Never said she wasn't."

When they walked into the dining room, four goblins were at the table with Jane and Dawn. Large blue prints were spread on the table, as where papers. The lead goblin on the project saw him and stood. The others copied and bowed.

Harry returned the bow and they looked mildly impressed with him. "Lord Potter, a pleasure as always."

"And you, Baldknob. I hope your treasures are growing," he replied as Dawn had taught him.

The goblin gave a smile with lots of sharp teeth. "My clan vaults grow."

Dawn gave an approving nod. "Baldknob and his group are almost done and wanted a few last minute approvals and to set a transfer date."

"How much time do you need?" he asked the goblin.

"If you approve 20,000G we can set a draw on the leyline, complete all required construction and requested furnishings by end of next week, two weeks earlier than expected," the goblin stated.

"Why the extra funds?" Jane questioned.

"A new crew has just finished another project and can be onsite tomorrow to complete the roof while we complete the furnishings and details."

"Fine by me," he agreed. "The sooner we have all the extra rooms, the sooner we can bring everyone into the house and the new infirmary and school space will be available."

"That is a lot of money, Harry," Dawn tried to reason.

"Uncle Remus said I earn that much or more in interest a month. I would never be able to spend that."

Uncle Sirius looked at the prints. "Is that wise to use the leyline?"

"This would just be a draw to power and charge the power stones. Should the leyline or link be disrupted, the ward stones will draw upon the surrounding magic and should last a few weeks without intervention. The wards will not be linked to the leyline itself and will pose no danger that way," another goblin assured, holding up a parchment.

He looked to Jane and Dawn. "Your the project leads."

"I agree with the extra funds. We are still under budget for what was agreed upon," Jane informed him.

"How much under," Harry asked.

"You approved one point one-five million galleons. I checked the books yesterday and construction is just over eight-hundred and twenty-nine thousand. Given the estimates today and the forty-thousand galleons for furnishings and other fit outs, the project looks to be about a hundred-thousand galleons under budget," she told him.

This project was set to take about five-percent of his wealth. To give a safe place for his pack, family, friends and allies it was well worth it. With his investments, he was told he would make that back within five to ten years, probably less once all his accounts were set for investments.

"Are you offering a bonus for being before schedule and the work they have done?" Harry asked the ladies.

The goblin blinked. Harry had a feeling that was not traditional.

"We had not talked about that yet and they have already met three of the bonus points in the contract," Dawn told him.

Goblins were very much by contract when dealing with a wizard. "I would like to offer a 5,000G per day bonus if they complete it before schedule."

"Lord Potter, that isn't really necessary," Baldknob spoke up.

Harry looked at the goblin. "Baldknob, it is a sign of trust. There may be future projects and I would like them done with the same quality and short time frame as this one."

The goblin's smile was almost predatory. "It is a pleasure and hope that my clan will do more business with you in the future."

They talked for a while after that about some minor details, Harry leaving Jane and Dawn to do most of the decision making or other negotiations. Walking back up to their room, Hermione was in the shower. Dobby gave him some warmed up breakfast, even if it was getting close to lunch now. He was just finishing as Hermione came walking out in a nice black dress robe and toweling off her hair.

"You need to get dressed? Remus and Tonks will be ready to go in an hour."

He looked at his very attractive wife. "I thought you didn't want to get out of bed?"

"We have an appointment that has been scheduled for a week and later someone turns fifteen," she told him. Harry hadn't left Blyihl House since he had come here, but it was time to start going into the world again. He didn't want to hide the rest of his life.

"I'm already fifteen" he informed her.

"Not until I say you are," she said with a smirk.

He huffed. "And why are you deciding when I turn fifteen?" he asked, moving in to put his hands on her waist. She smelled good, in many ways. Her brown eyes showed her attraction to him, but it was lessening from the burning desire it had been. She pecked him.

"I am your wife and would like to celebrate after business. I'm sorry it had to be today."

"I chose it to be today. What type of celebration were you thinking?" he asked huskily.

Her eyes went from the intelligent pools of brown he liked, to the more lust filled chocolate pools that drove him crazy. "You can have me later," she offered as she moved in close and crushed her breasts into his chest.

"Or now?"

Her eyes darkened. "I just spent the last hour getting ready. You can have me later," she was a little more forceful.

"Fine," he huffed. "It's not like it's my birthday or anything."

A year ago, he had hated his birthday, Christmas or any day that celebrated something like that. Now, because of this girl, he had actually looked forward to this day.

"You keep that up and I'll tell everyone to wait another day," she told him.

He chuckled. "Who's the Alpha here?"

"Me," she said cheekily, smiling as she pulled out of his arms. "I am going to talk with Bonnie and Luna for a few. Be ready in about twenty minutes."

"You're lucky I love you," he retorted.

"I know." She moved in again, gave him a short kiss and whimpered as she pulled away. He smelt her arousal again and she quickly left the room. Harry couldn't keep his growl down.

A little bit later, he met Hermione, Remus and Tonks in the main entryway. "You ready?" Remus asked.

"I think. Did we get all the information there was from the goblins?" he asked his Beta.

"Yes. I think they are doing more than they normally would. Between this project and with your accounts finally back in order and making you both money they are quite pleased with you," Remus told him.

Hermione moved to his side. "Just be polite," she pleaded.

"Do I get to claim you later if I am?" he whispered to her.

She whimpered before uttering, "I would let you do it now if we hadn't planned this already."

He kissed her ear. "Later."

"You two done or do I need to at least cast a distraction charm on the foyer," Dora teased them.

Hermione actually flushed and he growled at Dora for embarrassing his mate.

Dora shook her head. "Still so touchy when I interrupt your snogging. You ready, Mrs. Potter?"

Harry blinked and looked at Hermione. No one in the house called her that unless it was something formal.

"Yes. Dobby and Prim," Hermione called.

Both elves popped into the foyer. They were in nice cut material, Dobby with a shirt and slacks, and Prim in a nice dress. The material was still a little course, but Harry hadn't seen any house elf look so nice. He also noticed that a House Potter patch was on their breasts. "Dobby is ready, Mistress."

"As is Prim," the smaller female said, rocking from foot to foot as though very excited.

Harry looked to his wife. "You look lovely."

"Thank you," she said abashed. He was happy he could still do that to her.

"If Masters takes Dobby's hands, Prim will take Mister Remus and Miss Tonks," Dobby told them with obvious pride.

He raised a brow at his wife and took Dobby's hand. "I'm going to make you squirm later," he promised with a mischievous grin. The look Hermione gave him almost had him scoop her up then and run up to their room. He didn't get the chance as they suddenly apparated. A heartbeat later, they landed on solid ground. Harry immediately noticed the smell of the ocean and heard waves not far away.

He blinked and the sudden change in scents and environment had him reaching for his wand. Hermione grabbed his hand.

Harry met her eyes before looking around. "This is nice," Hermione stated.

As he looked he realized they were near a cliff. Some clouds were on the horizon and the ocean was moving in large rolling waves. As he looked inland, he saw a tower, like an old Norman keep, with a wooden palisade and a few houses with smoke coming out of their chimneys. A few fields with crops and some sheep and cows dotted the hillside. It looked like a scene out of a book on medieval times.

"So this is Ynys Mynediad," he commented.

"The Isle of Access," Hermione translated from Welsh. "It's one of your family's holdings, about three miles off the coast of Ramsey Island. That is the Atlantic ocean. Sirius said from the hill you can see Wales. It's in the center of the mouth of St. Bride's bay. The family history that the goblins found said this used to be the keyway to get into this part of Wales, before the Ministry was founded."

"You mean our family," he reminded her.

He looked at her and then at the small village at the base of a hill.

"As we went over with your account Manager last week, you two have many properties that either the Goblins were able to restore, reclaim or recuperate funds from. This is your largest holding with five wizarding families and three squib families still calling it home. Technically, you are their lord, and this is still officially a fiefdom. Three house elves have helped to maintain the keep and walls, waiting to either be claimed by the new Lord or to keep serving the Regent," Remus told him.

His eyebrows furrowed. "I don't want to be Lord?" It sounded too much like what Lord Voldemort wanted. A kingdom to rule with an iron fist.

"It is your right. This island is out of Ministry control. It's one of about a dozen around Britain that is naturally warded against all muggles. Eight of them are free of the Ministry, essentially a nation unto themselves," Remus reiterated. They had gone over this a few times.

"You are fifteen today. Legally old enough to claim this land," Hermione reminded him. "Harry, from what we can tell, the Death Eaters and You-Know-Who can't reach us here. It's not part of Britain and out of control of the ICW."

He looked at her. "And you are alright being Lady Potter and ruling over all this?"

"Of course not. As we talked about, I was thinking we could make it more like the British government. We or the MacMillans could be heads-of-state so that it remains a stand-alone country, but let the people here rule. They have been for many years, from what I can see. A Potter has not sat on the seat in a few generations because it would mean we have to give up our British Citizenship, but it could be recognized under the Crown if we petition the Queen."

He looked at her then Remus suddenly putting something together he hadn't over the last week. "How are we here without breaking the WRI laws?"

Remus smirked. "That's the beauty. Technically you are a dual citizen if you don't take up the Lordship here. Being an Alpha of your pack, your wife and all wolves and their mates under you are also dual citizens. Even the WRI law can not keep us from traveling here because it is outside the Ministry and ICW."

"I am getting hungry and we were told to meet about noon," Dora told them.

"Dobby can take you to the front doors," Dobby offered.

Harry looked at his elves. "Hermione, did you ask Dobby and Prim to take us here so we couldn't be tracked for going out of country?"

"I didn't want to take the chance, even though Remus and Dora told me it was alright," Hermione said. "Dobby and Prim, thank you. Can we call you later when we are ready to return."

"Yes, Mistress," Prim agreed, bowed and snapped her fingers. Dobby was just after her.

"We have another safe place if we need," Harry said with a smile.

"I know it's not a great birthday present, but Happy birthday. We have more for you later," Hermione told him.

Harry was still going to make her squirm and howl later, but this was brilliant and worth forgiving for delaying his birthday.

What he was more interested in doing after seeing the wooden palisades now was the two wolves on the island. He knew they had been bitten when young and the islanders allowed them to stay. The palisades were warded to keep werewolves away. Any turned werewolf couldn't get closer than a hundred yards of the wooden walls, even if the gates were left open. "Will the Surefoots meet with us?"

"The owl said they would be willing," Hermione assured.

"Would you like to walk there or apparate?" Dora asked.

There was something about this place that made him feel safe. "We are sure the Death Eaters and Voldemort can't get here?"

"The ancient pacts here only allow those that can claim this island as home, or are invited by the Lord or Regent," Remus told him.

"This is brilliant," he said, looking around.

"We could have a true safe haven if we need," Hermione reassured.

"What of Blyihl House? We can't just up and leave it, especially not after the Goblins just expanded it," Dora put to them.

"We have no intention of doing that. I was thinking this could be more of our fall back, incase things get really bad. It could also be our cage for those nights we don't want to be in a cage," Hermione reasoned with Dora.

His mind was already working. Hermione really was wearing off on him. "I think we have another project for Dawn and Jane," he stated.

"Why don't we talk with the MacMillans first. You may be the rightful heir, but they have ruled the island for four generations," Remus reminded him.

"I also don't want to move in on another packs lands without permission," Hermione told him. "We are not beasts."

Harry nodded. "You are not a beast."

Her eyes narrowed. "Neither are you."

He didn't commit to an answer and she didn't lesson her hard stare.

Five minutes later, they were walking up a path to a small manor. It was maybe five or six rooms on the ground floor and looked to have up to a half-dozen rooms on the first. It was made out of the local stone and the wooden palisade stretched over the hill and around the manor. A wooden gate house had let them in without any guards. When he used the knocker, a young house elf answered the door. She had a smaller nose than most house elves, but longer ears. Her dress was made from what looked like curtains. Her ear hair was more of a golden color, brushed nicely and she ported herself as though well cared for.

"Welcome to the honorable House of MacMillan. May Remy tell the Masters who is calling?" the elf squeaked.

Harry bowed to her. "Thank you, Ms. Remy. Could you please tell your Masters that Mr. and Mrs. Potter, as well as two family members, are calling."

The elf looked surprised to be greeted that way. "Remy... I mean... Masters expecting you. A wizard shouldn't bow," she instructed him.

Hermione did the same. "Ms. Remy, you will find us much different than most witches and wizards."

The elf settled for a smile after a moment. "Remy is most gracious, Mrs. Potter. Remy will notify her Masters. Please wait in the entryway," the elf ingratiated and waved them in.

Remus chuckled. "I think you almost gave her a heart attack."

"No elf should be subservient," Hermione muttered.

"She looks well cared for," Harry tried to calm her down.

She huffed. "I would still let Dobby and Prim free if I could."

"They love us and they are family," he soothed.

"I know. I just don't like owning them."

He took her hand for a moment and squeezed. "I know, luv."

A moment later a sandy-blonde woman entered the small entry hall, followed by Ernie and a younger girl. Harry had to admit he had never spent much time around Ernie, but he knew the boy to be fair and bright, even if he had accused Harry of being the Heir of Slytherin at one point. At least he had apologized. His sandy-blonde hair and dark-blue eyes were the same color as his mothers, but his other features must have been his fathers. The girl, obviously his sister, had lighter blue eyes and lighter hair. The woman smiled and came right up to them, as though she didn't fear what they were. Harry smelt that she didn't fear them. None of the MacMillan's did. So few greeted them like that.

"Scion Potter, it is such a pleasure that you would visit our home," the woman said congenially. She had the feel that she might be a Boy-who-lived fan, but didn't let it overrule her honest joy. She curtsied and then extended her hand for a shake and Harry took it and kissed her hand as he was being taught.

"It is a pleasure, Madam MacMillan. I thank you for your hospitality today. Would you allow me to introduce my wife, Heiress Hermione Potter."

The woman's smile broadened. She curtsied to Hermione. "Heiress Potter."

Hermione looked a little flush as the greeting. Harry liked it. "And this is my uncle, Remus Lupin, and his fiancée and my cousin, Dora Tonks." There was no need to get her riled up right now.

"A pleasure to meet you, as well. Regent MacMillan was called to London for some business and should be back within the hour," she informed them. "My son, Ernie, tells me he is classmates with you, and this is Amelia. She will be a first-year in the fall."

Amelia flushed to look at him as she bowed. Harry smelt the adoration from the girl. He stifled his sigh.

Harry nodded. "Ernie," he said amicably.

"Harry. Are you doing better?" Ernie asked.

"Yes. Much better," Harry told him with a smile.

"Good. Cedric and others were worried."

"Thank you." He wasn't sure if Ernie knew about Cedric, though he probably did. It had been in the papers on and off the last month.

"If you like, Remy has laid out some tea and sandwiches for us, or I can get you a more substantial meal."

"Tea is fine," Hermione assured the woman.

They were shown into a sitting room with many nice chairs and a table that looked like it had been moved into the area for this occasion. "Madam MacMillan, you have a beautiful house and Amelia, I like your braids," Dora said and the girl smiled.

"I like your pink hair," Amelia complimented.

They made small talk for a while until the door opened. "Millie?" a man called out. "Do I have time to clean up?"

"Excuse me," Madame MacMillan begged with a flush and rushed to get up. "Richard, keep your voice down," he heard her whisper.

Ernie chuckled. Harry did too. "Da is not what you call classically raised," Ernie said to him.

"Ernie, don't say that," his sister admonished.

"Harry and I grew up with muggles. I find this stuffy environment not to my liking," Hermione spoke up. He was surprised at her.

Ernie laughed again and Amelia looked at them wide-eyed. "I had heard Harry grew up with muggles and wasn't surprised to see how he acted around many of the Purebloods. It was great seeing Malfoy and others those first few days first-year looking so confused that you ignored them."

Harry rubbed his hand behind his neck. He didn't find anything funny about the way he grew up, but learning more about wizarding society, he was coming to understand that him ignoring so many norms made most think he saw them as beneath him. Some of the taunting and rejection by many in the school his first three years was starting to make sense. The Potters and Blacks were towards the top of the pecking order and he had unwittingly cemented the idea.

"I didn't know," Harry informed him.

Ernie's smile didn't lesson. "If I could, I would have done the same. Mum and Da want us to be in those circles. Or they did." Ernie's smile dropped. "Is it true?"

Harry figured this would come up at some point. "Yes. Voldemort is back."

Ernie paled. Amelia let out a small scream. Another came from the doorway. He had smelt Madam MacMillan come in. "Don't mention that name is this House," she hissed at him.

Harry looked to her. "My apologies, Madame MacMillan."

"Harry saw You-Know-Who and the thing used Draco Malfoy to come back," Hermione told them.

"Morgana's tits," Ernie said lowly.

"Ernie, do not use that language. We had heard, but the Prophet originally reported it a lie until Minister Greengrass took over."

"It is not a lie." Harry sighed.

Remus spoke up. "Madam MacMillan, we are not here to scare you with this."

An average height man with broad shoulders and a blonde beard and hair came up behind Madam MacMillan. He looked around at the somber group. "Who killed the cat?" he asked jovially.

"Richard, it's true. He's back," the man's wife said scared and turned to her husband.

The man's face paled. "Merlin. Minister Greengrass and others have confirmed it, but I didn't want to believe..."

Harry met the man's eyes. "I saw him," Harry confirmed.

The man held his gaze for a few before taking in a deep breath and letting it out. "Scion Potter, I assume?"

"Yes, sir."

"Are you here to claim your rights?" the man asked.

"Looking at the island, I am not sure that wise," he started. "It looks as though you and your family have been excellent stewards, Steward MacMillan. I would prefer to ask for sanctuary for my Pack and allies when needed? Possibly to build accommodations or invest in whatever industry you want here? Lastly, if you and the other Pack on the island are willing, give my pack a place to go at the full moon?"

He was doing as Sirius and Healer Tonks had been teaching him. He felt like he was playing a grownups game, but he had to to protect his Pack and keep it growing.

"You would have me potentially attract the attention of Death Eaters and You-Know-Who? What of the people your family tasked mine with safeguarding?" the man asked.

"Steward MacMillan, the Potters have profited from your Stewardship for many years," Hermione started. "We would like to return those profits to provide access to goblin runeweavers and to help build up your fishing industry and the special herbs grown here. We also belong to a strong Pack and group that can offer some protection, though as you know, you, my husband and myself are the only ones who can grant permission here. We do not want to usurp your power. Like you, we are just looking for a safe haven on the full moons and if it is needed."

There was silence for a few.

The man let out a long breath. "You would look to leave the MacMillan family as the Stewards of your lands?"

"I can swear on my magic if required," Harry offerd the man.

Steward MacMillan's eyebrows rose some. "That won't be necessary." After a calming breath, the man relaxed some. He then moved towards them with an outstretched hand. "Let me start again. Richard MacMillan, Scion Potter."

Harry stood and actually clasped the man's forearm. "Harry Potter. You can call me Harry."

The man's face broke into a small smile. "Please call me Richard."

"Richard," his wife scolded him beneath her breath. Harry knew that wasn't proper protocol, but he would rather treat the man as an equal than a subservient.

-oOo-

Blyihl House, Devonshire, England

Hermione was watching Harry laugh and enjoy himself. The Weasley twins kept trying to prank anyone they could and Harry and others were enjoying it.

She was sitting on the outskirts, needing to be away from the center of the rabble tonight. Her wolf still wanted her mate, but it was at a manageable level now.

Luna was sitting on the outskirts too and after a few, she decided to join the blonde.

"Hello, Hermione Potter," Luna greeted without looking.

"Evening, Luna," she responded. The girl smelled like Pack. Bonnie was going to claim Neville someday and she was certain Neville would claim both girls. Even though a wolf could only have one true mate, she smelt the attraction between the girls as well.

"It is a lovely party," Luna told her, her eyes on Neville and Bonnie.

"Why don't you go join your mates," Hermione asked.

Luna gave a soft smile. "You sense it too?" she asked.

"I can smell it. You have given yourself to the Pack and Harry and I can tell," she reassured the girl.

The smile grew a little more before fading again. The sadness that perturbated the normally imperturbable blonde came up.

Hermione reached out, wrapping her arm around Luna and Luna leaned into her. "You know we are here for you?"

Luna turned her head into Hermione's chest. "I don't want to cry anymore," she admitted.

"Crying is good. It lets out emotions better not kept in," Hermione encouraged.

Some of the wounds on Luna's arms and just inside her hairline were made by wolves. If it had been a full moon the night of the attack, then Hermione would have made sure Luna was one of them. Luna was not a wolf, nor was she an animagus. Not yet anyways. Hermione thought only those able to smell like them would tell.

Luna sniffed. "You smell ready for sex," Luna told her.

Hermione felt her face flush. As though reading her thoughts, Luna whispered. "Most will not notice. I can tell because Bonnie smells it. Your alpha is only waiting for you to be ready. He enjoys everyone, but would rather be with his beloved."

Ten things ran through her head and the one she latched onto was Bonnie. "You can tell what Bonnie is feeling?" she asked.

Luna sat up, smiling at Bonnie and Neville, who were now talking conspiratorially to each other. "This is Bonnie's time with Neville. Tonight she will cuddle with me. It keeps my nightmares away. Someday we will welcome Neville. Bonnie is not ready and won't be for a while. She wants to wait until her first heat. Until then, I can feel how they feel."

It wasn't really an answer, but again, Luna was like that many times.

"I'm sorry about your father. I know it's not the same, but you are part of our family," Hermione told her.

The girl leaned into Hermione's shoulder. "It wasn't his time yet. It was time when mum left. She didn't have any unfinished business and I knew when she talked to me the day before, she felt it. I was able to let her go because she was ready to let go. She didn't want to leave us, but her spirit accepted the inevitable. Daddy fought it," Luna said with a shake and the sadness almost overwhelmed Hermione's senses. "Daddy fought it and I had to convince him it was his time. He would have suffered otherwise."

Hermione didn't know what to say. She didn't know what Luna was really saying. She had suspicions that Luna was more special than they thought, but this was something else. Hermione didn't doubt her words. There was a truth to them that cut to her core, as it cut to Luna's.

"Daddy wasn't ready to go. I had to let him go though," Luna whispered. It sounded as though it was the hardest thing she had ever done.

Hermione wrapped both arms around the petite girl and hugged her tight. Luna began to cry. It was the first time since the day her father died that she had allowed anyone but Bonnie and Neville to see her this way or comfort her. Hermione felt distressed for Luna. She didn't know what she would do if she lost her parents. From what she knew, Luna had seen her mother die, and had seen the wolves do what they had to her father. "If we ever find the monsters, we will kill them," Hermione told her. Her wolf bubbled to the surface and she let it. Having another member of her Pack, her family, hurting like this was not right.

Luna shook her head. "No! You are not monsters. You are my family," Luna told her.

The wolf retreated and Hermione was shocked at herself. She was ready to hunt the bastards and gut them. It shook her. "We are not monsters," Hermione said, unsure if they were.

When she finally was alone with Harry, he picked up right away on her distress. He had actually been trying to sooth her for a while. She felt guilty. It was his birthday. It was supposed to be a special day, and here she was ruining it.

"Luv, I can't help if you don't tell me," he softly encouraged her to talk.

She looked at him, feeling her wolf trying to take over and take her mate. "I am not a beast," she told him.

His worried eyes softened. "You are not a beast."

"I wanted to rip the bastards that killed Luna's father in the same way they had ripped him," she admitted, feeling scared. "Luna said we are not the same beasts that killed her father. Harry, I wanted to be."

Harry looked at her for a moment and pulled her in. She crumpled into his arms. "You told me we are wolves. We protect our Pack. I will not hesitate to do that. I will be the beast to keep you all safe," he told her.

She pushed back, a determined fire in her eyes. "You listen to me, Harry James Potter! You are not a beast and will not go to that level. It is one thing to deal with a rival Pack, it is another to want to hunt them down and eliminate them just because we can. I agree we will probably need to kill again if our Pack is threatened, but I won't do it as premeditated murder and neither will you."

His green eyes bored into hers. She held them and didn't care if he was the Alpha. She would not let him go down that path.

After a moment, he growled. It was a warning. Not at her, but it was a warning. His alpha was becoming stronger. "I will do what I need to keep you and the others safe. I will not allow innocents to be hurt. I will not wait if there is a clear danger. I will try not to kill. It terrifies me to know I will if needed. I will never do it for revenge or murder, but I will not hesitate if it needs doing."

She let her own alpha instincts boil up. "NO! You will kill only as the last resort. We are not beasts!"

She felt his alpha react and his will started to bend hers before he suddenly realized what he was doing. She saw it in his eyes. It looked like a huge effort to pull the monster in him back. They were not beasts or monsters, but the wolf knew power and at times it tried to dominate them. It wasn't the Sickness of others, it was the true wolf seeking dominance over its pack and willing to protect those it considered pack. Her wolf, her love, considered many Pack. She knew then and there he would do everything he could to protect them, which meant his humanity as well.

Hermione would not let him sacrifice himself that way.

After a moment, he said in a low voice. "You are not a beast. We will not kill unless needed."

"You are not a beast," she said, calming down.

"I don't know if I believe that some days," he whispered.

She shifted and straddled his lap, pulling his face up and staring into his green eyes. The understated power in them shone bright as day. The wolf was there. It was waiting, always waiting. As much as they accepted what they were, there were base instincts that were hard to overcome. Luna hurting called them out.

"Would a beast know love?"

His self-doubt grew less. "A beast would only know power."

"Is that what you feel? Only power?"

The intense green eyes drew her in and she felt the desire for him grow. "I feel you."

She quirked a smile as his hands ran up her sides. "And what do I feel like?"

"Warm," he said, running a thumb over her breasts. She stifled the whimper. Instead, Hermione cocked her head, not impressed. He smirked. "Excited," he added as he brushed her hardening nipples through her clothes.

"Is that all you feel? Power and desire?" she challenged him.

He shifted and she felt him through both their jeans. This time she couldn't stop the whimper of need.

"Love," he said before reaching over to peck her lips.

She moved her hands to his shoulders and then snaked her arms around his neck. "Never doubt that I love you. Your pack and family love you. Would a beast feel that or act out of love?"

"A beast would show his love how she drives him crazy," he responded in a tone that sent a shiver of pleasure through her and she kissed him. This one was longer and she wanted out of her clothes as he teased her breasts.

"You can be a beast in our bedroom, but once outside, you are Harry Potter. You are not a beast," she stated before groaning as he moved his hips.

He smiled against her lips. "Yes, Mrs. Potter. Now get undressed so I can be a beast."

Her flush was as much desire as this sudden change and command from her Alpha. "It's your birthday. I should be making you squirm," she told him as he reached down and took the hem of her shirt.

"It's my birthday and I want to hear you howl," he said in a husky voice. She whimpered again. Her wolf wanted him to claim her. It wanted him to do whatever he had planned. She had claimed him many times in the last few days. It was time for him to claim her.

Her shirt pulled over her head. "We should cast some silencing charms."

"I asked Prim to soundproof the room for the night."

She slipped out of the now unclipped bra. "Merlin, I love you," she told him.

He gave a mischievous smirk that had her crushing her lips into his.

-oOo-

A/N: This is not an abandoned story. I plan to complete it and have major events to work towards over the next school year. It is just going slow right now as my muse is occupied with other matters and work/life has been busy.

On the positive, Chapter 44 is written and will be posted in the next week or two, and Chapter 45 is well underway.

My goal is to complete this story, and two others, in 2021. A few other story ideas are piling up behind them.