A/N: Hey everyone, this is finally a chapter dedicated to the sanctuary in action. Not really a lot to say, but there is a bit of Harr/Tom bonding!
Warning: Not a lot in this chapter, language, mentions of violence and mentions of slash.
Disclaimer: I'm not J.K but the plot is mine.
Parsel
Snake – Harry
Venom – Blaise Zabini
Paws – Hermione
Swift – Ron
Manic – Fred
Panic – George
Bleach – Draco
Badger – Neville
Chapter 31:
The first thing Harry saw when he appeared at the Sanctuary was three little children barrelling through the entrance hall and down the corridor, he smiled to himself and made his way to the hospital wing. Luna was sat up in her bed and she was not looking happy, Harry bit back a smirk and cleared his throat.
"Is the service not to your standard, Miss Lovegood?" He asked coolly.
"Harry!"
Harry was fully prepared to catch the speeding missile that was his sister, and he was relieved to note that she was in perfect health again; there would have been a few deaths occurring otherwise.
"I'm so glad you are ok," He murmured and she huffed,
"Me? You were the one that ordered me away when you were still outnumbered." She pointed out, giving him a dark look.
"You were injured." He defended,
"You looked like a chopping board!"
"I was fine." He waved her off, "I had to make sure you were safe."
"And why did you not come through with the cubs?" She demanded,
"Ah, well, I may have been hit with a Reducto as the portkey activated." He told her, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly and mentally cursed when she went still in his arms. Luna stepped back slowly and looked at him.
"How badly were you injured?"
"It was nothing, I was fine." He brushed it off and pulled her towards the door. "Come on, I want to have a look around."
"You had better not be hiding things." She warned and Harry grinned,
"Would I do that?"
"Yes,"
Harry rolled his eyes and carried on up the stairs, he hadn't been to the sanctuary since it opened so he was looking forward to seeing how it was getting on.
"So how are things around here?"
"Oh, it's brilliant, Snake." She answered enthusiastically, "Ellen and Narcissa are teaching me advanced healing and Ellen has taken on an apprentice. A sweet little thing called Star,"
"That's good,"
"Draco is lost to the labs, he's like a mad scientist in there and I've seen him with the twins; it's alarming." She shuddered and Harry laughed.
"I don't think I want to know what they are doing in there thanks." He joked, "Though, I can image."
"Paws has the library mapped out, and she teaches the younger cubs how to read, write and count. She seems to love it. And Moony is back in his element teaching,"
"I'm glad he's happy." Harry said, "Let's go and see him."
"He's usually in the ball room, come on." She led him through the halls and in to the ball room, Moony was sat at the other end of the room writing something in a book, he looked up when they entered and he glowered at Harry.
"You should be resting." He said and Harry rolled his eyes.
"I'm fine, honestly."
"You fractured your spine, cub. You need to take it easy." Remus insisted, and Harry winced when Luna sucked in a sharp breath.
"Now, Raven… Luna… my beautiful sister," Harry began, stepping away from her and holding up his hands in defence. "I'm fine, and everyone got out fine."
"You fractured your spine." She repeated, advancing on him threateningly,
"I may have,"
"You said you were fine."
"I am fine. Narcissa healed me and now I'm good to go." Harry hastily told her,
"Fracturing your spine is not fine, Harry," Luna stated.
"Look, I didn't tell you because you worry way too much about me as it is. Besides, I did get out of there alive and I am healed now. Please, don't worry."
Luna gave him the evil eye and stalked away, muttering to herself, Harry breathed in relief and walked over to Moony,
"So, how are things?"
"Things are running as smooth as they can be. We've had some shaky arrivals but Alpha has been on hand to calm them down and its been smoothed over."
"How full are we?"
"Currently, we have seven outbuildings free and twenty four rooms open. Alpha wasn't exaggerating when he said we could fit families in those rooms, we have eight families currently in the manor and living comfortably." Moony explained, "Ellen has sectioned off the infirmary, I don't know if you noticed, and there are a few wolves in there healing. Those from your rescue and others who have come in and were injured, Bleach and the twins have been mass producing potions but they are still behind on many essentials because of sheer numbers. Badger is keeping the greenhouses stocked, but the potions are practically eating the crops and he's struggling."
"Damn, ok, I can get an extra hand for the potions, Tom has already spoken to Snape and gotten him on board so that will help. I will speak to Badger, he can have one of my Peverell cards and he can go shopping, he had a turner so he can go global." Harry said, "How many do we have living in the woods?"
"We've checked in at least fifty wolves that prefer the outdoors. The elves have been in their element cooking and preparing food and drink for all the wolves, and some of them venture in to eat but Alpha is working on the rest of them. Currently, trays of food are prepared and taken out to them, and they have a few pitchers of drinks that refill whenever they are empty."
"Brilliant, it is coming along nicely. Have you managed to organise clothing and other things that they have missed out on?"
"I wanted to speak to you about that, actually." Remus remembered,
"Oh?"
"Yes, there are many that literally have nothing. And I was wondering what I should do."
"Replace whatever they should have." Harry said as if it was obvious.
"Yes, I gathered you would say that." Remus rolled his eyes, "But I am not exactly the prime example of knowledge in that department, you were the one that got everything I have, remember?"
"Right, well, if you speak to Mippy she will have her elves size up the wolves and put in the order. As for a basic wardrobe which includes seven trousers, seven t-shirts, two robes, two cloaks, two jackets, a scarf, a hat, a pair of gloves, seven pairs of underwear, seven pairs of socks, two pairs of shoes and a winter jacket. It won't be prime material, it will just be regular clothing, but yeah." Harry shrugged, and Remus shook his head.
"You are unbelievable."
"What! I do need to keep this place running, if I gave everyone wardrobes like yours and Ellen's I would be broke come next year."
"Not that, cub. It's just that you don't see how much you're helping. This is more than any of them expected. I had one family come in, they were injured, and they believed that they were only allowed to stay until they were healed. The mother was in hysterics when I told her that they could live here permanently."
"It's the least I could do." Harry waved him off, he really didn't see what the big deal was; it wasn't like he was ever going to use the manor. "I've been told you are having fun teaching again?"
"I love it, cub." Remus said brightly, "I've been teaching history and basic magical training for the cubs. Most of them have never been taught anything so we're working on theory as they don't have wands."
"If you want to take them to get fitted for wands then I'll cover the costs. Take them to Gregorvitch or something, I'm sure I have a property in Germany that you can floo over too, and if I don't then Lucius, Paws, Swift, Venom or Raven does."
"I will speak to the parents and see what they think, if we can guarantee safety then I think there may be a few adults that would want a wand too."
"Let me check my property listings, and get back to you on that then." Harry said and Remus nodded,
"Ok, I can get preliminary plans in place just in case."
"Perfect,"
"Other than that-," Moony was cut off when there was a pulse of magic from a portkey and five figures fell to the floor in a heap. Moony stepped forward cautiously, and the two adults were up and in front of their cubs in a second. Moony held up his hands in peaceful gesture,
"You are safe," Ha reassured them, "You've made it to the Werewolf Sanctuary."
"Alpha?" The obvious head growled,
"I'm Alpha's lost cub," Moony told him,
"The one called Moony?" He asked and Remus nodded,
"Yes,"
"Who is the wizard?" He demanded,
"This is my cub, Snake. He created this place to protect our race." Moony explained, and they seemed to relax.
"My mate and cubs are injured," The wolf stated, his voice wavering, "I was told you could help."
"Are they able to walk?"
"Yes, I can carry the youngest."
"Cub, run ahead and alert Moonrise." Remus instructed and Harry nodded. He darted off and ran down towards the infirmary, he caught Ellen coming up the stairs and flashed her a grin.
"Just looking for you," He said, "Moony's bringing in an injured mate and three cubs."
"Ok, where's your sister?"
"Luna is-,"
"Here." She answered and Harry chucked,
"Here apparently,"
"Can you set up while I get the potions?"
"On it,"
"Do you mind if I observe?"
"Of course not, Harry. Come on,"
They walked down the wing and Harry stepped back to allow the two to get to work, Luna waved her wand over four beds and set them to order. Ellen pulled out the go to potions which included a pepper up, blood replenisher, silver removal and a few others Harry didn't recognise. He heard Moony come down and he directed the family over, the dominant put his youngest cub on the bed that Ellen pointed too, and the mate and two other cubs followed Luna to the other beds. It seemed that the oldest cub was around Alina's age and was looking around curiously, he hopped on to the bed without a fuss and swung his legs cheerily. Ellen rushed to the youngest cub and began her work as Luna worked on the two others, Harry stood back and watched them and couldn't help but smile at how easy it seemed. They both had a way of soothing their patients as they healed them, Moony kept the dominant calm as his mate was worked on and Ellen handed out the necessary potions.
"They are all going to be ok." Ellen assured him, "The youngest will need a few follow up doses of nutrients and your mate may also need some too, but other than that they are fine."
"We don't have anything to get those potions." The dominant said worriedly, "We have nothing, they took it all and then some. We don't even have anywhere to live." Harry's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward.
"You don't have to worry about the potions, they will be given to you for free and you can live here." Harry stated and they turned to look at him in shock.
"What?"
"You can live here." He repeated, "This is a sanctuary, there are many wolves living here. You'll have food, drink, clothes, a place to sleep, full medical care, and full education if you want it for your cubs."
"You – you would do that… for us?"
"Of course, this place was created in Moony's honour. And I promised Ellen a safe place for wolves." Harry said to them. "Come on, we'll get you checked in and we can decided where you'll stay."
Moony came forward again and he had his book in his hands,
"I'll need your names and ages first."
"I am Darren but I go by Blade, this is my mate Jason who goes by Cloud and our cubs; Sam, Tula and Peter. 38, 36, 10, 6 and 4 respectively," Blade told him,
"Ok, good. Now, would you prefer to live outside or inside?"
"We can live inside?"
"Yes, in the manor or one of the out buildings." Harry said,
"We can live in here?" The one called Sam said in shock,
"Yes,"
He turned his pleading eyes on to his father and the man nodded with a smile,
"Inside it is."
All three cubs released cheers and Harry grinned,
"Where are they staying, Moony. I can take them up so you can sort everything."
"Room 14 is available for a family this size."
"Well if you would all like to follow me, I can show you to your new living accommodations." Harry said brightly, "Once you're settled in, an elf will be along to fit you for some clothes and to get you fed and watered."
"Wait we get clothes too?"
"Yes, its only a basic wardrobe but I thought it would help. You can have a have a bath or shower and get changed if you want too." Harry told them. He led them up the stairs and through the manor, he pointed out the places they would need to know as he went and when he got to their rooms he motioned to the rooms which were already taken.
"You may see those who you already know, and Alpha will be around for any quires if you can sniff him out." Harry said, "Ah, here we go." He opened door fourteen and led them in, their looks of stunned disbelief were completely worth it in Harry's eyes. The room was large, it was in mixed tones of black and Moony had obviously adjusted the room to fit a family instead of just a bedroom. There were now four beds in the room, a spacious double and three queen sizes fitted in nicely, there was also a two sofas, a wardrobe and a fireplace with room to move.
"Who else is with us?" Blade asked and Harry blinked.
"No one, this is your family's room." Harry answered,
"But it's so big."
"Don't worry, they are all like this." Harry assured, "Now, I've pointed to the bathrooms so you are welcome to use them as you please, though, you do have a private bathroom just through there" He pointed to the door, "And –," Nip popped in and handed Harry a small book, "This is your information pack. It should have a map and all the information needed for you." They all looked overwhelmed and Blade turned to him,
"Thank you," He said, his voice dripping in sincerity,
"It's nothing," Harry said, "I hope you enjoy your stay. Food is currently in the dining room." He stepped out of the room with a smile and made his way back down towards the ground floor, if he could get to Bleach or Badger before he left then he could get them on board earlier than planned. He hummed to himself and descended the stairs, he was walking past the den when he heard a sharp yelp. He went to investigate and saw a group of three cubs standing over a smaller cub, they were laughing and the girl on the floor looked particularly sad.
"Hey, none of that," He called, moving towards them. When Harry got closer he realised they were a lot smaller than he first thought, they looked up at him wide eyed so he crouched down to their level.
"You shouldn't pick on others. It's not very nice." Harry told them and they blinked,
"But Mister, we were only playing." One of them said, scuffing his foot on the floor.
"You might only be playing, but others might not understand you and you could end up hurting their feelings, or worse, hurting them." Harry said seriously.
"Oh." They seemed stumped, "Even if it's only a joke?"
"Yes, even if its only a joke. It's very bad to pick on others."
"My mummy says we shouldn't be bad cubs." One said surely and Harry nodded,
"Your mummy is right," Harry agreed,
"I know who you are." The third said suddenly, "You're the person who rescued us yesterday, with Miss Raven."
"You're Mr Snake?" The others gasped in awe and Harry grinned, finally being recognised for something other than the BWL title.
"The one and only."
"Wow," they were looking at him like he was Merlin himself, "You're amazing,"
"Thanks,"
"Did you really punch the nasty man in the face to rescue Rico and Rina?"
"The nasty man was going to bad things to the cubs, and I had to get them out of there so I had to hit him. But fighting without reason is bad, remember that."
"Yes, Mr Snake." They chimed,
"Now, run along. I'm sure you are hungry and I know they have some chocolate cake in the dining room." They ran of with a cheer and Harry turned to the little girl and offered a smile. "Are you ok?" She nodded his head, still looking up at Harry in amazement. "Want to come with me?" She nodded again and Harry easily lifted her up and set her on his hip.
"What's your name then?"
"Mama calls me Petal." She whispered and Harry smiled,
"Well, Petal, my name is Snake and we're going to look in on my friends." He told her. He headed towards the library to see Paws, he wanted to see her in her little slice of heaven and to make sure, for himself, that she was not killing herself with books. Harry walked in and he found Paws in the middle of what seemed to be a mini classroom, she had about eight cubs sat around with pens, pencils and quills out on the desks. Paws was walking between them and correcting any mistakes as she went, it seemed she had written out the letters and had them copying the lines.
"Miss Paws is teaching me how to write too." Petal told him quietly, "She's very nice, and I like it."
"That's good. She's one of my very best friends, I've known her for five years."
"I'm five years old." She said proudly and Harry grinned,
"Really! Well, you are big aren't you?" He said and she nodded surely.
"Snake!" Paws called, "You're up and about then."
"Did you expect anything else?"
"No, not from you." She shook her head, "Though, I am surprised that Moony let you up."
"He got distracted with an arrival. Raven is after my blood though and so far I have avoided Narcissa."
"You should have just told her."
"I know, but she worries too much." Harry rolled his eyes, "Anyway, how's things?"
"Oh, its wonderful. This is one of my classes, they are working on their alphabets today." She told him brightly, "I see you've gotten involved too."
"I found this little one in a bit of a spot and thought I would help out." Harry said, "She's one of yours I believe."
"Yes, Petal is very good with her words."
"That's good then, isn't it?"
"Miss Paws, Miss Paws,"
"I've gotta go, I'll speak to you later."
"Got it," Harry waved and turned around, "Let's see who else we can find." Harry walked around and stepped in to the training room, Swift and Venom were in the middle of a hand to hand battle and Harry grinned at Petal's shocked look.
"I never been here 'fore." She said to him,
"No, you're not yet big enough unless you're with an adult. It's dangerous, see." He pointed to the weapons on the walls and her eyes went wide.
"Whoa,"
Swift slid Venom's feet out from under him and had him at knife point in the next instant, Venom smirked and yielded,
"And that is what we'll be getting to. I'll be working on your hand to hand while Venom will be focusing on blades." Swift told them, helping Venom to his feet.
"What you have to understand is that this is dangerous, and your parents have trusted us to teach you. This means that you cannot mess around, one of these knives can kill you." Venom picked up, "Ok, first off. On the track and run some laps."
"I see you've both settled right in." Harry called, smirking at the pair.
"We're just that good." Venom stated and Harry laughed,
"I see,"
"You're up and walking."
"Yup. As always." Harry said, "How's things."
"Good, this is our second class and they've all been pretty receptive so far. Some of the older cubs are a bit sketchy but once we show them how we fight their attitude changes."
"That's alright then. It's good to see this place up and running."
"Yes, it's amazing," Swift agreed, "It's surprisingly fun to teach, and with this no one gets bored because there is always something to be doing."
"How busy does it get?"
"Not very, I mean, this place is so big that there is room and then some. The busiest room is the dining room and even then there is room to spare." Swift told him, "It takes them a while to get used to the change."
"I can understand that, but Alpha is here to calm them."
"Yes, without Moony, Moonrise and Alpha this wouldn't work." Venom said with a shrug, "Those three are very good."
"Moony is working extra hard if you remember, he's always at the Gryffindor rooms working and I don't know if he is doing anything else either."
"You know, Snake, when we finally get a break I am spending an entire day in bed doing absolutely nothing." Swift decided, "I'm just going to lay there and know that I have nothing to do."
"I'm taking a holiday, Tom and I have already decided."
"The Dark Lord on vacation," Venom snorted, "I can see that." Harry rolled his eyes,
"I'll leave you to it, I have to get this little one back to her pack."
"See ya, Snake."
Harry flashed a grin as he left, he felt out Moony, who was back in the ball room, and headed in that direction. He was sat back at the other end and smiled at Harry when he walked in, the werewolf raised an eyebrow at the cub on his hip.
"Cub?"
"Hey, Moony," Harry greeted, "I was wondering if you could tell me where this little one's pack is so I can take her back and make sure she get's there safely." Harry said and Moony nodded,
"Of course, let me see." He flicked through his book and snapped his fingers. "Her pack is in the forest, they're in quite a big group, you should be able to sniff them out once you get there and she lives in one of the outhouses there."
"How do you do that?" Harry asked curiously,
"Paws did something to this book which acts almost like the map, it recognises each wolf that has been checked in by their signature so I can get everything up instantly." Remus explained and Harry blinked,
"That's impressive,"
"I thought so,"
"Ok, thanks Moony." He turned back to his cub, "How about we get you a cookie before we go and find your pack?" She nodded enthusiastically and Harry grinned. He called for Nip and asked for a cookie, his elf was only too happy to pop in with a cookie the size of the child's face and was rewarded with a delighted giggle and Harry thanked him before heading out on to the grounds. He had forgotten how large the grounds actually were and shook his head,
"How about we take the easy route?" He asked her, "Can you hold on?"
"Yep," She said, "But why?"
"I have been told this feels horrible, but it's much quicker than walking."
She didn't look reassured,
"Ok,"
Harry wrapped the shadows around him and moved in to the forest, he stayed still while Petal got her barrings and her cute little nose was wrinkled up in disgust.
"Yucky,"
"Not nice?"
"Nope." She shook her head to emphasise her point and Harry chuckled,
"It's over now," He pointed out, "You can finish your cookie." Harry took a deep breath and picked up many different scents, he inhaled again and finally picked up on Petal's weaker scent and took off. The further he got in to the forest the stronger the scent became, he could also tell that the Alpha was close by and assumed that he was with the pack he was heading towards. Harry stepped through in to a clearing and found the wolves, it was a large group, he could see around twenty and they had set up in and around one of the outbuildings. It looked incredibly homely, but his presence didn't go unnoticed and they all seemed to look at him like he had extra limbs.
"Cub," Greyback walked over and Harry grinned,
"Hey, I thought you were here."
"Ah yeah, your form." He remembered and Harry nodded,
"How are you finding things?" Harry asked and Greyback grinned,
"This is absolutely brilliant. My pack has settled in extremely well and we finally feel safe."
"That's good, I wasn't sure how well received this place would be." Harry said and Greyback shook his head.
"You don't need to worry about that, this place is loved."
"Good. Well, a family pack just arrived today, there were some injures but Moonrise fixed them up. They asked for you and they're now in room 14 if you want to check them." Harry told him.
"I will see them now, I have to go and check on Cub."
"He's as busy as ever," Harry said and Greyback rolled his eyes.
"I know," He looked around at his pack and smirked, "You've shocked them,"
"Why?"
"You're closeness to the little cub." Greyback motioned to Petal and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
"Most wizards would never hold a cub. Let alone carry one around."
"Well I don't care, she's adorable." Harry stated firmly,
"You're an odd Cub." Greyback said, "I will see you again."
"Bye Alpha," Harry said and then walked further in to the clearing, "I'm looking for this little one's mother?"
"She'll be cleaning, Freya's her name." Someone told him,
"Thanks," Harry followed the scent of soap and found a woman rinsing off something in a little stream they seemed to have found.
"Mama!" Petal called and the woman whipped around,
"Oh Petal, there you are you silly little thing." She exclaimed, rising to her feet. "You should know better than to run off."
"Sorry, Mama," Petal looked down and the woman rolled her eyes before turning to Harry, her eyes got a guarded expression that he was only too used to seeing in the werewolves eyes.
"Thank you for finding her,"
"It's fine, she's been a delight." Harry replied brightly, following the female wolf as she walked around back to the group.
"Come on, Petal. You've had enough excitement today." The woman said, and Petal pouted. Harry lifted her gently to the ground and his heart went out when she looked closed to tears, he crouched down to her level and pulled out a small box. It was what he was going to give to his sister, but he had a feeling that he was going to need a much bigger gift to get him out of this hole. He opened it and pulled out a white gold charm bracelet which was littered with small flowers with blue and white diamonds in the centre of each bloom, he put it on her wrist and charmed it not to fall off or break.
"Here, something to remember me by." He told her, Petal beamed at him and gave him a hug before running.
"Thank you, Mr Snake." She called as she went. Harry stood up gracefully and became aware of the stunned silence that had fallen around the clearing, one of the wolves stepped towards him, his face set in a mask of disbelief.
"You – you are the one that created this place?" He whispered and Harry blinked, he looked around again and shuffled.
"Yes," He replied slowly, and when they didn't say anything he continued hurriedly, "I didn't know what else to do. I mean, the WPP was cracking down and I had to do something and this was the best I could do. I can get you whatever you need, I have money if you need anything and there are elves here that are supposed to be helping out. They should be answering your calls and seeing to your needs." Harry explained hastily, he had tried after all and this was the best thing he could come up with. He shifted again when whispers broke out, another stepped forward and frowned slightly.
"You have done all of this for us, werewolves?"
Harry frowned and shot him a confused look,
"Well yes, of course,"
"But we are pariahs, we are nothing in this world. Hated and scorned by the masses for our condition."
"It's not a condition, it's a race. Besides, I don't like the masses of the wizarding world." Harry returned almost instantly, the first wolf came forth again and spoke.
"But if it is discovered that you have done this you will be persecuted." He pointed out,
"I don't care, they can try and come after me but they'll never catch me, and they will never stop me." Harry stated,
"But we are nothing, we have nothing, we can never repay you. You have saved our lives, our cubs' lives."
Harry perked up at that, a little proud of himself,
"I do not want anything in return. You own me nothing."
"Why would you do this?" One asked, "You owe us nothing either." Harry pulled himself up and looked around,
"You know Moony? The one running this place with Moonrise?" Harry asked and grinned when the whispers broke out of the 'lost cub', "That's the one. Well, he's my uncle, and he had to be kept safe because he's all I've got left and if anything were to happen to him then I am afraid my very mind would break. So that's the main reason, but I don't like it when children get hurt and when I went to check in on Moonrise she told me of the attacks on the cubs so I swore to her that I would help her and this is what I have." Harry ran his hand through his hair, "I don't really know if its enough, but your safer now, right?" They all seemed to look at him in disbelief and then, suddenly, he was surrounded by wolves thanking him. Harry found himself hugged tearfully by mothers and his hand shaken from dominants, he felt a bit overwhelmed because he couldn't name the feelings rising up in him. It was odd for this reaction to happen to him, he hadn't done anything for their thanks so it was a shock to him.
"Come on, you all are crowding him." A female voice called, amusement lining her tone. Harry looked around to see Petal's mother stood there with her hands on her hips and giving them all a look, the wolves seemed to take one look at her and scatter much to Harry's amusement and relief.
"Thanks,"
"You're welcome," She replied and Harry smiled, his smile turned in to a grin when he saw five little cubs running around in the clearing in their wolf forms. One of them bounded over and butted his legs, the little wolf yipped at him and wagged its tail, looking up at him as if to say come on then.
"Oh, alright then," Harry agreed,
"Be careful, their bite is still infection." The mother warned and Harry smiled,
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Harry assured, and then transformed in to his wolf form. Harry shook himself out and took a few tentative steps towards the cubs, he wanted to make sure none of them felt threatened before fully going over. The one closest to him yipped again happily and Harry followed the wolf over to play, the little cubs believed, as he was the biggest, it was there role to take him down and Harry soon found himself running around the clearing while the little cubs pounced on him. It was fun, Harry thought as he rolled over to avoid a flying cub, and so simple. He didn't realise how long he had been there until he began to see the moon poking through the clouds and mentally cursed, he had to go because he had a day to live again. Harry changed back and grinned at the pitiful whines that action caused, he crouched back down when the cubs came around his feet and petted them softly.
"Don't worry, little ones." Harry said, "I'll come and play again. I promise." They eyed him before deciding that he was telling the truth and running off to continue their game. Harry walked over to where most of the adults were situated and smiled,
"I have to go unfortunately, it's getting late and I have to go to school."
"Isn't it a bit late for school?"
"Yes, but I have a timeturner so I have to go back and live the day in school." Harry explained and they looked confused,
"Does that not make you exhausted?"
"A little bit, but it's nothing I can't handle and if I didn't then this place wouldn't exist and the work me and mine are conducting wouldn't happen." Harry shrugged,
"You are the strangest wizard I have ever met." The mother decided and Harry laughed,
"I've been called worse." He joked, "Now, before I go, is there anything that you need or want?"
"Oh no, there is nothing, we couldn't possibly have anything else." Harry recognised the speaker as one of the wolves talking to him earlier.
"Come on, there must be something. Anything, all of my resources are at your disposal and I have a lot of things." Harry insisted, looking around almost pleadingly.
"Well, while we love the outdoors and we have a building, we all don't fit in and now that winter is setting in it does get a bit cold for the cubs." The mother explained slowly, as if worried she was crossing the line. Harry blinked,
"Why haven't you gotten blankets?" He questioned shocked, surely they would have been given something that simple?
"We do, just not very many." She said and Harry snapped his fingers summoning Nip to him instantly.
"Yous be calling Nip, Master Harry,"
"Fetch enough heated blankets for all of wolves here and their cubs in earthy colours." He ordered, "And see to it that they are supplied with hot chocolate, tea and warm milk on the evening and nights with biscuits, but make sure they are given to the mates in case there are any misbehaved cubs."
"Yes, Master Harry, right away." Nip popped out and came back almost instantly with two huge piles of blankets. "I bes telling the kitchen elves too, sir."
"Good, thank you, Nip." Harry said pleased, and then he had another idea, "Have Mippy send her team here to and get them some more clothes, and if they don't want the clothes at least the materials to make their own clothes. And have an elf come and check on them twice a day to see if they need anything, unless they are called and of course one of the elves will have to answer."
"Right away, Master." The elf bowed and popped away and Harry nodded to himself,
"This is too much,"
"Of course it isn't. It's the least I can give you and if you need anything else you just have to call for an elf. They have all been instructed to serve all the guests here." Harry explained,
"You are a very good person." The mother stated,
"One day I hope that becomes true." Harry told her, "If you want me for anything then just ask Moony or any of the humans here, they can get hold of me instantly."
"Thank you, truly."
"You are most welcome." Harry nodded to them all and then vanished in to the shadows. He appeared outside the ballroom and happily went over to Moony,
"Hey cub, been talking to the wolves?"
"Yes, Petal's pack is fun and I was playing with the cubs." Harry answered brightly, "It's been nice, and I made sure they had everything they needed."
"That's good, it's quite hard to give extra help to those outdoors because they are the ones who are most used to having nothing at all." Remus sighed and Harry nodded,
"I guessed that, but I've got them to take blankets and clothes." Harry said and Remus looked at him in surprise.
"Really?"
"Yes, and hot drinks for the evenings."
"Only you, cub." Moony said amused, shaking his head. Harry shrugged,
"You all don't believe it's my natural charm."
"I'm starting to believe that."
"So you should," Harry sniffed, he cast a tempus and groaned, "Time to be the golden boy."
"I don't envy you, cub."
"Ugh, why cruel world." He bemoaned, "I suppose I should go and see if my sister still wants to kill me."
"She's in the infirmary."
"Thanks, Moony." Harry hugged him and shadowed to the infirmary where Luna was in a discussion with Ellen. The raven animagus turned her nose up at him and turned away, Harry blinked at the cold reception and sighed to himself as he walked over.
"Ray?" He called softly and she merely sniffed and continued with her organising, Ellen sent him an apologetic look before leaving and Harry grimaced. "Luna – little sister?"
"What do you want?" She demanded coldly and Harry's eyebrows shot up.
"Why are you still mad at me? I don't understand." And he really didn't, yes he didn't tell her but it was only so she didn't worry about him and, besides, he was fine now so it didn't matter.
"You could have died." She hissed at him, and he stepped back at the tone.
"But I'm fine." He pointed out, "It wasn't that bad."
"Wasn't that… Harry, you fractured your spine. That is so far past bad that it isn't even funny." She snapped, "You put yourself in danger unnecessarily and nearly killed yourself."
"It wasn't unnecessary." Harry insisted, "I had to get you and the wolves out of there."
"Not at the cost of your own life. You used yourself to shield me twice,"
"Of course I did, I couldn't throw up more shields." Harry said bewildered, "How else was I going to stop you getting hit by the spells?"
"You shouldn't have focused on me at all. You should have kept yourself protected and left me." Luna told him and Harry's expression darkened immediately,
"Don't be stupid, you come first." Harry stated, his voice steely.
"But, Harry -,"
"No, don't." Harry held up his hand and looked at her dead in the eye, "If it came down to it, between throwing a shield up to protect myself or stepping in front of a curse for you, you would win every time."
"You shouldn't do that, I'm not worth it-," He cut her off again.
"Never say that," He spat, venom leaking in to his tone and his expression settling in to anger. "Never say that you are not worth it because you will always be worth it."
"You-,"
"Do you have any idea what happened when I saw you do down with that curse?" Harry asked rhetorically, "It was like a red haze had settled over my vision and there was this rattling in the back of my head screaming at me to kill them, to kill them all with my bare hands. As soon as you went down, every single enemy in that clearing signed and dated their deaths by my own hand and there was nothing they could do about it." Harry stopped the pacing he hadn't even realised he was doing, "I was fuming that anyone would dare attack you, my little sister that I don't even remember getting back to Tom last night. After you were away to safety that's it, its gone because it wasn't me in control then." Harry shook his head and rubbed his hand over his face, "You know me better than anyone you know exactly what was rattling around in my head, you are my little sister, one of my best friends and there is nothing you can do or say that will ever change that and you will never change the fact that I will always put you before me no matter what. Because if I lost you then I would make the world burn and there would be nothing to stop me from doing so." Luna warred with herself for a moment before flinging her arms around him, Harry wrapped his arms around her and tucked her head under his chin and squeezed lightly.
"Why do you have to be so damn convincing." She grumbled in to his chest,
"I really don't know,"
"You'll just have to train more, because I refuse to lose you." She ordered and Harry nodded,
"I will,"
"Good,"
"I have to go."
"I know, I'll see you later." She leaned up to kiss his cheek and Harry vanished in to the shadows, he appeared in his rooms and turned back 8am with a sigh. Once the odd feeling of timetravel has settled, he made his way up stairs and got changed for the day.
He cursed himself for forgetting to go in and see Bleach but he would track him down eventually, he had too many other things on his mind and he steeled himself for the day before heading to the great hall. He had mentally mapped out what he wanted to do in the upcoming weeks, and that was all he had left. If Dumbledore was not out of the castle by Yule then all of his plans would have to shift and that was not acceptable for him, Harry had too much hanging on his planned results.
He wanted to be himself when he returned to the castle after the Yule break because he knew himself enough to know that he would break soon. It was getting to the point where he could feel himself fraying and if he broke then he was dead, his friends were dead and Dumbledore would have won; that was something he could not allow. It was also the fact that in his lessons he was performing to not even a spec of his ability and he was struggling with that, people thought it was hard to overachieve, they should try under achieving and then complain; it was so much harder.
You had to watch everything you did, you have to make sure that every wand movement was just slightly off, you had to mispronounce and you had to keep your magic in your full control at all times. There was no room for slip ups. And Harry was in full agreement with Paws when she said the library was a respite, because he practically ran there for his free slot after lunch. He made his way to his spot and was surprised to note that his spot was taken, Harry was about to walk away when he recognised the familiar signature of Alina and continued on. His privacy spells came up almost unconsciously as he dropped his things down, he was feeling this day more than ever and he carefully lowered himself on to the bench. He looked over at Alina and grinned when he saw she was giving him the brightest smile he had ever seen.
"I take it you got your packages?" He asked unnecessarily,
"Everything is so amazing, and the trunk is beautiful." She gushed, "And everything fits perfectly, and it all looks so good and no one can touch it or my bed and nothing has been broken at all."
"That's good." Harry said pleased, "See, I told you not to worry."
"Yeah, but how was I supposed to know you were going to go out and buy everything for me." Alina rolled her eyes and then blinked, "Wait, you went out and bought everything for me."
"Yes, I happen to like shopping and Germany is my favourite place to go."
"Germany?" She exclaimed, before shaking her head, "But you bought everything."
"I know,"
"It must have cost you a fortune." She whispered in shock, as if she was only just realising, "Everything is so nice."
"Eh, only a few thousand." Harry waved her off, not noticing her stunned expression,
"Thousand?"
"Yeah, change really,"
"Are you rich or something?" She asked jokingly but Harry smirked,
"Filthy rich," Harry told her very seriously, "So rich that I can literally afford to throw away money." He thought back to all the galleons he used as portkeys and grinned.
"Really?"
"Yep, I'm the only heir to a few old names. Potter and Black being the ones everyone knows about,"
"But there's more?" She asked in disbelief,
"A quick one, aren't you?" Harry said with a grin, "But yes, I have two more actually, but they don't get announced until after Yule."
"Wow," She blinked a few times, "You didn't have to buy me things."
"I know, I wanted to," Harry said, "Ask Luna when you see her next, I buy her things all the time, often things were cost more than people's yearly salary."
"Well thank you."
"You are quite welcome."
"So what are you doing here?" She asked, and Harry chuckled,
"Same thing as you I'd imagine."
"What, hiding?" She said sceptically and Harry grinned,
"Yes, hiding, and I think this is the perfect spot."
"It is a nice spot," She agreed and then looked at him shrewdly, "Why are you hiding?"
"So I don't slip up and do something stupid before my last lesson."
"Oh, ok," She shrugged and went back to the book she was reading before he came, he recognised it as on he had picked up and smiled to himself. He pulled out a sheet of parchment and wrote down all of the things he had to do soon, he knew he had to speak with Snape and he had his research to conduct. He had other things to be doing too, but they involved Tom and he intended to see the man tonight to catch up on the things he missed. Harry ran his hand through his hair and sighed, this had better be worth it in the end.
"Come on, back to classes."
"But I hate potions." She complained and Harry grinned,
"Yeah, I know the feeling. But we have to do things we don't like."
"Well we shouldn't." She sniffed, swinging her long dark hair over her shoulder.
"Come on, Little elf, let's go."
She pouted but hopped of the bench and left with a wave, Harry followed her out after a few moments and headed to his final lesson of the day; Charms. Flitwick was his usual cheerful self and Harry weaved his charms easily, he made sure to slip up a few times but get it right before the end of the lesson to escape homework; he really did not need anything else to clog up his time. He picked at his food at dinner and escaped as soon as possible without it being suspicious, he threw his things on the bed as soon as he was in his room and changed his clothes to whatever Luna had put out for him. He looked longingly at his bed before pulling himself together and shadowing to Tom's rooms, the man was already there and Harry dropped down on a chair, biting back a hiss as he did so.
"You are an exceptionally foolish person." Tom informed him,
"I know,"
"Good,"
"So what did I miss?"
"Lucius information backs up what yours said and it went to vote today, the announcement should be tomorrow." Tom told him and Harry nodded,
"The twins will get it as soon as it passes, the wording can be ripped apart then." Harry mused,
"Dumbledore's eradication has already started, he's been picking of little places that are known for their darker natures and worry is beginning to spread." Tom said, "My Death Eaters have been warned and they are putting the word about for caution."
"He's moving quicker than I thought, dammit, this is really bad timing." Harry sighed, "Ok, the words out, you might want to speak with your vampires. Now that the werewolves are gone they will become the next target."
"I know, I have already sent envoys."
"Ok, good, that's good." Harry ran a hand through his hair, "I have yet to speak with Snape today and I haven't spoken to Bleach either, nor have I checked in with Cissa."
"If you collect the law tomorrow we shall meet with the elite and you can speak then." Tom suggested and Harry nodded,
"Yes, that's better. I've already spoken to Rabastan and they are working together fine."
"I am guessing you made it to the sanctuary?" Tom questioned and Harry nodded, his eyes lighting up.
"You should see it, Tom. It's amazing." Harry told him, "And the little cubs are adorable." Tom rolled his eyes at that, smiling at Harry's antics.
"I am sure they are." He agreed, "You should be able to settle in to a routine of research and magic now,"
"Yes, which is good, and I'm waiting for the best time to release the final article in the series and planning the next one. I'll have to speak to Lucius because I want it to correspond with Fudge's removal."
"Oh?"
"Yes, and if I know Rita it will have the ripple effect that I want it to."
"I see," Tom knew the brat would not say anything else, "Do you know where you are going to start your research."
"I'll pick up where I left off."
"What exactly are you researching?"
"Well, it came to my attention that, while we may take over and we may rule the world, none of it is going matter if the people in it are not receptive to change. Yes, we can attempt to rule by fear but eventually the numbers will revolt and we will be back to square one. So, I've been researching in to the history of magic, and not just ours, other countries too, and cross referencing them with our own. If I can get historical evidence that dark magic isn't evil, and that werewolves shouldn't be feared and other races should be embraced I thought it would help." Harry explained, "I've been using the Flamel journals and other historical books from around the worlds to compile evidence to throw at the critics." Tom blinked a few times and shook his head,
"You constantly surprise me," He murmured, amazed "That is truly a genius idea. I will collect my books from my travelling too." Harry smiled, studiously ignoring the light blush that came to his cheeks and Tom's genuine compliment and continued.
"I'm also using it to help find the heirs and doing my usual magic experiments. I'm sending loads of my research to Paws to help her draft out laws we want put through and I'm also helping by sending Swift any knowledge of obscure wards I find." Harry said to him, "And I've also been digging up all the old legislations that have been almost forgotten about. I started at the start of the century, I've been decided which ones need reform and which ones need to be abolished and I was going to hand them off to Lucius once I had finished with them."
"How many times are you living the day?" Tom inquired and Harry shrugged,
"I don't know, I lose track if I'm honest. I've only lived twice today though,"
"You need to slow down." Tom stated, rather alarmed at how much the teen was taking on. He had not realised that Harry was doing so much, and he was slightly concerned.
"Hypocrite much?" Harry threw back with a raised eyebrow and Tom glowered at him because it was true, he had been living the day multiple times to fit all of his work in too. "I know I'm working too hard, and my training probably isn't helping, but until Dumbledore is out of this castle I have no choice."
"I really hate that old man." Tom decided and Harry laughed,
"Yeah, me too." Harry agreed. He snapped his fingers and got Winky to bring his work to him, he pulled out his sheets of parchment and the books he was currently working from and got on with his research. He was, at that time looking in to the Transylvanian legends of vampires to build his case for the future vampire laws. They were currently classed as dark simply because they needed blood to survive, it was pathetic in Harry's eyes and any information would help. Harry got lost in his work, so much so that he jumped a foot in the air when Tom tapped him on his shoulder.
"Holy mother of shit." Harry cursed, clutching his heart, "I thought you had given up trying to kill me?"
"I did call you," Tom drawled amused,
"Really?"
"Multiple times,"
"Oh, sorry about that."
"It's approaching midnight,"
"Merlin, I didn't realise,"
"I thought as much,"
Harry waved his hand and cleared up his work, he hopped up and then dropped back down again with a yelp, his hand flying to his back.
"Shit," all of his mentally pushing back the pain since he woke up from his injuries had finally caught up on him, his back was practically pulsing with pain and it hurt to stand.
"What is it?" Tom asked, and Harry grimaced,
"My back really does not appreciate me living two days, carrying around a cub and playing chase in wolf form." Harry told him and Tom sighed through his nose.
"I really cannot imagine why." He said dryly, Harry rolled his eyes and carefully pulled himself to his feet. He cringed in pain and then realised it hurt to move so he froze himself up, his back was on fire, his ribs were aching and his legs burned.
"This isn't going to work." Harry decided, scrunching his eyes closed in pain,
"You know you wouldn't have had this problem if you concerned yourself with your health."
"Yeah yeah, I know, you were right blah blah blah." Harry grumbled, trying to straighten out but having no success. "I need potions." Tom sighed,
"I have a better idea," Tom said, "Come on," he effortlessly lifted Harry up bridal style and carried him in to the bedroom, "The things I do for you."
"What exactly are you going to do?" Harry asked, allowing Tom to place him on the bed.
"Turn around and lie down." Tom instructed, vanishing his shirt, Harry eyed him before falling on to the bed on his stomach. He felt Tom climb on to the bed straddling his back and he was about to ask what Tom was doing when he felt the most wonderful pressure on his back and all questions vanished in a pleased groan. Tom's hands felt like magic itself working all the kinks and knots out of his back and Harry felt himself turn in to a happy pile of goo on the bed,
"Dear Merlin is there no end to your skills?" He asked with a pleased sigh,
"Not really, no." Tom answered amused, Harry chuckled lightly.
"Seriously, you have a gift." Harry decided, feeling his muscles relax and his tenseness melt away. Harry was practically asleep when Tom eventually finished and he had to bite back a whine of disappointment when the man removed himself and led down next to him.
"Better?"
"So much," Harry said in relief, "Thank you,"
"Don't expect it all the time." Tom warned and Harry pouted,
"Awe what?" Harry grinned at Tom's blank expression, "Fine,"
"If you paid attention to your health it wouldn't be necessary." Tom reminded him,
"Yes, I know." Harry rolled his eyes, "Now stop nagging and let me hug you." It was Tom's turn to roll his eyes, but he allowed Harry to roll over and settle on his chest and wrapped his arm around his waist before they both fell asleep.
So, that's the chapter and I hope you like it. Let me know what you think and I'll try and get the next chapter up ASAP, thanks
Jess*