Finally Hunter looked at him. I have decided on your names. she said, standing and moving closer.
"Names? As in more than one?" Harry asked timidly.
Yes, child, everyone one in the forest has two names, a pack or family name, and a forest name. The pack names are only to be used when you are alone with your pack, forest names are what you give other packs or animal kinds.
"Oh," he replied, "I didn't know that."
Of course you didn't, child, I didn't expect you to. Now, your names, I have decided that your pack name, which I will tell to no-one except Ink and the Old One, is Torsten.
"Torsten? Why that?" She chuckled; it was a deep rumble in her throat.
It means 'Lightning bolt', it seemed fitting.
"I suppose," said the newly named Torsten, rubbing his scar.
Now your forest name will be Blade, because I like the name.
"Ok."
Now, chi- I mean Torsten, the Old One wants me to bring you to him, so climb on my back, and we'll be off.
"Ok," he said again and walked over to her. He climbed on and she warned him to hold on tight before racing off into the forest.
About twenty minutes later the two arrived in a clearing, and in the middle sat a large grey wolf. His eyes were clouded with blindness and his teeth were long worn down. Hunter walked over to him and kneeled, letting Torsten off her back.
Old One, she said, I have brought the child.
Very good, Hunter, he replied, and you have named him.
Yes, Old One, I have given him the forest name Blade, she replied.
What of his pack name? What did you decide on?
Torsten, Old One.
Yes, it is fitting, he replied and turned to Torsten, Lightning child, I have seen why you have come to be in our forest, and I believe it would be unwise to let you leave. The world is dangerous, and you are but a cub. We must find you a family, a pack, so you may be safe in these woods.
The Old One looked around at the gathered animals, as if he could really see them. His sightless eyes lingered on where Hunter had joined her mate. Who will accept the child as their own, and take responsibility for his future? He called, his deep voice echoing in the clearing. No one answered his call. Torsten looked down, no one wanted him, he was nothing but a burden, he'd never be one of them. These thoughts raced through his head, when suddenly a voice called, I will take him.
Torsten looked up, Hunter was striding back across the clearing. Her head was held high as the animals stared at her, not believing that she, after what happened, would take in a human.
Are you sure Hunter? The Old One asked, Are you sure you will not hold his species actions against him?
I too wondered that, but I am not human, and thereforeI will not make a human mistake. My children were slaughtered because of the mistakes of other wolves, I will not leave a child to death because of the mistakes of other humans.
The Old One smiled faintly, Very well then Hunter, you can raise the child, but remember to be patient, for he is young in human years, and younger still in wolf years, he does not have our natural abilities, so you will have to teach him them.
I will Old One, come child, we will go home, she looked at Torsten, you must meet your new pack.
"Yes, Hunter," replied Torsten as he trotted over to her. She knelt and he climbed back on her back. She walked back over to the black wolf at the edge of the clearing. The pack isn't going to like this Hunter, he stated as they reached him, they will fight you over it.
Let them, she replied with a growl, If they don't accept him, then I'll make them accept him. With that she raced into the undergrowth, Ink following closely behind.
A few minutes later, Torsten heard running water in the distance. Hunter started to slow down. They walked into a large area filled with caves. Ink sounded a howl, and wolves came rushing out of the caves. All of them stopped when they saw the human on Hunter's back. Hunter! Called an large brown wolf, what is the meaning of this?
This is Torsten, she replied, He is the new member of our pack.
But he's human, why should we accept him? Hunter growled, her hackles raised. Because I said so.
I won't accept this, the wolf barked, Humans are nothing but thieves and murderers, I won't live with one.
Then you won't live with this pack! Who are you to demand what will and will not change in this pack, Irontail, you are a Beta, not an Alpha, so you do not decide who stays or goes, She said, letting Torsten down, Either you accept him, you leave, or you fight me for the right to decide. Choose Irontail, for I am much vexed with your attitude.
Irontail looked surprised, She was defending a human over him, He growled and lunged at her, jaws open. She dodged his attacked, turned, and rammed into his side, flinging him into a tree. He got slowly to his feet and ran at her. She dodged again and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. She pulled him to the ground and closed her teeth over his bared throat. I submit! He called, you win.
She growled and let go. If I ever hear of anyone mistreating him or making him feel unwelcome, they will answer to me, she called, her voice being heard by every animal in the area, whether they are wolf or not, I will deal with them. She turned and walked over to Torsten, his eyes were wide. He flung himself at her, hugging her around the neck.
"You ok, Hunter?" He asked.
I'm fine, little one, lets go sleep, you've had a long day, follow me.
"Yes, Hunter," he replied, following her. They reached the entrance of a cave and went inside. Hunter led him to a back corner and motioned him to lie down on a bed of leaves there.
Sleep, child, I'll be here when you awaken.
"Night, Hunter," he said with a yawn.
Goodnight, my lightning child.
Thanks to all who reviewed and to answer some questions -
Yes and no to Harry turning into a wolf, Anyone wanna guess what I mean? I don't know when Sirius, Remus or Dumbledore will come in, haven't actually thought that far ahead.