Harry smiled as Greg fussed over him, though of course the werewolf would vehemently deny the fact that he was fussing. They had made something of a good friendship together, a little strange considering that Greg was looking after him and healing him from his many injuries past and present, and unfortunately Harry's body was a road map to abuse that he had kept secret for years. The sudden intrusion into something that he had managed to keep private for so long was jarring.

He knew that it was for the best the people knew, and he was being looked after here and being treated for all the damage the Dursley's loving care. That didn't make things an easier for him though. And the shame of having them know that he had been so weak. Though he was finally starting to see that it was not weakness, something that his new friends had made sure that he understood.

But over the month and a half he and Greg had managed to make a good friendship, though the man had a terrible habit of hovering over him and fussing to make sure he was healing properly. Like he had insisted on being here with Harry this morning when he made his way to his 'classroom' for his first day of teaching the kids. The room had been made exactly as he requested it, and he had been meeting the children in the manor gradually. They had set up a schedule for the children, and he had been expecting a little opposition from them - especially the teens - at having to attend lessons after a break while they had tried to find a teacher, however it seemed they were all so relieved that Fenrir wouldn't be teaching them again that they were quite welcoming of Harry.

"Harry!"

Harry grinned and turned to grab Patch and lift him up as the Cub threw himself at him. Catching the young werewolf and hugging him he smiled fondly at the young werewolf, the shouts from the others proceeding them throwing themselves at Harry as well for hugs.

He had spent a lot of time with them over the last three weeks, and built a very good relationship with them, enough that Patch had stopped glaring at him two weeks ago on sight. Something he had been inordinately pleased with.

Mary, one of the female wolves that he had been introduced to had told him Patch's story. Both his parents had been taken by the Ministry and locked away for being 'dangerous wolves' because they were known to consort with Fenrir. His mother had passed away after she received news that his father had been 'put down' after attacking other prisoners on a full moon because they had not supplied the correct facilities for him.

It was heart breaking, as was the story of the rest of the group that stuck together like glue. And Harry could not help himself from spending time with them and looking after them. And it seemed they had latched onto him, and he had formed a little train of werewolf chicks.

"You guys ready for class?" Harry asked brightly.

"Yes! I can't wait!" Marie beamed. Once again Mary had tried to wrangle her red hair into what Harry thought was supposed to be a pony tail, but it was fluffed all around her face.

"We aren't doing anything boring, are we?" Joseph pleaded.

"I am offended that you would think I would teach something boring!" Harry gasped in mock outrage, gaining giggles from them.

"Hey Harry," Tommy one of the older kids in the manor waved as he walked in.

"Hi Harry,"

"Morning Harry,"

"Hi,"

"Hey,"

"It's too early,"

"Mornin',"

"I had better leave you be, good luck," Greg gently patted Harry on the shoulder as his class trooped into the room.

"Thanks," Harry said dryly, fighting down the burst of nerves that went through him to see the kids all staring back at him.

"Ok guys that was really good, now I want you to work on the precision of your spell casting before the next class, but not on anyone alive or on anything that could cause damage!" He added quickly getting groans and laughs mixed from the class as they packed away their books. Slowly they all started trickling out, some of them stopping by Harry's desk to talk to him about the lesson or concerns they had, others fleeing while they could.

"Hey," Harry looked up to see Fenrir standing in the doorway watching him intently, clearly having been there for a little while. His golden eyes were intent as they took him in. He smiled unsurely at the Alpha, brushing his hair out his face. "Could you give us a little time please,"

His little group of cub/chicks looked cautiously between them before leaving the room, though before Joseph gave his alpha a slight glare of warning. Fenrir snorted as he closed the door behind them and started making his way over to Harry. The wizard stood there, not sure what he should do or say considering what happened between them.

"How was it?" Fenrir asked still stalking towards him.

"It er...yeah I went well...well it seemed to...they paid attention anyway," Harry laughed weakly and he hurried to put desks between them, collecting up the books the kids had left on the desks.

He blinked when Fenrir was suddenly there in front of him, gripping his arm and stilling his escape. He barely had time to make a questioning noise before the Alpha's lips were covering his own, and a strong arm was pulling him again the firm length of Fenrir's body. No matter how often they did this it still felt amazing. He sank into the kiss and the touch, Fenrir's hands settling on the base of his back but not dipping lower, he never did.

Harry found himself licking his lips as they parted chasing the taste of Fenrir. Something that made the alpha growl lowly and nip his kiss swollen lips gently. He chuckled when he took in the blush covering Harry's face.

"Always so shy," Fenrir huffed out, rubbing his fingers over the blush.

"Sorry,"

"Don't, I like it," Fenrir grinned. "Your little cub has been growling and nipping at my ankles every time we see each other though,"

"Joseph is just protective," Harry laughed wrapping his arms around Fenrir's neck. "I missed you,"

"It has only been three weeks, but I missed getting to pop by and see you, I am not sure this teacher thing is a good idea after all," Fenrir chuffed.

"Hey! If I am staying I am not going to sit around doing nothing," Harry shook his head.

"No if, you promised," Fenrir grinned happily. Harry laughed and leant up to kiss him again. Seeing the Alpha so relaxed and open around him was always amazing.

"What are your plans for the rest of the day?" Harry asked.

"I'm free actually, and as you now have a fully clear bill of health, do you want to see the gardens?"

Fenrir had been nervous and worried about taking him into the beautiful gardens considering Harry had been forced outside for so long when the Alpha had found him. But it seemed now that Harry was working and up and about fully he had no excuse. Grinning Harry waved his wand to pack up the rest of the class and then shyly slipped his hand into Fenrir's. The larger hand closed firmly around his, silent encouragement that his touch was welcomed in a way Fenrir did so well without saying anything, before he led them out into the manor.

It felt strange for people to nod with respect to the two of them, it seemed his relationship with Fenrir and role here as teacher - one that wouldn't traumatise the children as well - gave him a high standing among the pack. And even better none of them were interested in his name.

He closed his eyes for a second and breathed in the scents of the garden, the amazing blooming flowers and grass, trees and woods, as they walked into the centre. Fenrir had told him there were a group that tended to the gardens to keep them tidy, but also because one of the small business that they owned as a pack was a forest, a lot of the flowers coming from the garden. There were also herbs and various plants that their potions masters used considering a lot of places would not sell to werewolves.

Some of the group were milling around and smiled at them, but respected their privacy. Though as always Harry noticed their eyes were flickering to their hands quite a lot, where they were joined. Greg had informed him that the wolves in the manor had thought Fenrir would never take a mate, he had never shown an interest in a mate before, just sex - something which Harry was not happy to hear, Greg had been regretful, and Fenrir had been angry about - for him to suddenly chose one was a source of great interest for Fenrir's wolves.

"You are thoughtful,"

"Am I not normally?" Harry grinned when Fenrir flushed and started spluttering a little. "I am teasing,"

"Oh right," Fenrir cleared his throat. "Anything in particular you are thinking about?" Harry smiled at the hopeful look he was shot from the corner of those amazing eyes.

"You," Harry said bluntly and then flushed darkly. Fenrir however smirked happily. "Oh, be quiet!" He huffed nudging Fenrir with his shoulders, and then rolling his eyes when Fenrir didn't even move.

The werewolf however gently wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, glancing at the younger man's face as though worried he would not be happy with it. Harry pressed closer to his side, and then trusted the Alpha to walk them through the gardens safely, allowing Harry the chance to just take in the beautiful gardens.

They finally ended up by the lake, Fenrir sitting guard on the grass, quite clearly protecting Harry which amused and endeared the younger man, while Harry waded in the lovely clear blue lake, enjoying the feel of the cool water lapping around to his knees.

"Are you happy with your rooms?" Fenrir asked, his eyes tracing Harry's movements.

"Yes...but you can't mean for me to stay in them," Harry blinked turning around to look at the Alpha wide eyed, nearly slipping on the rocks. Fenrir went wide eyed and reached for Harry before he could stop himself.

"They are yours," He frowned confused at Harry.

"But...they are so grand," Harry shook his head.

"They are yours. Harry your place here as teacher gives you that right, Greg has rooms like that, Mary, Talia, Sam, Keith. Plus, I am courting you, that gives you the right to those rooms too,"

He laughed when Harry narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips at him, clearly figuring out whether or not he was lying to him about the others having rooms like that. He was shocked when he realised how little Harry liked his fame, and how he hated being favoured because of it. From what he had heard from the Malfoy spawn Harry loved his fame and used it all the time.

However that was so far from the truth, Harry would rather stay in here, just Harry and nothing else, and get to live his life peacefully.

He gasped when cold water hit him square in the face, exploding all over his body and soaking him to the skin. Looking up he found Harry grinning mischievously at him, his wand flicking and sending another blast of cold water from the lake to cover him. With a soft growl he lunged from the bank and into the water after Harry, who shrieked and started trying to run away, though the laughing he was doing prevented that.

Fenrir wrapped his arms around Harry, lifting him before carefully throwing him into the water. He made sure that he didn't put too much strength into it, and watched as Harry popped back up from the water, spluttering like a drowned kitten. Fenrir had only a few moments to feel amused before Harry flicked his wand again, and tugged Fenrir's feet out from underneath him, sending him under the water. He spluttered to the surface himself before choking when Harry splashed more water into his face.

"Oh, it is on!" He growled scooping water at Harry who was laughing happily.

He had not acted so playfully in years, just enjoying acting silly. And seeing Harry's face lit up, his green eyes twinkling as he laughed beautifully made this even better. They battled furiously away until Harry was within reaching distance, at which point Fenrir threw himself at the younger man, taking them both under the water. He surprised the dark-haired man by pressing their lips together under the water, Harry starting for a moment before he groaned and wrapped his arms around Fenrir's neck.

He lifted them out of the water so it was waist high on him, Harry's legs wrapped around his waist, his fingers buried into the Alpha's silvery hair, tugging just right. He hummed when Fenrir thrust his tongue into his mouth, tugging him even closer as they just enjoyed kissing each other...at least until they heard giggling and turned in time to watch a couple of the gardeners hurrying away. Grinning Harry untangled himself from Fenrir, leading the way out the water and up the bank.

The Alpha was confused when Harry gave him a mischievous look, he had spent long enough with the other now to know that that look meant he good. Then the next thing Harry was gone and in his place stood a jet-black wolf with bright green eyes, a small grey streak of fur like lightning on his head. His tongue lolled out, and it looked as though he was laughing at Fenrir before he turned tail and shot off through the gardens. Fenrir could only stare after him for a second before he took off as well, chasing down his beautiful mate.

"Everyone is very happy with the lessons, the kids are really coming on already, and Harry has already set up lessons to include the none magical kids so they don't feel left out," Marcus smiled. As one of Fenrir's elders of his pack his input was always important, and everyone listened when he spoke. They were having their monthly meeting to make sure that everything was running well within the pack, all the important members present to raise and work through any issues.

"How is the feeling towards Harry and myself?" Fenrir asked looking around the table. He was slightly worried that there would be negative feelings towards their relationship, however looking around his group none of them seemed worried or upset.

"There is a general good feeling," Mary smiled shaking her head.

"Everyone likes him, he is making a very good impression, especially with the amount of time he spends with Joseph's group," Talia, another of his elders chuckled.

"I am fairly sure we are going to end up adopting them, I can barely peel the off Harry long enough to spend time with him by myself," Fenrir snorted.

"The way he is with them, and with all of us has gone down very well,"

"He doesn't even see or worry about the wolf," Fenrir nodded.

"There is the one concern of Voldemort," Eddie said softly, as head of the house hold he really had his ear to the ground. "People are a little worried about how it will affect our treaty with him,"

"I have let him know that I haven't killed Harry as he requested, and that he is here. I informed him of Harry's...less than acceptable home life and how tired he was. I have managed to keep him interested enough in the fact that the Order left Harry in that situation and that Harry may resent them for it, as well as our growing relationship to keep him calm. I have not yet discussed with Harry the situation, but very soon we will have to meet with Voldemort to organise Harry staying out of the war. I am concerned about what he is going to expect from Harry, and what Harry is willing to give," Fenrir admitted.

"We can't risk our treaty with him," Talia said softly.

"I am aware of that," Fenrir growled making them all grimace a little as the Alpha shot to the surface.

"We know that this is going to be a difficult situation," Greg said quietly.

" am asking the man I am falling in love with to sit in the same room as the man who murdered his parents, tried to murder him on numerous occasions and has kidnapped and tortured him. Difficult is a little mild!"

"I think you should explain this, the situation and our treaty with Harry. He is intelligent and understanding, he will understand the situation you are in," Greg offered before the room quickly went quiet.

The rest of the meeting was the normal conversation of running a huge house full of werewolves, though they were all a little quiet and careful around him. He could understand considering the angry aura he was giving off. He could not help himself though. As much as he was enjoying spending his time with Harry, Voldemort was like a lingering shadow over his head.

Without even thinking about it once the meeting was finished his feet took him to Harry's rooms. He could hear the sound of giggling and chatter from within and he closed his eyes soaking up the sound of Harry reading to his excited audience.

When he walked in the kids all looked a little nervous where they were sitting in a circle around Harry, he made an effort to turn down the alpha, but it was hovering to close to the surface. Harry met his eyes and just smiled warmly, holding out his hand for the other man in welcome. He closed the distance between them quickly, and before he could reconsider settled himself onto the sofa next to Harry with his head settled on Harry's lap.

The Cubs all stared wide eyed at him, unused to seeing their Alpha so relaxed despite the amount of time they spent with Harry and himself. There was a little pause, and then brave little Marie, red hair a riot around her face, crawled forwards and on top of him. She snuggled into his larger body, shoving at her curls before getting comfy. Patch was next, settling along his legs and resting his head on Marie's back, then Niniel hopped up next to him and settled along the length of his body.

At this point Harry laughed and extended the sofa allowing space for Theo to jump up and also settle his head on Harry's lap now them were extended in front of him, Joseph curled himself behind Niniel and got comfy while resting his legs over Fenrir's. With them all snuggled into him, their warmth and scent surrounding him, he found himself easily relaxing. Especially when Harry started reading again, his voice and presence soothing Fenrir rapidly. He knew he was in trouble being so attached to the other man so quickly, especially considering their situation.

But with Harry close by, the Cubs that were apparently becoming theirs wrapped around him, listening to the sound of Harry's voice lulling him into relaxation, the heartbeats and breathing of those he cared about soothing him, the warmth of the little bodies sinking into him, there was nothing else he could do. Closing his eyes, he just let himself enjoy the moment. There was plenty of time to worry about everything else, he was just going to enjoy this right now, and later he would have something more to fight for.