I'm back! This has taken a bit longer than I initially intended. Sorry about that. But, here it is. From here there will be even more changes from canon. Just hang with me.
Having some of the Wolves around did Draco a lot of good. The house was a little crowded since members of the Order of the Phoenix were constantly coming and going. But all the hustle and bustle helped Draco to pull his focus away from his disappointment to spend time with his friends. His father may not want him, but he was surrounded with people that loved him. And Harry's mixed up family treated Draco like one of their own.
It did become a little awkward at the house when Viktor Krum showed up. The Bulgarian was completely smitten and eager to spend time with Ron. Blaise resigned himself to tolerating Viktor's presence, but catching the pair sharing a tender kiss had been too much for him. He'd made a vague excuse and hurried outside to get some fresh air.
Draco and Harry felt terrible for Blaise. But they were also happy for Ron. Ron's smile when Viktor first showed up at the house had been full of delight.
"We should check on Blaise," Harry said quietly, taking Draco's hand and leading him from the room. They made it outside only to find that Neville had already taken a seat next to Blaise under a large willow tree. The couple approached them, only to freeze and duck behind a bush when they heard Neville speak.
"You really like him, huh?" Neville asked quietly.
Blaise turned his head to look at Neville in surprise. He was rather grateful for his dark skin, knowing that it made his blush a bit less obvious. "I don't-"
"It's alright," Neville assured him, cutting off Blaise's denial. "I know some of the Slytherins like to think that Gryffindors are mostly just oblivious brutes. But that's certainly not the case with me. I notice little things when you're around Ron. And I can see that you're hurting right now," he added quietly.
Blaise sighed, tilting his head back to rest against rough tree bark. His eyes were focused on the horizon, but he could feel Neville's gaze upon his face. "I want Ron to be happy," he said firmly, as if reassuring himself. "I just hoped- I wanted it to be with me. But, he's- He's mad about Viktor, isn't he?"
"Maybe a little," Neville chuckled softly. He turned a gentle smile to Blaise. "We've got our lives ahead of us. You're a great bloke with a lot to offer. Before long, someone is going to snap you up."
Blaise smiled slightly, his body relaxing a bit. "Thanks Neville," he murmured. "I really appreciate it."
"I'm happy to try and cheer you up," Neville replied. "I can't stand to see you looking so down." There was a moment's hesitation and then he slowly and deliberately leaned close to press his lips to Blaise's cheek. He lingered just a moment before pulling away and moving to return to the house.
Blaise stared at Neville with a gobsmacked expression. Before Neville could get away, he steadied himself enough to speak. "What happened to shy, nervous Neville?"
Neville turned just enough to look at Blaise over his shoulder, a coy smile tilting on his lips. "He became a wolf," he answered with wink. He continued on his way feeling slightly embarrassed, but mostly pleased with himself.
Once Neville was inside, Draco and Harry stumbled around the bush, cackling. Blaise stared at them, flustered and embarrassed.
"Oh my..." Draco giggled.
"What the hell, Neville?" Harry laughed. "Did you see that look he gave? Sweet Merlin."
"Why are you two spying on me?" Blaise sighed.
"We were coming to check on you," Harry replied. "But we heard Neville mention... you know-"
"We didn't want to make it more awkward," Draco explained. "But then Neville made it really interesting," he added with a grin.
"Shut it," Blaise grumbled, getting up and walking back toward the house. He offered a little smile when Draco and Harry draped their arms over his shoulders.
Back inside the house, they quickly found their friends in Harry's room, talking excitedly while Hermione made notes on a sheet of parchment. "Oh good, you're here," Ron said, waving them over. "We've got some ideas and we need your approval."
Harry and Draco sat down on Harry's bed, making themselves comfortable. Blaise moved to find a spot on the floor, pausing when Neville waved him over. Neville had left a space open and set a cushion down, just for Blaise. Blaise carefully stepped around his friends to sit down, next to Neville. They exchanged tentative smiles before focusing on the others.
"So, first order of business," Hermione said seriously, "Viktor has bought a house here. He would like to help you branch out."
"In what way?" Harry asked politely, shifting his gaze to Viktor.
"I haf many contacts," Viktor replied. "You need more allies; more people to fight for what is right."
"Agreed," Draco nodded slowly.
"I can help you spread your... Pack's influence," Viktor said. "Teach me. And I will teach others."
"You want to be in the Pack?" Draco asked.
"I do," Viktor replied with a short nod. "A branch of the Pack, at least."
"That's... brilliant, actually," Harry murmured. "Having sub-groups, and allies."
"We did say that we needed to prepare for everything," Hermione mentioned. "A network would be useful. We'd have to be very selective though. I think an underground network would be our best course of action."
"Of course," Viktor agreed. "I will be discrete."
For a moment, they all talked quietly among themselves. They had no way of knowing what would happen if a war started. And war seemed almost certain at this point.
"This isn't even your country," Dean commented, peering at Viktor thoughtfully. "Why would you get involved?"
Viktor smiled, and glanced at Ron. "My heart is here," he responded, entwining their fingers. Ron blushed and smiled.
"That is so sweet," Ginny whispered while Luna nodded with a vague smile.
Blaise looked down, his stomach aching with disappointment. Beside him, Neville shifted to allow them to sit shoulder to shoulder. Blaise didn't dare to look at the Gryffindor, but a tiny reluctant smile formed on his lips.
"I think it's a good idea," Harry declared. "We'll work out the details with you."
"Thank you, Alpha Orion," Viktor responded with a nod.
Harry blushed at the use of that title, but recovered quickly. "What's next?" he prompted.
Hermione looked back down at her list, smiling as Fred casually pushed her hair aside to lightly kiss her shoulder. "We would like to have a mark of our own," she announced, looking over at the Alphas. "The Death Eaters use the Dark Mark on their arms and the one they put in the sky when they make an attack." She frowned in thought. "What if we did the same thing? But in a good way."
"For what purpose?" Draco asked.
"To inspire hope," Hermione responded, her eyes bright.
"And what is your symbol of hope?"
"The wolves," Seamus answered eagerly. "Two wolves, like your patronuses. We thought that maybe Sirius and Remus could help us come up with the incantation. They're brilliant."
"I think we could manage that. Are all of you in agreement?" he asked, looking around at the others. He was satisfied when they all nodded.
"Next," Hermione went on primly, "Fred and George have presented an offer to develop products for the Pack and our allies."
"Our joke shop opens next week," Fred said proudly. "We've got a great range of products for jokes and pranks."
"But we also have some that would be good for causing a diversion or creating an escape route," George added. "We'd be glad to make stuff for everyone. If Voldemort manages to get any sort of hold on the Ministry, we may all end up on the run or in hiding. We'd like to do our part."
It was a sobering thought. There was no doubt that Voldemort would seek to control the government. It was just a matter of time.
"Thank you, Fred and George," Draco said with a prim little nod. "We appreciate your efforts."
Harry smiled. "You're enjoying this," he said, nudging Draco playfully.
"It's sort of fun," Draco admitted. "Presiding over a meeting like a king or a general."
"And we are your humble subjects, Alpha Centauri," Fred teased. George snorted.
"No, you're my friends," Draco laughed. "And it's my job to make decisions that will keep you as safe as possible. I am really enjoying the title though," he admitted with a grin.
"Anything else Hermione?" Harry asked.
"That's all for the moment," she replied crisply.
"Alright," Harry nodded. "Really good ideas guys. Keep up the good work," he praised.
Harry watched his friends as they continued to chat with one another. They really worked well together and had come up with a lot of clever ideas. He hated that it was in preparation for war. They were teenagers. Their main concerns were meant to be homework and dating. Instead, the people scattered around Harry's bedroom were preparing themselves to become warriors.
Harry hadn't thought much about the big picture in regards to the Pack. He'd been far too focused on making sure that everyone could defend themselves and pass exams. Now he was realizing that he and Draco were generals of an army that they'd built by accident. It was a terrifying thought. This was much bigger than OWL exams. This was life or death, and they were planning to march toward it head-on.
"This meeting looks like a lot more fun then ours," Sirius said, poking his head through the door.
"You could have joined us," Ron pointed out. "You and Remus are part of our Pack."
"Thanks," Sirius grinned. "I've got to meet with the Order though." He looked over at Harry and Draco apologetically. "Dumbledore asked for me to bring you two in. It shouldn't take long."
Harry and Draco followed him down the stairs and into the dining room. The table had been enlarged and chairs had been added. Tonks waved enthusiastically at them as they entered, her hair an alarming shade of pink. Mad-Eye was peering at them expectantly. Snape acknowledged them with a single raised eyebrow. There were a few others present that Harry had seen before but never talked to.
This meeting was much larger than their's had been. Harry shifted nervously, wandering why they'd been summoned. The Order had previously been adamant about keeping underage people out. The twins were now old enough, but they'd been more interested in the Pack.
"What are they here for?" Mad-Eye asked gruffly. "They're just kids."
Draco folded his arms in annoyance, but didn't comment. Harry shoved his hands in his pocket sheepishly.
"These kids," Dumbledore said with a smile, "have started a resistance group of their own. And they're rather impressive. Severus has been overseeing their training at Hogwarts."
"What training?" Tonks asked curiously.
Dumbledore nodded to Snape meaningfully. Snape cleared his throat and stood up. "Draco and Harry have mastered a shocking number of spells. Their control is unlike anything I've ever seen. They have been using non-verbal spells for months." He paused, a smirk creeping onto his face. "They are now capable of wandless magic."
That certainly caused a stir throughout the Order members present. The primary reaction was disbelief.
"Accidental magic doesn't count Snape," Mad-Eye said tersely.
"Oh, I assure you... It is completely intentional," Snape replied calmly. "They have a frightening level of control over their own magic."
"And how convenient that they're too young to demonstrate this ability," Mad-Eye growled.
Dumbledore frowned. "I have witnessed it myself," he said sharply. "I do not understand this hostility, Alastor."
"We have a war brewing," Mad-Eye snapped. "This isn't the time for messing about with children."
"These children deserve your respect," Minerva snapped, getting to her feet so quickly that she nearly knocked her chair over. "There are certain things in play here that are not to be shared with the group. You have no idea what these boys are capable of." She drew in a deep breath through her nose, fixing a steely glare on the ex-Auror. "And I would think twice before speaking so dismissively of my son again."
Draco wrapped one arm around Harry's waist, his expression smug. Harry pressed his face to Draco's shoulder, hiding a pleased smile. He just loved his fiercely protective Minnie.
Mad-Eye closed his mouth and said nothing further. Dumbledore eyed Minerva warily before addressing the group again. Minerva, Molly and Narcissa all continued to glare at Mad-Eye.
"The Wolf Pack is made up mostly of students," Dumbledore explained, looking around at everyone calmly. "They've begun expanding their reach and preparing themselves to fight. I realize that it isn't ideal, but we do need them," he added regretfully.
"Why?" someone asked anxiously.
"It would be best if that is left untold," Dumbledore murmured. "During the last war, we had a mole among us. It's best to not to risk another betrayal."
Harry sighed in relief. He hadn't wanted the truth about his connection with Draco to be public knowledge. Their bond was private and so very precious. He didn't want to cheapen it by making it fodder for gossip.
"So, if we can't know their secrets, why are they here?" Mad-Eye asked, motioning to Harry and Draco.
"There will be times when we'll need to coordinate with the Wolf Pack," Dumbledore responded. "We won't be able to leave Harry and Draco in the dark. They need whatever information we can offer them."
"Do they need protection as well?" Mad-Eye prodded. Luckily, he sounded concerned rather than suspicious and indignant.
"Not at this time," Dumbledore answered. "But thank you, and we will alert you should that change."
Harry and Draco sat down at the table, resigning themselves to sitting through the meeting. There had been a few disappearances and several death attributed to Voldemort's followers. There was suspicion of at least one ministry worker being Imperiused.
Draco listened carefully as the Order continued the meeting. He kept his arm wrapped around Harry, aware that his boyfriend was rather tense. He imagined that Harry was a little nervous and overwhelmed. They hadn't anticipated being included in the Order's meeting, but Draco felt grateful for Dumbledore's sudden need to offer full disclosure.
At the end of the meeting, the group dispersed. Molly kissed Harry and Draco on the tops of their heads lovingly as she passed. Soon, the teens were left with their parents and Dumbledore.
"So, do you have any questions?" Dumbledore asked them, gazing at them placidly.
Draco hummed thoughtfully. "I don't think so," he said slowly. "We appreciate you being so open with us." He smiled slightly when Harry nodded his agreement.
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "It's the least I could do," he murmured. "If I had been more open with you about some things, you would have suffered a bit less. I truly only wanted you to be safe and happy," he added, meeting Harry's eyes.
Harry left his seat and hugged the headmaster. Dumbledore had been like a grandfather for many years. And Harry understood the desire to shield children from frightening or sensitive subjects. "Thank you for trusting me with all this," Harry said, pulling away to look Dumbledore in the eye.
"You deserve my trust," Dumbledore replied solemnly. "You and Draco have worked so hard and risked so much. And I regret my need to rely so heavily on such young wizards. But, Voldemort isn't going to allow you to live your life in peace, no matter what I do." He sighed as Harry say back down next to Draco. "And that brings me to the final piece of information that I wish to share today."
Snape pulled out his wand and cast a spell to temporarily seal the room from intrusion or eavesdropping. When he was done, he looked to Dumbledore, receiving a weary little nod.
"The Dark Lord has decided to kill Headmaster Dumbledore," Snape drawled, tucking his wand away.
"Why?" Harry yelped, dismayed. "I mean... I suppose it's an obvious move for him, but why now."
"He feels that the headmaster has you too heavily protected," Snape told Harry. "It is hardly a surprise. You spent several months with two Death Eaters as professors but made it to the end of the school year unscathed. The Dark Lord is not especially pleased with Lucius at the moment."
"What did Lucius tell him?" Narcissa asked worriedly.
"As far as I know, very little," Snape responded. "Lucius is the reason for the current assassination plot. He couldn't provide any information about you at all."
"Nothing?" Draco asked incredulously. "He started at Harry practically non-stop for months. He watched Harry perform spells as easily as breathing and he saw the wandless magic."
"It is strange indeed," Snape agreed. "And I intend to find out what is really going on. But for now, we need to focus on the assassin."
"We do not know their identity yet," Dumbledore added. "It may be that Voldemort has not made a final decision. But, we fear that he may select a student for this task."
Draco and Harry were alarmed by this suggestion. A child assassin? The thought was horrible, but they really couldn't put it past Voldemort to try something so despicable.
"What would you have us do?" Draco asked, grasping Harry's hand.
"I need the Wolves to keep an eye out," Dumbledore replied, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm less concerned for myself than I am for my students. Voldemort won't care about collateral damage if his assassin gets sloppy and hurts an innocent. I will do everything in my power to protect my students, but-"
"We have an advantage," Harry concluded. "We have wolves in each house and there are enough of us to make watching our for trouble easier."
"Discretion is imperative," Snape informed them. "We need to avoid causing a panic at Hogwarts. We don't want to alert the potential killer."
"Just please be careful," McGonagall urged them, finally speaking up. She didn't like this new plan at all. A glance at Narcissa, Sirius and Remus told her that they weren't thrilled about it either.
When they finally returned to their friends, Harry and Draco told them about the meeting and the unknown assassin. Their summary was met with worried expressions and lots of questions.
"We could make a few teams," Ron suggested. "Divide and conquer and all that. We've got each house covered and the teams can all be assigned to various parts of the castle to patrol and such."
"Won't that look suspicious?" Blaise asked. "Someone is bound to notice when the same four or five students are always skulking around one particular hallway."
Ron frowned, considering. They really needed to avoid detection.
"We could rotate the patrol areas," Hermione suggested. "Every week, we could swap each team's patrol area. That way, it's much less obvious."
"We could also periodically rotate the team members themselves," Neville added.
"Brilliant," Ron enthused. "It'll take a bit of work but I think giving the teams a bit of a shuffle will keep us from getting caught." He turned to Draco and Harry for their input.
"Sounds good," Harry said, relieved. "Thank you Ron."
"I agree. Great work Ron," Draco added.
Ron flushed with pride and Viktor squeezed his hand lightly. "I vish that I could be there to help you," Viktor muttered, eyeing Ron sadly. "I vant to be there for you."
"Me too," Adrien said. "Uh, not Ron specifically," he added hastily, making everyone chuckle. "But, I won't be at Hogwarts."
"You can still help," Hermione pointed out. "You and Viktor can be our eyes outside of Hogwarts. Coordinate with each other. Expanding the reach of the pack won't be easy."
"I have my job at the Ministry and Viktor has Quidditch," Adrien reminded her. "It might be difficult to meet."
Hermione pondered that for a moment. Then she grinned. "I might have something that will help," she said. "Just give me some time to see if I can manage it. Otherwise, you can send owls and make floo calls."
Viktor nodded reassuringly to Adrien. "Ve vill vork it out," he said confidently. "I like to make sure that I'm available for Ron anyvay." He emphasized his point by pressing a little kiss to the red head's temple. Ron blushed but happily leaned into the contact.
Blaise felt a hand gently squeeze his own, prompting him to look away from the affectionate display. He found Neville gazing at him with an understanding smile. Neville gave his hand another little squeeze before withdrawing.
"Now that we have that settled," Neville said, "we can focus on celebrating Harry's birthday."
This effectively shifted everyone's focus and they began to chatter happily about the party planned for the next day while Harry looked flustered. He didn't handle being the center of attention nearly as well as Draco did.
Blaise was grateful that the topic change gave him a moment to take a steadying breath. The affection between Viktor and Ron made his stomach churn unpleasantly and his chest ache. Neville's redirection allowed Blaise to regain his composure without being obvious.
Blaise hadn't really thought much about Neville before. He was rather quiet for a Gryffindor and he'd been perpetually nervous in earlier years. But Neville had flourished under the patient guidance of the Alphas. Blaise was proud to call him a friend and fellow pack member.
Those few moments under the willow tree had granted Blaise a new perspective of the Gryffindor. Neville was kind and certainly not bad to look at. He'd sought Blaise out to offer encouragement and a sweet kiss on the cheek. It made Blaise feel warm but also a bit confused. Had that been Neville's way of declaring his own affections? Or was he just being a good friend? One could never be too careful when it involved interpreting the actions of Gryffindors.
Harry's birthday party had been wonderful. Harry felt so very loved. Several of the Wolves that couldn't be present had sent gifts or letters. The Pups had been especially exuberant in send Harry best wishes on his birthday.
The Weasleys had all come to celebrate with Harry. Bill brought Fleur Delacour with him since they had just gotten engaged. Even Charlie had left Romania to attend the party.
It had been a day full of amazing food, gifts and laughter. For a little while, the fight against Voldemort hadn't mattered. Harry allowed himself to bask in the powerful love he felt for the people that he'd chosen to be his family.
The day had been concluded with a far more sobering encounter. Snape had stopped by the house once the party had ended and made a request to speak with Harry.
Snape had been debating with himself over the wisdom of approaching Harry. He wasn't keen to share any part of his past with his student. But, the coming war was forcing his hand. To gain Harry Potter's trust, Snape was going to need to be open and honest. There were painful memories that would have to be faced.
The conversation that resulted was... distressing. Snape had come to confess his own part in the death of the Potters. He'd overheard a portion of the prophecy and taken the information to Voldemort. Snape had been horrified when Voldemort targeted the Potters. Lily had been his childhood best friend, and in a desperate bid to protect her, he had warned Dumbledore. But, going into hiding hadn't been enough to save them. Peter Pettigrew had betrayed them and Harry had become an orphan on one Halloween night.
Wracked with misery and guilt, Snape had agreed to spy on Voldemort for the Order. He'd also promised to do everything in his power to protect Harry.
Harry had listened to the story silently, his tears falling unchecked. His family had become a direct target because Snape told Voldemort about the prophecy. The thought was almost too much to bear. He had trusted Snape as his Head of House and a mentor. Harry had nearly been killed as an infant because of the man's mistakes.
And yet... Even in the haze of Harry's grief, he could see that Snape was grieving as well. Lily Potter had been his very best friend when they were young. Harry also got the feeling the Snape felt far more than friendship for Lily. But, it was probably best not to dwell on that.
Harry drew in a deep breath, lifting his head to look at his professor. The man was sitting perfectly still, his eyes downcast and his face now holding a neutral expression. "Why are you telling me all this?" Harry asked warily, his voice rough with tears.
"It is fitting that you know the truth," Snape replied, his voice a low rumble. "I must live with my disastrous mistakes and know that I will live the rest of my days knowing that I had a hand in killing my best friend." He swallowed hard, determined to remain composed. "I will not ask for your forgiveness because I am painfully aware that I do not deserve it. What I must ask for is your trust."
Harry stood up, his green eyes narrowed angrily. Snape was startled by the sudden fearful uncertainty that flashed through him. Harry was impressive and imposing when he wanted to be. Snape did his best to remain still, resisting the urge to grab his wand. If Harry thought he was even slightly threatening...
"Why the hell should I trust you?" Harry snarled, a nearby vase shattering.
Alarmed, Snape held his hands up in a placating gesture. "From the moment Voldemort attacked your home, I turned against him," Snape said calmly. "I vowed to protect you with my life and I will continue to do so. You are Lily's only child; the only piece of her that remains. I would die to keep you safe."
Harry growled in frustration, tugging at his hair before scrubbing his face with his hands. "I don't understand," he said roughly, his eyes growing wet again. "Why would you do this to me? Why drag all of this up? And on my birthday?"
Snape blinked and then looked down. "I did not consider- I apologize for spoiling your day. I made the decision to speak to you and then immediately acted on it," he admitted. He met Harry's eyes again. "The coming war is going to be difficult for everyone. I may have to do terrible things to maintain my cover. And... It is imperative that you know that whatever I do..." He faltered and looked away again. "It may be that I'll need to appear to betray Dumbledore and the Order. I need for you to know that it is a farce."
Harry swiped at his eyes angrily. He really hated crying. It made him exhausted and he hated displaying such vulnerability. His thoughts were muddled and his heart was aching.
"How am I going to trust you after what you've told me?" Harry asked, his tone dejected and tired.
Snape considered that, standing up and pacing the room. Harry's doubts were perfectly reasonable and justified. He turned to face his student resolutely. "The headmaster trusts you implicitly," Snape murmured. "He has offered you access to the Order and the information they keep. You hold two of the Deathly Hallows and are expected to gain the third if anything happens to Albus."
Harry stared at Snape, dumbfounded. "What's your point?" he asked warily.
"My loyalty is to you," Snape replied smoothly. "Surpassing my work for the Order and as a professor... I offer you my absolute loyalty."
Harry's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "I... have no idea what to do with that. You're choosing me because... you think I'll be more powerful than Voldemort or something?" The idea made Harry feel sick to his stomach.
Snape struggled for a moment, unsure of how to put words to his thoughts. "I do think that to be quite possible, in time," he admitted. "But, I've spent the last few years watching you grow into an impressive young man. You may have your father's face, but you have your mother's heart. And a determination to do what is right with little regard for your own comfort. I've spent years trying to make up for my mistakes. Falling in line with you would probably be the best choice I've made in quite some time."
This was too much. Professor Snape didn't say such things. "I- Why?" Harry sputtered. "Why are you doing this?"
"I told myself that I would protect you for Lily's sake," Snape answered sternly. "But I've come to understand that you are the sort of wizard that should be followed. I protected you for Lily. I will follow your lead because of who you are. On your own merit."
Harry sat back down, overwhelmed and exhausted. "I need Draco," he murmured.
Snape left the room wordlessly and returned a few monents later with Draco, Blaise, Ron and Hermione. They all listened as Snape repeated his tale and his intentions. Draco spent that time sitting on Harry's lap and stroking his dark hair lovingly. He paused occasionally, glancing at Snape pensively.
"So, what do we do with this?" Ron asked bluntly. "Are we willing to trust him?" Snape was a professor, but they weren't in school and the man had just confessed to being partly responsible for the Potters' deaths. Ron didn't care to be polite.
Hermione gave Ron a scandalized look for his disrespectful tone, but she didn't bother with a reprimand. Harry's obvious distress was upsetting and she was angry at their professor for that. "After all we've been through," she said carefully. "I feel confident enough to say that Professor Snape is not our enemy." She looked at Snape, her gaze stern. "But I still don't understand your motivation."
Snape sighed, biting back the urge to snap at her. That wouldn't help his case. "I am a spy," he responded tersely. "I am sometimes compelled to do things that are... unpleasant, to say the very least. I need Mr. Potter to understand that my true loyalty is to him, no matter how the situation appears."
Blaise shifted a bit closer and rested a protective hand on Harry's shoulder. "We are loyal to Harry," he said sharply. "Our Pack is family. And we will fight for each other, no matter who stands against us. That includes you, if necessary."
Snape nodded slowly, looking around at his students thoughtfully. He wasn't sure that he'd ever understand the Pack. These students had always been clever, but perfectly ordinary. Harry Potter's bond with Draco had changed them in ways that Snape and Dumbledore hadn't anticipated. What Sirius had laughingly referred to as "Pack Magic", seemed very real indeed. Snape could sense it in the room with them.
"I need some time," Harry finally said, his eyes still red. He gazed at Snape steadily. "I- I appreciate what you're trying to do. But... I'm angry. And-" His voice caught in his throat and he tucked his face into Draco's neck.
In Harry's place, Draco turned to Snape while tenderly cradling the back of Harry's head. "Thank you for your honesty," he said evenly. "I can respect your desire to make amends. Just give us all a bit of time to... process all this."
"Of course," Snape murmured. "I apologize for disturbing your evening." He swept from the room, accepting Ron's hostile glare without a word.
For a moment, the students remained silent. Draco could feel the warmth of Harry's breath against his neck. Harry seemed to be calming down as the three Beta's rubbed his shoulders and petted his hair.
"We're with you Alpha Orion," Draco said firmly, pulling back to look at Harry's face. "No matter what happened in the past. No matter what the future holds."
Harry nodded and then gently prodded Draco, prompting the blond to leave his lap. Harry stood up and then, just as Draco had hoped, he transformed. Draco transformed as well, knowing that a run in their wolf forms would help to clear Harry's mind.
Hermione smiled in understanding, and opened the door allowing the wolves to leave the room. Right away Remus and Sirius ran up the hallway looking anxious.
"Is everything alright?" Remus asked, kneeling before the black wolf and stroking his fur. "Severus looked a bit shaken when he left."
"What did he say to you?" Sirius growled, a surge of protectiveness rushing through him.
Orion whined softly and closed his eyes to savor Remus' loving strokes.
"We can tell you about it later," Blaise said, giving Sirius a pointed look. "They need some fresh air."
"Right," Sirius nodded absently, a worried frown creasing his brow. "I'll go with you." In the next moment, he turned into the shaggy black dog.
"I'll get the others," Ron murmured. He turned and bolted up the stairs to fetch the other teens.
Remus opened the door wide, allowing the three canines to go outside. The sun had set, but the air was still warm and the stars glittered down at them.
The rest of the teenagers ran outside and sprawled out on the grass. They watched as the black wolf let out a long mournful howl. The white wolf joined in, creating an eerie sort of harmony. It was a beautiful sound. The teens joined in, tipping their heads back and howling, feeling a bit silly as they did so.
The embarrassment was well worth it when they saw that Orion seemed to feel better. He was now pushing at Padfoot and attempting to knock him over. Padfoot growled playfully, dodging away and nearly making Orion fall on his face.
"He's like a giant clumsy puppy when he plays," Adrien noted with a snort of laughter.
"He is," Ron agreed, chortling. Then he let out a yelp as Orion came charging toward them. The wolf succeeded in knocking over Ron, Viktor and Adrien.
"You silly oaf," Ginny giggled, poking at Orion's side and watching him squirm. He was still sprawled across his friends and seemed reluctant to move off of them.
A moment later, Centauri and Padfoot joined in. They nosed at the others, gleefully knocking the teens over and delivering wet, messy dog kisses to faces and hair. Remus, Minerva and Narcissa stood off to one side, laughing at the scene. It was an odd way to deal with pain and stress, but it seemed to work for the Pack.
