I'm back! I feel horrible for taking so long to update guys. I'm so sorry. I live in an area that was hit pretty hard by hurricane Florence. Lots of flooding, damaged buildings and roads. We were without power for a few days, but we did better than most. The whole city still kinda looks like crap since there's still debris and trees laying around. It'll take time. Since then, I've been swamped at work and dealing with other real life stuff... My illness and a bout of mild depression that didn't really want to let go. But, I'm here and ready to move forward. I've got a ton of stuff going on right now, but I'm determined to write regularly.

This chapter is... I don't know. It's getting the ball rolling on Year 6. Not completely happy with it, but that's partially because I'd stepped away from this for a little too long. I'm re-establishing my rhythm. Please be patient with me.


Being back at school made Harry feel incredibly nervous. He was glad to be returning to his studies and to have his friends with him, but he was worried about Draco. They weren't sure how some of the Slytherins would react to Draco's perceived betrayal.

Their first evening back was oddly quiet. Many students seemed to be peering curiously at Draco, but there was an unsettling amount of silence. Eyes watching, but nobody daring to approach Draco.

Blaise, Vince and Greg were quick to fill the awkward silences with chatter. Well, Blaise did. Vince and Greg occasionally grunted an answer, looking a bit alarmed at Blaise's ability to ramble on for so long.

Draco and Harry had decided to continue with keeping their relationship discreet. It seemed prudent to refrain from stirring up even more controversy. They weren't ashamed, but perhaps it was better to pick their battles, so to speak. At least for the time being.

The Slytherin common room went strangely quiet when Harry and Draco walked in. There were students scattered all over, looking at Draco. Harry swallowed hard and resisted the urge to pull Draco into his arms.

Most of the first years looked anxious. The older students were also clearly agitated, though several merely looked uncomfortable with the obvious tension in the room.

There was a group of Slytherins that made it clear that they were displeased with Draco, to put it mildly.

Theo Nott was sitting with a group of boys that were glaring coldly at Draco. Theo stood up and stalked toward Draco, sneering at the blond. "Turning your back on your family and the Dark Lord was a stupid mistake," Theo growled, pressing up close and forcing Draco to step back.

Draco bristled indignantly, straightening his posture and meeting Theo's eyes defiantly. "I don't regret my choice," he retorted. "And if you feel comfortable becoming a play thing for a psychotic werewolf in the name of your cause, be my guest. I refuse to have my life dictated that way any longer."

The werewolf comment caused many students to gasp and look horrified. That certainly wasn't information that had been passed through the rumor mill. Theo's expression flickered briefly before the scowl returned.

"That's really all that you'd be good for," Theo hissed, grabbing Draco's wrist in a vice like grip. "A pretty little play thing for a beast." His cruel gaze remained intent on Draco's face as he squeezed even tighter. "I will personally make sure that you suffer for your mistake."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "The only mistake here is your misguided belief that you have the right to touch me," Draco responded, his voice cool and calm despite the pain that now radiated through his hand. He thrust out his free hand sharply, willing his magic to force Theo away. The other boy landed on his back, gasping for breath from the impact.

"You little-"

"Stay away from me," Draco snapped, cutting Theo off. "And don't you dare touch me again."

Draco whirled away and stalked toward the stairs. Harry followed him, shooting Theo a stern glare as he passed. Once they made it to their dorm and closed the door, Harry pounced on Draco.

"Oh Merlin, are you hurt?" Harry asked, cradling Draco against his body and petting the soft blond hair gently.

"I'm fine," Draco assured him quietly. "My wrist aches a little, but it's nothing to worry about." He pulled back a little to meet Harry's gaze. "Thank you for letting me handle it."

"It was killing me to not interfere," Harry admitted with a grimace. "I hate that he put his hands on you."

"Relax," Draco urged him, pushing Harry back slightly. He was still feeling rather shaken himself, but he wanted Harry calm. It was their first evening back at school, and already there had been an aggressive confrontation. It didn't give Draco much hope for a peaceful year. But at that moment, it was most important to soothe Harry. If Harry would be calm, Draco could feel more calm as well.

It wasn't long after that when Blaise walked in, followed by Vince and Greg. Blaise sighed heavily, eyeing the couple that was now seated on Harry's bed. Harry looked quite tense and agitated, while Draco looked upset.

"Well, you've caused quite a stir," Blaise noted lightly. He narrowed his eyes, realizing that Harry was gently cradling Draco's left hand against his heart. "Is that where Theo grabbed him?"

"No major damage," Draco replied softly. "I'm just a bit shaken by the whole thing. To confront me so publicly..."

"Theo's a brute," Harry grumbled. "He could have really hurt you. You're so-"

"Harry Potter, if you call me delicate or fragile I'll rip your arms off," Draco growled. "I'm not made of glass. I'm not a damsel in distress. Don't you dare get it in your head that I need to be pushed back so you can defend me. I intend to fight at your side, no matter who opposes us."

Harry nodded sullenly, keeping his eyes on the floor. He hadn't intended to make Draco angry. He wanted to be a good boyfriend, and to keep Draco safe.

"Oh have a heart Draco," Blaise put in, shooting Harry a sympathetic look. "He looks like a kicked crup. You can't blame him for getting all worked up."

Draco sighed, reaching up to stroke Harry's untidy hair. "I love you Harry," he murmured. "You know that. But I can't let you treat me like I'm defenseless. We're stronger together. I'll be fine as long as I have you."

Harry finally met Draco's gaze. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to panic like that. I know that you're capable of defending yourself. I just- I can't stand to see you in pain."

"I understand that," Draco nodded. "I feel the same way about you. I always have. But we have to be equals in this. I may look a bit more... fragile compared to you, but that doesn't mean that I'm not strong or powerful." He grinned suddenly. "If it would make you feel better, I don't object to being pampered. That's perfectly acceptable."

Harry laughed, the tension in his body finally fading. "I'll gladly spoil the hell out of you," he chuckled.

"Gross," Blaise muttered, though he shook his head fondly at them.

Vince and Greg exchanged wary looks as they moved to prepare for bed. They were in a precarious position. Their fathers were Death Eaters. A friendship with Harry and Draco would be greatly frowned upon, if not viewed as outright betrayal. But, Vince and Greg were wolves and they wouldn't abandon their pack.


As classes started, most of the Slytherins avoided Harry and Draco. Blaise remained close to them, regardless of who was around. His mother was too busy with her newest husband to bother herself about who Blaise chose as allies. He didn't care about what the others thought.

Pansy was less able to publicly side with Harry and Draco. She didn't wish to draw the attention of her parents with her loyalties. She contented herself with keeping Vince and Greg busy. They were rather unhappy about not being free to associate with Harry and Draco.

The one benefit to the whole mess was that Draco was now able to fully embrace his friendships from the other houses. Harry had made it no secret that he was very close to Hermione and Ron. But Draco had always been far more reserved. Now the blond didn't care who knew about it. He'd already been disinherited. Draco didn't give a fig what his father thought about it.

The first meeting with the Wolf Pack was just a few days after the start of term. They all gathered in the Room of Requirement, gleefully exchanging hugs. The Slytherin wolves were particularly happy to embrace their friends from the other houses.

"I'm so sorry about your dad Draco," Hannah Abbott said sympathetically. "That must have been awful. What are you going to do now?"

"Mother was prepared," Draco said quietly. "She's set aside some money that my father can't get to. I still have my mother. And I still have Harry," he added, leaning against his boyfriend with a little smile.

"And you've got Harry's weird family and my family," Ron reminded him, patting Draco on the shoulder.

"Always," Ginny agreed, reaching out to squeeze Draco's hand.

"And the Pack," Ernie said. "This is family."

Draco's smile widened. He was so very grateful. He didn't think that he'd ever stop being astounded by the amount of love that poured from this odd band of students. "Ugh... You're the sappiest wolves ever," he complained teasingly, not wanting to let his emotions get the better of him.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright then," he said loudly, addressing the group. "Is there anything that needs to be handled right away? Problems, concerns..."

He paused, noticing Draco shifting away slightly. Harry smiled fondly when a smile lit up the blond's face as he held his arms out. A second later, Draco was nearly knocked to the floor as the pups barreled into him.

It was always amusing to see poised, graceful Draco on the floor in the middle of a puppy pile. Harry watched his boyfriend hug the younger children and listen to their chatter. They were all so eager for Draco's attention. And Harry couldn't blame them. Draco was so good with the pups, offering affection and encouragement freely.

"Right," Hermione said briskly, drawing Harry's attention back to the others. "So we've lost a few wolves here, but they will be assisting our efforts outside of Hogwarts. We've devised a way to maintain contact with our allies. Harry and Draco will be able be working with them to expand our network of allies."

"Why do we need a network?" Ernie asked.

Hermione's expression was grim. "War is coming," she said solemnly. "Voldemort is gathering followers and getting stronger. The time may come where many of us will need to go into hiding or be on the run. We must prepare for everything to keep our people safe."

"This network of wolves will be ready to fight or offer food and shelter," Ron added. "If Voldemort takes the ministry, none of us will be safe."

Daphne frowned. "It sounds as if you had a very busy summer," she noted. "These plans are becoming rather elaborate."

"We've got a lot to lose," Blaise reminded her. "We get stronger as our numbers grow, but our methods come at a price. We have such a strong bond with each other. We love each other." He paused, looking around at their pack with a pained expression. "But there are always casualties in war. And the loss of any one of you would be... unbearable."

"And so, we are doing everything we can think of to make sure you're all taken care of," Harry said, his voice a bit more rough than usual. "Safe houses, supplies, allies and the skills to survive. That's how we'll take care of our family."

Parvati swiped at her tears and Lavendar sniffled a little. "So tell us what to do now, Alpha Orion," Parvati said.

The others nodded, standing up straighter and focusing on Harry. Harry smiled, pleased to see his pack ready and willing to follow his command.

"We're splitting you into groups," Harry said calmly. "Each group will be assigned to a Beta who will teach you a spell. Then you will rotate. I'll be moving around the room to supervise and assist. Any questions?" When no one spoke, he began calling out their names and assigning each of them to one of the Betas.

Soon, there was a variety of spells being cast around the room. Harry had wanted to help the wolves become as advanced as possible. Some of the spells were for battle, but others were practical. Vincent was actually fairly decent with the disillusionment charm, and so he'd been given the task of teaching it.

Greg was good at the full-body bind spell so he was teaching that. Harry chuckled when Greg sternly reminded the wolves that they were not to use it casually in the halls.

Draco had remained with the Pups. He was patiently showing them how to block spells and disarm opponents.

Harry roamed around the room, correcting stances and offering advice to anyone struggling. He nodded in approval at his Betas, feeling especially proud of Vince and Greg. They had always been slower than the others, but they had worked diligently to keep up in their studies and training. Harry appreciated their fierce loyalty and protectiveness. Truly, they worked harder than anyone.

They had only had time for rotating the groups twice. It was nearly curfew and they all needed to get to their common rooms. Draco assigned older students to escort the pups, bidding them a goodnight with paternal fondness.

Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist from behind, resting his chin on Draco's shoulder. "You'll make a great dad one day," Harry murmured, pressing a tiny kiss to the blond's neck.

Draco blushed, smiling slightly. "Contemplating children are we?" he questioned teasingly.

"I can't help it," Harry chuckled. "You're really good with the pups. You get so sweet and... fatherly with them." He nipped at Draco's ear when the blond snorted. "When this is all over, we'll get to have our own happily ever after. I think I'd like for us to have a family."

Draco melted at Harry's words. They had never really talked about their future. Draco really hadn't given much thought to it. Their relationship wasn't even out in the open. But hearing that Harry was picturing their life beyond Hogwarts and the war...

Draco turned in Harry's arms and kissed him deeply. They were breathless when they pulled apart. "You're wonderful, and I love you," Draco said quietly.

"Gag... Nobody wants to watch you two snog," Ron complained, though he grinned teasingly.

Draco turned again, content to keep Harry's arms around him. Most of the wolves had left, leaving behind the Betas, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Seamus, Dean and Pansy. Draco nodded in approval. "We have one last thing to address before we go," he said, resting his back against Harry's chest.

"You six have been selected as our inner circle," Hermione said, looking around at the non-betas in the room. "That circle may expand, but this will do for now."

"We trust you," Ron added seriously. "You're our closest friends and you've done well in training. We need to know that if it's ever needed, there are people to step in and guide the wolves."

"This is heavy," Seamus muttered, looking unsettled. Dean nodded, frowning in concern.

"We're not planning to die," Blaise assured them with a smile. "But we don't know what the future holds. After the Alphas, the Betas lead the pack. We need another line of defense."

"It's an important role, and the Betas will be relying on you," Draco told them seriously. "Are you willing to take on some new responsibilities should the Betas ask it of you?"

"Yes Alpha Centauri," Neville declared, standing straight and looking determined. The others followed his example swiftly.

"We're like generals leading an army," Harry murmured to Hermione.

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. The dynamic shift in the pack was certainly strange. Their obvious respect for the Alphas and Betas was great, but it seemed to have become something more. These wolves were warriors, waiting for an order from their commanding officer. It was just a little unnerving.

"Thank you," Harry said with a nod to the group. "Let's head out. Tomorrow will be another busy day." He followed the others out into the hall, dreading the following day. It was going to be there first class with Snape, and Harry expected to be asked to stay behind to speak with the professor.

Snape had kept his distance from Harry since their last disastrous discussion. But, it was time to face each other and Harry was dreading it.


Harry stood in front of Snape's desk, grateful to have Draco at his side and their Betas standing just behind them. Snape held unnaturally still, his eyes focused intently on Harry. He opened his mouth, only to abruptly close it.

Draco sighed, nudging Harry gently. Harry nodded once and then looked to his professor reluctantly. "I appreciated your honesty when you came to speak with me," Harry began. "I'm sure that it couldn't have been easy. And-" He paused, smiling slightly when Draco squeezed his hand in encouragement. "And, I think I can trust you. I'm sorry that it's taken so long for me to tell you."

"Your hesitation and doubt were expected and understandable," Snape responded solemnly. He eyed Harry thoughtfully. "Will you accept my loyalty and service?"

"Service?" Ron asked, careful to keep his tone respectful.

Snape nodded slowly. "In the coming war, you may find yourselves in need of assistance," he replied. "You should be able to come to me. Anything you need..." he added, meeting Harry's gaze steadily.

Harry and Draco exchanged a quick look before looking back at their professor. "We accept," Harry said. "Thank you."

Snape's relief was visible for just a moment before his expression became neutral again. Whether the two Alphas were fully aware of it or not, they were building an army that had far more potential than the Order of the Phoenix ever had. Snape would be a fool not to fall in line with them, and he was certainly not a fool.

"Moving on then," the professor drawled. "I also need to tell you that Lucius Malfoy has contacted Dumbledore to request a meeting with his son."

Draco stiffened, his eyes narrowed. "He disowned me," Draco sneered. "I no longer bear that title."

Snape sighed. "You'll always be his son," he murmured. "But I think it's wise to indulge him this once. There is something odd about his request and I feel that all is not as it seems."

"We would go with you," Blaise told Draco quietly. "Vince and Greg can be under a disillusionment charm so your dad can't report them to their fathers."

"You'll be safe," Hermione agreed, patting Draco's back.

"Fine," Draco grumbled. "I'll meet with him. But if he starts shouting or speaking ill of Harry, I'll hex him and leave."

"Noted," Severus responded, looking amused.

The meeting was arranged for the next day in Dumbledore's office. Harry and Draco stood together with their hands entwined, too anxious to sit down. Blaise, Ron and Hermione were seated and sipping tea, their calm demeanor hiding their wary alertness. Vince, Greg and Snape were safely tucked into a dark corner under disillusionment charms.

When Lucius stepped through the fireplace, he froze at the sight of the rooms occupants. Draco pressed a little closer to Harry's side, pain creeping into his chest at the sight of his father. As much as he'd wanted to shove the hurt aside and focus on Harry, the wolves and school, his father's rejection ate at him.

"I had expected to meet with Draco more privately," Lucius said warily.

"I won't let that happen," Harry said quietly.

"And there's nothing that you could possibly say to me that Harry shouldn't hear," Draco added firmly, grateful that his voice remained steady. He glanced back at his other friends and smiled slightly. "And I trust my friends with my life."

Lucius made a quiet sound of frustration. "Are you so set on throwing away centuries of tradition?" he asked, irritated. "Does the purity of the blood line mean nothing? You're spitting in the face of your own family!"

Draco's scowled. "It hardly matters since you disowned me and denied me my inheritance," he retorted coldly. "What matters to me is that I love Harry Potter. And he loves me back," he added, giving Harry a sweet little smile before he looked back at his father. "And that is worth everything."

"Well said mate," Ron said, pride clear in his tone.

Lucius was silent for a moment and then he gave a reluctant little nod. He looked at Draco again, suddenly looking weary and pained. "While I certainly don't condone your choice of partner," he began, "I didn't want to disown you."

For a moment, the room was silent. "What do you mean?" Draco demanded, his hands shaking.

Lucius closed his eyes tightly, swallowing hard. "I just wanted you to be safe," he said, his voice rough. "Your stubborn choice to align yourself with Potter put you in danger. The Dark Lord isn't forgiving and his idea of mercy is the killing curse." He opened his eyes, focusing on his son. "I couldn't let him hurt you or your mother. You are what matters to me."

Draco's breath caught in his throat and he squeezed Harry's hand more firmly. Harry returned the pressure, eyeing Lucius thoughtfully. "So what are you saying?" Harry asked.

Lucius finally made eye contact with Harry. "I've seen what you can do," Lucius said softly. "Once the Dark Lord realizes the extent of your abilities, I fear that his actions will become desperate and erratic. He's already made Draco a target.". He paused, fear flickering on his face briefly. "I would do anything to protect my family. And being at the Dark Lord's side has done nothing but divide us. I disowned my only son as a sign of loyalty when Bellatrix suggested it. I can't protect him if I'm dead."

Harry nodded slowly. "So you just came to tell him that you didn't mean it?" he asked, raising one eyebrow in speculation.

Lucius grimaced and then relaxed his features back into neutrality. "I think that you can win," he said evenly. "And I- I wish to assist in your cause. For the sake of my wife and child." He paused and then forced himself to continue, ignoring the expressions of shock on the students' faces. "The Dark Lord is mad. The world he envisions is not one that I would want. In the end, even his most faithful followers are little more than servants."

"So you wish to join us?" Dumbledore asked politely, startling everyone. They'd nearly forgotten that he was still in the room.

Lucius frowned at the headmaster. The idea of being loyal to Dumbledore made his stomach turn. He didn't trust the man.

"Perhaps loyalty to Harry and I is more palatable?" Draco suggested lightly.

Lucius turned to his son in surprise and confusion. "To you and-"

"We're allies with the Order of the Phoenix, but we're not part of them," Draco explained.

"You have your own organization?"

"Not only that," Blaise put in, stretching his legs out in front of him. "They're the leaders."

"That's all he needs to know for now," Harry said. It was too soon to reveal their secrets.

"Of course Alpha," Blaise responded obediently, saying nothing further.

Lucius looked between the students curiously, wondering about the odd title but wisely refraining from questioning it. Instead, he cleared his throat. "What can I do?" he asked a bit awkwardly. "I assume that you need information..."

"A second spy would be quite beneficial," Dumbledore noted, looking over at the two Alphas. "And this one would report directly to you."

Lucius sputtered in shock. "I beg your pardon? Second spy?" he asked incredulously. "You have had a spy within the Death Eaters ranks?"

Before anyone else could answer, Snape cancelled his disillusionment charm. He stepped out of the shadows and smirked when Lucius took a step back.

"You, Severus?" Lucius asked, gray eyes wide. "You betrayed us?"

"I did," the potions master replied evenly, completely unapologetic. "I've been helping to protect and guide Potter all along. And by extension, I've protected your son."

"Okay, how do we know this one isn't going to run back and tell old snake-face everything?" Ron interrupted, gesturing toward Lucius impatiently.

"I've seen into his mind," Harry replied, grinning at Malfoy Senior's startled expression. Snape had introduced them to legilimency, and Harry had found it, as well as occlumency, to be much easier without a horcrux inside him.

"As have I," Draco added.

"I may have glanced as well," Dumbledore admitted with a little shrug.

"So did I," Snape agreed.

Blaise snorted at Lucius' scandalized expression. "In a room full of Legilimens," he cackled. "That's brilliant."

"Bloody hell," Ron chuckled while Hermione pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle her giggles.

"I- I feel violated," Lucius muttered, frowning when it caused more laughter. He sighed heavily, waiting until the students had calmed. "What would you have me do?"

Harry smiled and waved one hand, cancelling the charm that concealed Vince and Greg. He ignored Lucius renewed gaping as he considered his response. "You can tell us what you know of the child assassin," Harry decided.

Lucius winced slightly. "I don't know much, I'm afraid," he admitted, glancing tensely between Harry and Dumbledore. "I obviously didn't know that I'd need that information. The Dark Lord doesn't let all of his followers know his plans. But I can-"

"It's fine, Mr. Malfoy," Harry cut him off smoothly. "Any information you have is appreciated."

Lucius relaxed slightly, his tension fading a bit. "I was not privy to the details of that mission," he said in a much calmer tone. "But I did overhear a few things in passing. Some of my- er... former associates gossiped like old women." He sat down in one of the chairs, apparently convinced that he wasn't going to be attacked. "What I can tell you is that the assassin is a pureblood, but from a less influential family. He won't be anything that you expect. And I heard... They say he's a sociopath and very adept at hiding it."

Harry frowned. This information wouldn't help them beyond letting them know how dangerous this would-be murderer was.

"Is there anything else, Father?" Draco pressed urgently. "Anything at all?"

Lucius shook his head regretfully. "No, but you must be careful," he said. "Whoever it is, is certainly no friend to you." He stared at Draco for a moment and then looked back down at his hands. "Truly, I only want what's best for you Draco," he murmured.

Draco sat down, his expression pained. "It might take me a little bit of time to believe you," he responded quietly. "But thank you."

"Is your mother-" Lucius swallowed hard, horrified to find that it was very difficult to remain composed. "Is she alright?"

"Mother is safe," Draco replied. "She's well taken care of. I'll let her know that we've spoken."

Lucius nodded. "And you will still inherit everything," he added, watching Draco hopefully. He flinched when Draco's eyes began to look glassy.

"As far as I'm concerned, the loss of my inheritance was more insult than injury," Draco retorted, his throat feeling tight with emotion. Unwilling to weep in front of his father, Draco stood back up. "I need to go," he muttered, keeping his eyes on the floor as he headed for the door. The others could conclude this painful meeting; Draco was done.

Harry stood up to follow, pausing only to look at his friends. Ron nodded in encouragement. "Take care of him," Ron said. "We'll finish up here." Harry smiled gratefully and rushed out, not sparing a glance for Lucius.

Draco took several deep breaths as he made his way through the hallways, glad that he'd managed to avoid crying. He slowed his pace, knowing that Harry was close behind.

Harry caught up easily, taking Draco's hand silently. Talk wasn't necessary. Draco had needed a moment to calm himself down and Harry was happy to give him space to do so. Now, with a normal pulse and calmer thoughts, Draco readily welcomed Harry's loving presence at his side, effortlessly soothing the rest of Draco's anxiety. In that moment, the warmth of their entwined fingers was enough.