Harry and Draco kept their engagement a secret until the next morning. They woke up early and prepared a large breakfast before floo calling Minerva, Narcissa, Remus and Sirius. They say at the magically extended table with the Betas, and invited them to enjoy the meal.
"This is wonderful," Minerva remarked, picking up her for to sample one of the sausages. "What's the occasion?"
Everyone froze when Harry and Draco exchanged a slightly tense look. "Boys?" Remus prompted warily.
Draco bit his lip and turned to face his mother who was seated beside him. He held out his hand to her, allowing his ring to glitter in the sunlight streaming through the window. She gasped and caught hold of his hand, staring at the ring.
"You proposed?" Ron asked incredulously, staring at Harry in shock. His tone made Draco cringe a lot.
"Please just be happy for us," Harry urged quietly, giving the red head a pointed look. "This was really important for Draco."
Ron nodded slowly, watching Narcissa hug Draco tightly. While Lucius had been trying to mend his relationship with his son, being disowned had wounded Draco deeply. It made sense that the blond was drawn to the idea of making Harry his family.
Harry and Draco were soulmates. Engagement seemed like a reasonable next step, even if it was far sooner than Ron had expected. In the end, he didn't want to spoil the couple's joy with negative comments about them being too young.
"I'm really happy for both of you," Ron said sincerely. Draco's resulting smile was radiant.
Hermione squealed a bit as she shuffled around the table to look at the ring up close. "Oh, it's beautiful!" she cried, giving Draco's hand a delighted squeeze.
"Congratulations pups," Remus said while Sirius beamed proudly.
"Have you talked about a date?" Minerva asked.
"Not exactly," Harry responded. "It sort of depends on the war. We'll make some plans and-"
"It's the way that we'd like to celebrate our victory," Draco said helpfully. "It doesn't need to be elaborate. Just happy."
Blaise snorted. "Draco Malfoy wants a simple wedding?" he asked in disbelief. He looked over at Hermione. "You and I will plan this thing. Draco is too high maintenance to plan a wedding without making everyone completely mental."
Draco pouted a little making the others laugh. Harry kissed his temple with a chuckle. "It might be nice to let them handle the details," Harry reasoned. To his relief, Draco acquiesced without further argument.
"I think it's great," Vince said. "It's nice that you two could have this in the middle of the war."
"You deserve the chance to be happy," Greg added.
"How do you want to celebrate your engagement?" Sirius asked expectantly.
"I did have something in mind," Harry agreed. "Probably not like you're thinking though. I plan to destroy the three horcruxes in our possession today."
"That's sure to get Voldemort's attention," Sirius reminded him.
"Probably," Harry agreed. "But it needs to done. Then we'll immediately go to Hogwarts and deal with the Carrows." He looked at the parents and added "I was hoping that you'd be willing to join us."
Sirius nodded. "Let's finish breakfast and you can tell us the plan," he said.
"You're back!" Neville cheered, swooping in to pull Blaise into an enthusiastic kiss. "I've missed you," he murmured against Blaise's lips.
"We can all see that," Ron laughed prompting a round of giggles throughout the room.
Neville cleared his throat and took a step back, his face flushed with embarrassment. "What do you need today?" he asked politely.
"Nice save," Pansy snorted, rolling her eyes.
Harry grinned. "Today we'll be dealing with the Carrows," he announced. "They won't be bothering Hogwarts students any longer."
The heavy door opened at that moment, letting Snape and Minerva inside. Several students greeted them, obviously far more comfortable with Snape since Harry had vouched for him.
"I hear congratulations are in order," Snape commented.
When everyone turned to look at the Alphas, Draco lifted his left hand to show off his ring. He grinned a bit sheepishly as several of the girls shrieked in excitement and cheers filled the room. He leaned into Harry's side, basking in the enthusiastic approval of their pack.
"That's bloody gorgeous," Ginny blurted out, grabbing Draco's hand and gaping at the ring. "Well done Harry," she said, impressed.
"Thanks," Harry responded proudly.
Snape sighed a little impatiently. "Now that we're all happy for our Alphas," he prompted, "why don't we move on?" He met Harry's gaze. "I am to be removed?"
"To keep your cover," Harry agreed, his expression apologetic. "If I thought I could keep you here without making Voldemort suspect you-"
"It's fine," Snape responded heavily. "You are... protecting me."
"I am," Harry nodded. He turned to Minerva, his expression slipping into something more tender. "You'll take over as Headmistress, Minnie. You'll have the support of the pack here and I'll send patrols out to keep anyone from getting on the grounds that shouldn't be."
"What about the students?" Pansy asked. "Some of them are supporters of the Dark Lord. They may have issue with the... new management."
Harry frowned thoughtfully, turning to his Betas. "Thoughts?"
Hermione and Ron shared a wary look. "They could be risky to keep around," Hermione said slowly.
"Doesn't do much good to ward the castle if the devil is in the walls," Ron added. "But, what do we do about it?"
"We give the students a choice," Minerva spoke up. "They are still children. But we need to make Hogwarts safe."
It was just a few moments later that Remus, Sirius and Narcissa arrived through the tunnel from the Hogshead. After swift greetings, Harry and Draco led their Betas the Deltas, and Harry's parental trio out of the Room of Requirement. Snape and Narcissa stayed behind with the pups and other wolves.
Harry checked the Marauders Map, scanning over the parchment for the Carrows. His breath caught when he realized that the wicked pair were in the Hufflepuff Common room with some of the students. "We need to move," Harry said urgently. "How do we get into the Hufflepuff common room?"
"I'll get us in," Minerva declared.
They bolted down the hallway, hastening down stairs and rushing past classrooms. The passed several students on way, but ignored the cries of surprise that followed them. They got to the corridor where the kitchen sat and continued on to a pile of large wood barrels. Minerva tapped on the barrel in the middle of the second row in an odd rhythm. The barrels slid to one side to reveal a stone passageway.
The group made their way up the passage, their steps quickening at the sound of cruel laughter and sharp pained cries. Harry burst into the common room, startling surprised shrieks from several students. He barely noticed as rage flooded him at the sight before him. The Carrows froze, the spiteful glee in their expressions melting in surprise. Their wands were pointed at a group of young students. Some had painful looking boils. One had some weeping cuts on her face and hands. A few seemed to have blistering burns.
Before the Carrows could react, Harry exploded. He made a swift shoving motion, throwing Amycus and Alecto across the room and crashing into a sturdy coffee table. They struggled to rise, but Harry pinned them with a spell. He pushed his hand downward until they gasped for breath from the pressure.
"Harry," Minerva said firmly, grasping his shoulder.
"They're just pups," Harry managed through clenched teeth. "These bastards were hurting pups."
"These aren't even yours," Sirius said, hoping to calm Harry a bit. He was unnerving to see Harry lash out so aggressively.
"I don't care," Harry snapped, though he did ease up slightly on the spell. "They're done hurting children." He only relaxed when Hermione and Remus had secured the two Death Eaters in transfigured rope. He turned and saw Blaise gently treating injuries while Draco spoke words of comfort and dried tears.
"What are you doing here?" a third year boy said shakily, staring up at Harry.
"We came back to help you," Harry said, kneeling in front of the huddled students.
"They locked the older students in the dorms so they couldn't help us," whimpered a girl with dark, almond shaped eyes. She sniffled a bit, prompting Draco to pat her back soothingly.
"We won't let them hurt you anymore," Draco said evenly. "We'll make sure that you'll be safe."
Remus dashed up the stairs to the dormitories and returned a few moments later followed by the shaken Hufflepuffs. Some of the older students hurried to check on the younger ones. The others stared at Harry Potter and the Betas in disbelief. "What's happening?" one of them said.
"We're making some changes," Minerva said. "Please make your way to the Great Hall. We'll explain everything. And don't worry," she added, eyeing the bound Death Eaters with contempt. "The Carrows won't be joining us."
Patronus charms were used to summon trusted Aurors along with the wolves hidden in the Room of Requirement. Half an hour later, the Great Hall was full of the chatter of anxious students and teachers. Harry and Draco led the Betas and Deltas in through a door behind the Head Table where the professors were seated. The Wolves lined themselves up in front of that table, facing the mass of stunned students.
Minerva moved to Harry's side. "Headmaster Snape, Professor Amycus Carrow, and Professor Alecto Carrow will no longer be here with us," she announced. She paused while chatter erupted across the hall. "I will assume the role of Headmistress. It is at this time that I extend an invitation- to leave." She paused again, her gaze sweeping over young bewildered faces. "This school is to be a safe place for young witches and wizards to learn. Hatred and prejudice has no place here. There will be teams in place to prevent the mistreatment of any student regardless of blood status. The sort of behavior that the Carrows encouraged is hereby forbidden, and will result in immediate expulsion. Anyone who does not wish to remain under these new rules, will be free to leave with no consequences. We're not taking hostages. You are, after all, only students."
She took a few steps to the side, gesturing to the Wolves, standing still and ready. Harry took a step forward, looking out over the four tables. "I will be leaving many of my wolves behind to support Professor McGonagall and protect this school," he said. "There are members within each Hogwarts House and we're always happy to consider those that wish to join us. The Wolf pack is family and we look out for our own."
Overall, it had gone better than Harry and Draco had expected. There had been a bit of an uproar when some of the Slytherins realized that Pansy, Daphne and Astoria were standing with Harry. Pansy's cover was blown but she was old enough that she wasn't especially concerned. Being disowned or disinherited was unpleasant, but the Wolves were her family as well. She'd be taken care of.
Theo Nott was quick to leave the school along with twenty three other Slytherins. They were put on the Hogwarts Express and sent home as soon as they were able to pack their belongings. Once that was accomplished and the Carrows had been taken into custody by the Aurors, Harry and Draco led the Betas, Deltas, Aurors and professors outside. Powerful wards were erected around the school and Minerva used spells to activate the suits of armor around the school to further protect the grounds.
"It won't be long now," Harry sighed, gazing pensively at the castle. He turned to the new headmistress and hugged her tightly. "I've spoken with Dumbledore and we're coordinating patrols with the Order. Nobody will get inside these grounds. Keep yourself safe Minnie," he begged.
"You're going to face him soon, aren't you?" she asked, her voice quivering.
"I have to," he responded softly. "We can't let this continue. I destroyed three horcruxes just this morning. I'm pretty sure he felt that," he added with a rueful laugh.
"My brave boy," Minnie said, tugging his face down to kiss his forehead. "I don't know how the hat ever chose a house for you. You have the best of all four inside you. I'm so proud to call you my son."
"I love you Mum," Harry whispered, hugging her once more. He squeezed his eyes shut as he felt her tears dampen his shirt. This amazing woman had changed the course of his life and fought for him when he was too little to do so himself. His love for her was infinite, and he dearly wished to put an end to Voldemort so he had more time with his Minnie.
As Harry turned to coax Draco away from the pups, he saw Hagrid walking toward his. The half giant offered him a wide smile. "I hear ya got yourself a dragon," he commented, looking quite proud.
Harry grinned. "I can't wait for you to meet her."
The days that followed were full of planning. Snape was able to join them at Headquarters between meeting with the Death Eaters. Voldemort had become enraged over losing his foothold at Hogwarts and he'd become much more aggressive. He'd launched several attacks in different places across the country. The Snatchers had become more violent as well.
The Muggle-Born Registration Commission, headed by the wicked Delores Umbridge, was continuing to persecute and terrorize muggleborns and half bloods. Umbridge had people terrified to leave their homes; Afraid to wield their own magic. All with that sickeningly sweet smile on her face.
As soon as Voldemort was dealt with, Harry wanted to go after Umbridge next.
Harry and Draco called a meeting with the Betas and other Wolves outside of Hogwarts. They invited Dumbledore and a few select members of the Order to join them in the War Room at Headquarters to discuss strategy. Even Lucius had been brought in. Many from the Order hadn't been happy to see Lucius among them, especially Mad-Eye. An argument broke out as soon as Lucius followed Narcissa into the room.
Harry let out a growl that you normally only made in his wolf form. He surprised even himself with it. Shaking it off, he glared at the members of the Order. "You are guests here," he reminded them sharply. "This headquarters is mine. Lucius is mine. If you want to argue about that, I invite you to step outside and see if Saphira would like to hear your opinion."
"I don't recommend it," Hermione said lightly from her place at Fred's side.
Draco glanced at his father, a little impressed that the man hadn't even flinched at the way Harry had spoken. As if Lucius were an object or pet to be owned. Lucius was not a wolf. He wasn't considered part of the pack as far as Harry was concerned. But Harry's words were a protective sort of claim in a way.
Lucius understood it somewhat. He was unwilling to lose his son, and so he was forced to accept Harry. Truthfully, he could see the appeal in Harry Potter as a leader. His followers didn't grovel or tremble in fear of his wrath. They were inspired and motivated by him. There was a devotion and love that Lucius had never witnessed before. That love didn't extend to Lucius, but Harry had treated Lucius with kindness and respect. And unlike the Dark Lord, Harry wasn't completely deranged.
As everyone settled into chairs all around the room, Harry turned to Lucius. "Do you have anything for us?" Harry asked, his tone perfectly polite.
Lucius hesitated. "Very little," he admitted, a bit wary.
"That's fine," Harry encouraged, unfazed.
Lucius relaxed again. Of course. Potter didn't fly into a rage when he didn't get what he wanted. "The Dark Lord hasn't spoken of any plans. But he's been very-"
"Unhinged," Snape offered flatly.
"Quite," Lucius agreed. "He's even more paranoid and angry. I thought that maybe it was about Hogwarts and the Carrows..." He shook his head. "I think there's something he's not saying though. He doesn't let Nagini out of his sight and he has Death Eaters keeping watch at all times." He was surprised when Harry and Draco grinned.
"I bet it's the horcruxes," Harry told his boyfriend smugly. "He must have felt it."
"Well, you did destroy three pieces of his soul in a single morning," Draco snorted.
Lucius suddenly looked even more pale than usual. "Three," he said faintly. "How many do you think are left?"
"Well, thanks to your report, I have a strong feeling that the snake will be the last one," Harry replied. "Then there's just old snake face."
"You've done well my boy," Dumbledore praised. "You and your pack. But, it will be no easy task to destroy Tom's snake."
"Tom," Fred snorted. "Such a plain common name for such an outrageous prick of a man."
"Someone should call him Dave to his face instead," George laughed. "Just repeatedly call him different, but still equally boring names."
Harry burst into delighted laughter. "Now I really want to do that," he chortled.
The twins exchanged a quick look before looking at Harry with matching grins. "We dare you."
"Fine," Harry agreed with a mischievous grin.
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Alright, let's get to planning the destruction of Lord Carl," he muttered, drawing more amused snorts from the Order and the Wolves.
