A/N: Just so everyone knows, everything is planned and all will be explained.

But ask questions if you want.

Chapter Thirteen-- Hecatamae Whisperings

Harry felt like he was floating, and that in itself was worrying, if it wasn't for the fact that he was freezing cold and surrounded by mist. He sighed and tried again to wave his arms around, trying to get feeling into frozen limbs. It didn't surprise him when he found that they only moved and inch or so; not much had changed since the last time he'd attempted to do so. He wondered if he was still in the snow, left by his attackers to freeze to death. Anger warmed him briefly, before his mind caught on and questioned whether this was death, or limbo perhaps.

"Death? Oh my, what is it that they teach our young ones now a days?"

He jerked, ever so slightly, and attempted to turn his head and find the voice. "Who's there?"

The air around him sighed, and the mists parted. A woman floated there, her large blood red eagle wings moving lazily. He eyes were a bright sapphire blue, and her honey brown hair tumbled down around her face. "Hello, little one. Welcome."

He blinked at her, since it was the only movement that didn't tire him more. "Excuse me? Welcome? To what? If I'm dead, then leave me in peace. If I'm not, then give me my blade and I'll kill myself."

She shook her head. "Can't let you do that. Your mate would go on a rampage, and then where would Balance be?"

"Stuff Balance. If I ever get back there, I'll kill Ron Weasley, no matter whether he is required to keep the blasted Balance!"

She cocked her head to the side. "I never thought one of us could ever be an Assassin, we don't usually have the heart for death. But you smell like it, and we've seen your life. James Potter was a cruel man, and he poisoned young Daniel against you. He isn't what you see."

"Oh, bull shit. He's an arrogant, spoilt little rich kid riding on Fame's bosom!"

"He is frightened. He lost his brother, his guiding light, at too young an age. Fate never wanted that, you see. So when your father rejected you, and kept your twin away, Fate stepped in and changed its course. You and Lily leaving was the only option."

"My brother hates me," He mumbled. "Probably having a good ol' laugh with Weasley about my misfortune. Look, if I'm dead, can I just go?"

"You're not dead. It would take more than rape to kill one of our kind. Though, you did a good job at attempting it yourself."

"What are you on about?"

"You foolishly allowed your magic to attack you, weakening you when you could have been the first to ever fight those spells." She sighed and glided forward a little. "You are a Hecatamus, and I am a Hecatama. We are Hecatamae and this," She swept her hand through the air. "Is where we send you back to the living. But first!"

He frowned. "What?"

"You need to know some things." She crossed her legs and folded her wings, and floated there in mid-air beside him. "One, is that you need to talk to your brother dear, and get to know him; he only stays away because of the misguided belief that you are a Death Eater and a follower of the Dark Lord."

"I don't follow Tom, I stand by his side."

"It is the same to the Light. The fact that you stand so solidly on the border of both is a testament to your strength, and we are honoured by such a thing. You see, Hecatamae do not relish the idea of sides in war; it was our downfall in the end. The Light see us as dirty little creatures, our uncanny control of magic herself is frightening for them. But the Dark see us as a power source to be controlled and drained. You were lucky that Fate decided to allow the acceptance of the wolf's blood. Even though it was quite accidental, it still helped to even out what Balance was attempting to achieve, just a little more."

She was silent a moment, blue eyes regarding him while he waited patiently. "Two, is that you can request for a contract to be taken out on one Ronald Bilius Weasley. He is of no importance to the Balance, and of very little use to Fate. I suppose Daniel may be hurt by his death, but it will be more of a godsend to him. Ronald always wanted the fame of your brother, and not particularly his friendship. If he is not taken out, Dumbledore could well use him to end Daniel's own life in the final battle."

Harry's emerald eyes flashed gold and he growled softly. Despite his strong dislike of his younger brother, he wouldn't stand quietly by as some fame seeking idiot stole his life. "I won't allow that!"

"Which is good." She reached out and let her fingers trail over his cheek in a loving caress. "You are the last, dear Harry. No more of us can be born after you, not with the pure blood you were gifted with at birth. But, if you live and even the Balance correctly, than Fate has willed that any child adopted by you and your mate will have some Hecatamae blood. It is the only way we can exist in the future. You were to be the last full blood, but you were not destined for that."

He frowned. "Does Fate dictate my entire life?"

"No. She does only what she can to achieve the end outcome. What happens in between is of your own making."

"How nice to know."

She smiled at him. "I don't think I have ever had the fortune to send back a Hecatamus with any hint of sarcasm. A curious ability indeed."

Harry stared at her. She was weird, but at the same time her presence was comforting to him. "Am I really the only one left?"

Her eyes darkened, and her voice was suddenly laden with sorrow. "Yes. We are terribly sorry, Harry. It is awful to grow up in a world where you are viewed as nothing more than a creature, an animal, but to also be alone… I can not even begin to understand what it most have truly been like."

"I survived."

"And it made you into what you are. We are proud of you Harry. Now," She uncrossed and her legs and seemed to stand up in mid air as her wings unfolded and started to flap lazily once more. "It is time for you to go back. Remember, speak to Daniel, and try not to take too much pleasure in the death of Ronald."

The last thing Harry saw, as the mists faded and the world went black, was hundreds of Hecatamae, all of them giving him small smiles. For the first time, Harry truly felt as if what he was, was right in some way.

He could survive this. Like everything else that had been thrown his way, he would find a way over this new…hurdle.

HPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLV

Marci sighed as Mere checked Harry's breathing for what felt like the tenth time, and then resumed her pacing beside him. She slumped a little more in the comfy seat she'd conjured for herself on the opposite side of the bed. No matter what she did, Harry remained cold and unresponsive. She was worried about the effect this would have on both his own psyche and his mate. Tom had never really taken any injury to Harry lightly, and the only reason any involved ever lived was because Harry himself had been adamant they never be harmed. She was sure it wouldn't work this time.

With a slight frown, she leaned forward and placed her hand on Harry's forehead. His skin was beginning to warm up, a sure sign that his core was beginning to thaw. But she needed to be sure. Closing her eyes, she reached out with her magic and allowed herself to sink into Harry's magic.

Doing this had always amazed her. It was only possible with Demons, Angels and Mages, perhaps a few witches or wizards. To do so with an Assassin or Spy, even one who had links to any other Guild, was virtually impossible. They guarded their minds and secrets with a dogged determination, but when it came to their cores, they were feral in their defence. Harry had made sure to allow her a unique pathway past his defences, which gave her unprecedented access to his magic and showed his unwavering faith in her loyalty to him.

As she immersed herself, the darkness behind her lids shifted and vanished, forming a beautiful world of bright green fields, lush forests and clear, bubbling streams. The roar of a dragon had her smiling and watching as a larger version of Phanta soared through the air. Looking around, she spied Harry sitting on a rock beside a stream, his bare feet drifting in the cool water.

"Harry?"

Emerald eyes looked up at her, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Hello, Marci. I was wondering when you'd get here."

She walked over and settled down on the soft grass beside him. Leaning her head against his thigh, she sighed when deft fingers began to card through her hair. "We were so worried. Your core was frozen Harry."

"I know. A mistake on my part, I'm afraid."

"I thought it was your magic." She frowned. "I was certain it was."

"And you were right. But my magic reacted to the way I was reacting."

She bit her lip and watched the trees sway in a gentle breeze. "You're not going to talk about this, are you?"

His hand stiffened and his entire being became tense. "No."

"Not here, and not out there?"

"No, Marci."

She sighed. It would be difficult to get him to cooperate in this place, since it was of his own creation and he could expel her at any time. He'd done that once, and it had been painful enough that she had sworn to never aggravate him here. "Are you coming back? Everyone is so worried."

He closed his eyes, and swallowed. "I suppose. Can you give me a little longer?"

She stood up and smiled brightly down at him. "Of course, Harry." She reached out and smoothed a few stray locks back and gave him a chaste kiss on his forehead. "Don't take too long though. Mere is likely to bite my head off if you take any longer."

He laughed softly. "I wouldn't put that past her."

Marci smiled sadly as the beautiful world that Harry's magic had constructed for him faded from view and was replaced with darkness. Opening her eyes, she took in Harry's still form with a critical eye. His cheeks were slightly flushed and his body was no longer as tense as it had been. Using one finger, she lifted his lid and checked his eyes. The pupils dilated as the light hit them. Taking her wand out she muttered a few spells and was satisfied when his body glowed a healthy pearly white.

Mere bit her lip as she watched Marci check on Harry. She was trembling slightly, both were rage and with fear. Harry had made it fairly clear that he was more secretive than others their age. He had always told her everything, trusting her to keep his secrets safe. But she was frightened that he would hold this incident close to his core and keep it hidden from her, locking her out of something that could very well destroy him. She would get him to talk. She…had to.

Harry groaned and his eyelids flickered. A simple wave of a wand had the lights in the room dimming and he felt a brief flash of gratitude for whoever had done that. He knew that there wasn't a large group of people in the room, because Marci could never have reached him if there was. But he could smell Mere, could smell her worry and the rage that simmered beneath that. It touched him and made his wolf self growl in frustration. He needed to exact revenge. But he had to bide his time, make sure the Council would not stop him; make sure that the bastards thought themselves safe. And he had to know who found those damn spells. Ron Weasley was not intelligent enough to find it all on his own. Nor was he strong enough to have ever hoped to beat him. So exactly what spells had been used?

The bed dipped next to him, and a warm hand picked up his own, still cold from the freezing of his core. "Harry?"

He let his eyes open and managed a small smile at the pair before him. Marci's pale eyes raked over him, her magic reaching out and smoothing any lingering pain he may have been feeling. He had never been more grateful for the young Healer. Mere's amber eyes were dark and swirling almost hypnotically.

Mere swallowed as his eyes rested on her. They were darker, far darker than she had ever seen them before, and the pain in them was astounding. "Harry? Please, please ta--."

"No."

His voice had been soft, but it boomed in her ears. Even Marci frowned, and she had already been aware of his decision. "Harry, please. You have to. It's the only way to work past this and get on with our lives."

He growled. "Get on with my life? No," He shook his head and closed his eyes. "Not until he's dead."

Mere frowned. "You can't just go around killing people, Harry, no matter the small fact of your Guild."

Harry sent her a scathing glance before he pushed himself into a seating position, allowing Marci to help ease him against the headboard of her bed. "I have permission to seek a contract."

"What? How?"

"Never mind the how," He waved a hand tiredly. "What I want to know is who found me? All I can smell is…dog."

The two girls blinked at him. Neither had any clue what he was talking about. Mere closed her eyes and gave a tentative sniff, before letting out a small yelp and jumping slightly. "Dog! Dog?" She turned to Marci. "Dog?"

The Healer snorted and shook her head. "Yes, Mere, I do believe he said dog, and yes, I believe that the scent is of a dog."

The wereleopard growled. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and settled for a steady glare. "So, where's the dog, and how did it get Harry here without anyone seeing?"

Phanta hissed from her perch on the bed closest to the door. Her wings unfolded and she leaped over to Harry. Cooing, the silver dragon curled up on the lap of her Master. "Stupid, Were. Not the smell of a dog. Can she not tell the difference between a dog and a Grim? Or even an Animagus?"

Harry smiled softly, his fingers stroking down the dragon's neck, which arched in pleasure. "Phanta seems to think it was a Grim Animagus."

"Grim Animagus? Isn't that one of the most powerful Animagi forms?" Marci frowned in thought. "The only person, besides us and Darren, to enter this room was a man called Sirius Black."

Harry stiffened and Phanta gave an angry hiss. "Sirius Black? Sirius bloody Black!"

"Harry?"

Mere's eyes widened and she grabbed hold of the bedpost to keep from falling. "Wait? Isn't he an Auror? Oh my god. There was a fucking Auror in here? Marci are you insane?!"

The Healer huffed. "He wasn't going to hurt us, I can assure you of that."

"And how would you know that?" Amber eyes narrowed.

"Because he was worried about Harry. He looked so afraid, and he was in so much pain when he found out who you were, Harry." Her pale eyes pleaded with Harry. "Please, I don't know what he has done to you, because for all I know you could have destroyed some part of his life, or he yours. But Harry…I think he actually cares about what happened to you."

Harry blinked. His emerald eyes closed and Phanta crawled up his chest to wind around his neck and rest on his shoulders. His eyes opened and he sighed. "I suppose. I mean, he was never mean to me or anything. He understood, in a way. Where is he now?"

Mere kept her eyes on Harry, searching his face for any sign of anger or fear. "He went with Darren to tell Lily and Remus."

"What?"

HPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLV

Darren continued to stare at Dumbledore. Never mind the fact that his sense of fashion made every single Durmstrang student question his sanity, the man was quite happily humming and muttering every now and then. With a frown, Darren pressed a silver button hidden in the door and the sound from outside reached his ears.

"…Oh, joy, oh yes, this is a grand day! Happily bumbling, flying, gliding, we have succeeded this day!"

Darren blinked. It sounded suspiciously similar to a song Harry had sung for an entire month once. As well as all of the seventh year familiars. He frowned. If he remembered correctly, it had been Phanta who had started it all off, claiming that it was a song sung by Faerie Dragons when they had successfully pranked someone greater than them. He cocked his head to the side and whistled. The shrill sound echoed about Hogwarts, causing everyone to stop what they were doing. Even Dumbledore paused momentarily in his humming.

A swirl of magic and sleek black cat appeared beside him. It's glowing red eyes and the large bat like wings folded against its side, as well as the flames that licked along its fur and the solitary one on the tip of its tail, proclaimed it to be a Hell Cat. These felines were well known for their protective nature, as well as the fact that they preferred to maim first and think later. The cat mewed and swished its tail, butting its head against his hand and purring as he scratched it behind the ear. The flames were warm as they moved past his fingers.

Smiling, Darren kneeled and looked into the blood red eyes. "Merynes, I need you to do me a favour." He looked back at where Dumbledore stood. "See that man there?" The cat growled, flattening its ears against its head. "I'm going to have to let him in here, and I know that he will try something to antagonize the occupants of these quarters. I don't want Lily and Remus to go through any more pain."

Merynes mewed again. "I would not dream of allowing harm to befall them." Its voice was ethereal in the way it slid against his senses.

Smiling, he scratched his familiar under the chin. "I know. But there is another man, a Sirius Black. Protect him as well."

"As you command, I shall do, Master."

Darren stood and watched as the cat melded back with the shadows, glowing eyes watching the door intently. He turned to see Remus standing a little ways behind him, his amber eyes sparking and glowing with anger. "Remus?"

"Open the door, Darren."

He swallowed and nodded. Turning back, he pressed a stone on the wall to the right and the door slid soundly open. "Headmaster Dumbledore," He said in a pleasant voice, careful to keep it even. "What brings you here?"

"Ah. Mister…"

He forced himself not to scowl at the stupid twinkle the wizard's eyes. "Yealo, sir. Darren Yealo."

"Ah, yes, yes, of course."

Remus stepped up beside Darren, who breathed a soft sound of relief and retreated to the inner rooms. "Albus. May I ask why it is you are here?"

"Can an old man not visit one of his former pupils?"

"No." Amber eyes glinted. "Not without a reason. With you there is always a hidden agenda. I'd like to hear your reason before you even step through the threshold."

"Really, Remus, you know I can come in whether you will it or not." A grandfatherly smile caused the many wrinkles on his face to stand out. "Hogwarts, if you would…"

Remus tensed and stepped back a few times. The threshold shimmered and magic swirled, holding against whatever onslaught the castles sentient being was attempting to dish out. He held his breath and watched as the silvery image of Harry's chosen crest appeared. The silver faerie dragon was curled around, and clutching, at a black blade, the hilt of which was adorned with a howling wolf within a pearlescent orb. The magic held and repelled the attack in a visible wave of power. He let the breath out with a soft 'whoosh'.

"I see you have warded these rooms against Hogwarts herself…"Dumbledore mused as he stroked his long beard. He took his wand out and pointed it at the visage of the crest. "Amoveo pilla incantamentum Hecatamus!"

The crest shimmered and the silver dragon roared, spreading its wings before vanishing in a flash of black fire. Dumbledore hummed in approval while he stepped through and brushed past a furious Remus. The werewolf growled at the unwelcome intrusion and followed the wizard into the lounge room. Darren was standing protectively by Lily, who was pale and trembling ever so slightly, while Sirius sat beside her and murmured soft, comforting words. Remus guessed that he was assuring her of her son's health, which he himself hoped was not as bad as he feared.

There had been one time since Harry had bonded with his mate when his own magic had lashed out and attacked him. The magic of a Hecatamus worked on instinct and reacted to the reactions of the individual themselves. In that case, Harry had been given a lust potion, designed specifically for Hecatamae, by a particularly dense wizard. It had been at a ball in Germany, held by the Szina family, and Harry had only attended because Marci, his packs Delta and Healer, as well as his close friend, had begged him to. When Harry's body had reacted to the potion, his magic had begun to freeze his magical core. He had been unconscious for days and had been freezing cold to the touch.

He hoped, beyond everything, that this had not occurred out in the snowy weather.

"Ah, Lily, my dear girl, what ever is the matter?"

Angry green eyes locked on the wizard and the fiery red head shot up. "Don't you dare call me that!" She poked him in the chest, accentuating her next words with an extra hard poke. "You. Have. Made. Our. Lives. Hell!" Darren stepped forward and gently pulled her back. She began to tremble again. "And now my baby boy is hurt…all because of you!"

"I assure you, my dear, that Daniel is quite safe."

"Daniel! Why the hell would I be upset over his health!"

Dumbledore looked confused. "He is your son, is he not?"

Lily's eyes flashed with the same dangerous glint that Harry's own emerald orbs possessed. "That…boy, is a spoilt little, fame seeking, ignorant brained, arrogant asshole!"

Blue eyes widened in honest surprise and for a moment anger flashed. "Lily, you cannot honestly mean that." He stepped forward. "Perhaps Harry's biased views on our world have warped your own."

Lily stiffened and Darren let her go as his own dark eyes turned a brilliant gold. "How dare you! How dare you claim that my son has biased views on this world! You have no idea how hard he works to keep this world from falling apart!"

Remus' eyes widened and he quickly moved forward to envelope his wife in a hug. His heart beat frantically in the hope that Dumbledore wouldn't pick up on the small slip Lily had given. "Shh, Lily, it's alright."

"No it's not!" Her voice was muffled against his chest and she sobbed as she clung to him. "My baby! My poor baby…"

Dumbledore shifted uncomfortably. "I am well aware that Harry has campaigned for equal rights for all creatures and beings, but he fails to see the damage the Dark creatures can cause in our world. I am sorry to say that it just would not work."

If Darren was willing to risk the safety of his pack, and the fury of his alpha, he would rip the foolish old coot's throat out, Azkaban be damned. He held back the growl and barely managed to restrain his wolf self form lunging at the wizard.

"Get out."

"I beg your pardon Remus?"

The werewolf whirled around, amber eyes blazing with a fiery fury that Dumbledore had never before seen. "I said, GET OUT!"

"Very well. I will speak to you another day." His blue eyes locked onto Sirius. "Ah, Sirius, what has brought you to Hogwarts?"

"Interest in my friends son."

"As I said, Daniel is quite safe, though I am sure he would love nothing more than to spend some time with you."

"I was not speaking of Daniel."

Dumbledore frowned. Grey eyes rested calmly on his. "Why is everyone so worried for Harry's health? He has shown that he is quite capable of defending himself, and has put more than a fair few students into the Infirmary."

"Everyone has their weaknesses, Albus. Some people," The grey eyes burned with anger and Sirius shifted into a slight defensive stance. "Like to share that information with others, for the soul purpose of causing harm."

Dumbledore drew himself up. None of them could know anything, because the boy would most likely never wake. "Is that so? Well, as interesting a conversation as that would be, I believe I am no longer wanted here. I bid you all good day."

Just as he was stepping out the door, he could have sworn he saw a pair of glowing red cat eyes and a voice whispering, "What makes you think you are safe, Dumbi Dumbi?"

A/N: I admit that I stole the name Dumbi Dumbi from Olaf74. It was so amusing that I thought that maybe Merynes, being a Hell Cat and a bit of a natural prankster, would use something entirely different and more amusing. To be honest, the name makes me think of a Bambi-like deer with a long grey beard dressed in bright yellow with happy little pink bunny rabbits all over it.