A Game of Shadows
Chapter Five
The feast was so mouth-watering it rivalled those of Hogwarts. Harry's mood and tolerance improved vastly will a full stomach and he thought everyone else's did too. He sat back from his empty plate at the long dark mahogany table and saw Kirian was still plodding his way through a very large meal. A hand brushing against his stomach drew his attention to his left, however, where Fenrir was giving him that knowing look.
A quick glance to the right showed that Dromon, his son and the two women from before were watching him from across the vast table. The hand on his stomach was a warning to them, Harry realised. He covered the hand with his own to communicate his understanding. Harming or compromising a breeding sub was the most capital of sins to people like them, like this. They were different to Conall and the others. It didn't make them safe but it made things easier to anticipate, to control.
"Better?" Fenrir asked him.
"Much," he said, referring to his full stomach. Things had been so normal this time, cravings, sickness, Fenrir and Kirian and everyone so…happy for him. It made him wonder when something was going to happen to break this relative peace apart.
"You are quite an important young man, you realise," Kear said to Kirian in a gentle, coaxing voice.
Kirian cocked his head to the side, fork poised half way to his mouth. "I'm the alpha's son," he said after a moment, seeming pleased with himself. "And my dad won a war."
Kear smiled. "All very important things," he agreed. "But you, yourself are very important. You're the first born werewolf the world has seen for a very long time."
Kirian looked a bit confused but otherwise untroubled, continuing to shovel his food into his mouth. "Larentia says I'm special."
With a nod, Kear set his fork down. "Incredibly." He looked to Harry and Fenrir with intrigue. "Has he turned yet? There are rumours that powerful born wolves sometimes change earlier than others. That they have stronger, more intuitive magic."
Fenrir made a grumbling sound under his breath. "He's not changed. He's not even five years old yet."
Harry, noted the dismissive tone in his voice and wondered how much truth there was to these 'rumours' Kear spoke of. "He does a lot of accidental magic though," Harry said, trying to be helpful, "calling his favourite toy to him or if he's running around with the other kids he might find himself in a tree or something. I'm not really a good judge I s'pose but he's really smart as well." He glanced down, just at the moment that Kirian managed to miss his mouth spectacularly and spill some of the gravy from his meal down his front. Fenrir snorted, banishing the mess with a pass of his hand.
"Would you be willing to discuss your condition?" Dromon asked now, apparently having been pondering his question during his silence. Harry met his eyes but noticed that Fenrir's hand did not move from his stomach. Rather than irritate him as it might have once, he found it comforting. The wolf was practically purring inside.
"We've had such little exposure to people like you," Kear said, his voice a little more peaceable than his father's. "My mother died with complications in birthing my youngest sister. After the Hunt desecrated our previous pack grounds we lost most of our history, our records."
This Harry could understand. Wanting to know more of your species, about where you came from. He glanced at Kirian, who was eating happily, legs swinging under the table, not at all bothered by the proceedings now. It was the air, the aura he was putting out, Harry thought. Relaxation, comfort…
"My term is five months and my instincts sort of have more sway over me, especially toward the end. They make me act in the best interest of the baby and the err…birth is pretty much all instinct. I don't really remember it but my body sort of knows what to do, go hide somewhere quiet, warm and safe. A lot of the symptoms or whatever you want to call them are the same as human women," Harry said simply, "I take it you know what those are?"
Kear smirked. "Morning sickness, mood swings, cravings?" he suggested.
Harry nodded, wondering how he knew so well, he raised a brow curiously. His question must have been evident for Kear added, "I have a human partner. She wished for her own children and so…she used magical insemination with an anonymous human donor to conceive."
"She had someone else's kids?" Harry asked, belatedly realising how insensitive and ignorant that sounded.
"The children she gave birth to, all three of them I consider my own, even if they are not of my blood," Kear corrected. "They were raised as mine and they call me father. But that was not the kind of mind-set you expected, is it?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Err, no, reckon not, sorry," he said, appalled at his own preconceptions. "That's good though. That I was wrong. I…I don't have a problem with sharing my gift but I have a problem with it being abused. Some wolves thought they could own me and use me like a broodmare because of what I am, I don't want to leave doors open to that kind of thing."
"What's a boodmayer?" Kirian asked interestedly, voice quiet for Harry's ears only. Harry hesitated, but was inadvertently saved from having to answer by the blonde woman on Dromon's side.
"You believe some might force your gift on a sub to beget a blood heir," she said. It was not a question.
Harry blinked. "I know they will. I've seen what some people will do for it, watched them kill and be killed. I'm just trying to think of a way that we could ensure whoever wanted the gift were sincere. I was thinking a spell or a potion before the ritual that might show their true intentions. I have a potions master who might help."
The blonde raised her eyebrows. "Wizard magic and potions?"
"I'm a wizard," Harry protested, jaw tight. "My son will be too when he's older, at least in part. Don't tell me I've been wasting time convincing the Wizarding World to change their opinions of werewolves only to realise it's you who need to be convinced?"
The woman glared. "Our race was hunted to near extinction by them. Your mate himself was one of the first to admit his loathing for them. He was chieftain of our hatred."
Beside Harry, Fenrir tensed.
"Do not tell me Fenrir Greyback the wizard slayer has turned into a little pussycat under your juvenile thumb?"
Fenrir leapt to his feet then, the action challenged by Alpha Dromon and the others, which caused Marrok on the others to leap up, ready for defence. "An insipid bitch thinks to talk down to me? To my mate?" he snarled viciously. "It was a mistake to come here and expect anything from this wretched place but elitism and deceit." He set his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let's go, we wasted our time. You can't talk sense to people who think they're above everyone else."
Harry opened his mouth to protest but Larentia's voice cut through the furious din.
"They haven't been lucky enough to see Harry's gift before now," she said simply, her tone unaffected and cool as ever, even though she stood behind Kirian and Harry ready to leap over them the event of attack. Her instincts were on high alert just as everyone else in the pack was, ready to defend him if necessary. Harry didn't like it, but he'd had years to adjust to it. She continued. "When I first saw him and realised what he meant for us, for people that felt the same as me I was angry. Angry because he couldn't help me and angry because he had the thing I wanted most."
Harry shifted uncomfortably. He and Larentia had come to an understanding, no, more than that over the years. She was a bristly bird. She'd had a hard life that had made her a hard woman but she was family. Harry ached for her right now. He could see her posture stiff, reluctant to share and her pride protesting. But he knew that she could understand both sides of this feud. Perhaps only she could halt it and allow them to move in the right direction.
"I hated him for a long time," she said, glancing unapologetically to Harry. "But then I saw the goodness in him, the goodness he was happy to share. He would help me in an instant if he could. I have learned to live with that impossibility and am resolved to find happiness elsewhere. But they," she gestured to Dromon's pack on the opposite side of the long table but looked hard at Fenrir. "They haven't had the time I did to adjust. Some of them are in awe, some of them are jealous and bitter because this gift cannot help them, some are eager but afraid of what this change may bring. They want it but they are afraid. You must understand this!"
Fenrir's shoulders tensed. Harry felt annoyance coming off him in waves. He swallowed, reaching out to touch Fenrir's hand but the man shrugged him off. This display of defiance from his pack, from everyone was detrimental to his standing, his reputation and it could not be allowed.
"Stand down, Larentia," Fenrir snarled through his throat, eyes flashing gold. Everyone was just a little too excited. Harry readied himself to stand despite the instincts insisting he do what he could to stay out of the way, crawl under the table if he had to.
"No!" Larentia barked, arrogant and defiant as ever. "You must listen to me! You forgave me once for this…this transgression against our ways, you excused me because you knew, you understood my reasons-"
"Harry forgave you, not me!" Fenrir snapped. Larentia winced as if physically hurt, her eyes glistening but she did not stand down and she did not surrender. Harry hoped she knew Fenrir hadn't meant that. After all, she was one of those that knew Fenrir said whatever came to mind in the spur of the moment, especially when angry.
"Regardless, I was given a second chance," she argued.
Kirian crept silently into Harry's lap. Harry wrapped his arms round him, wondering who was more soothed by the warm contact, Kirian or himself. The little head burrowed into his neck as it used to when he was small.
"You were pack, they aren't!" Fenrir roared.
"Stand down, Larentia," Marrok said softly, gripping her shoulder. She swatted him off and glared up at Fenrir.
"We are all the Original Witch's pack are we not? Made from the same flesh and blood. Or do you believe as they do," she gestured to Dromon, "they who you hate? Do you believe as they and Targarletum do that some of us are better than others?"
WHACK!
Fenrir backhanded her across the face. She staggered back a few steps but did not stumble, holding her ground. Harry leapt up, Kirian in his arms.
"Fenrir no!" he snapped. "She's only trying to-"
"Do not challenge me," Fenrir said, voice low, rough, barely restrained. The word challenge registered in Harry's mind, reminded him where he was. Against his better judgment he listened to the instincts gnawing at the back of his mind and let his mouth fall shut. He watched as Fenrir turned his golden glare on Larentia. He didn't have to say a word and Harry didn't have to share a bond with Fenrir to know what was expected. Everyone knew. Larentia's gaze was glassy but hard, she lifted her chin in defiance for a moment, before turning head head slowly, exposing her throat, yielding, apologising. Fenrir's fist wrapped around her throat, firm but not hard, pulling her close. She kept her submission, sincere but also not saying a word, not taking back what she'd said.
It wasn't her words that Fenrir protested as such, but the manner in which they were delivered, especially in front of this particular audience. Apparently satisfied with her contrition, Fenrir released her and then turned to look at Harry. Despite the hard mask, Harry felt a pulse of regret through their connection, but it was gone as soon as he met Dromon's gaze.
"You want a lot from my mate," he said, tone dangerously calm. "You want his gift, you want understanding and patience and his time. His energy. I know that most of you realise that Harry is a gift to you, but even the most outspoken of my pack know when to show they are wrong." He stared at the blonde beside Dromon. "If your pack cannot look past their own feelings then I will not let my mate waste his time with you."
Kear gripped his father's shoulder and nodded at Fenrir, then Harry. "Apologies. It's as your pack mate says, this subject is sensitive for some. I apologise for the disrespect. Please, give us a little more time, you must know what this means to us."
Eyes flicking to the blonde, Harry noticed how contrite she looked, how she no longer dared meet his eyes lest she be forced to submit in the way Larentia had. That was enough for him. Even if he could feel Kirian sniffling softly against his throat. Harry stroked his back absently. "I understand," was all Harry said.
Kear and Dromon looked relieved.
"Please, we have had rooms made ready for each of you, they lead off the spring courtyard so the moonflowers will be in full bloom. Perhaps in the morning we can discuss this further?"
Harry thought Fenrir might protest, but he knew if they walked away from this place with this altercation hanging over them, he'd never be able to come back. "That'd be great," he said with a small smile. "My son needs to rest."
Kear nodded, amused and sympathetic. "I'll show each of you to your rooms. Please, come."
There were rooms for each of them (with Harry, Kirian and Fenrir sharing) leading off a small courtyard filled with night blooming flowers. Every room was identical with the same luxurious furnishings and arched paned windows. The bed in Harry and Fenrir's room was big enough for even a fully transformed wolf to sprawl on. As Kear shut the door, leaving them to their privacy, Harry approached the mammoth bed and carefully lay Kirian down on it. He'd drifted off on the walk up here.
Fenrir stood a few feet behind Harry, radiating wariness. The human part of him still a little angry, Harry did not turn to him at first, instead tucking Kirian in carefully and then leaning back on his knees on the floor with his arms resting on the edge of the plush mattress.
"He was upset," Fenrir said.
Harry sighed. "He was tired, it's been a long day," he assured him, climbing back to his feet and finally meeting that expression. He looked a little like Kirian did when being scolded. His amusement at that made the remaining anger ebb away somewhat. "I didn't like that little power play in there but I know why you did it and on some level, so does Kirian." A smile twitched at the corners of Harry's mouth. "I know that man I saw in there wasn't…" He hesitated.
Fenrir cocked his head. "Wasn't what?" he asked cautiously.
Flushing, Harry admitted, "That wasn't my Fenrir. I get that."
Snorting, Fenrir made a show of tugging his shirt off and approaching the large windows, resting his hands on the generous sill. Harry took one last glance to ensure Kirian was sleeping before casting the usual one-way privacy charm that would allow them to hear him but protect him from seeing or hearing things from them. The best spell Mrs Weasley had ever shared with him.
With a dramatic sigh, Harry wrapped his arms round Fenrir and pressed his forehead to Fenrir's shoulder blade. "You've given me a headache with all your alpha pheromones," he mumbled into the muscle. He felt it twitch with Fenrir's snort of laughter. Harry smirked. "Maybe I should make you show me contrition," he muttered. That did it. Fenrir turned and flipped their positions so Harry was braced against the sill, staring out at the night blooming garden, Fenrir pressed in close behind. His large hands pinned one of Harry's to the stone, while the other slid up his shirt to touch his stomach unhindered, nose nestling into the nape of Harry's neck. Harry arched it, letting him find solace there, finding comfort himself.
Everything relaxed. He breathed slowly.
"Why do I do these things?" he murmured when the pulsing, uneasy aura had vanished from the room. "Things are going so well this time. It's like a part of me can't just sit still and enjoy peace."
A low chuckle vibrated against his neck. "You do it because you want to help people, that's just who you are. I've known that for a long time. Don't think too much on it - I don't."
Harry sighed wistfully. "You knew what you were getting into when you chose me," he mused. He wondered still sometimes if Fenrir would have preferred someone a bit less headstrong.
"It's part of the reason I wanted you so badly, you know that," Fenrir answered without hesitation. "That hasn't changed." He paused for a breath. "I was proud of you back there in that dining hall. You didn't take their shit; you took control like the alpha mate should. That's the man I chose years ago. I know werewolf etiquette can be a bit backward but I want you as you are, alright? Don't let your hormones or instincts tell you different." He pulled Harry gently to him then and let his bristly chin brush his ear. "Come to bed?"
Harry smirked. "Not for that with Kirian in the bed," he said.
Another low chuckle and Fenrir stepped backward, urging Harry to follow. When they reached the end of the bed, they turned so that Harry's calf muscles hit the edge of the mattress first. Harry held his gaze as he lowered himself onto the side of the bed opposite Kirian, sliding back until he was sprawled on the plush bedding. Fenrir's eyes glowed as he surveyed him in a way that was inherently instinctive, appreciate rather than sexual.
Tilting his head, Harry gave a small almost-croon and Fenrir rumbled back, kneeling on the end and crawling up his body. The soft, approving growl rumbled continuously in his throat as he sniffed his way up, nose brushing against him every now and then.
Harry let his hands slide across Fenrir's shoulder blades, the small of his back, his hips and closed his eyes, sighing softly. Sometimes this was better and easier than all the words in the world. It was their way of saying everything – just for them. After a while, any lingering tension from earlier dwindled like a dying flame.
A few hours later when the moon was high outside in the courtyard, Harry gave a final huff before pushing himself out of bed, careful not to disturb Fenrir and Kirian. He'd managed to catch himself an hour or two of sleep before the most horrendous hot flush dragged him awake, twinned with heartburn so violent he felt quite sick. Approaching the bag he'd brought with him, he pulled out the vial of potion he took often nowadays. It slid down his throat, thick and creamy, like spearmint flavoured ice dousing the fire in his throat and chest. Relieved from his heartburn, he stepped out into the courtyard to let the air chase away the risk of overheating.
Eithne teased that all these symptoms were sign of a healthy baby but right now, he was not encouraged by that. If he was this uncomfortable only half way through, he dreaded what might happen come the end of his term. His swollen stomach already felt bigger than he'd been with Kirian.
Each room lead out onto an elevated platform sheltered by shrubberies and moonflowers. But as Harry approached the balcony rail, he saw movement in the main courtyard below. Squinting slightly, he managed to catch sight of the woman who'd challenged him earlier and…Fyerhyde? With a glance back at Kirian and Fenrir sleeping soundly in the room, Harry slipped quietly down the steps of the courtyard, getting close enough to listen without being seen.
"…I know you're afraid of what it might mean for submissives in your position who can't reproduce, but I've taught him for two months, Lena, he's a good man," Fyerhyde's voice insisted.
"His character is irrelevant, it is what his gift will do to those like me who cannot be aided by it that bothers me," Lena, the blonde from earlier hissed. "It is alright for you, who can finally be accepted into the pack and provide the Alpha with his first natural blood born grandchild. Kear would never take another mate, he is too loyal to his own but you…you and his brother are the perfect start to the Potter boy returning the gift to our kind, aren't you?"
Fyerhyde seemed to hesitate. Her voice was softer. "I know you might feel you and your sister have not been as treasured as Kear's mother was, purely because she had the gift and you did not. I know you may feel threatened by me and Keenan but you cannot let that stand in the way of putting things right. Potter can bring the joy of children back to our kind again. That's all that matters. I won't let you ruin this."
There was a low warning snarl. "I am the Alpha Mate, keep a civil tongue in your head you human harlot."
Harry shifted in his place behind the bushes to see Fyerhyde's face flame. "I am not the one who has to share my mate," she seethed. "Mine at least is satisfied with just me and does not need my younger sister as a sweetener."
"You're not even his mate, our alpha refused you the right because you would not accept the change." Lena sniffed disdainfully. "His precious first mate may have given him natural sons but they are nothing but a waste if they mix with wasters like you and Kear's human hag."
Harry saw a flash, saw Fyerhyde's wand whip across Lena's cheek. The scent of blood burst into the air and Harry watched with twisted satisfaction as Lena glared darkly.
"You be careful human," she snarled warningly, "Or the whole pack will know of your plot to place yourself as future Alpha Mate, to elevate your spineless counterpart to the top when Dromon retires."
Fyerhyde scoffed, wand still trained on the woman now cupping her bleeding cheek. "You can't poison our pack with lies anymore, Lena. You nearly cost the pack their chance at the gift today with your behaviour. I think they will place a little less trust in you. It's you that should be careful."
With that, Harry circled the greenery and strode through the arbour, schooling his face into a neutral expression. Lena gave him and Fyerhyde a final glare before flouncing off and out of sight. As soon as her scent faded, Harry took a seat on the stone bench and sighed. "No wonder you like to escape to Hogwarts," he mused with a smile. To his relief, Fyerhyde's expression echoed his. She took a seat on the bench beside him and stared at the moon jasmines that hung from the beams overhead.
"it's a difficult family I married into," she said at last.
Harry blinked. "You and Dromon's youngest son are married? Like…a normal marriage?"
Fyerhyde smirked. "I didn't want to be a werewolf and give up my chance of having children. He didn't want to take that from me but we wanted to be…united, I suppose. So we got married."
Harry nodded. "And the pack don't like you because of that?"
Fyerhyd blinked. "Oh, no it's not like that. Kear, my husband's brother. you met him earlier? Well his mate is a human too it's sort of…accepted. Dromon can be a bit of an elitist pig but he loves his sons. His two current mates are just a bit bitter because they've never been able to give Dromon the children that his first mate did."
Wincing in distaste, Harry said, "One mate wasn't enough?"
"Dromon believes it proper or something to have two," Fyerhyde laughed, not unkindly, "Each to their own beliefs; there are many human cultures that promote the same thing, are there not? I think if you weren't mated already he would have liked you too. He seemed quite taken with you tonight, Kear said he couldn't take his eyes off you."
Nauseous at the thought, Harry scowled. "He can keep looking," he challenged, before shooting Fyerhyde a sideward glance. "So…not everyone here thinks like that Lena does? If I share my gift with you and others, you won't be in danger, will you?"
Fyerhyde shook her head. "She's one of those with all the mouth and no strength or nerve to make good of her word. She's like a tiger that knows its time has come, having one last fight, you know? Kear or Keenan will become alpha soon and she won't be top dog, that's all she's worried about." She seemed very sure and Harry had to admit, after seeing how strictly this pack took the rules of the old ways, he knew there would be zero tolerance for harming a breeding sub or cubs.
With a long, low sigh, Harry leant back against the stone wall behind him and tried to think. "I guess I need to speak with Severus about making a potion that will show how sincere a pair who want to take the gift are. It has to be genuine on both sides, something both partners can have. I'm sure hell know what to do." Once he had that, there would be nothing to stop him from…how did Fyerhyde put it? Bringing back children to the werewolf species? He swallowed. That sounded like such a big responsibility.
"You and Professor Snape think a great deal of each other, don't you?" Fyerhyde said. When Harry flushed and said nothing, she added, "And you're really going to help us? Help me?" her eyes were so open, glistening with the same hope he'd seen in Larentia's eyes when she'd held Kirian for him that first time. The sympathetic ache in his chest struck so deep that he shifted uncomfortably, wishing he knew the right words to say.
As reticent as ever, he just nodded slowly, watching her eyes drift to his stomach. He could sense the yearning like rain about to fall. "Err…do you want to…?" he asked half-heartedly.
Her head jerked up to him. "You don't mind?" she asked, surprised.
He did mind, actually but just this once, he could make an exception. He nodded and tried not to visibly stiffen when she tentatively touched his stomach. She seemed to sense his unease because she left her palm only for a moment before withdrawing. "I've grown up a witch, but that's the most magical thing I've ever seen and…and knowing you're willing to share it with me means everything. Thank you."
Again, Harry could only nod, but this time he was sure beyond anything that he was doing the right thing. it was liberating. By the time he made his way back to the room, his hot flush and burning throat had calmed and sleep was tugging once again at his senses. As he reached the balcony, however, he heard voices and stopped just short of the door to listen.
"…behaved like an alpha not like a…" Fenrir's voice halted as he seemed to struggle to find the right word. "Not like a man who takes his pack mate's feelings into measure."
"We all know outsiders need to see a certain front," came Larentia's reply, her voice soft, evidently cautious of Kirian still sleeping on the bed. When she spoke again, Harry could hear the amusement in her voice. "Harry certainly has had an affect on you. You do realise you never apologise or second guess yourself – even when you are wrong."
Fenrir gave a snort of embarrassed indignation that made Harry smile. "Cheers," he muttered but there was no bite to his voice. "You were trying to make me see both points of view, even though it's a sore subject for you. I should have reacted better."
There was a short silence. Then a rustling came and Harry craned his neck to just see Larentia standing awkwardly by the door, arms across her chest. "I'm not a delicate flower, I'm not going to break because you chastised me for speaking out of turn-"
"It's me that was out of turn," Fenrir insisted, voice still hushed for Kirian's sake. "You were right and I'm sorry you were the one to bend back there." He stared at her carefully. "You've suffered a lot and dealt with it better than most could've. I'm proud to have someone like you in this pack."
From where he stood, Harry saw Larentia's lips twitch into an almost smile. "Harry really has had a positive effect on you," she mused. "There's hope yet." She pulled open the door and as she crossed the threshold added, "Thank you, Alpha," before closing it softly behind her. Harry gave it a few moments before stepping in off the balcony, feeling quite sleepy and chilly now, crawling onto the bed between Kirian and Fenrir without a word.
One of Fenrir's arms threw over him casually in the silent dark and a callous, rough hand caressed his hip thoughtfully. "Wonder where I'd be if I didn't have you," Fenrir mumbled aloud. It was not a question, just a general musing.
Harry closed his eyes, pressing his face into Kirian's hair and letting his body relax slowly. "I wonder the same thing all the time," he said sleepily. "D'you think you would've ever found someone with the nerve to tell you what a pillock you were?"
Fenrir snorted, bristly chin brushing against Harry's shoulder. "Not one like you," he said huskily, "there's no one like you. Not for me anyway."
Harry bit the inside of his mouth, feeling oddly mawkish at Fenrir's tender words. "Me neither," he said eventually, voice almost lost to sleep. "I think we challenge and complete each other in all the right ways." The hand on his hip gripped a little tighter in answer. "It helps that you're pretty good in bed," he added playfully, still embarrassed by serious emotional conversations no matter how old he got. A soft chuckle dusted over the shell of his ear. He smiled.
After breakfast the next morning, Dromon, his greedy eyes still on Harry, ushered them into a room that reminded Harry a lot of the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Dromon took his place on the dais at the far side of the hall, his sons, his mates and Harry, Fenrir and their pack joining him. The large breakfast Harry had consumed churned in his stomach as he saw the large crowd that filled the rest of the hall, watching them eagerly. It felt like a school assembly, only this time Harry was the focus. He glanced at Kirian, who was partially hidden behind Fenrir's legs. He felt disturbed at being on display like this. He wished he could hide too.
"Is it true that you come to share with us, your gift?" Alpha Dromon asked loudly before everyone with a touch more drama that Harry cared for. He felt Fenrir tense, felt his irritation pique and tried to remain calm himself. It wasn't something he was known for, especially in his condition.
"I do," he agreed, his voice thankfully neutral.
"After the cub is born," Fenrir added sharply from his side. "The ritual takes a lot out of him."
Dromon's eyes roved Harry eagerly. "Yes, yes of course! When the cub is born you must all come back and we will host a grand feast before the first ritual!" He was practically gleeful.
"But before any ritual, each couple will have to drink a potion to test their sincerity, to avoid abusing the situation," Harry said, in a tone Hermione would have been proud of. "Aside from that I only have two conditions."
The silence among such a large hall filled with so many people was eerie. Harry risked a glance out across the crowd and saw them all watching him with mixed emotions. Mostly hope and apprehension. He could understand both, he held their future in his hands, after all. Exhaling roughly, he looked back to Dromon, then to his youngest son, who he now knew was Keenan. "Your son Keenan's wife, I want her to be the first to be…err…gifted."
Dromon looked to his son. Fyerhyde was back at Hogwarts, Harry knew, but her husband looked elevated by surprise and joy.
"Of course!" Dromon said quickly, "I'm honoured. My son has always wanted children and his wife will truly be one of us at last."
Harry bristled a little at that, but was used to the blunt way werewolves put things sometimes and so pressed on. "And lastly, your mate Lena," he began. "She insulted me yesterday. Later I heard her insult your sons and our way of life, the way werewolves do things the old ways." He saw Lena's marked face flash with fury. His own pack was ready to defend him, even if he wasn't capable of defending himself. But he could sense it in her face. She was all bark and no guts to bite. With shameful satisfaction he said, "I want her to apologise to everyone here, right now."
If Fenrir had taught him anything about pack politics, it was that you needed to make an example, make a stand or risk uproar. If he wanted the children he helped to be born into this pack to be safe, he had to make it clear that her bigotry couldn't be allowed. And isn't that just a bit hypocritical statement, he thought with a wince, hoping he was doing the right thing.
There was silence for a long time. Harry did not tear his gaze from Lena but he could feel Fenrir's surprise and see Dromon glancing at his mate with the same expression. Lena seemed to be waiting for her mate to step in on her behalf, to protest but everyone watching knew that this was a test – Harry's test to see what came first, their alpha's consideration for the welfare of the pack or his mate's pride. If he could not make the right choice now, how could he be trusted to take care of the future subs who would accept Harry's gift?
"You disgrace me," Dromon said at last, his voice rough and shamed.
Lena bristled. "Alpha, I-"
"You disgrace your pack and our way of life! Everything that separates us from the rogues you so loathe." He spat. "Rogues who are the reason that the humans hate us with the way they plunder and pillage without regard. Show your contrition."
Lena gasped, beginning to tilt her head the same way Larentia had yesterday. Dromon growled warningly. "Not just to me. To everyone here. Submit. Now."
Those eyes widened, her lips moved with the beginnings of protest but she remained silent, glancing to Harry a final time. He kept his gaze hard, unyielding as he'd seen Fenrir do in the face of other packs, other wolves, those he could not trust. Among some at least, he had to project an air of strength, of coolness. It was the way things were done. It worked.
Lena dropped her gaze as she slid to the ground, prostrating herself before Harry and everyone else. "I am sorry," she breathed, her voice hoarse. Harry thought she even sounded sincere, which surprised him. She exhaled roughly before continuing, "I was wrong. I should not have let my fear control my judgement."
A moment or two passed and the soft murmur of speech returned to the crowd behind them. Harry glanced from them to the still prostrate Lena and felt his stomach twist. Leaning down (a little awkwardly thanks to his slightly rounded stomach) he set his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry that my gift can't extend to you," he said honestly. She regarded him cautiously, as if trying to gauge his sincerity. Whatever she saw must have been enough, because they rose together to their feet and she covered one of Harry's hands with hers. She said nothing but Harry (flinching) thought the expression said volumes. He'd seen it before.
To his relief, Fenrir spoke next, addressing everyone gathered. His voice brushed through his senses like an abrasive but soothing comb, letting Harry relax from the tension that had held him captive with everyone's eyes on him. He turned from Lena to Fenrir, to where Kirian quietly made his way to him, sliding a soothing hand into his. When Harry glanced down though, Kirian's face was bright and proud, turned up to him and Harry smirked as he realised Kirian, like always had sensed his discomfort and was trying to soothe him. His sweet boy, not at all worried about himself or being in front of these people now. Only worried about him. Harry squeezed his hand, before turning his attention to Fenrir's words.
"…when the potion is ready and after my mate has whelped, we will return here to complete the first ritual." He glanced to Harry. "I think a few days' stay, maybe. The spell takes a lot of magic; I think one wolf to be a day is enough. You'll have to decide among yourself how you'll fairly choose who goes first."
"And if other small packs, if the rogues get wind of this?" a woman's voice called from the crowd.
Fenrir winced but Harry responded unwaveringly. "Tell them," he said simply. "I don't mind who I share this gift with, as long as their reasons are sincere. Everyone is welcome."
"And if there's trouble?" Keenan asked from his father's side.
A dangerous smile touched Fenrir's lips. "We're allies now, if they mess with us they mess with all of us, right?" It was a question but it left no room for refusal, not really. Harry fought to keep his face straight. Somehow, they'd wound up with their pack calling all the shots. There was no missing who had who by the ears.
"This is the most sacred of offerings to seal a treaty," Kear said without hesitation. "A partnership, loyalty and respect is the least we can offer for a gift we can all never repay."
Fenrir seemed pleased with that. He gave a nod of acceptance and then touched Harry's shoulder. "We will head back to our pack now, but we'll send word when the cub is born."
Dromon's eyes flicked to Harry's stomach eagerly again, fascinated, as if he were a legendary creature. Harry gave a wistful, polite smile, trying to be patient. These people, they'd all suffered a similar pain to Fenrir all those years ago. No man was a monster because he was born that way, circumstance made them like that. Even Voldemort, had ultimately grown into the Dark Lord because of a twisted past. It was not an excuse but it was a reason.
"We wish you all the best with your cub, Harry Potter," Dromon said softly, "We will meet again soon."
To Harry's surprise, he offered his hand the human way and his smile flickered to life again when Harry shook it. It'd been a strange visit to be sure. His senses still on edge. He was eager to get back home. They walked back outside beyond the protection of the castle walls and took the slow walk back down the grasslands away from the lake. Back surrounded by the wind and the wild grass, Harry had never been so grateful to feel the uncomfortable pull of apparition.
When he landed outside the entrance to the Valley, he surged forward, steadying himself on the mountainside as his breakfast painted the forest floor. "Dad?" Kirian asked softly, but Harry shook his head, heaving again. Apparition didn't agree with a pregnant stomach, apparently.
"The cub makes him a bit sensitive, that's all," Marrok said gently as he stepped forward, squeezing Kirian's shoulder before opening the door into the mountain and leading the way inside. Fenrir lingered by Harry, waiting for him to straighten up. When he did so, his face was clammy, fringe sticking to his flushed skin. Harry wiped his mouth on his sleeve and winced. He felt dizzy.
"There goes breakfast," he bemoaned.
Fenrir snorted, sweeping Kirian up onto his shoulders. "You did have two helpings," he said, but he used the hand not gripping Kirian's ankle to brush Harry's fringe back from his face affectionately. "Alright?" he asked.
Harry nodded. "No more apparating until the baby is here," he said, stepping into the blessed coolness of the mountain. "You know, Mrs Weasley said morning sickness is worse when you've got a girl," he said with a smirk.
"You do seem to be puking your guts up more than when you were pregnant with Kirian," Fenrir mused.
"Gran says cubs grow like flowers," Kirian said knowledgably, "in your belly." He dipped his head forward so he was looking directly into Fenrir's eyes upside down. "Will a baby grow in my belly too?"
Fenrir laughed. "No, only people like your dad can grow cubs – it's a very important job."
"That's why we went to that place?" he asked, his little brow furrowing as he tried to understand.
"Yeah, Kiri, I'm sharing my…my gift with people. Like I did with Draco and Tonks, you understand, right?"
Kirian looked thoughtful. "Draco said…you shared your magic, made him like you."
"That's right," Fenrir answered this time. "That's what your Dad is going to do for more people, so others can be as blessed as we are, having you."
Kirian kicked his legs out against Fenrir's shoulder, apparently happy with that. He beamed upside down at Fenrir a final time before straightening up so he could stare down at Harry again. "Having a cub is really special," he said.
Harry laughed and let his hand cover his stomach. It really was so different this time, he kept being pleasantly surprised at how easy everything was. A part of him even longed for the moment the baby would move so Kirian could feel it. He knew he was really intelligent, but he wondered if Kirian fully understood, he was still very little. "Very special. And you know you were the first baby born a werewolf for decades, that makes you very important too."
Kirian beamed sheepishly, looking so like Harry then that Harry was momentarily startled by it. "I'll show the cub how to do things," he said, seeming certain as he stared ahead now while they walked. "Even if it is a girl."
"Good boy," Fenrir murmured affectionately, squeezing his little calves as they caught up with the others and approached the gate. Even as it was sliding open, Harry could sense there was something wrong.
"Can't you hear that?" Harry asked under his breath for Fenrir only. The gate was slowly unlocking, the vines unwinding at Marrok's touch. But panic throbbed in Harry's throat like bile he couldn't swallow back down.
"I hear it," Fenrir replied.
Harry strained. Kirian's senses obviously couldn't stretch that far but it wouldn't matter soon. "Give Kirian to me," he said softly. When Fenrir gave him a worried look Harry sighed impatiently. "It was just some morning sickness, I'm fine. Pass him to me." Kirian slid down Fenrir's back and into Harry's arms, his little nose sniffing at the air. When the gates finally shuddered open Harry felt the panic surge and throb through his skin like basilisk venom.
"Is someone crying?" Kirian asked.
Harry nodded grimly, though it was almost screaming really. He glanced to Fenrir. "It's Tonks," he said. "And I can smell blood." They all could now, as they stepped into the Valley, but Harry's already sensitive stomach churned at the metallic tang. He gripped Kirian a little more firmly than before, his lifeline. A crowd seemed to have gathered far across the Valley in the stone circle. They headed towards it, trepidation thick among the small group.
Tonks was sobbing when they reached them, on the ground in the midst of the circle with Remus kneeling shell-shocked and pale at her side. Some of the pack parted to admit Harry, Fenrir and the others in closer. Harry caught Draco's grim expression and saw Amoux looking pale and worried, her arms wrapped around Vilkas who had the tiniest fleck of blood at the corner of his mouth. And there between Tonks and Remus, Teddy stood, his eyes wet but no more tears falling, tiny hand clasped over his shoulder where blood stained his shirt. It didn't take much to realise what had happened.
"What's going on?" Fenrir demanded, stepping forward to stare between the two children. Both boys winced and kept their eyes averted, Tonks was still crying. No one said a word. He looked to Vilkas, eyes hard but his voice as soft and calm as Fenrir's ever got, just a soft gravelly rasp to it as he leant down to grasp Vilkas' shoulder. "Tell me," he said firmly.
Villas flicked his gaze hesitantly to him, looking as if it was taking all he had not to cry himself. He visibly swallowed, wiping at his mouth with his sleeve. "We were just playing shadows," he murmured dejectedly, voice cracking slightly. "I didn't mean to. It was an accident. I'm sorry." He looked to Teddy pleadingly. "I'm sorry."
Harry watched as Fenrir glanced between the boys. "You were playing?" he asked, waiting for both Teddy and Vilkas to nod. "And you bit him?" he asked VIlkas now. It was Teddy that answered, his voice as shaky as Vilkas'.
"It was an accident. It was just a game," he insisted, sniffling.
"Are you hurt?" Harry asked Teddy, approaching him and lifting his hand and pushing aside his shirt shoulder to look. There was the tiniest of cuts, probably where Vilkas' tooth had just chipped his skin. It was diminutive, nothing in the grand scheme of injuries but at the same time, everyone there knew what it meant. Harry especially. He passed his hand over the wound, murmuring softly. When he drew his hand back, the little knick was gone as was the blood. Not even enough to scar.
It is a scar in some people's eyes, his mind supplied. Teddy's eyes met his and he saw uncertainty there, fear.
"Don't understand," Teddy said, staring between them, looking to Harry from answers. "Am I like you now?"
Harry moistened his lips. Remus was staring at him hard. He knew his thoughts on the matter, his fears, even if he couldn't understand why. "Yeah," he said to Teddy, not able to lie. "You were born like me, with dormant werewolf genes. They would have stayed that way unless someone bit you. Vilkas woke it in you like Fenrir did me – although he did it by accident," he added hurriedly, remembering his 'awakening' had been quite a bit less innocent. He cupped Teddy's head, stroking his wayward hair gently. "It's alright Teddy. Like you said, it was an accident."
Teddy seemed to be reluctant to look at his parents. "I don't… Why is everyone mad that I will be like you?" He hesitated. "Is it not good?"
The silence that fell was deafening and Harry knew he was not the one who should break it. Remus stood over them, gently coercing his wife to her feet, squeezing her arm calmly until her sobs faded. "We are upset," Remus told his son, drawing his face upward to look at him, "Because the choice was taken from you. Because… Because we are worried people will take advantage of you the way they tried to take advantage of Harry."
Harry rose to his feet too, bristling a little. He knew Remus partially included Fenrir in that. Though they had grown to respect one another, to even get along, Harry knew Remus would always hold that flicker of resentment for Harry losing his choice in the matter.
Sighing in exasperation, Harry took a few steps back. "Things are different now. I just took us out to see the other pack to ensure we had allies to help protect people like us. it's safer now than it was for me. We'll make it even safer. We'll protect you, Teddy, nothing is going to happen to you," he declared with ferocious determination. "Like your Dad said, it would've been nice if you could've chosen this for yourself, but accidents happen and there's nothing wrong with you."
Teddy smiled up at him hopefully, before locking gazes with Vilkas. "I don't mind being a werewolf. All my friends are. It's not bad, is it?"
Remus tensed, lips parting but Fenrir cut across whatever he'd been about to say. "Your dad and Harry have been working so that the world realises being different, being werewolves isn't something to worry about. It's the person that matters, isn't it?"
Teddy blinked, nodding ferociously.
Fenrir smirked. "You're not upset with Vilkas, are you?"
Teddy shook his head and Harry felt his throat catch a little as Fenrir urged Vilkas forward. He and the little blond seemed to share an understanding, because Vilkas stood before Teddy, turning his head to the side in humble submission. "I really didn't mean to," he said again quietly.
Teddy hesitated, then reached out to hold Vilkas' hand. He smiled up at him. "It's ok. It didn't hurt much," he assured him.
Children really were a miraculous thing, Harry thought. In life changing situations, they were the ones that coped, the ones that moved on, forgave and moved passed mistakes so easily. Adults were the ones that poisoned the world with grudges and uncertainty and regret. He remembered his own heartache when he'd realised Fenrir had changed him against his will at the start though and understood how Remus felt. Neither side were to blame.
Even more tired than he'd been before, Harry stepped back further to make room as Kirian joined the group, the twins popping up to join their friends. They were like their own little family unit, their own pack. After a few moments, the crowd that had gathered dispersed. Fenrir gestured for Amoux, Remus and Tonks to follow him and as they did so, Harry joined them at the tree by the laundry pool, far enough out of the way of the children. who seemed to be acting as if nothing had happened. They were already almost back to normal.
Harry felt the soft hum of Fenrir's privacy charm in spite of the distance though and only prayed it would be as a precaution only. He didn't want Fenrir and Remus to clash. "Don't let your self-loathing affect your judgement on this," Fenrir said cautiously. "It was an honest mistake. A child's mistake. Boys play rough and it happens. You have the power to cause some real damage here if you handle this badly."
Remus bristled. "I did not want this life for my son," he said firmly, then shook his head. "No, that is, I did not want others to choose this life for him. The world is different now, we have made it so but he should still have been able to choose this life for himself if he wanted. Not be forced into it like Harry and I."
"By me?" Fenrir sneered.
"It was an accident," Tonks said, speaking for the first time since everything had happened. Her eyes were red and puffy but she seemed to have regained her composure. She sounded as if she were struggling to keep her voice even. She seemed to be trying to control herself for Remus. "This is Teddy's home. It's not like it was for Harry and you. Sweetheart-" But Remus turned away.
"In trying to accept what I am I put our son in danger," he began and his tone was so dredged with self-loathing, so reminiscent of that conversation he'd had with Remus before they'd left on the horcrux hunt all those years ago that it made something in Harry snap.
"Enough," he said sharply. "Enough, Remus. I know you've struggled with this for far longer than me, definitely worse but you've made progress here. You've found peace and happiness. I know what happened to you was awful but you can't keep doing this. Everyone is entitled to a moan about life now and again but the wolf in you, your life here. It's a good life, isn't it?"
Remus stared at him. "It is a good life, Harry," he said softly. "But you are a parent too. You know the at times irrational need for them to be safe. I want Teddy to be whatever he wants, the way you have always strived to give Kirian equal balance between his werewolf side and the wizard in him. You want him to have that choice."
"Teddy can still have a choice," Harry said, trying to understand. "This doesn't take that away. I know why you're upset, it's a bit of a shock but…" Harry sighed. "Just think, alright? I know I practically implode every time Kirian so much as scrapes a knee so I'm hardly one to talk but Teddy hasn't lost anything. He's fine. Don't make this into something it's not. Don't make this about you."
Remus flinched as if slapped. He let his gaze move from his wife to Harry to Fenrir, before turning and heading out beyond the walls of the invisible privacy charm. Harry sighed and dismissed the magic, running a hand through his hair.
"He'll be alright," Tonks said, cheeks slightly pink. "We both will be. It's just a shock to see your child like that, as you know." She squeezed his shoulder. "We love our life here, Harry. I think this just brought it all back for Remus of a time when it was more difficult. Please don't worry."
He nodded and watched as she moved after Remus, leaving Harry to slump back into the arms that wrapped round him. He turned his face so his nose brushed against Fenrir's bicep. Remus was less of a suffocating parent than perhaps he, Harry was, but it was still startling to see his reaction. It made Harry realise how important it was that he learn to let go a little. "I think you should take Kirian out on your village run tomorrow," he said thoughtfully. He hadn't realized how much he'd lost touch with his reckless, brazen self when it came to Kirian until now.
Fenrir pressed his lips to Harry's neck, sniffing softly. "Sure?" he asked., evidently thinking of all the trips to the outside villages beyond Shae. "You usually say it's too far or too risky."
"He'll be with you," Harry said. "There's a difference between suffocating him and protecting him. He'll be safe with you, you'll look after him and I…I need to stop being so paranoid. Besides," he scrunched his face in disgust. "I have homework I need to catch up on."
Fenrir gave a gruff laugh at that that calmed some of the unease that had settled in the air.
To Be Continued…
