DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.

Chapter Two - A Grimmauld Place Christmas

The ruthless shriek of the train's whistle had Harry jerking upwards, his bleary orbs darting to the window beside him. A relieved sigh slipped between his lips as he collapsed back onto the bench and closed his eyes, lifting a hand to scrub indelicately at his face. He was somewhat surprised to realize they had already reached their destination; the familiar platform of 9 3/4 bustling beyond the thin glass. A soft thump had his eyes snapping open and his head turning toward the bench opposite him, his tensed muscles relaxing as Hermione offered him an apologetic smile.

"How's your head?" The witch whispered quietly, shrugging Ron's head from her shoulder without sparing him a glance. She rose from the bench and reached for the bags stowed in the overhead racking, tugging down her small book bag and blue winter coat.

Harry pondered the question a moment before grinning in relief, the pounding in his head having vanished while he slept. "Much better, thanks," he said, swinging his feet to the floor and standing. He rolled his shoulders slowly, ridding himself of the kinks in his muscles as he stretched his arms above his head, fingers splayed.

"You're welcome," Hermione murmured, offering him a pleased smile. The grin fell from her features as she studied his bare face, internally wondering over the absence of his always-present spectacles. "Would you like me to fix your glasses now?"

Harry froze at the unexpected question, his mind stumbling over itself to create a credible lie quickly. "I forgot them," he said in a rush, lowering his arms and offering the witch a lame smile. "I set them on my desk and forgot to grab them on my way out of the dorm. Breakfast," he mumbled with an apologetic shrug of shoulders, knowing the poor excuse would be believable coming from either him or Ron.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione sighed, shrugging into her coat. Her gaze landed on Ron's slumbering form as she turned to grab her bag, her lips compressing into a firm line that expressed her displeasure over the redhead's current state. "Get up, Ron!" She snapped loudly, giving the wizard a whack on the side of the head.

Eyes flying open, Ron practically leapt to his feet, his head swinging from side to side as he scanned the compartment in search of his mother. "Merlin, Hermione," he grumbled after a moment, rubbing a hand over his tired eyes, "You sounded exactly like my Mum." The mumbled complaint earned him a hard frown and a contemptuous snort from the bushy-haired witch.

Harry grinned at the byplay between the pair, shaking his head even as he snagged the carry-on bag that held the school robes he'd been wearing earlier and an assortment of activities meant to entertain him for the duration of the train ride. He tugged on his heavy winter cloak, knowing he'd have no need for a normal coat like Hermione, who'd be returning home with her muggle parents. "Come on you two, everyone's waiting for us." Giving Ron a playful shove, he grabbed Hermione's hand and tugged her out of the compartment, joining the steady flow of students streaming excitedly off the Hogwarts Express. His eyes swept over the large group of parents eagerly waiting on the platform, scanning the faces in search of Remus.

"There." Hermione's hand shot over his shoulder, one finger leveled at the wizard standing quietly in the center of a group of cheerfully calling parents. The witch squeezed his arm tightly, a brilliant smile curving her lips as she waved happily at her own parents.

Feeling her excitement, the dark-haired wizard waved merrily at his father's old friend. "Remus!" Harry called happily, jumping over the last step and landing lightly on the platform at King's Cross. He flew the short distance into the older wizard's arms, giving him an exuberant hug. The smile he wore died as Remus gave him an absent pat on the back and then set him quickly aside. "Remus?" He repeated softly, his brow furrowing in worry.

"Do you have all your bags, Harry?" Remus asked quietly, his gaze darting anxiously about the busy platform. His thin frame seemed to vibrate with barely restrained tension as students continued to disembark, the small area quickly becoming overcrowded. "And Hedwig?" He asked in a much louder voice, settling a firm hand on the dark-haired teen's shoulder and pulling him protectively closer.

Exchanging a quick glance with Hermione, Harry nodded in response to Remuss question and hefted Hedwig's cage, bringing the flustered owl to the other wizard's attention. "My trunks in-" His mouth snapped closed as he was hurriedly herded away from the train, only managing a quick wave of his fingers at Hermione before the crowd closed in around her. With an irritated sigh, he allowed himself to be shepherded through the maze of witches and wizards, mumbling insincere apologies as Hedwig's cage swung along in his wake. "Slow down, Remus," he complained finally, attempting to shrug away from the taller man's guiding hand.

"Not now, Harry." Remus said, ignoring the younger wizard's attempts to slip out of his grasp. He tightened his fingers on Harry's shoulder, his wary gaze darting left and right. They halted when the reached the edge of the crowd, Remus retaining his hold on Harry as he searched for the rest of the retrieval party. He frowned when Tonks appeared suddenly before them, her mauve eyes wide and her wand held against her side. As she opened her mouth, he frantically shook his head, tipping his chin at Harry and widening his eyes in warning.

Tonks, in turn, rolled her eyes. "A word, if you would, Remus," she muttered dryly, giving a wave of her wand at a spot a few meters away.

"Wait here," Remus ordered Harry, grabbing Tonks by the arm and beginning to haul her to the indicated spot. "And don't move!" He frowned when the younger wizard rolled his eyes and turned away, demonstrating his obvious displeasure with the command.

Shaking his head in disgust, Harry set Hedwig's cage at his feet and crossed his arms. He idly scanned the mass of witches and wizards, shamelessly eavesdropping on the closest conversations. It was a soft whisper, though, that caught his attention. His head tipped in response as he tried to recapture the quiet murmur. When it came again, he tensed, his eyes narrowing. Someone was saying his name, repeating it over and over again in a steady litany.

Slowly, he lifted his chin, his emerald orbs sweeping the crowd, meticulously searching for the source of the sound. His entire body stiffened when he located the individual who had emitted the noise. Watching him through smirking silver eyes, Draco Malfoy smiled, his lips barely parting as he repeated his almost inaudible whisper. Harry Potter.

It was what the blond next breathed that caused Harry to suck in a sharp breath and take an unsteady step backward. Smirking secretively, Draco Malfoy stared straight into his narrowed eyes and whispered, Werewolf.

That whisper raised Harry's hackles. He scanned the crowd quickly, attempting to determine whether or not anyone else had heard the damning accusation. A relieved sigh slid from his mouth when he found the students and their parents oblivious to the soft hiss. His blazing eyes snapped back to the blond, his lips curling in a feral snarl. Against his will, he took a threatening step forward, delighting in the sudden flash of wariness that crept into the other wizard's orbs. He was so pleased by the reaction he'd garnered that he took another step forward, a slightly louder growl rumbling in his chest.

Rather than retreat, Malfoy smiled widely.

The challenge was impossible to pass up. With fists clenched, Harry began a predatory march forward, his eyes locked on his target. Something inside him seemed to stir, testing its boundaries as he closed the distance between himself and the blond. He was brought to an abrupt halt when a hand closed around his upper arm, the tight grip nearly swinging him around.

"Harry, I thought I told you not to move," Remus chided, shaking his head and beginning to drag the younger wizard towards the nearest exit. He frowned as Harry fought his hold, glancing quickly about in search of danger while tightening his grip.

Barely suppressing a snarl, Harry tried to wiggle away from Remus, his gaze returning to the spot Malfoy had occupied only seconds ago. He stopped struggling when he found the blond gone, his brow furrowing at the speed with which the Slytherin had managed to vanish. His anger dissipated with the blond's disappearance. "I was looking for Ron," he mumbled, slapping at the hand locked around his bicep.

"Arthur already picked him and Ginny up," Remus replied, pulling a folded newspaper from a pocket of the dark brown jacket he wore and offering an end to Harry. He impatiently waited for it to be taken, his gaze sweeping the surrounding area until the dark-haired teen huffed unhappily and grabbed the paper. Giving one final look around the platform, he murmured, "Castle," and closed his eyes as they were whisked off to Grimmauld Place.

XxXxX

It took Harry a mere six hours in Grimmauld Place to realize that keeping his secret in a house occupied by another werewolf was going to be a major problem. While he was still learning how to filter scents and smells, to determine what everything his nose told him meant, Remus had had years of experience. He found himself cringing every time the older male passed by him, silently praying that Remus would remain oblivious to the change in his scent. The presence of the Weasley family brought him some measure of relief; each member of the redheaded clan adding to the various smells wafting through the large house

In addition to avoiding Remus, he had taken to wearing copious amounts of cologne in hopes of disguising his changed scent. It was definitely not a perfect solution to the problem of keeping his secret, and he'd almost reached his breaking point when he'd sat down for breakfast between Fred and George and the pair had eased their chairs away from him. Still, there were times when Remus would stiffen and inhale deeply, a frown marring his tired features.

Unfortunately, his luck ran out after dinner on Christmas Eve.

Eyes glazed as he stared out the window above the kitchen sink, Harry allowed a faint smile to curve his lips; dinner had been perfect. Setting the plate he had been washing in the rack at his elbow, he reached for the next dish, tossing a curious glance over his shoulder as the kitchen door creaked open.

Unease crept through him at the sight of Remus, the older wizard's features drawn and wary as he slowly approached Harry. He stiffened when Remus halted within touching distance, his hands frozen on the plate he'd been washing, his shouldered hunching as the older wizard leaned closer and snuffled loudly at the nape of his neck. He swallowed heavily as dread rose within his belly, his fingers clutching desperately at the ragged dishcloth he held. "Remus?" He whispered pathetically, cringing away from the other wizard.

A keening howl of outrage shattered the silence of Grimmauld Place. Immediately in the wake of the belling wail came startled cries and the pounding of feet, the occupants of the house dashing worriedly in the direction of the sound.

Placing a hand on Harry's shoulder, Remus spun the young wizard around, staring down into frightened emerald orbs. "What have you done?" He hissed in a scandalized voice. His eyes were wide, the amber orbs glowing with a feral light as he gave Harry a rough shake.

"What have I done?" Harry repeated through numb lips. He stared at Remus dumbly, not knowing how to respond to the accusation. Rage welled within him suddenly, fisting his hands and drawing a savage snarl from his mouth. He was dimly aware of the kitchen door swinging open, of the faces staring at him in surprise as he lifted his hands and shoved Remus forcefully away from him. "What have I done!" A fierce growl spilled over his teeth, the sound earning him a whimper from one of the Weasleys clustered against the far wall.

Rather than cower and admit he'd made a mistake, Harry squared his shoulders and stood his ground, his eyes darting back and forth between the Weasleys and Remus. As far as he was concerned, the blame for his current condition lay solely on the shoulders of the little brat who'd bitten him. And when he found said brat, he'd put him over his knee and tan his arse.

"What's going on?" Arthur demanded, placing himself bravely in front of his family. He clutched his wand as twin pairs of shining orbs turned in his direction, the combined glare causing him to take an unconscious step backwards.

Remus lifted an arm and indicated Harry with a small flutter of his hand. "He's a werewolf."

"That's absurd," Molly huffed, attempting to push past her husband's arm.

Remus gave a harsh laugh, his arrowed orbs sliding back to Harry. "I can smell it in him," he spat, inhaling deeply in demonstration. Nostrils pinching in distaste, he glared at the young wizard for a moment before whirling around and stalking the length of the narrow kitchen, halting on the far side of the table. He dragged shaking fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself.

Glancing nervously back and forth between the pair, Arthur shifted uncomfortably. "Surely you're mistaken, Remus."

"Yeah," Ron scoffed from behind his mother, "I think I would have noticed if my best mate was a werewolf." His confidant statement fell short as he glanced at Harry, noticing the guilty gleam in the twin emeralds. "Harry?"

"I was going to tell you," Harry mumbled softly. Gasps and dismayed mumbles filled the room, all eyes turning to stare at the raven-haired wizard in disbelief. Unable to take the full weight of their displeasure, he turned back to the sink, staring down into the soapy water. His shoulders tensed as he prepared for the imminent explosion, his hands closing around the edge of the counter.

"When?" Remus bellowed from across the kitchen, slamming his hands down on the ancient kitchen table. "After you'd bitten someone?"

Harry spun around at the angered accusation, two short strides bringing him to the table directly across from Remus. "This is not my fault!" He screamed, slamming a balled hand into the top of the heavy kitchen table. He almost winced as the wood cracked beneath his fist, almost. Gritting his teeth, he drew a deep breath and glanced around the room at his rapt audience. The frightened expressions on their faces sent satisfaction rippling through him. For once, they were listening to him. Slowly, he lifted his hand and uncurled his fingers, noting the already healing scrapes on the side of his fist. "It's not my fault," he repeated, "I didn't ask for this."

"Oh, you poor dear," Mrs. Weasley murmured, her voice tinged with pity. She watched him sadly from behind Arthur, no longer attempting to push past his restraining arm. Instead, she had sidled in front of Ron and Ginny, putting herself protectively in front of her youngest children. "Of course you didn't ask for it, nobody ever does." Although sympathy rang true in her voice, she had drawn her wand from the folds of her apron.

Ignoring Molly, Remus pounded a hand on the table, turning Harry's head back in his direction. "Is this because of Sirius?" He demanded in a near shout, his eyes blazing as he leaned across the table.

At the mention of his deceased Godfather's name, Harry's lips curled, an inhuman growl trickling over his lips. The tight leash he'd kept on his temper and tongue snapped, allowing him to lean forward and reply in a sarcastic purr. "Yes, Remus, this is because of Sirius. Everything I do is because of Sirius. In fact, I'd planned on honouring his memory by pouring Veritaserum in the Slytherins morning punch, but this was just so much more convenient. Do you think hed approve?"

Remus released a roar of fury and lunged across the table, his hands wildly grabbing for Harry. Harry, after knocking a kitchen chair out of his way, leapt atop the table and into Remus' waving arms. Considering its age and the recent bout of abuse it had taken, the ancient table didn't stand a chance of withstanding the combined weight of two wizards. With a weak creak, it broke, spilling the tussling pair to the ground where they continued to roll around. The Weasley clan watched on in mute fascination, unsure of how best to intervene.

Despite the hands wrapped tightly around his throat, Harry focused on repeatedly punching Remus wherever he could, slowing only when stars began to dance before his eyes and his chest began to burn from lack of oxygen. Teeth grit, he struggled against the older wizard's hold, his hands lifting to scrabble desperately at the fingers encircling his neck. They were interrupted seconds before darkness could descend completely.

"As entertaining as this is, may I ask whats going on here?" The drawled question had everyone looking toward the back door, and the individual standing just inside it. Dark brows arching questioningly, Severus Snape stepped further into the kitchen, his obsidian eyes sweeping the chamber with disinterest. He shifted his gaze from the destroyed table to Remus and Harry, his brow furrowing as the older wizard thrust the younger ruthlessly away from him.

Rising slowly to his feet, Remus leaned heavily against the fridge, blood dribbling down his chin. "He's been bitten," he spat in disgust, raising a hand to swipe at the blood dripping from his nose. For a moment he stared down at Harry's still form, his lips tightening noticeably before he turned and limped from the room. Silence followed his departure.

Harry lay still upon the floor, his eyes on the ceiling above him. His lids sunk down slowly, his hands curling into tight balls. Drawing a sharp breath, he rolled slowly to his side, beginning a painful climb to his feet. He was aware of everyone watching him, could smell the fear hovering in the air above the group. With one last effort he straightened, his chin lifting as he swept the group with orbs that shimmered dangerously.

"I think it's time for bed," Molly whispered loudly, her eyes darting about the kitchen. She swallowed nervously at Harry's tense form, dragging Ginny and Ron closer until their faces were practically pressed into her bosom. Forcing a smile to her lips, she nodded in greeting at Severus and then began to sidestep toward the door, pulling her children along with her. The panel swung open before she could reach it, halting her retreat.

Blazing orbs scanning the kitchen, Remus stepped further into the room, the door swinging closed behind him. "Dumbledore will be here in the morning," he announced, lowering the cloth he'd been holding against his nose. He glanced at the stained fabric before tossing it onto the counter, his gaze shifting to Severus. "Will you be spending the night? Because I think Dumbledore will-"

"The children were just going up to bed," Molly interrupted him in a shrill voice, her arms tightening around Ron and Ginny. She shot a pleading look at Remus, begging him to understand as she continued to sidle toward the door.

Expression grim, Remus dipped his chin in agreement, his amber eyes finally slipping to Harry. "I imagine tomorrow will be an early morning for everyone. To bed, all of you," he ordered briskly. His eyes remained locked on Harry as he awaited the impending explosion, his shoulders tensing as the younger male opened his mouth. "Now." He inwardly cringed at the snarl of defiance the command garnered him from the dark-haired wizard, but outwardly he remained completely unmoved.

"Ron, take Ginny upstairs," Molly murmured, her gaze darting back and forth between Remus and Harry. Her voice grew sharp as she quickly ushered her youngest children safely from the room, ignoring their whined complaints.

"I'm not tired," Harry growled, stepping fee of the broken table and turning to face Remus. He put his back against the counter and crossed his arms, his movements slow and smooth to avoid jarring his bruised neck. The corners of his lips drew upward in a smug smirk as he surveyed the older male, taking pride and pleasure over the considerable amount of damage he'd done. Shifting his weight from foot to foot, he lifted his chin, awaiting Remus' next move.

Jaw clenched, Remus considered his options, debating the wisdom of challenging the younger wizard. After the short but brutal altercation that had occurred only moments ago, he assumed it was safe to say that Harry was almost as physically strong as him. Perhaps, given time and experience, the dark-haired male would even be able to defeat him. Fortunately for him, Harry was currently unaware of that fact. "Then why don't you go up to your room and work on your holiday assignments."

"I don't-"

"Potter, I suggest you go up to your room," Snape drawled, tapping his wand lightly against his velvet-covered arm. His brow lifted slowly as the younger wizard glanced around the kitchen, internally hoping the Gryffindor would attempt something stupid.

Realizing the pair were more than he could handle, Harry snarled in frustration and whirled around, stalking angrily from the room. He slammed the kitchen door behind him, the sharp crack echoing through the house. Teeth grit, he stormed through the lower level of Grimmauld Place, his ears picking up the hushed whispers from above. Placing one hand on the newel post at the bottom of the stairs, he began to stomp up the narrow steps. His angry strides faltered when he gained the second floor, his eyes narrowing on the trunk resting against the wall opposite the room he and Ron had been sharing.

Fingers curling, he prowled forward, his emerald orbs narrowing. With no more than a quick glance, he identified the trunk as his own. A snarl of fury flew from his mouth as he spun to face the door, one hand reaching out to grab the doorknob. He wrenched furiously on the brass doorknob, unwilling to believe Ron had actually locked him out of his own room.

"Ron!" He yelled, pounding a balled hand against the door. His sensitive ears picked up the wizard's squeak of fear, his nose confirming the redhead's current state of terror. A spasm of delight shot through him at the alluring scent, tightening his hand around the doorknob.

"Go away, Harry." Ron's voice was nothing more than a terrified whimper.

Harry smiled at the redhead's refusal. "It's my room, too," he reminded the other wizard, crushing the doorknob with a light flex of his fingers. Pressing his hand against the wood, he attempted to push the panel open, his brow furrowing when the door refused to budge. He jerked roughly on the handle, rattling the door in its frame and causing the hinges to groan. "Open the door!"

"No." Ron called from within the chamber, his voice sounding distant.

A wild snarl was ripped free of Harry's throat at the redhead's adamant refusal. Without thinking, he slammed a fist into the thick wooden door, his mouth dropping open in surprise when his hand went straight through the oak. From inside the chamber, Ron screeched in fear, the sound stabbing at his sensitive ears. Deciding the other wizard deserved a little pain for his rude behaviour, the raven-haired wizard drew back his hand and dragged his fingers down the door, shredding the wood as if it were paper.

"Harry, back away from the door."

Stilling, Harry tipped his head, glancing at the small group that had gathered meters away at the top of the stairs. One dark brow arched, his fingers absently digging through the wood as he considered the assembled Order members. Even while he stared at them, the thing inside his head began to plot, carefully planning the order in which he'd destroy each of them, creating the quickest way to act without getting injured severely. The speed with which it calculated distances and odds was almost mind-boggling.

"Petrificus Totalus," Snape drawled with a flick of his wand. The spell froze Harry, allowing the group to creep cautiously closer.

"That was uncalled for, Snape," Remus muttered, placing a hand on the side of the younger wizard's face. He inhaled sharply at the fire blazing within the emerald orbs, withdrawing his hand and taking a step backward. "Now what do we do with him?"

A malicious smirk gracing his face, Severus glared down at Harry's stiff form. "I have an idea," he purred, rolling his wand between his fingers. Giving a dainty flick of his fingers, he levitated the Gryffindor's body into the air and led the way down the hall, an almost jaunty skip in his step.

XxXxX

The attic. They'd actually had the audacity to toss him, Harry James Potter - Saviour of the Wizarding World - into the attic. Granted, it was probably one of the nicest attics he'd ever been in, it was still an attic. There was a fine network of cobwebs in the rafters and a thick film of dust upon the floor. Abandoned nick-knacks, unwanted furniture, and broken toys filled the space. In Harry's opinion, they probably could have found somewhere a lot worse to house him until Dumbledore arrived.

He lay still upon the floor of the attic room, curling and uncurling his fingers as he slowly regained his mobility. The last of the spells disintegrated, leaving him sprawled on the cold wooden boards, nursing countless bruises and scratches. With a muffled curse, he heaved himself into a sitting position, his eyes sweeping the cluttered room.

They'd actually tossed him in the attic . . . he'd just become the Order's dirty little secret. Despite everything that had occurred within the last thirty minutes, he felt strangely relieved, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The secret was out; he no longer had anything to hide.

Rubbing his sore jaw, he rose and limped toward the only source of light in the room; a narrow window almost hidden behind a pile of broken furniture. His enhanced sight allowed him to see everything the darkness should have hidden, revealing Grimmauld Place's secrets to his glowing eyes. He carelessly shoved a broken armoire aside, knocking over a still ticking grandfather clock in the process. Ignoring the clatter and the crunch of broken glass, he placed a hand on the window and attempted to wipe the glass free of grime. Nose crinkling as he only managed to smear the dirt around, he flipped the lock and swung the window open. His eyes drifted shut at the first rush of cool air. He had only a moment to enjoy the sensation before a familiar sound forced him to abandon the position. Stepping back, he allowed the unfamiliar owl access to room, silently pondering its business with him..

Opening one eye, he stared at the nondescript barn owl perched on an old brass footboard, its amber eyes hooded." Hello," he murmured in greeting, swiveling to face the bird. Under his gaze, the owl hooted nervously, shifting on its perch. After a moments hesitation, he prowled toward the bird, extending a hand to grasp the note and package it carried. As soon as both items were firmly within his grasp, the owl launched itself into the air and flew out the window, leaving only a single brown feather to mark its passage.

Arching a brow in surprise, Harry unfolded the piece of parchment, his second brow rising as he read the teal script.

Merry Christmas Harry,

Its only a matter of time before they slip one of these around your neck. When youre tired of playing lapdog, come and see me.

FG

Expression darkening, he dropped the letter and tore the wrapping off the package, his lip curling in disgust at what he had revealed. Snarling in outrage, he hurled the offensive gift across the room and whirled around, not bothering to watch the simple leather collar strike the far wall and fall to lie among the attic's rubble.

XxXxX

Amidst the swaying branches of naked oaks and beneath a crescent moon, two individuals met. They exchanged neither pleasantries nor greetings, merely eyed each other as the snow swirled down around them. The icy silence was broken by the wail of a wolf, the sound tipping both their heads in the direction of the lonely hail.

"Well?" The taller demanded of the smaller, shifting restlessly in his boots. His pale blue orbs remained locked on his companion, his patience thinning as the other male shuffled nervously. A threatening growl vibrated his chest and peeled his lips back from glistening teeth.

Raising stormy gray eyes, the shorter male gave the slightest inclination of his head, a small smile playing across his lips. "Yes." He stated simply, tensing at the bark of laughter that escaped his companion. With nary a wave or word of farewell, he spun on his heel and followed the path he'd taken earlier, the relief he felt at completing his task nearly overwhelming him, because this changed everything. The Wizarding World had just been dealt a terrible blow and they remained unaware of it. But they would know . . . it was only a matter of time

XxXxX

A/n: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review, your support and comments are greatly appreciated as is your continued reading of my writing and this particular story.