The Leader

Chapter 13

Seeing The Other Side

To say Severus Snape felt overwhelmed by everything that had happened so far would be the biggest understatement in the world. He had been waiting for the other shoe to drop, at some point, but so far it hadn't happened. He would have loved to believe it wouldn't, but he was a spy, he'd seen sides to people that others wouldn't ever believe, even if he told them. Last night he had spent the majority of his time in the new lab, unable to help the elation that had poured off him. The ingredients… dear Merlin, the bloody ingredients were rare, hard to come by and just downright forbidden by the Ministry of Magic. If this property was ever found there was little doubt they had enough evidence to arrest the owner. Eventually he had come up the ladder and crawled into the bed, if he was being left alone, well he might as well take advantage of it.

Dobby had brought him a large brunch, before disappearing on him. There was so much he wanted to ask, so much he didn't know. He wasn't used to it, and he felt well and truly out of his element…but safe, even if he didn't want to acknowledge it. The wards... he could feel them thrumming around him, making him feel as though he would never be discovered. Considering Harry Potter had been building up an arsenal that made Voldemort look insignificant, that was saying something. At least he spoke as if he did at any rate, but he hasn't seen evidence of it yet.

Finally unable to put off facing Harry any longer, he got out of the bed and ambled towards the wardrobe. The House-Elf had put his personal belongings away, without even asking him as well. He couldn't be too annoyed, but it did cause him to feel a pang of something unidentifiably to thrum through him. He felt it when he first moved into Hogwarts and had his own private quarters, a place where he could drop all masks and actually relax. Although it had been a long time since he'd even felt remotely close to that feeling, years even. Hogwarts had ceased being his home when it became apparent he was less than a pawn on a chess board between two powerful wizards.

It was odd being in his robes again; he found them itchy and uncomfortable. He would never admit it even on his death bed, but he had liked wearing the borrowed, loose-fitting clothes from Harry. They had smelt like him; it made him feel safe and wasn't that just bloody bizarre? He was very good at ignoring all his inconvenient and problematic emotions. Turning on his heels, he made it all of three steps before he turned back around and took off the damn uncomfortable teaching robes he had on, sliding the comfortable one Harry had put on his sleeping form at some point. He refused to think further on THAT titbit. He hadn't undressed in front of anyone since he got the Dark mark.

Severus walked out the room after that, wondering why he was beginning to feel, now of all times. He had barely felt anything, any ounce of emotion since he took the mark…except that one Halloween night. The emotions had hit him full torrent, the force bringing him to his knees. The house was quiet…far too quiet…the vampire couldn't possibly trust him! He had been caught red handed going through his property. Well, he had been more interested in the folders he had of every Hogwarts teacher, admittedly. He had been included in it as well; whoever he got his information from was very thorough in his research for them.

"Dobby?" called Severus, after twenty minutes of futile searching.

"What can Dobby do for Master Snape?" asked the House-Elf, appearing before the Potions Master.

"Where is Harry?" enquired Severus.

"Master Harry has gone out," said Dobby, his eyes shuttered; he would reveal no more.

"You belonged to the Malfoys didn't you?" stated Severus, eyeing the diminutive creature curiously.

"Dobby did," agreed the House-Elf eyeing Severus just as cautious as he felt.

"How did you come to be in the service of Harry Potter?" Severus wondered; Lucius Malfoy wouldn't have dared to let the creature go.

"Harry Potter freed me from my old, bad, evil Master," said Dobby his eyes gleaming with pleasure. There was no denying that he was glad to be out from Malfoys' service.

"How? I somehow doubt Lucius Malfoy would have let you go," said Severus, cautious now. He knew Lucius wouldn't have, so how the hell had Potter managed to get around the bond between Master and servant? He knew the young vampire was resourceful, but to this extent?

A pop startled their conversation and abruptly ended it.

"Hello, Rick, can Dobby be helping you?" asked Dobby, immediately welcoming the new vampire.

"No, thank you, Dobby, I am here for Severus," said Rick, smiling at the small creature, nodding his head in a way Dobby was familiar with. It was a way of letting Dobby, know he wasn't needed, but his service was appreciated nonetheless.

"Me?" frowned Severus, his spine stiffening defiantly. Staring at the vampire, he wondered if he was somehow related to either the Prewitts or Weasleys. He certainly had a striking resemblance to the family; it certainly didn't help with the hair colour.

Rick nodded curtly, "My Lord is going to be unavailable for at least the rest of the day, and perhaps longer. I thought you might like to see what we are about. I wish to introduce you to people within the circle."

"Circle?" repeated Severus, his eye twitching slightly, it reminded him too much of the Dark Lord and his little sanctum of 'Inner circle Death Eaters'.

"You met a few of us; we are the only ones with collective knowledge of everything that goes on. The others don't, all information is compartmentalized. We don't fear that there is a spy, but with the Ministry we are always cautious with what less-than-stellar duellers know," stated Rick, having Harry's permission to answer all Severus Snape's questions.

Severus reluctantly nodded his head, understanding it in a way he wished he didn't. If they were compromised it was better if only so much information got out. They could recover from that, but if everyone knew everything, there was more chance of it being leaked out. It was exactly what he would have done, if he'd had a desire for his own side. "Where has he gone?" Severus' desire to know more was getting the better of him.

"He did not say," replied Rick. "Do you wish to come?" This human was as vigilant and guarded as they came. He liked it; perhaps that was why Harry had a grudging respect for him as well. It was obvious Harry wanted him on his side; he was beginning to suspect there was more to it. He would learn in time; one thing he'd learned with Harry was patience. He moved like a skilled Master playing at chess: each move was anticipated, thought-out and planned flawlessly without anyone being hurt. He didn't move too quickly, didn't want too much too soon; he'd said often enough that that was why so many had failed in the past. Harry never allowed harm to come to those he cared for; he would put himself in the way first. Not something a normal leader would do, and that, that was why everyone respected and cared for their leader.

"Yes," stated Severus firmly, perhaps he would get more answers to his questions along the way.

"I'll need to Apparate you," said Rick, he'd been specifically told not to let Severus use too much magic. Harry thought it was somehow tied in to how quickly the poison spread through the Dark Mark on his arm. He had no definitive proof, but he didn't want to take any chances. He was also to keep an eye on him too, the Mark was killing him slowly, and if he had to he would suck the poison from the wound.

Arching an eyebrow, "I think I can manage on my own," he stated derisively. Try as he may he wasn't able to keep the scorn from his mouth. It just came too naturally to him, and he was no weak wizard so it was also pride talking. He had a lot to be proud of, it didn't matter if the things he wasn't proud of outweighed the stuff that was.

"You won't be able to get there, the wards are as strong, if not more so than even the wards surrounding this manor," stated Rick sharply.

"Very well," said Severus grudgingly, not happy in the slightest, but if it got him out for a while he couldn't grumble…too much.

Rick nodded, but respectfully walked over slowly, allowing the wizard to see each move he made. He latched onto an arm―his left upper arm, so his wand arm was free ―as well as his back. He had a feeling this wizard wouldn't like anyone at his back; if anyone was... they would be on the receiving end of some seriously nasty curses. He Apparated both of them into the warehouse itself.

"Where exactly are we?" asked Severus staring around, his eyebrows getting higher up each time he spotted something he did not expect. Which was nearly every damn thing in the open-plan warehouse, it boggled his mind.

"London, the entire area is owned by Harry, and he's made sure it's secure," revealed Rick, watching the wizard in amusement. This man had preconceived notions about who they were, and what they did. He understood now why Harry had recommended they show him around; let him see everything for himself. Not that he had to worry about Severus revealing information. Both sides wanted him dead after all; he literally had nowhere else to go. Which disgusted him, a man of his talents being hunted down.

"Not secure enough," snorted Severus in contempt. "Dumbledore got through them in just a few seconds, by himself, without back up."

"Think about it; My Leader is extremely powerful, what reason would he have in letting Dumbledore through when he was by himself?" said Wyatt, staring down at the wizard, from where he was climbing down the stairs. He was bristling with indignation at the scorn dripping from Snape's mouth. He had a right to be irritated; after everything Harry had done for them, he didn't deserve to be doubted.

"Appearance of being less powerful, less of a threat. If the situation got out of control it would be fewer people to deal with," sighed Severus, dipping his head in respect. He was still thinking of Harry as the stupid harebrained Gryffindor he'd known during his first year…wasn't he? In regards to magical powers yes, but in looks, no. He was very aware of Harry's presence, and he was unsure of how to deal with it.

"Exactly," replied Wyatt smugly, "He removed five of the more powerful wards when he heard Dumbledore was coming our way. He's very big on everyone underestimating him; can't complain, it's worked so far."

"I am beginning to see that," confessed Severus dryly, a shiver coursing through him as he remembered his magical display.

"I'm Wyatt by the way," said the vampire, his face stretched out in a wide grin, showing his dimples.

"Severus," replied the Potions Master curtly, dipping his head again in respect.

"Everyone in the field?" asked Brecon, popping into existence, having Apparated from who knows where.

"Probably," laughed Rick, shaking his head in amusement.

"The field is where they go to practice duelling, or fighting," explained Rick, solely for Severus' benefit. "The wolves are the ones who usually fight in hand-to-hand combat. They are used to it, like we are with our wands. As you know, werewolves prefer the traditional way of fighting," he twitched when he smelt fear coming from the wizard before it was pushed down―he certainly had control of himself. Was it a prejudice fear or did he have a real reason to be terrified of werewolves? Was it even a good idea to take him to them? No, that fear had been laced with terror, pure unadulterated terror. He'd definitely had a bad experience at the hands of at least one werewolf.

"I see," replied Severus impassively. He hated the fact every time the name came up he flashed back to his sixth year. Being totally defenceless before a bloodthirsty, rabid werewolf ―and he had been― he had frozen, shock and fear swallowing him whole. Then out of nowhere his shock had been pulled from under him as something slammed into him, trying to get him away before charging in, turning into an animal to force the rabid werewolf away from him.

"You should watch it, we might learn a thing or two," stated Brecon, in an offhanded comment to Severus as the four of them left the warehouse and headed towards a clearing with roughly forty wizards, witches, vampires, werewolves and people with creature blood Severus could only guess at. This wasn't what he had expected, at all.

"I thought vampires and werewolves were natural enemies?" asked Severus, awed to see so many of them together and getting on. Every book he'd read on the subject stated the exact same thing. He felt extremely uncomfortable here amongst the laughing crowd. It wasn't in his nature to laugh, or be in the company of so many others either, he was a hermit and quite frankly he thought he preferred it that way.

"Not quite," said a voice from just behind Severus, causing him to spin around, his half unsheathed wand was placed back in its position. The amber eyes of the wizard before him, and he was obviously a wizard to be here, gave away that he was in fact a werewolf. Although he was nothing like Remus Lupin, in fact he was quite like Fenrir Greyback. Tall, muscular; his hair however was brown and tied up at the nape of his neck. He had on only a pair of shorts, from Gladrags wizard wear of all places. Lupin wouldn't have been able to afford such a place, not even for all the clothes he'd worn in ten years.

Severus saw what could have been a seventeen-year-old boy laying next to him, curled up. He frowned in concern, torn between trying to help him or staying out of it. He was obviously in good hands, if the werewolf's protective stance was anything to go on. He did not look good at all; you could see every rib and his spine through the skin.

"He's alright, you should have seen how bad he was when he first got here," said the still unnamed werewolf.

"You have that right, Jack," said Rick, understanding Severus' concern. "Each month his progress takes two steps back, but he survived the worst."

"What happened?" asked Severus, a frown still marring his features.

"His family had him on the Wolfsbane potion," said Jack snarling viciously.

Severus' frown didn't ease up any; in fact he became more confused. "Forgive me, I do not understand how that could have caused…this…" Severus was unable to articulate what he thought. He sat down, joining the others who had also taken a seat while he stared critically over the terrified youngster.

"He took it the very first time he transformed; he was unable to create a bond with his wolf, and he didn't understand its needs or desires. In other words he suppressed half of himself, and it was slowly destroying him," said Jack, tugging at the youngster and holding him impossibly closer. "It doesn't help that the published Wolfsbane potion is poisonous. We are flushing it and the effects from his system, supporting him through the change, getting him accustomed to our ways."

"It truly causes that amount of damage?" asked Severus, completely appalled. The results the potions community had posted had nothing of the sort revealed within. His mind supplied what the werewolf, Jack, had said 'published version' which meant there was another one out there.

"It always does," replied Jack bluntly.

"I assume you've been taking an altered form of the potion?" enquired Severus, unknowingly relaxing as he absorbed this new information presented to him. His mind was already going through the potion ingredients to try and see if he could create his own different version.

"Yes, but it doesn't suppress our wolf, it just makes the transformation a little less painful. It also helps if you accept your wolf and the change," revealed Jack. "I'm trying to get that through Reg's head."

"None you take the Wolfsbane potion I assume?" conceded Severus, not sure how he felt about that.

"No, we go to the forest set up for us; once we get in and change we cannot get out until the moon wanes," replied the twenty-nine year old. "There's enough room for us to roam, twelve acres of land, and some smaller animals to hunt."

"Interesting," murmured Severus, impressed.

"It's better than being locked up like a criminal," murmured Reg, flinching for no reason, deep in thought.

Severus looked at the younger werewolf, sympathetically but without a hint of pity which made it bearable for the young wolf. He didn't need to be a genius to figure out his parents had probably had a part in it. Whether he had been let out at all was anyone's guess. "If you don't mind answering, how did you find the group?"

"Pack," corrected Jack automatically, and that's exactly what they were. The largest pack in the UK, something that would no doubt freak the Ministry out to no end.

"I got away from…my prison," spat Reg, "I ran and kept running, eating what I could when I could. Then I turned into my wolf form; I couldn't remember anything other than waking up safe here."

"He probably heard our howling; as you know we answer calls to our own kind. We found him at the edge of the clearing, where the wards would have stopped him getting in and us getting out. He was in extremely bad shape, but Harry healed him as much as he could, and let him remain here," said Jack.

"Like he'd ever send anyone away," snorted Rick re-entering the conversation. "Well, as long as they weren't under some stupid idiotic plan to try and infiltrate the ranks."

"Has that happened?" queried Severus, inwardly snorting at the thought ― of course it did, he had infiltrated Voldemort's ranks. Although to be fair, he had been loyal to begin with, before he saw the errors of his stupid judgement. There doesn't even seem to be the slightest fearful person here; they all got on, had a good time. In fact, Severus couldn't help but think it was too good to be true. Yet here he was seeing it with his own eyes.

"Quite a few times," said Rick, turning back to the fighting, wincing at a particular spell, ouch, they would be feeling that one for days to come. "To begin with Harry was lenient, gave them a beating they wouldn't forget and let them leave. He warned them against trying anything further, then he just got pissed off and killed them where they stood."

"JACKSON, EASE UP! I've warned you before," snapped Rick, "This is a friendly fight, save it for the enemy."

"Sorry, sir," said Jackson, his eyes downcast for a few seconds, then the admonishment was forgotten as the two made up and continued duelling.

"Rick is the second in command for the vampires," explained Wyatt, seeing the look on the Potion Master's face. "Jack is the alpha for the werewolf pack, or rather the second in command. If Harry isn't here they are allowed to deal with anything that happens."

"And everyone else?" Severus asked, wondering at the dynamics in this closely knit group of people.

"You mean the other creatures? Well, they all have designated commanders, you could call them, but our Leader has the last say," replied Wyatt. "The wizards and witches usually go to Brecon if they can't get in touch with Harry," he continued, gesturing towards the wizard he was talking about.

Severus nodded his understanding; it truly seemed different from the Dark Lord.

"Alan wouldn't mind a rematch, by the way," said Rick, "He's spoken often about it."

"Alan?" said Severus blankly, although he had a niggling idea of who they were talking about.

"An incubus, he was the one you duelled when you first tried to get through the wards," Rick confirmed Severus' thoughts, a wry smirk on his face.

"He was adequate," replied Severus, knowing he was being disingenuous.

Wyatt snorted, "He's one of our best duellers, although not as good as Rick and Harry; you should have seen the duel between them." He shook his head in awe; it had been a sight to see.

Severus felt his heart clench tightly, they were speaking to him as if they had been friends for years. It wasn't something he was used to, they didn't react to his formal ways, or the fact he'd sneered in derision, or been angry when he had stated Harry was weaker than Dumbledore. Even Minerva hadn't been able to keep up with him without getting irritated with him. It was a genuine eye opener; Harry had been right…he had brought all these people together for a safe place ― not just to use them to fight.

"Sam!" warned Jack growling lowly at his pack member.

"Sorry, sir," said Sam, still grinning even though it was sheepish.

"They're all wound up," sighed Jack shaking his head. "Greyback's pack attacked last month."

"How?" enquired Severus, "I thought the wards prevented such a thing from happening."

"Normally they do, unfortunately Greyback has more control over his wolf and managed to non-verbally tear down the wards. He paid heavily for it as well, lost five of his pack. We didn't lose anyone, but we don't like attacking our own even if they are on another side," said Jack. "The idiots came back for more, this time not in wolf form; it was still vicious and they lost three additional werewolves from their pack."

"And you?" asked Severus, getting the fact he didn't mention the lack of losing any werewolf in his pack.

"One," said Jack stonily. "If I ever see him again I'll tear him to pieces."

"I doubt he will attack again, his losses were too great," said Wyatt. "Still, as Harry says, it's better to be prepared than surprised."

"Indeed," said Severus sardonically. "Fortunately, Greyback isn't exactly the sanest wizard or werewolf around."

"No, no he isn't," agreed Jack. "He gives us all a bad name, but unfortunately I can understand where he's coming from."

"We all can," snorted Wyatt.

"The ministry," said Rick, purely for Severus' understanding.

"Isn't there a way to get Greyback onside?" Severus wondered thoughtfully.

"Two alphas in one pack? Bad idea," muttered Rick.

"No, two packs coexisting," Severus told them in explanation. "The Death Eaters treat him like shit; he's the lowest of the low to them. Purely because of his…desires. If he was given another option, with the knowledge he would get respect, I think he could be swayed. It would certainly prevent any further bloodshed between the two packs."

"It's possible," said Jack thoughtfully, with this new knowledge it seemed as if it was at any rate. Being controlled by wizards, the wolf in Greyback must be going ballistic. "Bring it to Harry's attention; see what he thinks about the possibility of a truce."

"Me?" exclaimed Severus, barely able to suppress his shock.

"You brought it up, but if you wish I can say something to him," said Jack, he wasn't about to take credit for an idea not his own.

"No," frowned Severus, he wasn't a coward and wouldn't be seen as one.

"He doesn't bite, well, unless you want him to," smirked Rick, keeping a constant eye on Severus, as he had sworn to do. He didn't seem to be in any pain, or rubbing at his arm so far, he had a feeling the wizard would be around for a long time to come yet.

Severus just stared at him drolly, not even realizing just how well he fitted in…at least not yet at the very least. He jumped when two loud blasts were heard from the warehouse.

"It's alright, it's just to let everyone know that eats here that it's dinner time," said Wyatt, standing up.

"Do you wish to dine with us or go back to Potter Manor?" asked Rick standing up as well; everyone else was already rushing towards the building.

Severus rubbed his temples; shocked that it was time for dinner already…time had flown so quickly it was nearly impossible. "If you do not mind, I think I'd rather go back," admitted Severus, he had a lot to think about.

"Of course, it can all be a bit overwhelming," said Rick. "It took Reg months to be able to stand being around so many people. Hold on and I'll Apparate you." Once again he gave the wizard warning before he Apparated him back. Sniffing softy, surprised, he wandered out of the living room and ambled towards the library where Harry was.

"Come in," said Harry before Rick could knock.

"I'm surprised you are back," Rick said cautiously, he hadn't half been…annoyed when he left.

"Thank you for today, I found what I was looking for sooner than expected." stated Harry, his entire body relaxed even if his face was impassive.

"Do you want to talk about it?" questioned Rick, always there to lend an ear if Harry needed to talk; his Leader knew that.

"No, not yet." Harry stated firmly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Get the nearest location Severus can give you on Pettigrew. You can do some hunting tonight; take anyone you want…if you wish."

Rick's face took on a twisted smirk; a hunt was exactly what he needed. Nodding firmly, he didn't need to go far to get his answer since Severus had followed him curiously. He knew the wizard wouldn't be able to consciously tell them exactly where Voldemort's hideout was. He would be able to tell him the nearest location, which is exactly what Severus did before Rick Apparated away.

Severus looked in on the library, finding Harry surrounded by three thick tomes.

"Have you eaten?" demanded Harry.

"Not yet," said Severus, the urge to roll his eyes was strong but he refrained, not wanting to antagonise the vampire today. Not after what he'd done for him…was still doing for him, he'd built a potions lab for him and given him more ingredients than he knew what to do with. He wasn't demanding anything from him, other than to take better care of himself apparently.

"Dobby? Prepare a meal for Severus please," ordered Harry, without even waiting for the House-Elf to appear.

"What were you looking for that you just found?" asked Severus, his black eyes devouring the library, the books…they were magnificent. If he could he would lock himself in here and quite happily live the rest of his life reading them all. Or rather he would have if he didn't love potions more than books. It wasn't about the Dark Mark, surely? It wasn't as if anyone had written about it. The ministry would have found out if that was the case, and worked around it. Plus he had tried himself, going into the darkest recesses of Dark Arts to find rituals that could remove it.

there we go this one edited :D thanks Jordre