Chapter 11
Shortly after midnight, September 29, 1994
Navenby, England
"Are you sure this is where we are supposed to go?" A pale man in tattered wizard robes, grungy strawberry-blonde hair and blood shot eyes stood next to him licking his lips.
Fenrir didn't like working with the man, but he had to admit that Barty Crouch Jr. was just as deranged as him and the way he made people scream was music to his ears. Where his boss found the man was beyond him. The only issue was that the man still believed his old Master was alive and was doing all this at his bidding. Fenrir had worked with his Master in the last war, but his lot hadn't gotten any better. Working with Crouch allowed him all the fresh meat and pleasure he wanted, so his current arrangement wasn't so bad. The only thing that would make this night better would be for a full moon, but that had passed a week ago.
The big man sniffed the air. He found the more he embraced the feral instincts in him, the more he kept of the wolf. He enjoyed the strength in his body. He enjoyed the fear in his victim's eyes and screams as he ripped them with partially formed teeth. The feel of hot squirming flesh against the thick hair all over his body was as big of a turn on as the act of taking someone.
"Yes, there is at least two people here with that scent," Fenrir confirmed. The glint in Crouch's eye brought a grin to his face. This was going to be a fun night.
"We were told to take anything we want but leave them recognizable." Crouch licked his lips again.
Fenrir's grin grew. Anyone looking at him would most likely cower at the malicious glint in his eyes and the wicked looking yellowing teeth. "Gibbons," he called out.
A woman in a well-maintained dress and green robes stepped forward from the pack of three people behind him. "Yes, luv," she said in a sultry voice.
Fenrir laughed. "I'll mate you later if you can make that man scream for me," he said looking at the curvy woman.
"You say the sweetest things, luv. Try not to be to gentle," she said with a wink before walking downhill. Fenrir watched her stalk away and felt his hardon grow. The woman could make a man scream with pleasure before she took her pleasure. He didn't doubt the man in the house would be ripped apart before she was done. He nodded his head and the other two from his pack ambled down the hill.
"Take the woman. Don't hurt her much before I get there," he told them.
"You aren't joining them," Crouch asked. "I do prefer to watch."
Fenrir shook his head. He kept an eye on the three as they approached the old farmhouse. He had been told to be cautious. The DMLE Auror's were getting better on response to known magical residences. He had almost been caught a few weeks ago, and as much as he wanted to kill Aurors, they were responding in full squads and he had just barely escaped.
As Gibbons approached, chickens started to cluck before they started to call out in fear. A light turned on in the first-floor bedroom he knew the two occupants to be in. "Damned fox trying to get the chickens again," he heard a man say in an annoyed voice.
Fenrir smiled. "You may have to kill him if he takes out a gun," Fenrir told him, pulling out his own wand. He may not know everything the wizard did, but he knew enough to survive and cause a lot of pain. He had been promised to learn the killing curse if he did a few more successful missions without his pack getting caught.
Crouch licked his lips again. Some nights Fenrir wanted to rip his tongue out of his mouth. "Why should we be afraid of that," Crouch asked.
Fenrir watched as his beta moved to the side of the door as the man ran down the stairs. The other two moved to the side of the house, ready to enter the windows. "You didn't hear of what happened with Bellingham's pack? Those things killed three of them."
The back door opened. "Get out of here you bloody fox," the man yelled raising a long iron barrel in his hands. Gibbons didn't hesitate. She jumped, pushing the gun in the air. It went off before she ripped it out of the man's hand and threw it. The man screamed as she bit his hand. If she had been a wolf, it would have been bitten off. Instead, she only ripped a hunk out of it.
The other two had jumped into the window to the screams of the man's wife. There were a few flashes of spell work before she screamed again. Fenrir growled. "Fools are not supposed to kill her before I have my fun," he said angrily taking off at a run. He may have to find two more to fill out his pack at the next moon.
"Morsmordre," Crouch said in a loving tone behind him.
-oOo-
Hogwarts, Scotland
Albus was watching his pawn and his chit.
They had gotten into some trouble yesterday because of the Malfoy boy and now his Potions Master was looking at probation for running afoul of the new Werewolf law. McGonagall had been tasked with being the WRC Officer at Hogwarts and she was following the law annoyingly to the letter. He had hoped with Selwyn in charge of the Commission that things would go more the way he wanted, but Amelia was proving to be far more competent than he had thought she might be. Of course, he couldn't do anything about it because of his life debt to Remus and Potter.
After Minerva had stormed his office, he had ordered Severus to find a way to control the Malfoy boy and enforce all the rules that McGonagall and the Governors had come up with to comply with the law. Severus was less than happy with his orders, but it had taken some hard-backroom dealings and creative ways in the Wizengamot to get around his life debt to ensure the boy was here and finally back under his watch. Albus couldn't afford Harry or the Granger girl to be removed from Hogwarts. He couldn't control Harry Potter, but there were ways he could help the boy and still get what he wanted. He just needed to be careful. It wouldn't do to break his promises. He had already done that and paid some of the price in Remus being able to get the upper hand on him.
Watching Harry and the Granger girl, he found it curious that some of the school had already flocked around him. Many of them the children of the same allies he and Madame Bones had used to pass the laws to keep Harry in Britain and give him a chance to get his OWL's. Until now, they had all avoided him. He was starting to wonder what other magic had been undone without his knowledge.
Albus sighed. He had hoped there was a chance he could separate Ms. Granger from him, but Albus knew what a true mate meant to a werewolf. It was for life and if one should die prematurely, then Harry would be useless to him. He had seen how crazy wolves can go if they lose their mates, and there bond was strong enough already he had little doubt the boy would be a total loss to his plans and would have to be put down, whether the boy shut down or sought his revenge.
Not that he could do anything about that if he wanted. Again, he was bound to protect them and their wellbeing. There was hope, though, that he was leaving enough breadcrumbs for someone to pick them up and help Harry fulfill his prophesy without his knowledge.
"Albus, Auror Le Brun was wondering when he could have some time with you today. The ICW wanted to talk to you about the possibility of another two squads after last night and the incident with Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger yesterday. They are partially protected under the Asylum treaties and are not supposed to be separated if they request not too. He mentioned that there may be a summons for Severus if he does that again," Minerva said next to him.
It was a good thing he already had a lemon drop in his mouth. He couldn't afford to lose his Potions Master because the man could not seem to control his rage around the boy. Since end of last year, Severus was convinced that Harry had found a way to free Sirius. It was making an unhealthy obsession in the man to see Harry suffer for that and what his father had done before Harry was even conceived. "Tell him ten, please. I have a meeting with the Governors at Nine and will be away at the Ministry this afternoon."
Looking around, he had so far been able to keep the Aurors out of the school proper, but not off the grounds. He didn't want them poking around or trying to keep the peace. "We can't have Aurors walking the halls. The children must be protected from them," he told Minerva.
"From what, Albus? Aurors would be protection. If another incident happens like yesterday, you may have no choice. You know I need to report everything to the WRC and the ICW concerning Potter and Granger and the other children to the WRC. I don't want to see either of them go to Azkaban or have the ICW to step in to remove them," she said with concern.
No, Albus could not afford either outcome. Maybe he should have approved werewolf hunting years ago. At the time he thought they could be redeemed. Now, he wanted them exterminated. "I am sure we will find a way for them to peaceably coexist with the other students."
"I still do not agree with separating them from their houses. It is causing more division," she told him.
Albus nodded. "I will never get the Governors to approve them moving back into their houses after this," he said passing the Daily Prophet to her. There was a new photo of a farmhouse in Navenbury with the Dark Mark over it. He had seen the reactions when the paper's arrived about a half hour ago. Many were looking at Harry and his mate with frightened looks. He even saw some eyes shoot up to the head table at Remus.
He could not let the anger he had for the man bubble over. If his mind was clouded that way, he would not see clear enough to reach his goal of seeing Tom redeemed and buried. If this was done correctly, then only a few more deaths would be necessary. If this went wrong, he didn't want to think of the consequences. He just wished he knew what plan was out there to raise Tom from the dead, but he couldn't know if it was to succeed. His oath would prevent that because he was sure Tom would go after Harry.
He also wished he knew what games the beasts were playing, but something told him it may have something to do with Tom. What he didn't directly know, his bonds couldn't hold him to it. Oh, he could conjecture and probably get very close to the truth, but without direct knowledge, it would be just educated guesses. Guesses he could not be held accountable for.
"I saw. I remember teaching Geraldine in the sixties. Not a good Transfiguration student, but excellent at Magical Creatures and Herbology. They are going after Muggle-born," she told him.
Albus nodded. "I am recalling the Order. This should have ended thirteen years ago," he told her. This should have ended back then. He had been too soft to do what was needed. To much magical blood was being spilt right now. "I think someone should try to infiltrate the packs and stop what is going on."
She nodded. "You should contact the DMLE. Amelia is most likely investigating all this. If you recall the Order, I will not be part of it, Albus, but I will protect the children in this school."
Albus frowned. He had not expected her to turn him down and her Oaths should have compelled her to come to his call. He also had no intention of working with Amelia. She had rescinded the limited force restrictions, but still preferred to capture them. He kept a frown off his face. Last time, he advocated for limited force. Now he wanted lethal force in every encounter but he knew the Order would balk against that order. Maybe the Order of the Phoenix was not the best route this time. He would have to ponder that. For now, it was his best bet to get more information than he had. He would need to make a Team Lead that only reported to him when required.
"Minerva, you have special skills that proved most valuable last time we dealt with something like this." Her cat Animagus form was invaluable.
"I am not as young as I used to be and last time, I spent more time away from Hogwarts than I should have. I cannot do that this time. I don't want to see any more deaths, but I am better used to protect those that are here. I also cannot walk away from our Lobo students. Speaking of which, I have one more item for today. I have contracted with Healer Andromeda Tonks to take up the tutelage of potions for all those in the Lobo Dorm," she said to him "We cannot have a repeat of yesterday with any of those students."
Albus closed his eyes for a moment. That would complicate things more. The fact that she was able to do this under the WRC, and not him, irked him. "I understand, Minerva. I trust this will be the only temporary Staffing we need?"
"I believe so, Albus. None of the other Professors have expressed any issue with their assignments and I have not received any complaints. Professor Vector and Hagrid are the only ones not to have them in class yet," Minerva told him. "Moody did express some disappointment in not having Potter this year."
He fished another lemon drop out of his pocket. He was disappointed too. Moody would have kept Potter on the track he wanted. Remus had already proven he would accelerate the boy's education far more than Albus wanted. What third year should know how to cast a Patronus? This issue with Severus and Remus changed his plans again.
-oOo-
September 30, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
The first week back had not been the best, but it wasn't the worst he dealt with at Hogwarts. Malfoy had been the worst so far, but after all the Gryffindor punishments had been overturned and Malfoy had been found to be the cause, it was widely known he had lost twenty points and served three nights with Filch. After that, no one directly confronted them.
Ron and a portion of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff accepted them back with no questions. Mostly that meant they paid them no attention like they had before. Ron and Hermione still went at each other and Harry was trying to accept it, but he was getting very annoyed with his best mate that way. He felt Ron started many of the tiffs.
On a positive, Annabel came back to Hogwarts last night. She had quickly clung to Hermione, and him. Like the others, Harry felt a need to protect her. He was wondering why he would be like that, especially with her not being Pack. He could smell Mr. Granger on her. Was it because Remus has asked him too? Annabel was frightened and timid and didn't want to be back. She was afraid of seeing her brother and others. Luckily, it turned better for the girl the next morning.
They were all early to breakfast, having class first period. It was shortly after 7:00 when a group of Ravenclaws came in. "Annabel," they heard a boy callout. They turned to see Kevin Entwhistle walking rapidly towards them. He looked like his sister with the same brown hair and eyes. She shied away from him as he walked up to them. Without asking, he reached down and pulled her up into a hug. "Mum and dad are so worried," he told her.
Harry had stood when the smell of discomfort in Annabel spiked. It was a sharp smell that aggravated him. Hermione motioned for him to sit and he did so reluctantly. Annabel was stiff for a moment before wrapping her arm around her brother and started to cry. People around them looked stunned or started to murmur to the people around them. "Mum was trying to get you home. She kept writing to the Ministry and St. Mungo's. They just kept saying you couldn't return home. What happened to you?"
Kevin took a step back and held his sister at arm's length. She was teary and winced when he took in the empty sleeve that had been folded up to not hang out. "Anna, what happened? Why didn't you write?"
Harry was taught against Hermione's arm, still unsure if Kevin was a threat or not. Annabel still smelled agitated, but not so frightened. He had done as Remus had asked and taken up his job of looking over all of them in the dorm. There was the clack of boots and he looked to see Professor McGonagall moving towards them with Remus.
Annabel shook her head. "Good morning, Mr. and Ms. Entwhistle. Perhaps I can show you to a side room to carry on this conversation?"
"I want Hermione," Annabel said looking at her.
"Go, I'll wait for you in the Entrance Hall," he told her. He didn't like to be separated from Hermione, but she would be with people he trusted. As much as he might still be upset with Remus, he trusted him with the most important person he had in his life.
"You don't have to wait. I'll see you in Runes," she told him giving him a peck on the lips. She was quickly following Annabel out of the Great Hall. He waited outside the room until she left to go to Arithmancy. She wasn't walking alone in the school.
Harry liked it that most of the school was leaving them alone. Well, he guessed alone was a relative term. That was the highlight. What everyone else didn't seem to realize was that werewolves had excellent smell and hearing.
He smelt the fear or loathing from many of the pure-bloods. Others were scared of them, either just because they were what they were now, or because of the rumors around Draco's attack. Before, he never really listened to or even heard most of the rumors. Now, when someone thought they were talking in a voice that they didn't' think others could hear, well, a wolf could. He found his hearing was far better than it had been, and Hermione's was far better than his. Bonnie's was almost as good as Hermione's. They heard things that made him upset, but he was trying to ignore them. Remus had warned them about this and had talked with them a few times over the week to warn them and help them cope with it.
Harry thought it had been loud at the Grangers at times, but that was just the sounds of a few people and the normal sounds of a house and a quiet muggle neighborhood. The castle was almost overwhelming at times. Hermione had curled up in his lap on Thursday night while they sat on the couch. She just stared at the fire, finding all the noise and smells overwhelming. He had stroked and combed his hands through her hair while Jason sat doing his homework with Bonnie. Pierre was prone to spending most of his time in his room and Annabel had spent the evening in Hufflepuff with a few friends.
By the end of the week, the rumors of the event with Draco had Harry half-turned and trying to bite off Draco's nose. What did he really care what people said? In a month, they would be leaving for Illvamorny.
Of course, that opinion changed Thursday when news of the newest Dark Mark and confirmation of a werewolf attack came. It was a muggle-born witch and her muggle husband that had been mauled and killed. The fear of them intensified. That was why Hermione and him were in their dorm instead of Gryffindor Friday just before dinner. He was feeling annoyed and Hermione needed time away from everyone. He wished Neville, Parvati and maybe Ron could have joined them, but he was happy for this safe haven inside the maelstrom of Hogwarts. Hogwarts had been a home to him, but it had never been a safe haven.
They sat at a table near the stairs with their Rune Dictionary and Ancient Runes Made Easy open and working on a translation. He was thankful for their solitude with no noise and only the sweet smells of Hermione. He kept sneaking pecks with her and she was rolling her eyes. "Harry, can we get this done before dinner and then I will happily close us in an alcove after dinner for a while," she told him kissing him again before turning back to their work.
"If you insist," he said with a huff and took the Rune Dictionary. She rubbed his arm before turning back to her own parchment. They worked diligently for a while before she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "I thought you said we should get this done," he told her with a smirk.
"We do," she told him before putting her lips to his. It didn't last nearly long enough, but he found he was able to concentrate more after a few minutes of kissing her. He licked his lips, savoring the taste of her, as he settled back into their translation. They were getting close to finishing when Bonnie burst into the Den with her bag clutched to her chest and face looking at the floor.
"Where's Jason," Harry asked. He was keeping very close tabs on the other four. Bonnie didn't say anything as she ran into her room next to Hermione's and slammed her door. He could smell her fear and he was alert.
"Harry, go find Jason," Hermione said getting up. "Something's wrong."
"Right. Make sure she is alright," he told her grabbing his wand from the table and moving towards the stairs.
He made it as far as the bottom when the stone door swung in. "Run you animal," a boy yelled.
"Woof. Woof," another boy was imitating a dog.
"Sting him again, Royce. Maybe that will teach them not to bite others."
Jason rushed past him, smelling of fear and blood. Harry didn't think about it as he made sure Jason was in the stairwell before stepping out. Four upper year boys in Slytherin robes were running up the stairs. Two of them had wands drawn. Harry flicked his wand. "Petrificus Totales," he yelled. The third boy in line went suddenly rigid as a white streak hit him and fell forward on the stairs.
The last boy saw it happen and stopped, pulling his own wand out. Harry wasn't sure what he cast, but the boy flicked his wand and a red something hit the stone not far from him. "Immobulous," Harry cried out, pointing his wand toward the two in the front and then ducking into the stairs. "Get Potter," one of the boys yelled out. Harry didn't recognize them, but by their size, they were sixth or seventh years.
He rushed up the stairs, the door closing behind him. A few more spells hit the doorframe and door. "Harry, what's going on," a flustered Hermione yelled coming out of Bonnie's room. Her wand was ready to be used.
"Protect Bonnie and Jason," he yelled at her throwing over the table they had been working at. Books, paper and ink pots went everywhere. He rammed it at the top of the stairs. The door closed and he heard a few more spells hit the wall. He raised his wand to try a transfiguration on the table before there was a very loud gong that reverberated throughout the dorm. He crouched, covering his ears. The sound hurt and he felt it in his body. Bonnie screamed. When it stopped after a few seconds, Harry looked around. Hermione was crouched on the floor not too far from him, hands to her ears and wand in hand.
"Are you hurt," Harry yelled, not sure of his volume control. There was a ringing in his ears. She shook her head and Harry looked over the table. The stone door was closed.
"What happened," Hermione said in her shrill scared voice.
"Some boys were chasing them. Go get Bonnie," he told her. "Jason," he called out.
Hermione gave him a concerned look before rushing back into Bonnie's room. Harry looked around. Jason was nowhere to be seen, but Harry could smell him. Bonnie was crying. Harry followed his nose. A few moments later, he found his way up the wrought iron stairs to the second floor. So far only Pierre had staked a room up here at the far end near the bathroom. Harry started to walk that way. "Jason," he called out. "Hey, it's alright. You're safe now."
Three doors down, he noticed the door was half open. The smell of fear and blood and his scent was strongest here. He stepped up to the door. "Jason. It's just Harry," he said as he opened the door. There was movement in the room. The sun was on the far side of the school by this time of the day, so the room was covered in shadows. "Jason, you can come out now. They won't hurt you."
He heard a whimper from the wardrobe. "Lumos," he muttered, and his wand lit like a bright electric torch. Harry walked over to the wardrobe and sat down next to it. "Jason, it's just me out here. You can come out now," he said knocking on the door.
A few moments later, the door opened slightly. He saw the boy's hand shaking. "Did Bonnie make it," he asked in a quavering voice.
"Yeah. She's with Hermione," he told him.
Like a scared dog, Jason pushed the door open and came out of the closet on all fours. Harry could see a gash in his forehead and some blood trickling down. Looking at it, Harry reached out a hand. Jason pulled back and moved into the door of the wardrobe. "I'm not going to hurt you," Harry said. "You have a cut that I was just going to look at."
Jason didn't pull back anymore. He winced as Harry touched around it. He wasn't sure what to do. "We need to get you to Madame Pomfrey," he told the boy.
Jason's eyes were wide with fear. "We can't go back down," he told Harry.
Harry heard the door open to the dorms. "Stay here," Harry told him and scrambled up.
"What is going on in here," he heard the voice of Professor McGonagall. "I heard the gong and found one student petrified, another immobilized and two others outside the tower below my office."
"Oh, thank Merlin," he heard Hermione say. "Professor, some boys attacked Bonnie and Jason. Where's Harry?" She sounded a little panicked.
He walked out to the balcony and saw Professor McGonagall looking at the table he had thrown as a barricade at the top of the stairs. "Is she alright, Ms. Granger?"
"I'm up here, Hermione. Jason is with me." Hermione looked up, relief flooded her face.
"She's scared. I think they used some stinging hexes on them and she said Jason was hurt, but they got separated when Jason shoved her into a secret passage. Where is Jason," she asked Harry.
"He's up here. He had a pretty good scrape and an egg on his forehead. He should see Madame Pomfrey," he told them. "Jason, it's alright to come out."
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. A second later, she swished her wand. A silvery cat leapt from her wand. "Tell Madame Pomfrey and Remus to report here immediately. Tell the Matron to come with a medical kit. I need Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore to be outside the dorm as quickly as possible." The cat split into four and ran off without waiting for any other instructions.
"I don't want Snape in here," Harry told her.
"Professor Snape is not allowed in here. He has no students and is not allowed per the Governors, Harry," she said. Harry was grateful for that. "Are you alright, Ms. Green," Professor McGonagall asked nicely leaning down to look at Bonnie.
Bonnie shook her head. "They were chasing us calling us dogs and bitches," she said through tears. "We were walking back from the Library."
A few minutes later, Bonnie was hugging Hermione as he finally got Jason down the stairs. All he wanted to do was hug Hermione, but the two first-years needed them more. McGonagall looked at her with caring eyes. "Take a deep breath and calm down. They can't get you in here. Can you tell me exactly what happened?"
"Jason and I were in the library with Marlene, Chris and Vance. They were going to go drop their bags off in Hufflepuff and meet us for dinner," Bonnie started. "We walked with them to the bridge before turning back. The boys that attacked us blocked the hall and started calling us names as we came back this way. Jason pulled me and we started to walk away."
"I was hit with something that stung," Jason said next. He lifted his pant leg and Harry saw the welt that looked like a hornet sting.
"Does it still hurt," McGonagall asked stooping down. "Some," Jason said. She pulled out her wand. "I am only going to reverse the spell," she said gently when Jason backed up.
"Professor McGonagall is someone you can trust," Harry told Jason. So far, that had been true. A moment later, the swelling had gone down and Jason showed her a few others. "Professor, we don't know where Annabel and Pierre are." He didn't like not knowing.
"We will find them very shortly, Potter," McGonagall said kindly.
The door to the dorm opened. Harry lifted his wand and moved to place himself between the stairs and the others. "Minerva, what is going on," Madame Pomfrey called up as she came into view. "The Headmaster and Severus sent me in here before I could look at the students on the stairs."
"You can put your wand down, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said quietly. "Over here, Poppy. Can you check Mr. Wilmont. He has a scrape on his forehead and I have already taken care of a few stinging hexes. Were you hit, Ms. Green?"
"A few times," she said. Harry wanted to go throw the boys off the stairs. It didn't matter they were bigger than him.
"Right. Mr. Wilmont, let me take a look at that," Madame Pomfrey said moving to him.
"Poppy, do you have this? I need to see to Albus and Severus and locate the others."
"Yes."
"Minerva, what happened," Remus said walking up the stairs.
"Not now. I need you to locate Ms. Entwhistle and Mr. Trewleua and ensure they are safe and escort them back here," she told Remus. Remus looked at him and Harry nodded. He wouldn't control his Pack that way, but Harry was starting to really understand what an Alpha was.
At dinner, Hermione shuffled Jason and Bonnie off to the Gryffindor table. Harry marched into the hall and headed straight for the Hufflepuff table. He didn't care about the stares or people talking as they saw him go right up to Cedric. Harry didn't say anything as Cedric turned, a laugh on his face from a joke with his friend. Harry pulled his arm back and punched the seventh-year in the face so hard Cedric turned hard in his seat. "You said you would make sure they were safe," he said in an angry tone. He went to hit him again when a girl grabbed his arm. He just about threw her over his shoulder. A boy next to Cedric was scrambling up to stop him.
"Mr. Potter," he heard from across the hall to see a very upset Remus standing at the staff table. He returned a glare before shaking off the Hufflepuff that was holding him. The Hall had gone quiet to see what was going on.
Cedric looked up at him. "What are you talking about, Potter," he said angrily.
"Jason and Bonnie were chased and attacked because they had been left alone. You promised me they would be protected by Hufflepuff." He glared at the much bigger boy. "The Lobo's will make sure they are protected for now on."
"Mr. Potter," McGonagall said in her cool voice that said he was in trouble.
He turned to her defiantly. She had done nothing but support them so far, handling the situation earlier in the best possible way, but it still didn't mean he wouldn't do as Remus and Mr. Granger had asked him. He was the Alpha of their group, even if the others weren't his pack. He would make sure they were protected. "I will report to your office at eight o'clock for detention and take whatever points you deem necessary, Professor."
Remus had joined them now.
"Potter," Cedric said looking at him and getting up. He was rubbing his cheek and Harry was sure the boy was going to have a bruise if he didn't see the Matron. Cedric didn't look upset any more, but he did look determined. "Hufflepuffs will protect our own. I didn't know they were alone."
"That is enough," McGonagall told them. "To my office now, Mr. Potter."
"I will come with you," Remus spoke up. McGonagall nodded.
-oOo-
Lobo Dorm, Hogwarts
Harry sat on his bed. It had been a bad day. He felt guilty about leaving Hermione in the Great Hall with Jason and Bonnie, but he had done the right thing with Cedric. Harry couldn't allow any of the students in this dorm to be victimized. Their names may not be in the papers, but living in this dorm was a declaration of what they were.
He rubbed his hand. Cedric's jaw had been much harder than he had expected. The sigh that escaped him was as much frustration that much of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were not on their side as it was just the general situation they found themselves in.
The door in Hermione's room opened and closed. He heard and smelled her as she moved around her room. He had left the door open between their rooms after Hermione had told him she didn't want the door closed the other night. Out of respect for her, he didn't try to enter her room or peak inside whenever he could tell she was getting changed. Tonight, he could smell that she was still agitated and upset. He wasn't sure to go to her or not. He hadn't really talked to her since coming back to the dorm. He wasn't sure what to say that he had left her like that.
After a few minutes, she walked to their door. "Harry," she asked softly.
"How is Bonnie? Jason is sleeping in his wardrobe tonight," he told her turning to see her in her door. She was wearing a night coat over a blue nightdress with some lace around her neckline and that stopped about her knees. There was something about the scene that was comforting and exciting at the same time. How could he not realize how beautiful she was for so long? As the thought went through his head, guilt wracked him again. He should be more worried about the other Lobo's.
"She is really scared. I sang her a song my mum used to sing to me to get her to go to sleep," she told him quietly.
"I'm sorry for what I did in the Great Hall. I shouldn't have left you. Come here," he said holding out his arms.
Hermione moved quickly towards him and sat on the bed, falling into his arms and wrapping her arms around him. She let him pull her to him so that her head was on his chest. She spoke into his chest. "Harry, you only did what I wanted to. I hate doing it, but people have to know not to mess with us. I'm scared, Harry," she said burying her head into his shoulder and holding him tight.
He squeezed her tight and kissed her on the top of her head. "As long as we stick together, we'll be alright."
She sniffed before backing away. "How much trouble are you in?"
He sighed. "Two detentions with Remus and five points. Next time I am to use my words," he said with a wry smile.
She gave a watery chuckled. "Next time, I expect you to knock him out," she said with determination. He looked at her dubiously. Harry had no issues fighting when he had too, but he found himself afraid of what his wolf wanted to do at times. It was still so new to them. "I am serious, Harry. I don't want to do this. I really don't like violence, but after seeing what happened to Jason and Bonnie and how frightened they are, they have to know not to mess with us."
"What if I run afoul of the WRC or ICW? I can't risk not being with you."
"A tiff like that does not break any rules or laws. You had a reason that would be recognized by the ICW. You and I have been asked to be the pack lead when they asked us to take up a Prefect position in the dorm. It doesn't matter that we aren't Pack. We, you and I, are the Alpha's and protected those that needed it in our pack. That gives us leeway, as long as we don't do it just because or to dominate others," she said wiping tears from her cheeks.
"I don't want to be an animal," he told her. The wolf had been so strong. It had trusted Cedric and he had betrayed his promise. He felt it was unlike him. Or the Harry he knew before. Understanding that feeling was leading to him forgiving Remus what he had done. Remus had just been trying to protect his pack. Harry was surprised how strong that instinct was now that he understood the feeling. He had such an urge to defend and shield those he thought of as his Pack or under his protection.
"You aren't," she said moving so that she was kneeling on the bed to be eye level with him. "We are werewolves. At some point, we have to accept that. It doesn't mean we have to be beasts though, but if we let people walk over us, then what will happen as we go through Hogwarts over the next few years if we have to stay? If we let the wolf guide us at times like this, it is what we are now." Her intense brown eyes bore into him, letting him know she was right. He could tell it was bothering her some to think this way, but he didn't think she was wrong.
Returning her gaze, he spoke in a strong voice. "I will do what I have to, Hermione, but I won't act like a beast if I don't have to. The school should know not to mess with us, not because they fear us, but because they respect us. I should not have lost my temper at Malfoy this week, but I can't help it when it comes to you." He took in a deep breath. "Hermione, I am not totally sure what this is between us yet, but I know one thing. If nothing else feels like love, then what we have is as close as I would ever dream of it being. I will not give you up or allow others to take you from me."
She looked shocked for a moment before a smile slowly spread across her face. "Did you just say you love me?"
He felt heat rise to his ears. He had just inadvertently crossed a bridge he had never intended to cross. Or, maybe not yet. He had meant what he said. Why was he feeling so afraid? She looked at him expectantly to answer her and knew he couldn't disappoint her. It took a courage he didn't know he had to say the next words. He knew they were wrong as he said them. "Uhm, yeah, I think so. I mean," he said as her eyes showed some disappointment. "Oh, Merlin. Yes, Hermione Granger, I love you."
The smile on her face was radiant. "I love you too, Harry Potter." A moment later, she was kissing him deeper and more passionately than he thought she had so far. Before they could do more she pulled back and leaned her forehead on his. "I love you."
He smiled at the words. No one had ever told him that before. He hoped she would say it the same way many times. It brought a warmth to him he didn't know he could have. "I love you too. We should go to bed. It's almost midnight and I need to report to Remus tomorrow by eight in the morning."
"I thought you were going to do your detention next week," she told him. "Tomorrow is Saturday and we were going to revise in the morning."
He shook his head while their foreheads were still touching and he looked up into her eyes. "Tomorrow morning and Sunday morning. Something about having to work with Hagrid and Filch on the grounds."
She crinkled her nose. "You better take a shower before you touch me again tomorrow."
He chuckled. He moved in and kissed her again. After a few times, he sighed, turning serious again. "Neville and Parvati have agreed to go around with you tomorrow. We should stay close to Bonnie and Jason."
"What about Ron?" He may get on her nerves, but he was their friend.
He shrugged. "Not sure. I couldn't find him when I went to the Common Room after supper."
They sat there for a few moments, looking at each other. Harry didn't want her to leave, but they needed to get some sleep. Or, at least he did. There was mention of some heavy work tomorrow morning. After a few, Hermione's intense and confident look crumbled some. "I need to know you are near me and safe. Harry, I don't want to sleep alone," she said in a small voice.
"Then don't," he told her pulling her into him. He tried to let her know he would be there for her as she melted into him. After a moment, he went to lay down.
"I need to take my night-coat off," she said pulling back. He crawled under his covers and folded them back so that she could crawl in with him. They hadn't done this yet, but Harry wouldn't deny her any request. He needed to know she was safe tonight too. As she settled into his side with her head on his chest and an arm around her, he found that he wanted her to crawl up next to him every night for the rest of their lives.
-oOo-
October 8, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
Draco sat at a table in the library. It was not his favorite place, but it was required to complete his work. His father had been most displeased last year when he completed the year at only eighth in the standings. The fact he finished just in front of Harry Potter had kept some of his father's displeasure down. That was quickly eroded to know Granger was top of class, and by a bit over the next prat. The fact the top two spots were both muggle-borns had meant his father was quite irate, made worse that the highest pure-blood was only fifth.
This year, it had been made abundantly clear to him he was to do much better or he would suffer. He remembered what it had been like to feel the stinging hexes from his father. Next time, Draco had little doubt it would be the Cruciatus, or worse.
His father had plans. Big plans that he wanted Draco to be involved in as his heir, but if he couldn't prove he was better than the mudbloods and halflings, then his father may try to find another heir. He had heard his father and mother talking about a betrothal contract over the summer.
Originally, he assumed that they would finally make Pansy his and he could finally do what he wanted with the girl. She was nice looking with generous curves, but sometimes she held out to get favors from him. If she was betrothed to him, then he didn't need to get her little trinkets to have her drop her head into his lap. She was also from a perfectly good Pure-blood house, had been trained to be a lady and was already unwaveringly loyal to him.
When he found out it wasn't for Pansy, he had grown concerned. It was an even larger shock when he heard his mother ask if they would need to move out of Malfoy Manor. His father still loved his mother, he knew that, but she was incapable of bearing any more children. It was then he realized that his father was looking for a second wife. He had felt a fear course through him. His father was looking for another option for an heir.
Since that day in August, he had decided to finally take his studies more seriously while he figured out what to do. His mother would never allow his father to kill him, but she may not stop the man from finding a way to disinherit him. That was an option Draco was not going to have. He would be Lord Malfoy. Being Lord Black was not a bad consolation prize, but he would be second best to some brat not even conceived yet.
His plans began to look good after the news broke of Potter and Granger. The new laws passed last year should have seen them both put down. That would have cleared two large obstacles in is way. His father had seemed very smug after that news broke that they were both creatures. He suspected his father had something to do with that news leaking to the Prophet. That was until the Wizengamot had called an emergency session. Never had Draco ever considered that the fools in the Ministry would pass a law like that. Who had heard of a beast like mongrels getting rights equal to a wizard?
He had studied the law his father had brought home. If Granger and Potter were going to be at school, he would find a way to see them put down like the dogs they were. He thought he had them that first day they had potions class, but Granger had mentioned stuff about the ICW he hadn't known about. An owl to his father that night had confirmed the law had been changed without his knowledge due to the bitch Bones reviewing treaties that most thought didn't apply anymore or not active. His father, focused on other things, had missed it too. When he went to the Minister to fix it, Draco had figured the next day the Prophet would have an article rescinding the changes.
How wrong he was.
His father had been fined 200 Galleons from the DMLE when the truth came out about the pigeon from last year. The thing had tried to kill him and he had only spoken the truth. How was he to know the thing would take it as an insult. Then the ICW got wind of it and leveled a 2,000 galleon fine.
He was sure his father had had a healthy portion of some fine goblin whiskey that night.
What gave Draco pause in his plans was what happened to the seventh-year Yang, Rosier, Ollive and Nash. After their fun with the young mutts they had been suspended for a month, brought before the Wizengamot, forced to spend a week in the DMLE cells and pay a 2000 Galleon fine each. They were mutts and deserved to be hunted, but he could not afford to be suspended if he was to meet his father's standards. He had to find a subtle way to get them.
Thus, he was laying low as he sought his opportunity to get Granger and Potter.
"Draco," the voice of Pansy came to him. He shook himself, not realizing he had been staring at Potter, Granger and their blood-traitor 'friends'.
"You all right? I know your upset with them, but aren't you being a little obvious?" Pansy put a hand on his arm. He shook it off, not wanting to show such affection in public. What they did behind closed doors or in their dorms was different. He meant what he said to her in those private moments, but they couldn't appear together like that in public. It wasn't quite appropriate for their stations. He was going to be a Lord and she a Lady. Intimate time was not to be shown to the public. Pansy knew this.
"I want them dead," he told her. "You are right though, I need to be more circumspect. Did you get any good dirt from Lavender?"
She made a face. "That girl is as brainless as her bust size." Draco didn't want to say Pansy could be at times too, but at other times she was just as sly as any Lord would want in a wife. "No. She hasn't gotten anything. With the mutts living in that new dorm, gossip is all over the place, but nothing that can be considered true. As if they would let students sleep together."
A part of him wished that, but he knew the only exception Hogwarts had in that policy was if a student was married. He wasn't ready for that yet. There were still a few girls he would like to claim before Pansy became the last girl he would ever sleep with. That was one thing his father had taught him. Have your fun, but once you were married, never cheat on your wife. It doesn't matter if it is a loveless marriage. The risk was not worth the ten minute reward if the knowledge ever got out.
"If my plans go well, Potter should find himself in a world of trouble soon," he told her with a grin before looking back down at his potions paper. Pansy was not a books smart girl, but when she found out he was being more serious this year, she had promised to stay with him. Since then, they had both rose in class ranking. It had been satisfying to see Potter and Granger at the bottom of the list last month.
Pansy looked at him. "What plans," she asked him. He just gave her a knowing grin and started writing on his parchment.