chapter 31
The High Cost Of Low Living
Katie leaned back, resting her bare back against Harry's equally bare chest as they watched the first reflections of the day against the sea waves. The young woman treasured those moments when it was just her and Harry, basking in each other's presence. And, after last night, it would take a while for the other girls to wake up, giving them some time alone.
"Is it a shame we have to get back…" Harry said, closer to her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Katie took a deep breath, taking his overwhelming scent. "Want to talk about it?" He asked after a small silence.
"About what?"
"Whatever it is that is bothering you," Harry said. Of course, he had noticed, Katie thought to herself. "Are you afraid of going back?"
"Are you?" She asked back.
"Yes," Harry answered honestly. "Here, I can keep the rage at bay; there, I'm not sure…"
Katie nodded. There was that. The she-wolf remembered the day she had beaten the Ravenclaws that were bullying Luna and how good it felt. "No, that is not what is bothering you… is something else…" Harry finished.
Katie sighed.
"I… don't know," Katie finally said. "This feels like, like a dream, like a fairy tale coming to an end every day now." Katie looked at the sea. "Coming back to England and Hogwarts, it is a reminder that this is not my place, that I never belonged here." Katie couldn't see Harry's face, but she felt him stiffing behind her.
"Because you are a werewolf?" He asked.
"No…" Katie said, ashamed. "Because I am poor." She looked back at Harry now and, to her surprise, found only understanding in his eyes. "For two months, I could live a life that is not mine…" Katie giggled. "I could live a life like Fleur Delacour and Daphne Greengrass, with pool parties, delicious food, and a house on a private beach. Talking about important things and their brilliant careers ahead of them. I felt like a princess." Katie laughed. "But now, thinking about returning, I remember that this is their lives, not mine." Harry caressed her face, listening attentively. "We may have a big land back in England, but that is only because our ancestors took it as a hunting ground; the magic around the place doesn't let other people take it from us and believe me, they've tried. But we can barely maintain our house; it is old, it needs repairs, and there is only so much that magic can do. It is hard for my family to get good paying jobs being registered, and grandpa's pension from the war only goes so far." Harry nodded, and Katie knew he could understand. Harry had been treated worse than a house elf by his relatives, and he barely had clothes until this year. And yet, he would be freed from this. Sirius was incredibly rich, after all. "We may be an ancient family, but we're not noble; we are no more than beasts for most people." Katie felt the fire inside her starting to burn. "Why?" She growled. " We're not bad people! Why do people like Daphne, like… like Malfoy have it all, and we need to struggle? It is not fair!" The girl roared, her rage close to the surface, only Harry's touch keeping it at bay.
"No, it is not." Harry finally said. "It is not fair that some people have so much, and others have nothing… I don't know if I will be able to change that one day, Katie, but I will try. But there is one thing I can assure you, Katie." Harry lifted her chin, making her look right into his eyes. "You belong with me! You belong with us. We are your pack, and your place is beside us." Katie shivered; there was so much certainty in his voice, so much power. "I love you, Katie, and I will be by your side, no matter where, no matter what." Harry leaned forward, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.
"I love you too…" Katie whispered when their lips parted.
.oOo.
After another sleepless night, the so-called dark lord was on edge. Voldemort couldn't understand why Fenrir and the moon started affecting him so much after he had come back. It was not like that before. Sure, he had a deal with the beast, which was mutually beneficial, but he had never seen the monster as an equal, much less a threat. Something had happened the day he had acquired this new magical body, something that Potter's magic and blood had done to him.
It is as if he had become aware of something. Something basic, even more primal than magic itself. Something he could not control.
And then, there was Dumbledore. Voldemort knew that Snape would not be able to kill him. No, he needed another plan, a contingency plan of sorts.
The dark lord grinned. Maybe, he could have something that would deal with both his old mentor and the werewolf monster at the same time, he thought, as an evil smile graced his monstrous face.
.oOo.
Fudge slammed his head on the table, letting out a loud grunt of pain and frustration, before downing one more glass of firewhiskey down his throat, letting the familiar warm from the liquid burn his entire body.
The minister felt hopeless.
Even Dolores, someone he had trusted all those years, smelled the blood in the water and had turned against him. Greengrass and Black were openly campaigning against him, and chief Bones had launched an investigation into the tournament's organization. Without Malfoy, Fudge was sure he would be sacked. Maybe even thrown in Azkaban.
But the man hasn't become minister for anything. No, if he fell, he would go shooting and make the life of those trying to destroy him into hell.
.oOo.
Katie didn't need another reminder that she was hiding herself and escaping into a fantasy life, pretending to be someone else, but she got one anyway once they were back in Paris. Susan had gone back to England with Tonks, with a promise to be part of their defense club again, before giving Harry a tight hug. Fleur gave the busty girl a mischievous grin but glared at Tonks when the auror gave Harry a more than friendly hug herself.
There they were, four letters waiting for them. Letters from Hogwarts. There was one for Harry, one for Hermione, one for Daphne, and one for her.
How could a simple letter, the brown envelope with the red wax seal, make her feel so anxious? "That was it?" The she-wolf mind wondered. "It would finally happen now that everyone knew what she was? Would the fearful parents have pressed the headmaster? Would she finally be expelled with only one year left?" All those thoughts raced through her mind as she looked at the sealed parcel.
Katie looked at Harry. She didn't want to be away from him. She couldn't imagine how Fleur would do it now that they were bonded. Well, maybe the bird was not so strong, Katie thought, she would move to another country for him. She even contacted Angelina after all.
Katie realized she was just trying to stall.
Daphne was the first to open her letters, not a care in the world. Katie tried no to demonstrate it, but Merlin, how did she envy the stunning girl and her almost perfect life (at least, perfect in Katie's eyes).
"Last term's Results…" The Slytherin said dismissively; probably, her scores would be just behind Hermione, on par with Padma Patil. "And… wow."
"What?" Harry asked.
"I was made into a prefect…" Daphne said.
"Well, so did I…" Hermione said.
"I mean, I can understand that," Daphne said, looking at Hermione. "McGonagall may not be very expressive, but you are clearly one of her favorite students. But me? I thought Snape hated me."
"Why would he hate you? Your grades are amazing." Hermione resonated.
Daphne rolled her eyes and simply pointed at Harry. Katie had to giggle. As much as she tries, Hermione still falls for the trap of trusting too much on the professors from time to time.
"I…" Harry said, looking at his letter. "I'm a prefect too, it seems…"
"Of course, Harry, the only other option in our year was Neville," Hermione said, matter of factually. "Why? Are you thinking about not accepting it? I would understand, with all that is happening."
"Actually, it may be good to have an excuse to run the halls after curfew," Harry said with a mischievous grin. Then, he looked at Katie. His mesmerizing eyes glowed with love and worry as he walked towards her. Harry gently placed his arms around her waist, and said in a very low voice." Everything ok?"
"What?" Katie answered, and Harry looked at the still unopened letter in her hands. "No, I mean, yes, everything's fine." The she-wolf finished, though Harry didn't seem to believe it, breaking the red wax seal.
Katie's eyes went wide as she read the piece of parchment, not believing it.
"Katie?" Hermione asked worriedly. "What happened?"
"I… I am the head girl…" the she-wolf answered in disbelief.
.oOo.
Harry talked to the other girls and decided to spend the last nights in France with Fleur, the prospect of not being able to see her every day bringing a sensation of loss to him. His possessiveness towards the girls was growing at an alarming rate, even if he tried to push it aside, at least for now.
"Déesse!" Fleur called in ecstasy as she rode Harry with abandon that night. The veela raised her hips while clawing Harry's chest, giving him the perfect view of his shaft coming out of her folds almost entirely, just to be swallowed back into her welcoming depths with a wet slapping. Every Time their hips met, Fleur made a circular movement with her pelvis, stimulating her clit. At the same time, her incredibly developed vaginal muscles massaged the hard cock inside her before raising again in the most erotic of dances. "How will I live without this?" The witch whimpered, as her juices flowed down Harry's member, coating in his hips.
Harry had came twice already, once in her mouth and once in her pussy, and he had lost count of how many times Fleur had climaxed herself, or maybe she was actually immersed in one continuous orgasm, Harry was not sure. Her Verla magic and nature were so in tune with him now that just touching felt like electricity running between them.
"You will not, my love…" Harry said as his hands grasped into her perfect breasts, lightly pinching her nipples. "The school was never able to keep me locked inside, and now I have even more reason to sneak out!" He answered with a mischievous grin that made Fleur scream in ecstasy one more time.
The veela trembled and moaned in pleasure, and Harry could sense she was close to her limit. Close, but not there yet. It seemed the prospect of being away from him again had triggered something in her. In both of them.
Harry held her firmly by the hips, lifting the girl from his still-hard cock. A massive trail of his own sperm mixed with her fluids gushed from her, coating his dick. At first, Harry thought it would be weird, but the sight could just make him even more aroused, the beast in his mind roaring in triumph, logging for the day it would be for real, and his seed would be planted in his mate. Fleur moaned in protest of the lack of contact, but she had been in charge for too long; now, it was the wolf's turn. Harry growled as he gently but firmly laid Fleur on her stomach on the bed, her eyes glowing in anticipation. Harry's strong hands quickly found their way into her firm ass cheeks, spreading them, giving the wolf the arousing view of her swollen and red pussy lips as his cum slowly dripped from her channel, and the perfect rosebud over it.
Fleur's eyes went wide as she felt the pulsating head of Harry's shaft pressed against her arse hole after the comforting wave of his magic washed over her.
"OIIIIIIIII!" The veela screamed in ecstasy as the wolf pressed forward.
.oOo.
Even though Fleur had decided to stay with her family one more week and at least see Gabrielle to school, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious as she watched Harry and the girls leave. Images of Harry entering Hogwarts, looking so broken after the night in the ministry, kept coming back into her mind. The despair she felt when the maze crumbled around her and Harry was nowhere to be seen crept into her core. But she had to be strong.
Fleur also needed to think. And it was hard to do that with Harry so close to her, driving her instincts crazy. Even after two months, the veela was trying to make peace with the discoveries she had made about herself.
After this summer, Fleur could undoubtedly say she loved those girls (well, maybe not Daphne) in a sisterly way, perhaps even more than that. But that didn't hide the fact that she wanted to see Harry dominating them, to show them, after all, was said and done, that she was the one who could love Harry into exhaustion, that she was the one who would teach them how to please HER MATE, only for them to be lacking so Fleur could show how a veela did. Fleur wanted to see Harry breed them, to turn around and do the same to her. To make them drink Harry's potent sperm directly from her pussy, after she made him cum like those girls couldn't.
Fleur shivered. It was exciting and scary at the same time. Her possessiveness towards Harry had shifted weirdly. Harry was her's, but he was so powerful that he could dominate all the others. Even her, she knew, but he liked to indulge in her games. Fleur was not sure if she liked that part of her nature.
"You are a Veela," Apolline had said once. "You are a being of love and lust, but you are not a submissive mate. It is in our nature to protect and nurture what is ours. And Harry is yours."
Was that the reason Fleur could fantasize about Harry taking Susan Bones but not Tonks? Fleur knew she could easily overpower the younger red-haired girl but was not so sure about the auror.
That was also the reason she would keep clashing with Daphne?
Fleur wondered if this was how Harry felt about his werewolf nature. Is the creature inside always trying to creep out and take control? The witch had noticed the change in his own magic after the bond as well. Was this what Katie had told them about being in the pack?
Despite all of this, Fleur hugged each of the girls a heartfelt goodbye and even surprised Hermione with a quick kiss on the lips, making the bushy-haired girl blush. Fleur giggled. From all her strength and character, the girl was her polar opposite in the sexual realm.
Harry, of course, got way more than a chaste kiss, and they parted with promises to see each other soon.
Once again, Fleur prepared herself to leave her beloved France, this time for even longer.
.oOo.
When Sirius told him they would have family waiting for them at Grimmauld place, Harry was not sure what to expect, but he was sure it was not what he found.
The werewolf tumbled into his face out of the floo; it seemed no matter how much better his physical capacities were, magical travel just hated him; he could hear soft giggles. As it was normal now, the smells from the room flooded his senses, making the werewolf go on high alert. Even before he got up, Harry knew Tonks was there, but she was not the only one.
What disturbed the young wizard the most was the faint scent of Draco Malfoy in the room. The Slytherin boy was certainly not there, but someone close to him was. All of that flashed into his instinct-driven mind during the time that it took for him to fall and get back on his feet.
Harry met the eyes of the other people in the living room looking at him as Sirius let out his bark-like laughter.
"Harry, let me introduce you to my family," His godfather said. "Your family as well, even if a little distant. Maybe, not anymore…" the man gave Harry a very sincere and hopeful smile. Harry couldn't help but return it, but the scent coming from the blond woman was getting him a little wary. It was the Malfoy smell, even if faint. There was something there. The woman must have noticed, looking down to the ground at his intense gaze. Harry felt terrible; sometimes it was hard to control his predatory instincts. If Sirius noticed, he didn't say anything.
"Well, pup," the animagus said. "you already know our dear Nymphadora…"
"Don't! don't call me that! Wotcher Harry," the girl said, her hair going from a faint blue to bright pink. "Please, don't tell your girlfriends you met me without them; the veela might burn me!" The auror winked, and Harry chuckled.
"True, but only after she kills me, but I can promise you it will be worth it!" The wolf winked back, making Sirius laugh, and the other adults groaned.
"I can see you are already being a terrible influence on him…" One of the women said. She was tall and had long unruly black hair and the same violet eyes as Sirius. Even dressed in a more mundane attire, with high-waist trousers and a button-up blouse, she still had an imposing, regal aura around her. Her lips were full, and she had an impressive figure. Harry couldn't help but notice how her scent reminded him of Tonks, just like Apolline and Jacques reminded him of Fleur and Gabrielle. It was becoming more and more clear how he was able to make familial connections between people based on their scent.
"Harry, this is my cousin, Andromeda, and that lucky bloke over there is her husband, Ted Tonks." Sirius waved at the very unremarkable man behind the stunning presence of Andromeda. The man had an easy smile, and Harry found he liked him right the way.
"Nice to finally meet you, mister Potter," Andromeda said, extending her hand, which Harry gladly took it.
"The pleasure is all mine, miss Tonks."
"Please, call me Andy, or at least Andromeda."
"Only if you call me Harry." The wolf smiled.
"And this is my other cousin," Sirius said, pointing at the blond. "Narcisa Black."
Narcisa, Harry thought. Yes, Draco's mother. Harry looked at the woman and couldn't deny how beautiful she looked. Narcisa seemed a little younger than Andromeda and was also a little shorter. Dressed in a traditional witch's attire, even if incredibly modest, she wore it like a queen. Her blond hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her heart-shaped face, the same structure as her sister and Nymphadora. However, she had a kind of regal beauty he had only seen on Daphne before.
"Mister Potter. Is a great pleasure to meet you at last." She said, trying to look into his eyes. There was something there. Fear? Defiance? Guilt? Harry was not sure.
"Same to you, Miss Black," Harry answered, holding her gaze.
"Good!" Sirius said, trying to break the tension. "Now that we are all acquaintanced, let's eat; I'm sure Harry is starving!"
.oOo.
"Albus Dumbledore steps down as the supreme mugwump from the ICW."
The headmaster of Hogwarts placed the paper down and looked at his own moving picture on the front page with a sigh. The older man knew the news would profoundly affect the political sphere, but he needed to do it, as he needed to do what would come next. His time was running out; the potions Snape provided him were less effective with each dose.
"Is a shame," The voice in his head said. "After all this time, to wither like that."
"Indeed…" He answered. "At least we still have time to help the kids."
"We could try and do one more…"
"NO!" The old wizard's magic flared. "No… it was a mistake the first time. And would be an even greater one now."
"But, what about the boy?"
"You saw it. Somehow, he somehow escaped his fate; he was strong where we weren't. All we can do now is teach him."
"And, what about the greater good?"
"Maybe, he is the one to bring it."
"A half-blood werewolf, who lays with a half-breed and a moogle born?"
"Oh, I thought you have been past that kind of prejudice after all those years…" the headmaster chuckled.
"Old habits are hard to lose…" the voice sighed. "You think the boy can be strong enough? That he can fix our mistake? Even with our combined strength, we are barely equal to Tom."
Dumbledore thought about it. Once, he had thought the wolf curse would make the boy weaker, but, if anything, it made him stronger, as the ties he was creating with those around him. Oh, how blind he had been, how lazy, letting his other half take care of things while he watched. But, to be honest, Dumbledore genuinely thought the boy would have to die to fulfill his destiny. Now, he was not so sure anymore.
"I don't know, my love," Dumbledore finally answered. "What I know is that I can't keep going anymore, I am too exhausted, and I know you can't as well. I can feel your guilt. Now, what I can do is to help him with the time I have left. And also, help the school."
Dumbledore nodded to himself. He would take some time this year and prepare deputy headmistress McGonagall to take his place when the time came. And he also needed to ponder about a replacement for himself in the wizengamot. He was still prestigious enough that the person he indicated would probably take the seat. The wizard's first thought had gone to Amelia Bones, but he quickly pushed her name aside. No, her place was another one, maybe even higher. Possibly Augusta Longbottom or Arthurs Greengrass would be better indications. He would need to think about it.
.oOo.
To say Remus Lupin was surprised would be an understatement. Albus Dumbledore had sent him to talk with the known werewolf clans and packs, so they could try to secure their alliance before Fenrir got into them.
But, more and more, all Remus heard was the same.
They talked about a war that would happen after, of someone that would come and lead them, someone that would lead the hunt, someone who would not bow before the cannibal.
They talked about Harry.
.oOo.
During the course of the next couple of days, Narcisa was utterly entranced by observing Harry Potter.
First, there was the obvious fact that Harry just looked a lot like the love of her life. Contrary to what everyone said, he was not a copy of James, especially to Narcisa, who had very much memorized every detail on the man's face and body. No, there was way more of Lily there than just her mesmerizing eyes. The high cheekbones for once. If the blond woman would be honest, that made Harry an even more handsome boy than her beloved.
Then, as she suspected, Harry acted nothing as Drako or Lucius had described him. He was incredibly affectionate with his godfather and Nymphadora, and there was a shyness to him. Narcisa noticed how he used humor to mask his own insecurities.
But there was also something else about him. There was a hidden savagery in his gaze, a ferocity That seemed to lurk just under his skin, barely contained. Something she had seen before, in the eyes of a monster, the same one that fucked her sister Bellatrix.
But Harry wasn't a monster.
At least, she hoped not, for Sirius' sake.
That was how she found herself alone in the house with Harry one day. Sirius had gone into the wizengamot, and the teen was finishing his back-to-school preparations.
"Good morning, Miss Black," Harry said when she entered the kitchen only to find him drinking a cup of coffee.
"Good morning Harry," She said, sitting down and looking curiously at his choice morning drink while the tea appeared in front of her with a soft pop. "Please, I already told you to call me Narcisa."
Harry looked at her with those feral green eyes, so alike and yet so different from Lily's, and gave her a half smile. Narcisa was lost; did she want to get closer to the boy? Would it be wise? Running away from her marriage had already doomed her In Front of the dark lord, so maybe, being closer to his enemy was all she had left, both for herself and her son.
But she would be lying if she said that was the only reason. No, Narcisa was intrigued by the puzzle that was James' son.
"I don't know if your godfather ever told you, but I went to school with your parents." The woman said, and Harry quickly looked back at her. Narcisa took note of the thirst in his gaze at the mention of James and Lily.
"Yes, Sirius had mentioned. Not in detail, though." Harry said, curious.
"Well, to be honest, it was not just me. But Andy is six years older than us, so she barely had time to notice them in school." Narcisa said, taking a sip from her cup, her mind running into better days. "We shared many classes together over the years, even being in different houses. I was… very close to James." The boy's eyes seemed to light up at the information. Narcisa smiled. "I broke up a literal fistfight between Sirius and your father in our first year, and we were inseparable after that."
"Wait, Sirius and my father fought?"
"Oh yes, they were both insurable prats back then. That was before even Remus… and Lily." Harry seemed to notice the change in her tone as she spoke about the other woman.
"Guess you didn't get on well with my mother?"
"Not exactly; she thought I was too much of an enabler for your father's worst behavior," Narcisa said, shrugging. "Maybe she was right; I really didn't care about their pranks; I even took part in some." That and the fact lily was a remarkably jealous person, Narcisa thought. "We came from very different worlds and had very different views on things. She was more than a bit… stubborn and bossy." Harry crocked his head hearing this. "What?"
"Everyone always talks like she was some kind of saint or perfect…" Harry said with a smile. Far from it, Narcisa thought. "Is nice to know she was human."
"They were both incredible people on their own merits," Narcisa continued. "But they also had their flaws, like everyone else."
"So, what happened?" Harry asked, and Narcisa raised a questioning eyebrow at him. "If you were so close, how did you end up with a git like Malfoy?"
Narcisa sighed. Of course, he knew it. Wasn't he in a relationship with the Greengrass heiress? Or was it the French girl, the Minister's daughter? Either would have told him about her.
" Unfortunately, it was not by my choosing." Narcisa tried to hide her emotions behind her occlumency shields. "There was a marriage contract between houses Black and Malfoy, which involved a lot of money and prestige. Originally, Andy should be the one to fulfill it, but my aunt, Sirius' mother, had cast her out of the family for running away with Ted, a muggle-born. My… other sister was already on a contract, and Walburga didn't want to take any chances of a second situation like Sirius and Andy happening again, so she enforced the contract."
"That's… terrible!" Harry said, though Narcisa noticed he was about to use some more colorful language.
"Yes, it was." That was all Narcisa could say. "But, don't worry, I'm free from Malfoy now, thanks to you."
.oOo.
Harry stepped out of the shower, thinking about his conversation with Narcisa. There was something more there, he was sure of it, but the older witch didn't seem to feel comfortable enough to tell him yet. Maybe it was for the best.
The simple thoughts of Drako and what he tried to do with Astoria were enough to fuel him with rage, flooding his mind with images of violence and blood. Harry took a deep breath, trying to calm himself from the rage inside him. It was hard, so far from his girls, just like the time he had spent with his relatives before Hermione's rescue.
The young werewolf was hit by the smell of floo powder coming from the living room before he could smell Sirius' entering the house. He was not alone. Harry walked towards the door of his room, opened it, and took a deep breath.
Amelia and Susan Bones. Harry smiled.
"Harry!" Sirius called. "Hey pup, come down here!"
"Wow, why are you screaming, old dog?" Harry asked as he strow down the stairs with a smile. Not a second after he reached the end of the steps, he was tackled by Susan. The red-haired girl hugged him tight, way tighter than she would dare in France. "Hi Susan, I can see we are pretty happy today…"
"Susan!" Amelia said with a firm tone. "That is not the proper way to behave in Lord Black's house!"
"Oh, c'mon, aunt," Susan gave her an exaggerated pout. "We are celebrating today!"
"She 's right, Amy!" Sirius said. "Let's open a bottle of wine!"
"And it is not like Amelia didn't do much worse in Sirius' room…" Harry whispered in Susan's ear, making the girl blush and giggle. He noticed Susan hadn't released his arm. "Soooooo… What are we celebrating? Someone cares to tell me?"
They heard a loud pop from the bottle being opened.
"With the Potter and Black votes, we finally managed to Vote Fudge out!" Sirius said, pouring the glasses.
"Not only that," Susan said as she took the glass the older wizard was offering her. "Aunty is the new ministry!"
"Interine…" Amelia said.
"Nah, with the alliance's return, we have enough votes to win in the actual election!" Sirius said, raising his glass, with the others joining him in a toast. "To the new ministry and the beginning of a new age!"
.oOo.
Susan watched with a mix of awe and disbelief as the person she most admired in the world, her aunt, the chief of the DMLE, the minister of magic, thoroughly snogged lord Sirius Black on the couch in front of her. After almost three bottles of wine they all shared (though the adults had most of it), Amelia had just pushed Sirius against the couch and started kissing him hungrily. Before Susan could process what was happening, she was straddling Sirius' lap, rocking against him as the woman's hands undid the buttons of the man's shirt.
Of course, Susan was aware of their relationship, but she had never imagined her aunt to be so bold. Susan turned to look at Harry, who was sitting beside her on the other couch, and the young wizard just smiled and shrugged.
Of the four of them, Harry seemed to be the only one that was not affected by the alcohol, even if he had drunk at least as much as Susan. The young witch herself was feeling more than a little tipsy. Tipsy and aroused by the sigh in front of her. Looking at Harry didn't help, as images of the boy without his shirt on the beach ran through her head, as well as the memories of how the girls looked like they were in heaven after a night with him.
Without even noticing, she was getting closer to him, their legs now touching each other. The simple contact sent jolts of electricity through her body, making her lightheaded.
.oOo.
"TAKE HER!"
Harry could smell not only Sirius and Amelia's excitement, but Susan's arousal, as well as she got closer and closer to him. At first, it had been fun, but his instincts were starting to take control of him.
"MINE!"
The wolf pounded into his head. It had been almost an entire week without his mates to calm him down.
"Hey, Sue…" Harry called, making the girl look from his chest to his eyes, the red in her cheeks and nose betraying how much alcohol she had. "I think we should give them some… privacy…" The red-haired girl nodded.
"MINE!"
Harry had to help the girl get up, as she felt a little dizzy. The werewolf helped her up the stairs, and Susan giggled whenever he touched her. Harry tried to calm himself as he watched her waving her body from side to side. Harry was unsure how to act; none of his girlfriends were prone to get drunk. Hermione and Daphne were always careful, and he wasn't sure if Fleur and Katie could even get drunk, just like himself.
"SHE WANTS YOU!"
Harry groaned internally.
"Here," he said, opening the door to one of the guest's rooms. "You can sleep here."
Susan entered the room, still holding his arm.
"Will you sleep here with me?" The girl asked, sounding at the same time sleepy and confused.
"Sue…" Harry started, but the girl lost her balance and, using her weight, turned them around. Harry was sitting on the bed. Before he could react, Susan took advantage and sat in his lap, musing into his chest.
"SHE 'S MINE!"
Harry couldn't help but groan as his body reacted instantly to the scent of the beautiful girl in his lap. Susan grabbed his shirt as his member got stiff. She was so soft and voluptuous, and the whimpering that escaped her lips as she leaned on him was incredibly erotic.
"Haaaarry…" Susan said, her voice sounding sleepy. "Don't you think I'm pretty?"
Harry had to smile.
"You are stunning, Susan; you are beautiful and incredibly sexy." He said, trying to control his own hands.
"Why don't you take me then?" The witch asked.
"BREED HER!"
Harry was having a hard time fighting his instincts, the girl in his lap smelled delicious, and she wanted him. The wolf urged him to move forward, make her his, and mark her forever as his mate.
"I want to, Sue; I will not lie," Harry said. "But I would never take advantage of you and the state you are in now. Your decisions are clouded; too much wine." Harry lifted her chin, making her look into his eyes. "Also, my girlfriends would not like it…" He chuckled.
"Fleur wouldn't mind…" Susan tried to protest.
"Maybe, but we are not sure of that. Ask her and the others when you are sober, and we can go from that. Now, I think you need some rest, ok?"
Susan pouted but nodded, and Harry gently placed her on the bed.
"I really like you… Harry…" Susan said as she drifted into slumber.
Harry took a deep breath, his body shivering; every ounce of his willpower was fighting to control his instincts. Trying to be silent, the werewolf walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. He could hear the sounds coming from the lovers downstairs and, with a groan, moved into his own room, ready to take the matter into his own hands.
.oOo.
Hermione spent last summer's week with her father in her old house. The witch would be lying if she said she didn't miss him or her old room, but sometimes, it is better for things to just end. They talked about their year, the summer, and Harry.
"At least you have gone for Harry and not that red-haired boy." He said.
"And why is that?" Hermione asked curiously.
"I mean, I can't dictate your love life, hon, but the Weasley boy always struck me as… how to say… disrespectful."
Hermione nodded; it was true, especially after this year. It was unbelievable how she had at one time even considered the idea, all because she felt like not being good enough for Harry.
They shopped for her school supplies, and all too soon, she had to say goodbye to her father.
Hermione returned home to find her mother already back at work at full speed, but the older woman promised to take Hermione and Katie to the station.
"Hermione dear," Emma asked the night before she left for Hogwarts. "Does it work?"
Hermione swallowed the pasta they were eating before looking confused at her mother.
"Hum, you will have to be a little more específic mom, does what work?"
"You, Harry, and the others."
Hermione looked into her mother's eyes, trying to decipher her expression.
"Well," The witch said. "You saw us this summer, so what would you say?"
"I saw a lot of respect for one another," Emma wondered. "And a lot of love. But there was also a little jealousy and some kind of, how to say, hierarchy, I think."
"I guess you are right; some of us have stronger personalities. But, in the end, Harry does see us all the same, and we want to make this work. I think if only one of us didn't want to make this work, it wouldn't. We have been through that last term." Hermione finished. Emma nodded at her with a pensive expression. "Mom, why are you asking me that?"
Emma sighed.
"I… I made a move on Sirius…" the older woman said, and Hermione made a silent oh with her mouth. "He said he was interested; he told me I am beautiful, but… he also told me about Amelia Bones."
"I'm sorry, mom," Hermione said, placing her hand over Emma's. "They are keeping it a secret, and not even Harry knew how close they were…"
"Is ok, dear," Emma smiled. "But it felt good, you know. To feel wanted and to want someone again. As much as my marriage with your father finished without much problem, this kind of thing was gone long ago for us… it was exciting and thrilling. I felt alive and sexy…"
Hermione smiled.
"And I want more of it…" Emma finished.
.oOo.
Draco Malfoy wanted to scream and curse the people around him, but he couldn't.
He knew they were talking about him, but not with him.
His own mother and godfather were conspiring against him and his beloved father.
But, he would have his vengeance. He was becoming increasingly resistant to the potions; all he had to do was keep pretending. Then, they would all have what was coming for them.
His mother. Snape. Pansy. And Potter.
.oOo.
The Patils were among the first to arrive at the platform. Parvati had insisted on it, and her family agreed, sensing the girl's anxiety. It was understandable, at least for them, especially after the last full moon.
Parvati hated it. The potions she was made to drink felt like poison, and the pain and weakness she felt after were worse than any disease she ever had. It was hard for her to accept this was her life from now on.
The girl thought about writing to Katie, but would the other Gryffindor even answer her? Although she didn't outwardly shone on the girl last year when the dark creatures act happened, she didn't also support her.
She felt ashamed.
Her situation puts many things in perspective now. She hasn't even gathered the courage to tell Lavender yet. How ironic, from the gossip queen to be afraid of what the others would think.
But, in the end, she was alive, and for that, she was thankful.
As the platform got busier, Hermione and Katie were the first ones to arrive, walking together through the barrier with an older woman that was Hermione's mother. The looks Katie got even now only made Parvati more scared. Neville joined them, and to the Indian sister's surprise, he was holding hands with Tracey Davis. Interesting summer.
Daphne and Astoria Greengrass joined the weird inter-house group. They all seem to treat Katie so well. No one seemed afraid of her.
Hope?
Harry was the last one to arrive, accompanied by Susan Bones and lord Sirius Black. Parvati's heart skipped a beat as he saw the girls hugging him, Hermione, Daphne, and Katie kissing him.
Katie kissed him!
With a nod to Padma, the two sisters quickly walked toward Harry.
.oOo.
Harry was overwhelmed by the cacophony of sounds and smells as soon as he got out of the floo on the express platform. It took the werewolf a couple of seconds to recenter himself, and block most of them, focusing first on the big engine waiting to be boarded, then on finding his pack.
It felt incredibly good to be surrounded by his mates one more time, his instincts calming down with each touch, each kiss.
His pack.
He's to protect, to love.
Harry ignored the looks and whispers around him as he laughed at Tracey teasing Neville, with Katie clinging to his arm, the she-wolf also suffering from the withdrawal from her mate.
"Hum… hi Harry…" The wizard heard the familiar voice calling him, but the scent was so faint that he almost couldn't recognize it. Only the sour smell of wolfsbane invaded his nostrils, and he had to suppress a growl. Even before turning, Harry knew he would have to do something about it.
"POISON!"
The werewolf moved to look at the two almost identical beautiful girls with a smile; he knew they had gone through some hard times, not only with the attack but also with the aftermath.
"Harry… I…" Padma started shyly, but Parvati had other plans. In a moment, she had thrown herself into Harry's arms and hugged him tightly, musing her nose into the crock of his neck. Harry returned the hug as he looked around at the amused look on his friends' faces. But for him, it was not so easy.
"YOURS!"
"WOLF!"
"What my socially awkward sister is trying to say," Parvati said without letting him go. "Is thank you. If it wasn't for your training, we might be…"
"Hey," Harry answered. "You did the fighting, and you two were incredible from what I heard." Parvati finally let him go and looked into his eyes. "I know how hard this kind of situation is."
"PACK!"
"Thank you…" Padma said with a bright smile.
Harry looked at Katie, who gave him an almost imperceptible nod.
"Guys, I need to talk with the Patils for a moment," the wizard said. "We will be at our usual cabin." He was relieved when the others nodded at him without much fuss. "Can I talk to you two?" He asked. Padma nodded shyly, but Parvati beamed at this.
.oOo.
No, no, no! Everything was going so well; Harry even hugged her back and asked to talk to her. Way better than she had ever thought. But, the severe look Harry had given Parvati as they walked into the compartment fueled her with fear. There was pity in his eyes and anger. But there was something worse.
His eyes woke something inside her. Something the girl had been trying to suppress and kill ever since that night. Something she thought was evil, and ugly. Something dark.
The three of them walked in silence until one of the last wagons. Harry opened the door to one of the compartments for the sisters and waited for them to enter. Parvati noticed how Padma was already blushing noticeably, even through her dark skin. Parvati herself felt the palms of her hands sweat.
She felt something stir inside her.
Something primal.
She hated it. She hated herself.
Harry closed the door, and moved his hand over it. The magical wave that hit Parvati made whatever thing that was inside her even stronger, mixed with something else.
Arousal.
Harry's power was exciting.
"Wow…" Padma said, her eyes wide. "Was that…"
"Silencing and locking charms," Harry said calmly. "I don't want anyone to spy on us."
"No wand…" Padma muttered, but Harry simply shrugged. Parvati sighed at her sister. Of course he was powerful.
The wizard looked at them, and Parvati felt it again, growling deep inside, pushing her. The witch could almost hear it speak.
"First," Harry started. "Let me say again, you both were incredible, by what I heard. I wish I could say it was the last time you would have to fight, but, I would be lying, especially if you want to associate with me. So please, believe me when I say, I would never judge anyone who doesn't want to fight." Padma shook her head, and the thing inside Parvati groaned almost painfully at the simple thought of not being close to Harry. The boy nodded.
"I also know it costs you, especially you, Parv…" He continued, and the girl looked at him wide-eyed. "The first cycle is the worst…"
"H how?" Parvati was afraid. "Did someone… Amelia told you?" The witch felt her sister's arms protectively around her shoulders. She prepared herself for the worse, but Harry only smiled at her.
"No, no one told me, but I can smell the wolfsbane in you…" Harry sighed.
Parvati was confused, but Padma looked at him with wide eyes.
"How?" Padma asked.
Harry looked at them, especially at Parvati. The Indian girl felt like she could drown in those emerald eyes. With a nod, the wizard started unbuttoning his shirt. Padma took another step back, but Parvati was glued in place. Even with all going on, with the thing growing inside of her, she savored every inch of skin that became visible like a hungry beast. She noticed the scars, and the rune arrays over his defined chest and licked her lips, before he removed the fabric from his left shoulder.
There it was. Parvati would recognize that pattern anywhere. She had studied it endlessly.
Instinctively her hand moved to touch it, and, to her delight, Harry didn't move away.
"How … when?" Parvati asked.
"Over a year ago," Harry said. "I know how it is to live with it, Parv." She looked into his eyes. "You don't need to be alone. I am here, and Katie is here as well."
The girl's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came from it.
"I don't know what deal you have with the headmaster, but, if you want to, you can run with us; you can hunt with us. We will help and protect you." His voice was doing things to her, and to the beast inside her as well.
"Yes…" she whispered. Yes, yes, please!" She said louder, her eyes wet with tears.
"There is one condition, thou…." Harry said.
"What is it?" Was Padma that asked?
"You have to stop taking the wolfsbane potion."