Archive of Our Own ^beta

“You chose me.” Harry whispers the words. She chose him, knowing him. She chose to be with him even though they were having trouble, even though he woke up every night twisting in his sheets, afraid to even breathe.

“I chose who you used to be.” Ginny has her arms around her waist, she’s looking away from him, to her bags packed at the base of the stairs. Ready to leave without even telling him hadn’t he gone home early.

“No,” Harry says softly, and he looks back at her, and he knows his face is hard. He can’t help it, not anymore, not after everything they’ve gone through. “You chose who you thought I was. This is me, this has always been me. You just never wanted to see it. You wanted the saviour, the conqueror, the man that lived. I want to be Harry,” he says.

“I wanted the person that laughed and flew like he had nothing to lose,” she says, “I chose the person that was fierce and strong, the person that saved my life.”

Harry laughs hollowly, “I had nothing to lose, Ginny,” he says, “I knew I would die.”

“But you didn’t!” Ginny cries out, “and you just- you don’t realise that.”

Harry looks at the mirror behind her, looks into his own eyes, “sometimes I’m not sure if I didn’t,” he says. “Just go, you were never going to let me talk about it,” he looks back at her, her blue eyes that he loves so dearly. “I’m not the same person I was, Ginny, I never will be again, and if that- if that’s the only version of me that you can love then it’s best you leave.”

Ginny stares back at him, swallows thickly before she grabs her coat and her bag. The door slams closed behind her, and Harry slumps into his chair. She was right, he isn’t the same person as he used to be. He isn’t Harry Potter the guy that didn’t have anything to live for. But at the same time, he doesn’t feel alive either. Not really. There’s a hollow part in his chest that aches for something that he doesn’t understand. There’s a part of him that wants to live. Not survive, not fight, not argue. Just live.

He watches the clock above the mantle piece. Ginny’s face moves, going from travelling to the burrow. Hermione and Ron are there, grinning faces on the piece. Molly too. When both Hermione and Ron are travelling he knows where they’ll be before the clock already signals them to be at his place.

They don’t bother knocking, just already waltzing in and Harry nearly laughs at the clear worried expressions on his best friends faces. “I’m fine,” he says softly. Which honestly worries him a little bit. Because he should bee hurt, he should be in pain but he’s not. He’s fine. Maybe because he already knew it wasn’t going to work out.

“You will be,” Hermione says with a nod. “You’ll be fine.”

Harry smiles at her, “c’mon, mate, let’s get something to eat, just the three of us, yeah?” Ron asks, clapping his shoulder.

Harry laughs softly, “really, guys, I’m fine. We didn’t even try that long. We were going too fast and we weren’t- we weren’t right for each other.” He smiles, “I’m not saying no to dinner with you both though,” he adds with a laugh and he lets Ron push him out of the kitchen and out of his home.

***

Life went on, he went on roaming without knowing what he was doing. It felt like he was searching for something without knowing what he was searching for. His year at Hogwarts was done and there were people clamouring to have him work for them. Shops, the aurors, the inns. All wanted him because he could provide business.

His eyes fall on a small new shop at the edge of the alley, just where knock-turn starts. Well, maybe not everyone wanted him. He grins to himself, easily opening the door. He hears the bell above his head tingle, and the bell on the other side of the wall tingles as the other entrance is opened.

“I’ll be right there!” a voice calls out, and Harry watches a man walks through the door leading to knock-turn. His eyes flick to Harry for a second before he looks away again.

There’s a strange stirring in his stomach, but he ignores it, leaning against the wall and waiting for Draco to come to the front.

“Potter,” he grumbles, appearing from behind the curtain. “Get out of my shop, you scare costumers away.”

“You know I don’t, besides, I’m here to buy something from you, Malfoy,” he drawls, “I can wait though,” he adds. He prefers not to have others necessarily hear what he’s about to talk about. “You can help him first.”

Draco purses his lips, before he turns to the other guy. “How can I help you?” he asks. The man’s shoulders stiffen, and he grumbles a little. “I need something that dampens someones,” he grumbles again, “libido.”

Draco blinks and Harry winches, well that’s not fun to say to anyone. Harry turns to look through the potion ingredients on sell. “Well, there are a few options, depending on the reasons. And species.”

“Werewolf, born, not made,” he adds. Harry looks at him sharply. He’s never heard of another born wolf. “Stop looking at me, Potter,” the man growls.

“Well, sir,” Draco starts.

“Use my name, boy, don’t act like you don’t know it just because Potter is here,” the man huffs.

Draco’s eyes flick to Harry, “very well, Fenrir. Libido reducers for werewolves are tricky, is it to reduce overall libido? Or the physical attraction to certain-“ he hesitates, “groups.”

There’s a moment of silence. “Rumours never cease to exists, do they? And for a potioneer that specialises in creatures, you know very little about werewolves if you really think I am attracted to children,” he growls.

Harry furrows his eyebrows. What’s that even supposed to mean.

“I never said I was talking about children, Fenrir,” Draco answers, “I meant men, in general.”

Fenrir huffs, “I suppose that would work,” he says more-so to himself than to Draco. “It needs to be strong. Destroy any attraction.”

Draco watches him before he hums, “is this to destroy the attraction to a potential mate?” he asks, and there must be surprise on his face. “I do know something about werewolves, Fenrir. I spent some time around them, unless you forgot.”

“No, no I didn’t,” he says, “yes, alright, that. I need the bond to be weak, thin.”

Draco nods slowly, “I’ll have to mix some potions in my stock it will take ten minutes, you’ll have to wait here. I’ll need your saliva halfway through and it needs to be fresh.” Fenrir nods and stands away from the counter.

They’re both silent when Draco disappears behind the curtain. There’s some tinkling sounds, and Harry watches as Fenrir steps as far away from him as possible. The stirring in his stomach grows louder, but Harry doesn’t really know what to do with it.

“Potter,” Draco says when he returns. “What did you need?”

“It can wait,” Harry says, “I- ah- I’ll come back instead.”

“Don’t be absurd, you waited, now I have time. Spill it out or go to another apothacary.”

Harry grumbles and walks closer. He would lower his voice but that would be useless because Fenrir’s ears are no doubt perfect. “I need wolfsbane potion,” he says.

Draco looks up, eyes wide. His eyes scan him, “not for yourself, you do,” he says, “who is it. I need age, weight, and height at minimum.”

Harry grits his teeth, “he’s three years.”

There’s a low growl from Fenrir, “no child has been bitten since the end of the first war.”

Harry looks at him, “no,” he says, “you stopped doing that then, didn’t you?” he looks back at Malfoy, “you know his size.”

Draco’s eyes widen, before he sighs, “Potter you fool,” he growls, “thank god that you came here, and not somewhere else.” He shakes his head, “I’m not selling you any wolfsbane.”

“So what, he’s supposed to suffer?” Harry growls out.

“No, dumb ass,” Draco huffs, his timer goes off. “Stay here.” He turns around and goes back behind the curtain. Harry doesn’t look at the werewolf on the other side of the room. He must be curious, it’s nearly radiating off of him. Clearly he too was surprised by Draco’s answer, he’d inhaled sharply.

Draco comes back with a bowl. “I need your beta form,” he says, “seeing as it’s illegal to transform into your alpha form in the district.”

Fenrir huffs, before he rolls his neck. His eyes go bright red, face turning as he bares his teeth. Harry forces himself not to react. Fenrir’s eyes are on him, “spit in the bowl,” Draco drawls.

Harry watches. He’s never seen a werewolf do that. Remus only changed during the full moon. Nothing more. And Teddy hasn’t done this either. He’s never seen a werewolf with red eyes either. He’s not sure what to think of the way his stomach flutters.

Fenrir’s face is back to normal and Draco is gone again. “I’ve never seen anyone do that before,” he says, the words tumbling from his lips without his say so.

Fenrir looks away from him, “I doubt you have,” he says, “not many wizards are willing to be around wolves with a pack long enough to see our beta transformation.”

Harry blinks, what? “Pack?” he says slowly.

“Honestly, Potter,” Draco huffs, “do some research.”

“I did!” Harry grumbles.

“You did research to bitten wolves, and probably research done by wizards. Would you read a book about muggleborns written by a pureblood?”

Harry shakes his head slowly, “exactly. Now, I’m not poisoning my own little cousin, so no, you won’t be getting any wolfsbane potion. Because born wolves die when they take it.”

Harry freezes. What? He sees Fenrir freeze as well. “Now second, you need to research proper werewolves, and nothing biased, mind you. Don’t look at me like that,” he huffs, “I’m a hypocrite I know that.”

He huffs out a laugh, “fine,” he murmurs, “any books you recommend? And how the hell can I-“

Fenrir snorts, “nothing important will be in any books. Researchers don’t ask us questions,” he says, “not the important ones.” He scowls, “keeping a born wolf from a pack is dangerous. Who’s the parent?”

Harry scowls, arms crossed, “that’s none of your business.”

“Potter,” Draco growls, “Fenrir is the alpha to the strongest and most stable pack in the United Kingdom. He is also one of the few born wolves left. So suck it up and talk with him,” he growls.

Harry kind of hates Draco but he supposes he’s right. “So? Who are the parents.”

Harry’s jaw flexes, “Remus, and Nymphedora Tonks.”

The man freezes, his eyes widen, “Remus? He- he had a son?”

Harry frowns, he knows they didn’t spread it around because it’s dangerous but he’s surprised by the wide eyes, and the way he is looking at him. Harry watches him for a moment. Truly looks. He’s got a scruff on his jaw, bushy eyebrows and grey hair that touches his shoulders. And yet, it isn’t like he’s unkempt. He’s even sort of handsome. Harry hates the thought, but the fluttering in his stomach is making a lot more sense now.

“Yes,” he says and Fenrir makes a sound Harry has never heard before. He looks at Draco who looks just as surprised. “Start explaining, Fenrir, or I’m leaving.”

“Remus Lupin was my son,” he says looking up, his eyes red. “There is a 50 chance that a child born between a human and a werewolf is also a werewolf. Remus was not one. When Hope found out, she ran, hid. She married Lyal Lupin,” the name comes out with a growl, “the man hated werewolves. I found them when he was five. Lyal had found out about his heritage the year before. He was dying, alone,” his voice chokes, “I bit him, gave him strength. But his mother had been poisoned by Lyals words, and Lyal was as he was. I had to flee. I could not find or contact him until he was away from Hogwarts, but he had already been made to hate me, and it was too dangerous to explain to him that I bit him to save him.”

Fenrir looks away, eyes hazy, “he hated me, and he never came close to me. Even during the second war, when he was trying to recruit, or to infiltrate packs, he never gave my pack a chance. I never got to explain it to him. And you are telling me that he had a son?”

Harry watches him, eyes wide, “yes,” he says slowly, “Teddy, Teddy Lupin.”

“And you are certain that he is a wolf?” Fenrir asks, “born wolves don’t change form until they are at least seven.”

He hesitates, but Fenrir’s words sound true. There was no reason to make a story up. The only reason could be to make Harry trust him more. Harry never trusted the man, he hurt too many people he cared about. But he was the father of one of them.

“He’s special,” Harry says, “his eyes flash, and he howls at the full moon. Never sleeps, and only relaxes when he’s bathed in moon beams during the full moon.”

Fenrir grins, “strong little man, then,” he says, sounding pleased.

Harry looks at Draco, unsure. Draco looks back. “He’s telling the truth, Potter. He’s not lied once in my shop.”

He supposes that’s true. “I need to know more about born wolves, and you- you are the one that’s going to tell me. If I’m satisfied with the answers to my questions, then we can see about you meeting Teddy.”

“Yes, anything,” Fenrir answers, instantly, “anything for the pup.” Good. “I’ll tell you this, he’s not hurting in the full moon, he’s just, feeling her magic. He might be overwhelmed by the feeling of it, but he is not in any pain.”

Harry feels his shoulders slump. Thank Merlin. “Tomorrow, we meet. Lunch, somewhere in muggle London. I don’t need everyone overhearing what we’re talking about.”

“The harp, covent garden, at two. Bring whoever you want. I will bring my left hand.”

Harry frowns, “he’d bringing the equivalent of his Granger, Potter. Bring yours,” Draco drawls, “now that this is discussed, Fenrir, here is your potions. Potter, scram. I will see you whenever.”

Harry watches Fenrir leave, and he walks away in a daze, off to find Hermione.

***

The burrow falls silent when he walks in. Ginny looks up and away. Harry gives a brittle smile. But Molly is already grinning, “Harry! Are you here for dinner?”

“No, I, uh, I just wanted to ask Hermione if she had time for lunch tomorrow,” he says, “I saw she was here,” he adds.

Hermione looks up, “tomorrow?”

Harry nods, “yes, uh,” he nods his head away, Hermione stands and they slip into the back yard. “I was invited for lunch, by someone who can help me with Teddy, and his problems.” Hermione frowns, “he offered that I take someone with me, and uh Malfoy suggested you, which is fair, because you’ll know better which questions to ask.”

“Harry, who are you talking about?”

“Fenrir Greyback.”

Hermione is silent, “are you sure?”

“Look,” Harry says, “I ran into him in Malfoy’s shop when I was going to buy Wolfsbane,” Hermione opens her mouth, “when Malfoy realised he refused to and told me I’d kill Teddy if I did. But- did you know that Fenrir is a born wolf?”

“No,” Hermione says slowly, “I didn’t know that. He is?” Harry nods slowly. “And he offered to help, because, what? His good heart?” she drawls.

Harry looks away from the burrow. “He told me a story,” he says softly, “and Malfoy said he hadn’t been lying at all,” he whispers. “He- he’s not what we thought.” He worries his lip, “he’s Teddy’s grandfather. He was Remus’ father.”

Hermione looks at him, “you’re sure?”

“The story he told, Mia, no one can fake that. It’s- it’s true. And Teddy is his grandson. I told him that I’ll think about introducing them when I have heard more about werewolves. And he suggested a pub in London at 2 tomorrow.”

“Alright, I’ll be there,” she says, “you sure you don’t want to stay for dinner. Ginny won’t mind, you know.”

Harry sighs, “you saw her, she’s, she’s not ready. I’m still going to come Sunday, but I don’t want to make her uncomfortable.”

Hermione sighs, “well, alright,” she says, “you’re sure he’ll be helpful?”

“He’s taking his equivalent of Hermione with him, so yeah,” he says, “I think he’ll be helpful. I don’t know why, but he seemed sincere, and I- god I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I trust him. He’s his grandfather, Mia, and he seemed so, so pained by never having been able to explain himself to Remus. I just, I trust him to do what’s right even if it’s not what he wants. That’s kind of his whole thing.”

“His thing was biting children,” Hermione murmurs.

“We know of one child he bit, and that was different. Remus would have died had he not. And he hasn’t bitten a child in years. I know,” Harry grumbles, “bar’s on the fucking floor. Just, we can listen at least, can’t we?”

“Fine, yes, seeing as we’re talking here I imagine you want to keep it quiet?” Hermione says.

“Ginny’s always been a little miffed about me and Teddy, and Molly will be an overbearing grandmother. I just, I want to know first, you know? You can tell Ron, of course.”

“He’ll want to come.”

Harry grins, “I suppose so,” he shrugs, “three wizards, two werewolves. Sounds fair.” Hermione laughs and Harry presses a kiss to her cheek before he walks off.

“Hold it right there young man,” Molly calls out, and Harry freezes for a moment before he sees her bustling over with two bowls. “Take this, you need to eat more,” she huffs, “I will see you Sunday.”

Harry laughs taking the bowls, “you will,” he promises, “bye!” he calls out.

***

Meeting Greyback was strange. He had a small petite woman with him, name Akira, who was his left hand. Harry still wasn’t entirely sure what that was but Ron seemed surprised and curious. Hermione watched them all a little detached, looking for truth and lies.

It was mostly Harry and Fenrir that spoke.

“What Teddy needs is a pack,” he says, “a wolf without a pack is dangerous. Remus,” his voice is soft yet it had a rough quality to it, “he had a pack in your parents and his friends. After the war his pack was in europe. Until he was called back. A wolf alone, without a pack, is a wolf that can go feral.”

He looks at Harry, “a pack is two or more individuals. An Alpha and their beta’s. Some have a large pack, others a small. It doesn’t matter. A pack doesn’t solely exist in Werewolves only. There are other shifters, creatures and humans which can join a pack.”

“What makes something a pack?” Harry asks.

“Care, a connection, wanting to make sure the other is okay. It is intimate, includes a lot of physical touching for most werewolves. Scenting,” he says, “when a pack-bond if formed, there is a link between the individuals. A connection to the other. An Alpha is connected to all beta’s in the pack, and can feel all connections. A beta feels the connections to their alpha and the general feeling of all beta’s. With closeness beta’s can feel other’s better.”

“His grandmother and I share custody, is that a problem?”

Fenrir’s stubbly yaw flexes, “he needs a den, a home that smells like pack. He needs stability, so if you want to be his pack he should live in your home.” Harry nods slowly. “But he would still need an Alpha, especially as a born wolf, they are often more in tune with their wolf side. But that also makes them the more dangerous, especially without an alpha. It could make him an omega, and those are- dangerous, feral.”

“And the Alpha needs to be a werewolf?” Hermione asks.

“There are three types of werewolves, Alpha’s, Beta’s and omega’s. Each werewolf can become the other, but only through certain means. Alpha’s can be created, a true alpha, a werewolf that has the potential to be a strong leader. Or they can be taken, the alpha spark is passed down through family lines of born wolves, or werewolves kill an alpha and receive the spark as they are stronger than the other.”

“So Teddy is an omega now?”

Fenrir grimaces, “difficult to say, he’s young, he doesn’t count as a full werewolf until the first time he truly turns into one. So now, he’s just a pup, and the sooner he has an established alpha and pack, the better for him.”

Harry looks at him, “you want him in your pack,” he says slowly.

“Of course I do, he is my grandson. My pack is established, big, strong, and well seen in our community. It would be the safest pack to be in, especially considering his connections to you and to me.”

“You can’t have him,” Harry says, reacting without even thinking about it.

Fenrir’s eyes flash, but Akira puts a hand on his shoulder, “your godson is not a toy, mister Potter, and no one sees it as that. As Alpha Fenrir explained, humans are allowed into packs.”

Harry frowns, “what, you- huh?”

“He is your godson, you are one of his guardians. Young wolves are never taken into a pack alone,” Akira answers, “they are taken in with their guardians, unless their guardians have forsaken them. It is tricky, but important. Because if a guardian is not part of the pack, then the young werewolf will not feel at home. Especially because he will likely already have bonded with you, if subconsciously.”

Fenrir nods slowly. “Yes,” he says gruffly.

“I can’t make a decision like that, just like this,” Harry says, “you’re- I don’t even know you. I know the rumours, and I know they’re wrong,” he says when Fenrir growls, “I know the truth about the war too. I need to know more about packs.”

“Talk with Malfoy,” Fenrir grumbles, “we took him in during the war, he will tell you about the pack. Better then hearing it from me. You’ll never believe it anyway.” He huffs, “he needs comfort, stability, the outside world, nature. He’ll need to learn control when his wolf comes up, and he’ll need a pack. If you don’t want to join mine I will petition for whichever you wish. He needs it more then you need the comfort of wizarding kind. We are no savages. If you’ve talked to Malfoy and are not revolted, he can take you to our land. You can see for yourself without accepting it. This is all I’m able to tell you now.”

“Hey wow, what, no? You didn’t tell me everything about born wolves,” Harry says, “what about that thing Malfoy talked about.”

Fenrir raises an eyebrow, before he lets out a gruff laugh, “that is nothing important now. He will not be affected by that until he is of age, and even then it will take time.” Harry frowns at him, “werewolves have mates, they are not soulmates, but people which they have a strong connection to. Someone that would compliment their wolf and their human side. A person which would fit besides of them for their lives. They are-” he huffs, “rare. And when the probable person is found it is difficult for a wolf to stay away from them. Does that answer your question?”

“I guess,” Harry says. Even if that makes it even more curious. Why would Fenrir need a libido reducer when he found someone that fits besides him near perfectly. It would be the dream, wouldn’t it? To find someone with whom you could be yourself, and with whom you could be together forever. To know which person could have that possibility would sound brilliant to him. Apparently not to Fenrir. “What if that potential mate refuses?” he asks curiously.

“Then the search for a mate starts again,” Fenrir murmurs, “it is not impossible to have other mates, but it is improbable to find one let alone two. Some prefer to keep the bond in secret because of that. Because it is easier to stay away from a true mate than to feel the bond breaking.”

Harry looks at him curiously. But he doesn’t ask. It’s not his business and certainly not his place to talk about. “Okay,” he says, “I think I know everything I need to. I’ll talk to Malfoy.” he looks at him, “thank you for talking to me about it.”

“Potter,” Fenrir says, when he walks away, he pauses, before he swallows, “will you at least show me a picture of him? If you don’t have-”

He falters when Harry pulls out his wallet and pulls out a picture. He watches it for a moment, little Teddy is in his arms, grinning, his hair flashing between Harry’s black and his natural amber. Harry and his cheeks are squished together.

He holds out the picture. Fenrir inhales sharply, and he takes the picture, looking and looking and looking. He doesn’t even move. Just stares. “A metamorphmagus?” he asks, not even looking up.

“His mother’s side. Her mother was a Black.”

Fenrir chuckles, “they would turn in their grave to know she not only married a wolf, but mothered one too,” he grins viciously for just a second. “He is- he looks like him, doesn’t he?”

Harry’s heart breaks just a little. Fenrir looks at a picture of his grandson like it’s the only time he’ll ever see him. Like this is his only chance. It reminds Harry of looking at the pictures of his parents wishing that he could touch them just once. That he could hug them, and know what they smell like. Fenrir had to watch from the side lines as his son was raised by a man that hated him.

It’s silent for a long while before Fenrir pulls his eyes away and holds the picture out to him. “Keep it,” Harry says softly, “I’ve got copies of it.”

“Are you certain?” Fenrir asks.

“Yes,” Harry says. Part of him wants to make a promise that Fenrir can see him, but he needs to talk with andy and with Malfoy and he just, he needs to talk with his best friends. He watches Fenrir stroke the picture gently. That weird fluttering feeling is back in his stomach and Harry forces his eyes away. “You’ll hear from me,” he says, and then he turns around and walks away.

***

“What was that all about? You love that picture,” Ron says with a frown.

“I have copies,” Harry frowns back, “why wouldn’t I give it to him?”

“Uh because even mum doesn’t get many pictures of you? You barely know the guy? You hate people having your picture because they could go to the press?”

Harry chews his cheek, “he looked so sad, and I- it’s his grandson. He could- he had to miss Remus’ life and he doesn’t have Teddy, but- he can at least have a picture now.”

Hermione looks at him. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you? Going into his pack?”

Harry nods slowly. “He’s Teddy’s family. He knew Hope. And he’s been alone all this time.”

“You don’t know that, he could have more kids,” Hermione huffs.

“No, he doesn’t. I just know it.”

“And the whole mate thing, what was up with that?” Ron looks over his shoulder to the pub. “Why’d you even ask about that?”

“Malfoy said it was a born wolf thing and Teddy's a born wolf,” Harry says. “I was curious,” he mutters, “it’s a private thing. He explained it. Case closed.”

Ron squints his eyes, “you’re attracted to him.”

Harry splutters, cheeks hot. “No?” He scoffs, “why would you even think-“

“Oh you definitely are,” Ron huffs with a laugh. “That’s why you let him keep the picture too.”

“He- he’s handsome, okay? And- and very different than I thought he was. Well spoken, calm. But strong.” He flounders at the look Hermione and Ron share. “What?”

“He’s your godson’s grandfather,” Hermione says.

Harry flushes even more, “I’m aware,” he mutters, “I don’t even know either, it kind of came out of nowhere. He makes- being around him makes me feel different. But in a good way? It’s- maybe it’s just adrenaline for being in a room with a strong werewolf. You should have seen his beta form. I hadn’t even known one existed. I doubt Remus did.” He grins a little.

“Alright, Malfoy’s?” She asks.

Harry nods sheepishly. Malfoy’s.

***

“Oh joy, I get the golden trio in my shop,” he huffs, “what do you need?”

“Fenrir said that you’d be a better person to ask about his pack, said that- that you stayed with them a little in the war?”

“I did,” Draco answers, there’s a pink flush on his cheeks, “my father’s family has Veela blood. While I’m nowhere near a veela’s power with allure, people find me very attractive,” he scowls a little at that, “during the war people were under the impression that due to my looks and my parent’s standing they could get away with things they should not. I knew of Greyback’s reputation, but I also knew part of his true nature because he never even approached me. I approached him for protection. He granted it, and took me into his pack.” He smiles softly, Harry’s never seen that look.

“He protected me by acting as if I was his bitch, for lack of better words. My life under the dark lord wasn’t happy, Weasley, I likely wouldn’t have switched sides had it been.” He chuckles, “the pack took me in, they cared for me, fussed over me. They’re good people, saddled with bad shit. Being with a pack, it’s like being part of a giant family. Everyone cares about each other, there’s- there’s warmth and happiness. It’s a strange family, with little families within it. It’s not all wolves. Some are humans, or other creatures, often shifters, or part creatures.”

He huffs, “I practically see the questions burning in your eyes, Granger,” he sighs, before he flicks his wand, the doors close and the sign turns to ‘closed’. “Follow me, shoes off when we’re upstairs. Anything you touch could be cursed, remember that.”

Harry follows him up the stairs, toeing off his shoes. They’re clearly in his home now, warm and rustic.

“Fenrir is a complicated man,” he says gently, “but one thing that he is, is a brilliant Alpha. He does whatever he can for the good of his pack. Even if that means leaning into disgusting rumours of paedophilia and child murder and cannibalism to keep his standing strong and his pack safe.”

He sighs, pulling out four mugs and putting in the bags. “Everyone knows that I changed during the war. But it wasn’t because of some fear for Voldemort or because I secretly cared for all wizards. I changed because of the pack. They taught me, they cared for me in a way no one had before. They taught me the truth and showed me the world. Not everyone is magical, muggles rarely survive the bite but some do. The pack showed me where I was wrong. And they helped me learn about myself without any expectations.”

Hermione squints, “how so?”

Draco huffs, “my father always impressed upon me the importance of an heir. However, the idea alone of having sex with anyone is disgusting to me. I couldn’t understand why anyone would voluntarily do so. I could understand wanting romance, but anything besides that? No clue. Some people in the pack helped me realise I’m simply asexual. They didn’t care if I wanted to sire a child, they merely cared to help me find out who I was, not who I was supposed to be.”

Harry looks at him for a moment, “you would never have told us that before.”

Draco laughs, “no I would have hid it, done my duty as Malfoy heir, and be done with it. The pack helped me realise I only have to find the people I can be myself with. They’ve helped me accept myself.”

“So why are you not with them? If humans can be part of a pack? You sound fond of them.”

Draco hums, “I am fond of them, and I work with them a lot, and I might one day return, Merlin knows people have asked,” he says, laughing, “but I came there asking for protection. If I go back it will be because I want to be there, because that is where I feel like I belong. Not because I’m scared or too weak or something like that.”

Harry watches him for a moment. “Do you think it would be a good place for Teddy?”

Draco looks back, eyes curious, “yes, I do. He’ll have others his age that know what’s going on. There are teachers that can help him control his shift. He’s a born wolf, he’s important to their Alpha. They will welcome you both with open arms.”

“How does the pack live?” Hermione asks softly.

“Well there’s a large home where the majority lives, and some smaller houses around the property. There’s a lot of nature. Some of the people living there cultivate the land, others help to teach the pups or the bitten people, or other shifters. They also teach classes for the pups and teens.”

“Teens? Don’t they go to Hogwarts?”

“Not everyone is a wizard, and even so, werewolves aren’t accepted into Hogwarts. No one really knows how Remus got an exception to the rule.”

“Never?” Harry asks, eyes wide. So Teddy can’t go to Hogwarts?

“Well, maybe one day,” Draco says, “there are some barristers working on overturning many of Umbridge’s laws first. But currently law states any human and creature hybrids with an infectious creature aren’t allowed in Hogwarts.” Harry's face must say more than enough, “I thought you knew, Harry. Andromeda does, doesn't she?”

“She doesn’t accept yet that Teddy is a wolf. She’s convinced herself that the flashing of his eyes are because of his Metamorphmagus traits. But, I had him the last full moons and I know he’s a werewolf.”

Draco sighs, “well, I suppose I could ask permission to show you what it looks like,” he says.

“He suggested you could,” he says, “I- just- I- I want to do what’s best for him.”

Draco smiles, “we all know that, Harry. If there’s one thing you care about it’s Teddy. You would move the moon for him if he asked you to.”

“I would,” Harry says and his voice might be just a little too serious if Draco’s look says anything. But Harry was being truthful. He would destroy the world to keep Teddy happy.

They’re all silent for a moment. “The pack is a family,” he says softly, “every family has it’s problems, bickering, hurt, trauma. But it’s a good family. They care, and they show it. It might be a shock, how they are at first. It was for me at least, but then again, I only ever knew my parents as family.” He shrugs, “but they’re good people. But Fenrir is their leader, and they all respect and love him. So if you can’t respect him, then it won’t work, I can tell you that.”

Harry ignores the bubbling in his stomach, “I can,” he says, “I do. I know what he did for the war, and I now know what he sacrificed to do it.”

Draco nods, “good, I don’t have time today,” he says, “I have too many things to do. You will have to wait until the weekend. Sunday morning, then I have time.”

“Sounds good, I’ll meet you here?” he asks.

Draco looks at him, before he nods, “eight in the morning, bring breakfast for us.” He stands, “now get going, I have dinner to make and potions to brew.”

Harry can’t help bug laugh a little, even as they’re ushered out of Draco’s home. Which was strange already. Sure he and Draco had put aside their problems after the war, during their summer course to get their NEWTs but he never expected to talk so casually and to believe him so readily.

“Well, I think we need to sleep a night on this, and you’ll go and visit Sunday. You’ll debrief us after,” Ron says with a nod, “and we’ll come up with what would be best.” He looks at him sharply, “no rash choices.”

“Yes, mum,” Harry drawls rolling his eyes.

Hermione laughs, even as she kisses his cheek. “Stay safe, and don’t do anything rash.” Harry laughs, smiling. “We love you, and you know where to find us if you need it.”

***

The door was closed, but Harry knocked, a bag with a croissant in his hand. He was unbearably nervous for something he really shouldn’t be nervous about. It was just, the idea of going somewhere secret, somewhere he didn’t know, was nerve wrecking. And the idea of finding a place where Teddy and he might be at home, was, it felt like a dream, like it was impossible. He had thought he could have a home with Ginny but all he had was an apartment with a woman he thought he’d loved and who he thought loved him. The only times the room felt like a home was when he was with Teddy there. But even then it wasn’t really a home.

And yet the pack could possibly be the home he was missing in his life. Draco steps out of the shop, blinking slowly. He holds out his hand and Harry offers him the bag. “Acceptable,” Draco hums, before he starts walking. “First things first. We’re going to be apparating to the edge of the forest, which is also the closest town to the pack land. There we’ll meet with a member of the pack that will walk us to the pack. The wards prevent people from apparating in unless connected to Fenrir. Second, you can ask anyone questions but be respectful, they don’t know you and you don’t know them. Lastly, be yourself. If you want to be part of them  one day they need to know what you are like and not what you want people to think you are like. Capiche?”

“Got it,” Harry says, a little amused. He hums, “let’s go then, hm?”

Draco nods and Harry and he curl their arms together, Draco twists sharply and they disappear. He has no clue where they are but the town is small and somewhat of Godric’s Hollow. And Hogsmeade. Draco walks off easily, dragging Harry away even as he stumbles.

They end up at a grassy hill, the wildflowers sprouting around their feet as Draco sits down. “What?” He huffs, “breakfast time and we’ll wait for Felix. He’s probably checking out the area first. They do protect their territory, Potter.”

“Malfoy, you used my first name last time, I really don’t care,” he sighs.

“You literally just used my last name,” Draco drawls.

Harry snorts, “I guess that’s fair, Draco.”

They’re silent for a moment, “weird,” Draco laughs. He smiles softly looking out into the distance. Harry follows his gaze to see a wolf snuffling the air, before he looks back. Draco laughs when the wolf races to them.

Harry watches as Draco doesn’t even bother to stand up, opening his arms, and the wolf slows down enough to stand with them before he eagerly bounds to get the snuggles Draco is clearly offering.

“Hi Felix,” he says softly, scratching his ear, “done with patrol?” The wolf whines a little and Draco laughs. “C’mon,” he holds out the bag he had, “I brought some clothes for you. I think Harry would prefer human and not butt naked.”

Harry would indeed. The wolf snuffles one more time just behind Draco’s ear before he steps back and transforms back. Naked. Alright, sure. Harry’s not a prude; he did join a teenage team sport.

“Thanks, darling,” the man says, his voice is low and his shoulders wide and strong. Harry forces his eyes away before he can check out his arse.

Harry expects Draco to admonish him for the nickname but all he sees is a pink flush on his cheeks and a scowling look towards himself. “So you’re Harry Potter,” the man says, he holds out his hand and Harry takes it. “I’m Felix Maxwell,” he says, “you’ll have to stay with me and Draco for the day, we prefer no one to be in pack territory without a chaperone.”

“I get it,” he says, “shall we?”

Felix nods and he throws an arm around Draco’s shoulders. Harry watches, surprised when Draco slides closer, not further away. Felix smiles happily as they start walking into the forest.

***

Felix and Draco chat together, while they walk. It’s a nice forest, there are little flowers around and the trees are flush with green leaves. “So what do you do, Potter?” Felix asks.

Harry blinks, “uh, currently nothing,” he says slowly. “I haven’t figured out what I want to do yet.”

“Hm, so you’re rich?”

Harry splutters when Draco laughs loudly. “I, uh, I guess? My parents left me some money when they died,” he says slowly, “but I want to work somewhere just not because I’m Harry Potter.”

Felix nods, “I suppose, well, if you’re going to be part of the pack you’ll have to do some work. Everyone does something to help around. We’re mostly self sustainable but we still need the money for some fancy things, like Draco’s potions.”

“When have I ever charged you guys?” He asks, eyebrow raised.

“Oh you don’t,” Felix hums, “so Alpha just puts it into your bank account instead,” he grins evilly when Draco looks at him wide eyed. “You work for it, you earn the money, darling. So either start charging or bartering,” he grins. “That’s what we do with some of the people around town,” he adds to Harry, “there’s a violin builder, and we’ve got a violin in exchange for wood and help around the land. Of course that only counts for the adults,” he adds. He snorts, “no one is expecting a three year old to work for their place in the pack.”

Harry rubs the scar on this wrist. Good. He’d never let Teddy do work like that. He’s allowed to help if he wants to, but he rarely does.

“So what do you do?”

“I patrol the area on some days, and I’m part of the hunting party. Only wolves with an alpha shift join that often. Some wizards if they’re handy enough with a broom. But they prefer other occupations often. You’ll see though, we’ll go around the territory.”

Harry nods, and he falters when they enter a opening in the forest. It’s big. There’s a big house at the other side, smaller houses around it. There’s a modest lake, and what probably amounts to farm land at the edge. He’s pretty sure he spies some greenhouses behind the big home.

“Welcome to the home of the Greyback pack,” Felix grins. Harry’s eyes scan the land, there is a group of kids running around and giggling. Some are Teddy’s age, others older. He sees some adults around them, keeping an eye as they wash their clothes in the river that runs from the lake.

It looks brilliant. Like a giant family. People wave and some rush over. “Draco!” a lady calls out, “get your arse over here.”

Felix laughs as Draco quickly does as ordered. Harry notices the woman, Akira. They hug tightly. “I see Mister Potter took Alpha’s offer?” she says eyes sliding towards him. Harry can’t help but smile at her. She’s prickly but he likes her. She reminds him of McGonagall a little.

“He did,” Draco says, “we’re going to show him around. Where is he?”

“Somewhere around, he’s been restless,” she adds disaprovingly. “If he just- “

“You know he won’t,” Draco says, “but the potion isn’t going to help much with the restlessness.” Akira sighs, “we’ll go and take a look around then,” he grins, “c’mon Felix, Harry, let’s start this way.”

Felix chuckles but follows him easily and Harry watches as they walk. It’s peaceful yet alive. There is laughter everywhere. Some people scuffling around. There are places of quiet. A large library where there are some people curled up with a book. A play room with some other kids. There’s rooms and dining places. “It’s a come and go kind of place,” Felix explains, “we rarely all eat at the same time, especially because everyone has different shifts. We only eat together on big occasions, and the full moon. But we usually eat outside then.”

Harry nods, he hesitates for a moment, “how does the full moon work for you guys?” he asks slowly.

Felix grins, “was waiting for you to ask that,” he chuckles, “we all have dinner together, waiting for the moon to rise. When it’s risen we run. There’s a ward around our land, halfway into the forest. So we’re contained, but free to run as much as we want. The non shifters usually spend the time around the pups, especially the ones just changing.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Harry asks slowly.

“Not if you’re pack,” a voice answers, and Harry watches Fenrir walk into the room. “The full moon doesn’t make wolves blood thirsty if they’re stable. We just become wolves very thoroughly. But pack is pack, and as long as the people smell like pack, no wolf will hurt them. Unless they actively provoke the wolf. Some wizards do still learn the animagus transformation to join is during the full moon.”

Harry nods slowly, “I taught myself the animagus transformation when I first realised Teddy was affected by the full moon,” he says. He feels his cheeks flush, dumb thing to say.

“Good,” the alpha answers instead. “That should make the transition into a pack easier. An acceptance of the animal side of yourself is necessary in the transformation. It is why we encourage most to at least start the process.”

Interesting. It’s technically illegal not to be registered, but he doesn’t point that out. He’s not registered either. Fenrir walks past them, his fingers ruffling Felix’ hair as he passes.

Felix’ cheeks flush and he beams at his Alpha. Huh. He’s starting to understand what Draco meant with Fenrir being loved. “He’s a brilliant Alpha,” Felix says, “I- when I was bitten I was taken into a different pack, but they were awful. He- he cares for us all.”

Harry’s starting to see that. He looks out of the window to see Fenrir shifting into his wolf form with ease. He’s much bigger than Felix was, his coat a silver-grey turning darker the closer to his belly. The wolf looks up, eyes flashing red when they lock eyes, before he turns again and rushes forward to the pups, who eagerly rush towards him. Some of the younger ones try and shift, but most don’t manage.

The stirring in his belly is back, and part of Harry wants to shift shape and rush after him eagerly. He forces his eyes away instead. Felix’ eyes are on him, a knowing smirk on his lips. “Shut up,” Harry mutters, “any way I can see what the houses look like on the inside?”

“If Draco doesn’t mind showing you his place,” he says.

“I told you! It’s not mine anymore. It could be Harry’s if he decides to accept what he clearly already wants,” he mutters.

Harry ignores him. He’s right though. That little thing he’s been missing, that yearning for more, for life, it’s silent here. Content. He walks around with a hum, sort of excited. He just hopes Teddy likes it too.

Draco’s little home, which was clearly his, and would remain his until he really tells the pack that he’s not coming back instead of might be coming back, is small but homey. It’s made of wood, and there are large windows that are easy to open. A fire-place, a living room. And a small kitchen for tea and snacks. The main house is always open for anyone especially food related things. There is a second story where there are two rooms and a bathroom.

It’s brilliant, small and homey but large enough for four people to live in should they want to, especially since it’s easy to add onto.

But there are also some family suites in the manor house, so both options are great. “So, verdict?” Draco asks, leaning against the door.

Harry laughs softly, “I thought you said I already wanted this?” he asks.

“Doesn’t mean you’ve accepted that,” Draco answers, “it’s harder then it looks to make a decision like that.”

“Clearly,” he murmurs. Felix is outside, chatting with someone. “So what’s going on between you and Felix?”

Draco laughs, looking down towards them. “I’m his mate,” he says, “he knew the moment I set foot on the land, but I wasn’t ready to even think about that. I told him that, because even then I couldn’t tell him no. Just, something inside me told me to wait, and so I did. I told him that because I don’t have the same instincts I want to date first, and see after if I agree. The bonding itself scares the hell out of me though,” he adds. “Any bite by a werewolf should be a little scary. That’s why I’m waiting I guess. If the bonding bite doesn’t take, I’ll be a werewolf, and I’m not ready for that.”

Harry nods slowly, “there’s so many people I have to talk to if I decide this,” he sighs, “Teddy, Andy, all the weasleys.”

“In the end the only people that really matter in this decision are you and Teddy. You’re his guardian, and Teddy needs to accept Fenrir as his alpha. If he does, then it’s done. You’re pack.”

“It’s not that easy to me,” he says, but he laughs, “but I want this. I do.” He looks out to see Fenrir’s wolf lying on the floor, tail swishing lazily as the younger kids clamour all over him. “He’s so different then what I thought he would be like.”

Draco hums, “he seems calm for someone that’s been restless all-“ he pauses, “all week,” he finishes in a whisper, eyes contemplative when they turn to him. “Well,” he says slowly, “it’s nearly dinner time, you have an appointment if I remember correctly? Before you decide you should let Fenrir and Teddy meet. If Teddy doesn’t like him for some reason it would never work out. So let’s set up that meeting, and then Felix and I will walk you out.”

Harry hums, sounds good. Fenrir looks up when they approach, and with a rumble the kids scatter back to their friends. He’s naked when he transforms. Harry forces his eyes to remain above his waist, because he is not going to check out the man’s cock. Nope. He wants to, oh yes, but nope.

His hairy chest is not a much better place to look. Harry watches his eyes instead. “Thank you,” he rumbles, and there’s a cloak around his form now. “So?”

“Draco said that it would probably be best if you and Teddy met, before I make any decision,” he says. He looks at him, “I talked with Andy about him being a werewolf, she finally believed me. She knows I’m looking for a pack he needs, so she’ll be okay with it, hopefully. But he might be my godson, she’s his grandmother too, and I want Teddy to know her too.”

“It’s not a prison, being here, you’re allowed to leave. It’s a home, no one is making you forget your family,” Fenrir rumbles.

Harry’s shoulders sag. Oh. He hadn’t really thought that would be the case, but maybe he should have known better. That’s going to make it easier on some. He really needs to talk to Bill. Fuck. Teddy goes first though. “Good,” he focuses back, “when would you be able to meet Teddy?”

“I have a meeting with the coven tomorrow, but I am free the day after,” Fenrir says, quickly, like he doesn’t want Harry to change his mind.

“Why don’t we meet at two, same place as before. We can discuss then, okay?” Fenrir nods and he takes Harry’s hand in his. His fingers flit over his pulse, before they pull back. “Thank you for letting me take a look around. I just need to know I’m doing what’s best for Teddy.” He grins, “who’s going to show me the way out?” he asks.

***

“Greyback,” Bill says slowly, “you’re thinking of joining his pack.”

“He’s not what we think he’s like,” he says quickly, “you know that, you were at his trial too,” he adds. “Look, Teddy is a werewolf, we all know that. And werewolves need a pack.”

“Remus didn’t have a pack,” Bill says, frowning.

“He did, they were in Europe, but he had a pack,” Kingsley says, “he hates Greyback, Harry. If you need a pack I can-“

Harry looks up, “Greyback was Remus’ father,” he says softly, “I know how absurd it sounds at first, but- but it’s true. Look, I’m telling you this because I won’t hide it, but not because anything you say can change my mind. I’m going to take Teddy and meet with Fenrir on tuesday. If they hit it off, the decision is made.”

“I take it the territory was nice?” Ron hums, talking for the first time.

Harry grins, “it’s beautiful, there’s a lot of people, which makes sense. He has the largest pack in the country. They were all so nice, and welcomed me easily. There’s a few options and decisions to make, and I doubt we’ll move there instantly,” he sighs, “we’ll still come around for sunday dinner you know, we’re not stuck there. It’ll be our home.”

Molly’s frown disappears. “Well then,” she says, “I hope it goes well. Perhaps when you’re settled in we’d be allowed to come visit.”

Harry grins, “I’ll ask about that,” he says. He looks out to where Teddy is spread out before the fire. Knocked out cold already. Warmth spreads in his belly, and he hums happily.

***

“M nervous,” Teddy whispers, hugging Harry’s neck.

“That’s normal, pup,” Harry hums, “I’m always nervous meeting new people.”

“What if he doesn’t like me?” he whispers.

“Then he’s the one missing out, love,” he says, pushing into the pub, “he was very excited to meet you. I’m sure he’ll love you. But you gotta be honest if you’re uncomfy around him.” Teddy nods seriously.

Fenrir is there, sitting in the same booth, looking the same. Meaning very attractive. Should he be weirded out that he’s attracted to the man that’s Teddy’s grandfather? Probably. He doesn’t even know how old the man is. He’s heard that some wolves live up to hundreds of years.

Harry’s been attracted to weirder people though, so he really can’t be bothered to feel bad about it either. Teddy sits on his knees when they slide into the booth, his amber eyes looking curiously. Fenrir looks back just as curious.

“You smell funny,” Teddy announces.

Harry hides his face into his hands, but Fenrir laughs softly. “How so, little pup?”

“Like dogs do,” Teddy says confidently, “but also like a forest. I like forests!” he says with a grin, “do you have a dog?”

“I don’t,” Fenrir answers, “I’m a werewolf,” he says gently, “that is why I smell like a dog. Though it’s a wolf you smell. You’ve got a strong nose on you, little one.”

Teddy beams, nodding, “you’re like me!” his eyes flash gold and Harry watches as Fenrir’s eyes flash red. “Wow!” and Harry doesn’t even see it when he scrambles over the table. He sits there, and touches Fenrir’s cheek, eyes wide. “They’re red!” he announces. “I want red too,” he frowns deeply and his eyes turn a muddy redish brown.

Fenrir laughs, “you can’t have red wolf eyes, pup, unless you’re an Alpha.” Teddy blinks and stands on the booth besides him.

“Sit, pup,” Harry says, laughing softly, “no standing on the seats, and we don’t climb over tables in public.”

“Sorry daddy,” Teddy answers, pouting. “But he’s like me!”

Harry laughs, “he is, buddy, he is.” He watches as Teddy climbs onto Fenrir’s lap without a second of hesitation. Harry watches Fenrir’s eyes widen before he puts a hand on his back to steady him.

“I am,” Fenrir says gently. “And you’re like me. You’re strong, too, pup, not a lot of pups your age can flash their eyes like you can.”

“There are more like me?” he asks with a whispers.

Harry’s heart breaks a little. He’s wanted to give teddy friends but his metamorphmagus magic is too uncontrolled to let him play with muggles and there aren’t many wizards that have three year old kids.

“Yes, there are. You see, people like us, we’ve got packs, that’s why you haven’t met them. And people like me, with the red eyes, we are the leaders of those packs.”

“Wow,” Teddy whispers. “Can I join?” he asks eagerly.

Fenrir looks up at Harry, and Harry can’t help but smile back. “You’ll have to ask your dad that, pup, you wouldn’t want to leave him behind.”

“Can’t daddy just join too?” he asks frowning. “He’s mine.”

Harry laughs, “I think that’s what he’s saying, pup,” he murmurs, “that maybe we can both join his pack. Would you want that?”

Teddy nods, “please, daddy?” he asks, whining a little.

“I think your dad and I need to talk first, before he can accept,” Fenrir says before Harry answers.

“Okay,” Teddy hums and he snuggles close, “you’re warm,” he sighs happily.

Harry watches them, the look in Fenrir’s eyes can only be described by surprise and adoration. Teddy brings that out in people. He’s a very cute little thing, smart and cheeky too. But there’s more in there too, things he can’t describe, hope? Apprehension?

“You’re going to fall asleep there, pup?” Harry asks amused, watching his eyes droop. “You sure you don’t want to play in the kiddy corner? Fenrir’s not going to disappear.” Teddy perks up at the mention of a play corner. It’s within their eyesight. He looks over, to see it empty but with things to play with. He looks shyly, “go on then, pup, go play. We’ll call you when lunch is here, okay?”

“Okay,” he grins, and he eagerly scampers away.

“He is so-“ Fenrir says, shaking his head.

“He’s perfect,” Harry hums, before he looks forward to him, “so, what is it that we need to discuss?”

Fenrir scowls, and Harry nearly laughs, “your friend convinced his mate and my left hand that there is something I need to discuss with you before we truly discuss you and him joining our pack. They are under the impression that it would be unfair not to inform you.”

Harry frowns, “okay? So?”

Fenrir grumbles, “you are a potential mate for me,” he says, “that is the reason I even discussed this with you in the first place. I am picky about the individuals I let join my pack. Your potential compatibility with me is not the reason you and Teddy would be let into the pack. But it is a factor in the way I treat you. I never intended to tell you, as you know being refused is painful, and I know enough about your lack of self-preservation that you do not enjoy hurting people.”

Harry watches him surprised. He’s a potential mate? The buzzing in his stomach makes sense now, the way he’s pulled towards him. Clearly his magic knows it. “You are not the first person to be a potential mate for me, and you are also not the first one to refuse me. While I prefer to let the bond dissolve without action when I know that potential mates are likely to refuse me, your friend pointed out that me being your Alpha will make it impossible to let the bond dissolve from my side.”

Harry opens his mouth, “I told him that I would never approach you about it, I know that you might not begrudge me a connection to my grandson. But I’m not delusional enough to think-”

“I’m attracted to you,” Harry blurts out. Fenrir pauses mid speech, and Harry flushes. “Look,” he says, “I am attracted to you, and there is, I can’t explain it but something in me feels like it’s right, you and I. But,” he says quickly, “but like Draco, I don’t have the same instincts, and I can’t just- I need time for something like being anyone’s mate. And Teddy is more important to me than anything in this world and I mean that literally.”

Fenrir laughs, it’s low and gravely and his eyes shine in their amber colour. “Yes, he is,” he says, “I suppose I can understand that you wish to get to know me first.”

“I do, I don’t even know how old you are,” he says laughing softly, “over fifty at minimum since you’re Remus’ dad.”

Fenrir chuckles, “werewolves live very long lives, Harry. I was born before Dumbledore.”

Harry blinks quickly, oh. Somehow that makes him feel good? Maybe it’s knowing that he doesn’t need to be the one to know everything. Especially because he doesn’t know anything.

“Hm,” Fenrir looks at him, eyes sharp. “You don’t mind.”

“I don’t,” Harry says, grinning a little, “I’m twenty-two.”

“I have children that are older than you, grand-children even.”

Harry laughs, and he can’t help but smile, “you do? Was Remus your youngest?”

Fenrir nods, “I don’t have many children, three, only one is still alive. I have five grandchildren. One that sees you as his father. Complicated,” he drawls.

Harry grins, “welcome to my life, it’s always complicated.” He hesitates, should he tell him about himself properly? Being the master of death? But then again he’s not sure if he wants to already. And if he does, probably not in public.

Fenrir hums, and he leans backwards. The lady puts their lunch on the table. “Teddy bug,” Harry calls out, “lunch.”

Teddy looks up rushing over. He sits beside Fenrir again and the look is very sweet. Harry can’t help but grin at Fenrir’s pleased look. He’d been wrong to think that Remus was his only child, but then again he hadn’t thought that the man before him would be over a hundred-fifteen years. Yet he was. So it made sense, having only four children is even low in a sense. 

“So, Daddy? Can we?” Teddy asks, eyes bright.

Harry laughs, “well, bug, there’s one more thing I need to ask Fenrir,” he looks up at him, “will we be allowed to stay if we don’t work out?”

“Yes. You will. You would always be pack no matter what. And,” he adds, “I should tell you both the rules of the territory. Pups are expected to learn every week day for at least a couple of hours. When someone turns seventeen they are expected to start contributing to the pack. The pups are allowed to help, and they can earn extra things by helping, but nothing is expected. We prefer not to have too many visitors around, it’s a territory thing, but family is always an exception. Biological or not,” he adds with a look to him.

Harry smiles softly, “I prefer going to the burrow than the other way around, but Ron and Hermione will very likely pop in. Is it possible to connect the fireplace to the floo?”

Fenrir hums, “private floo from one to another, not to the overall network. And only if you decide to live in a home of your own instead of in the manor. If you chose so, construction will start soon. You’ll be expected to be involved, each home is unique. We build what we want, and how we want it. Wizarding space or not, fire, kitchen, whatever.”

“And what about funds?” he asks softly, “money?”

“Everyone’s money is their own, you earned it. Or in your case inherited it, but it’s yours. Should any major problems occur that need money then you would be expected to help pay for it, but that rarely occurs. We’re primarily self-sufficient, and we don’t need much money to live happily. Some people however prefer to have some extra luxuries. The pack has a bank account that can be used. Especially for things like hospital visits or if the crops all fail. Your hard work is worth more to us than money is.”

Harry hums, pleased, “very Hufflepuff of you,” he grins. Fenrir laughs loudly. “Well what do you think pup, can you live with that?”

Teddy nods quickly, “grandma can still visit, right? And I can still visit grandma?”

“Of course, pup, you can visit your grandma, or Mrs. Weasley,” he hums, “anything.”

Teddy grins, “good,” he snuggles close, “I like you grandpa,” he says decidedly.

The pleased sound Fenrir makes is very animalistic, but it seems to set both him and Teddy at ease. Teddy makes a mess of his plate, but he seems happy as he munches on his food. “The lease on my apartment ends in two weeks,” he says, “is it possible to stay in the manor and start constructing our own little home then?”

“Preferably even,” Fenrir says, “though now would be a good time to start the foundations. And to start building a pack bond. The full moon is in three weeks, and it would be good for his little wolf, and for you to be integrated in the pack already.”

Harry grins, “brilliant, we’ll do that, right buddy?”

“Can’t we live there now?” he asks, eyes wide and hopeful. “I don’t like where you live now,” he mutters.

Harry chuckles, “we can’t move in without warning, pup,” he murmurs, “we need to pack our things, tell people we’re moving.” he looks up, “is the location of the pack a secret?”

“General rumours establish my pack in the region of the town. The exact location and entry point is a secret. And no one can enter alone if they’re not connected to the pack.” he seems to hesitate, “you are welcome when you are ready, there are empty rooms you can stay in until the house is ready, but Draco has offered the house that will be his and Felix’ once he returns.”

Harry laughs, “in the manor would be fine, we’ll have to do some packing, but I’ll send you an owl when we’re ready?”

Fenrir looks at him, eyes sweeping over his body, “you can owl me for anything, questions, help, directions. An Alpha takes care of their betas, or prospective mates,” he adds with a low lilt. Harry forces himself not to shiver. Teddy hums happily.

“We need to pack, Daddy,” Teddy says standing and pulling his hand. He’s surprisingly strong. “Pack and move. Wanna meet more people like me!”

Harry laughs, “well I suppose that’s the signal that he needs to do some exercise,” he laughs when Teddy jumps up and down. He smiles at Fenrir as he drops money for their food. Fenrir follows them out. “Bye grandpa!” Teddy says loudly. Harry laughs, and he feels a flush creep on his cheeks as he ducks forward, and presses a short peck to Fenrir’s cheek.

“Bye Fen,” he says softly, “I’ll see you soon.”

***

“Tell me everything I need to know about mates,” Harry says, when the shop is cleared and Draco has turned to him.

Draco throws his head back and laughs, “I take it he told you, then?” he drawls. Harry scowls, “Oh please, you look at him like you used to look at Severus in sixth year.” Harry fights the flush on his cheeks, “you certainly seem to have a thing for the older darker men.”

Harry can’t help but smirk, “I don’t know if I’d call them darker,” he murmurs. “But yes, he told me. He also told me that you forced his hand. Thank you for that.”

Draco waves his fingers, “I did it more for him than for you. You were clearly into him, he was too. Case closed. Now, what do you need to know? The bond is established through mating bite and intimacy, whatever version the mates prefer. Besides that, it’s a normal relationship. Only mates are for life, when the mate dies the werewolf can move on, but it takes a long time. But it’s possible. And wolves are monogamous. So no fear of cheating. Their instincts wouldn’t allow it.”

Good. A partner that cares for him, forever. It sounds perfect. If he can make it work. He needs to make sure Fenrir knows everything important about him, and he knows the important things about him. “I took a page out of your book and told him we had to date first.”

“Good, he’ll try and provide for you,” he drawls, “Felix kept bringing me animal parts that I can use in potions. Till I told him to stop. It was sweet,” he smiles, “now he shows up with sweets and the occasional rabbit to eat for dinner together. Luckily already prepared.”

Harry can’t help but laugh a little. Technically he’s already providing by giving Harry a place to live. It doesn’t sound bad at all. He’s sure Hermione and Ron would have something to say about it but he really can’t find it in himself to care.

He grins as he watches Hermione walk in, Teddy on her hip. “I heard from Teddy that you and him are officially moving, hm?” she says eyebrow raised, “and something about you giving him a kiss?”

Harry laughs, “on the cheek, Mia, don’t worry,” he grins, “he’ll have to earn it to get more,” he hums, “and yes, we’re moving.”

Draco huffs, “manor or alone standing?”

“Alone standing, and no, we’re not taking your home, dumbass,” Harry says before Draco can open his mouth, “I’m pretty sure everyone is just patiently waiting for you to move back. I’m sure Felix is,” he adds wiggling his eyebrows.

Draco flushes, “maybe I will, maybe I wont. We will have to see. Now if you’re not buying anything, get out.”

Harry laughs, even as he takes Teddy on his hip. “Harry you know nothing about the man,” she says delicately.

“He’s older than Dumbledore was, has three kids, only one is still alive, and he has five grandchildren including Teddy. Some of his grandchildren are older than me. I don’t care.”

Hermione looks at him for a long time, Harry looks right back. “You are a potential mate then?” Harry nods, “don’t dive in head first.”

“I’m not,” he grins, “I’m making him prove himself and we’re also going to get to know each other better, before I take that last step. But we also agreed that Teddy is more important than anything. So I’m good. Promise.”

“Good,” she says, “I suppose we’ll have to start packing your place up then, huh?”

Harry grins. Yes, yes they are.

***

It’s different, being in a pack. But somehow it’s easy. Felix is there a lot, and so is Fenrir. There’s a lot of casual touches. Brushing past each other, hugs, things like that. Teddy absolutely loves it, and soaks the love in. He plays with the kids and he has people around him that are just the same.

Harry helps around in the land. He was pretty good with animals and some animals have problems with werewolves so mostly wizards take care of them.

And every wednesday and saturday night, Fenrir knocks on his door, and takes Harry out to see the land, the world, and his pack. Every time again it brings that fluttering excited feeling to his stomach.

“Daddy, read to me?” Teddy whines.

Harry laughs, “I will, pup, let me just get ready first.”

“Ready for what,” Teddy whines in his bed.

Harry grins over his shoulder, “you know Daddy has a date tonight, sweetheart. It’s a date night for me and Fen.”

Teddy whines as little, snuggling into his stuffed animal. “Do you like grandpa, daddy?” Teddy whispers.

“I do,” Harry answers, crouching by his bed. “And your grandpa likes me too. That’s why we go on dates together.”

“You’re going on a lot,” he murmurs.

Harry laughs, and he tucks a string of hair behind Teddy’s ear. “I know, pup, do you need me to stay?” he asks. “I will, pup, promise. Whatever you need.”

“No,” Teddy whispers, “you’re happy, Daddy.”

“I am, I’m very happy. I like him a lot.”

Teddy hums softly, “more than aunt Ginny?” Harry nods sheepishly. “Okay.”

Harry presses a long kiss to his forehead. They’ve been here for almost three weeks now, and everything has been magical. They’re making brilliant progress on the little wooden house, and Harry and Fenrir’s thing is blossoming. They’ve not even kissed yet, and still Harry feels like he could love the man his entire life.

There’s a simple knock on the door and Harry watches Teddy snuggle and sigh in his sleep, before he stands and slips out of their room. “He’ll be fine,” Fenrir murmurs, “you know he will.”

Harry smiles, “I know,” he answers, and he takes Fenrir’s offered hand, intertwining them. He feels the eyes of some pack members on them, but it’s not the first time they’ve been seen together. Everyone in the pack seems happy for them even.

“It’s nearly full moon,” Fenrir hums looking up to the sky. Harry follows his gaze. It is nearly full. Just a sliver. Two days and the moon will be gleaming and pulling at every wolf in the pack. “Are you nervous?”

“A little,” he hums, “I know I’ll be fine, but I’m nervous for Teddy. He’s such a little dude.”

“He’s made for this, Kærasti,” Fenrir hums, squeezing their hands tightly, “you’ve yet to show me your form. Will you indulge me tonight?”

Harry grins, “I think I will,” he hums, and he grins a little, “can’t wait to see your face. But somewhere private,” he adds softly.

“The pack will know.”

“This first time, I want to show it just to you,” he whispers, leading them into the woods. He lets Fenrir’s hand go and walks backward watching the man before him. He lets the magic bubble inside him, transforming his shape and size. Growing the bones he is missing, distorting those that he has.

Fenrir’s eyes are wide, and red when he looks up. He growls deeply in his chest, and Harry yips, giving a wolfy grin. “You are-“ Fenrir growls again, before he forms into a wolf. Harry eagerly bounds over, rubbing himself against the man. He’s a larger wolf than Harry is. Even though they are both dire wolves Harry has always been small for his size and his animagus form is no exception.

Harry yips at him, nipping at his jaw and Fenrir licks at his head. Harry makes a pleased little sound, rubbing himself against Fenrir’s body. Bumping their nose together.

They wrestle a little, and Harry is over the moon. Fenrir rubbing himself against him, licking at his face. It feels so easy like this, running after each other under the waxing moon.

Harry turns into his human form when he’s pushed into the dirt, and Fenrir shifts over him. Harry pulls him down against his skin, and kisses him eagerly.

Fenrir growls into his mouth and kisses him back. Their teeth clash and Harry moans into his mouth, arching up. There is so to much clothing and Harry pulls at his clothes, whining.

“Sh, darling,” he hums, “sh, it’s okay. You’re perfect hm, little wolf even if you’re not a wolf,” he growls.

Harry laughs, “thought you’d like that.”

Fenrir growls a little, “dangerous,” he rumbles, and Harry’s head falls back when he grinds against his hips.

“Wait, no-“ Fenrir freezes against his body, backing off. “Not like this, not yet, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he says.

Fenrir backs off instantly, lying on the ground beside him. “Don’t be sorry. You have every right to say no.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to,” Harry says slowly, “I want our first time together to be in a bed. I- well- I’ve never been with a man before,” he whispers, flushed.

He laughs at the pleased rumble Fenrir answers with. “We will take it as slow as you want,” Fenrir murmurs. “I’m not expecting you to jump in head first, I just want you to enjoy it.”

Harry feels his cheeks flush brighter as he sits up. “I was enjoying it, it was just going a bit fast.”

“Good,” Fenrir grumbles, “I was too.” Harry smiles happily, “there’s something more I wanted to show you,” he hums, and Harry takes his hand. They walk through the forest together guided by the moonlight.

Harry trails beside him, watching around happily.

They trail through the woods until they end up in a small cave, Harry darts in after him, gasping at the view inside. There’s a brilliant glow to the cave, water lapping in the back.

“Phytoplankton,” Fenrir murmurs, “it lights up when it’s dark out. I thought we could have ourselves a little swim.”

Harry nods eagerly pulling his shirt off. And dropping his pants without even thinking. He’s halfway into the water when he looks out to see Fenrir standing shirtless, watching him with red eyes.

Fenrir looks at him, licking his lips before he slides his trousers down his thighs. Harry’s eyes follow his hands. Watching Harry's thighs and thick legs. He watches him stand, unashamed, in just- his breath hitches, cheeks flaming. He’s wearing panties. They’re dark and snug, lace panties.

Fenrir’s thumbs slide into the waistband and Harry flushes looking away. He spent enough time oggling his body. He dunks his head under water and he hears a low laugh even as Fenrir wadess closer into the water.

“I didn’t expect you to wear panties,” he blurts out.

“What, because I’m a masculine alpha?” Fenrir murmurs, curling an arm around his body.

Harry shrugs, “I guess,” he whispers but he curls his arms around his shoulders.

“I’m too old to care what people think. They feel nice, I enjoy what they look like.”

Harry smiles, “you should wear what feels nice, no reason not to,” he flushes, “kind of sexy.” Fenrir kisses him again, nice and slow. Harry moans softly, letting him lick into his mouth.

“Maybe one say you can see my special ones,” he whispers, “they’re charmed to mimick touch.” Harry makes a curious noise. “A pair, we each wear one, and you would feel it if I touched myself, every touch would be mimicked.”

“Oh,” Harry whimpers, “I’ve never worn panties.”

“I have them in briefs too, if you prefer, darling,” Fenrir murmurs. “But like I said, we take this at your pace.”

Harry worries his lip, and he steps a little closer, angling their hips together. Fenrir’s cock is hard and thick, and Harry’s is just as hard when he presses them together. “I want you to make us feel good together.” Fenrir makes a pleased growl and kisses Harry harder, nipping at his lower lip. Harry moans softly, and louder again when Fenrir grinds their hips together. “That’s it,” Fenrir growls, “feels good, hm?” Harry whimpers softly, moaning into his mouth when their lips clash again.

Fenrir’s hand is on his hip, warm and firm, holding him still while his hips move slowly. His callous fingers slide over his skin and Harry holds his shoulders tightly when his free hand strokes his stomach.

“You’re so lovely,” Fenrir rumbles, “strong and beautiful.”

Harry whimpers into his mouth and moans again when his hand curls around their cocks. The pleasure is shocking, a firm hand, a thick cock against his. His hand slides with ease and Harry shivers in his hands, panting into his mouth.

The pleasure is thick, Harry clutches his skin, whimpering and rocking his hips helplessly. He moans into Fenrir’s mouth and whimpers in pleasure. “I’m going to come,” he gasps, and the pleasure crests at the pleased sounding growl he gives.

He’s boneless and happy, slumping into his chest. He feels the low growl in Fenrir’s chest when he comes. Harry smiles softly, rubbing his face to his chest. “That was really nice,” he sighs.

Fenrir chuckles, “good,” his chin rubs over Harry’s crown, “not too fast?”

“No, I’m not a virgin, Fen, just- only been with my ex-girlfriend. No one else. And you’re strong, and big, and sexy as hell. So it’s a little daunting, but this is good. It’s slow enough.”

Fenrir nods above him, wet hands sliding over his back and hips. “I have more than enough time to take it slow,” he murmurs.

Harry laughs, “yeah, me too,” he looks out of the little water cave, into the woods, “there is something I should tell you,” he whispers. “During the war, Voldemort had been looking for a specific wand.”

“The elder wand, from the stories of the three brothers, he thought it would make him invincible.”

“Only if he had the cloak and the stone as well,” Harry whispers, “he found the wand, Dumbledore had taken it from Grindelwald, but I Draco had disarmed him that night, and I had disarmed Draco during our capture at the manor. The wand was mine. Is mine.” Fenrir’s arms tighten around him. “The cloak was, it belonged to my family, generations back. And the stone, well, it had belonged to him, but I found it in my possession when I walked towards my death. I became the master of death that night,” he whispers, “that is why I didn’t die. Why I survived the killing curse again.”

“What are you implying, Harry,” Fenrir asks softly.

“That I have just as much time as you have in this world. That- that you won’t have to lose me, like you lost your past mates. I- I can’t die. At least, not the way’s I tried myself.”

“You-“ Fenrir growls softly and pulls him even tighter, “you’re sure?”

“I am,” Harry whispers, “I was reckless after the war, nothing that should have killed me did. It was Andy and my friends that reminded me that I have a little boy that has already lost his parents that helped me get back on track. I- I’m not like that anymore. But I- I am the master of death,” he whispers.

Fenrir kisses him slowly, “you are a marvel,” he murmurs, “I will not have to loose you?” Harry shakes his head. “I was already happy that you were young, more time with you, but not many wizards live until Dumbledore’s age, and you have enough people that hate you.”

Harry smiles, “yeah,” he whispers, “I- I think that’s part of why me and Ginny never worked out. I- I don’t want to see the person I love die from old age, when I don’t. I want to live my life with someone that can live it like me.”

Fenrir laughs, “and to think I had the same fear. Thank you for telling me, Kærasti.” Harry smiles softly. “Let’s go back home, hm, check up on that little boy.”

Harry nods quickly, casting a drying charm as he walks out. Pulling his clothes back on. He grabs Fenrir’s hand and pulls him along, laughing as they run through the woods.

“Stay?” Harry whispers when they’re at the door of his little home in the manor. “Just to sleep.”

“I would be honoured, darling,” Fenrir murmured, “let me grab some sleep pants, and I will meet you back here.” Harry nods eagerly, kissing him softly, before he rushes away again.

Harry laughs to himself, checking in on Teddy, still knocked out cold, before he changes into sleeping pants, tidying just a little until the door opens softly. Harry smiles, yawning a little. Fenrir comes closer, and Harry leads him into his bedroom. He knows he’s safe in the strong arms curled around his waist. The werewolves warm body keeping him nice and toasty.

***

There was something extremely freeing about having told Fenrir about the hallows. He didn’t feel the need to hold back, to hide a little part of himself. He could watch Fenrir play with the pups all he wanted, and he could spend some time kissing him just because. The closer to the full moon they came the hungrier Fenrir seemed to get for him, and Harry was more then eager to at least try some things.

His cheeks were hot when he pulled the panties over his hips. He’s never worn panties, but he wanted to try, and he wanted to try these especially. It was the morning off the full moon and Fenrir was busy all the time, and yet touching him all the time. It was heady and perfect.

He gasps when he feels the magic snap into place. There’s a hand tracing the fabric on his hip, just gentle pressure. Harry worries his lip and traces the other side. There. He knows they’re on now. He pulls on his trousers, and he goes out to the animals for some work.

Shameless, he’s utterly shameless. Harry whimpers, head pressed into the Abraxan’s side as he feels large fingers tracing the groin of the panties, teasing over his cock. The pressure is too light to be any real good, but it’s driving him insane.

The teasing touches are all through the day, and he manages to keep his composure mostly, until Fenrir grinds his hand down his cock, and Harry has to bite his lips not to moan aloud. He’s not even alone, something Fenrir knows, the tease. He knows he can stop it easily. But he doesn’t want to. He told Fenrir to grab them for a reason.

It’s the thumb at the head of his cock that snaps him, the feeling is excuisite and torturous and he needs- he turns around to see Fenrir leaning against a tree behind him. His eyes are dark, his thumb teasing the tip of his own cock. Harry whimpers and arches his neck just a little.

Fenrir is on him in seconds. Harry moans into his mouth, grabbing at his skin. “Stay just like this, darling, I’m going to suck your cock.”

Harry whines, and nods quickly, watching Fenrir’s thick hands open his trousers and slide the panties down. His mouth is warm and wet, sucking on his cock with ease and Harry has been on the brink for hours, being teased by the werewolf. He grabs his hair, and grinds his hips up, groaning in pleasure.

Fenrir’s eyes flick up, bruning red, but Harry just groans, and keeps going, fucking his cock slowly into his mouth. He knows the werewolf likes it, watches the cloudly lust in his eyes, the way he just stays still and let’s Harry fuck his mouth.

It doesn’t take long, before he’s coming. He barely even thinks to warn the man but Fenrir greedily licks all the come from his body after. “My turn,” Harry says, pushing Fenrir onto his back.

“If you want-“ Harry growls at him, he does. Shut up. Fenrir’s cock twitches in his hand and Harry makes a pleased sound as he descends. He’s never sucked a cock, he’s had his cock sucked though, and it can’t be that hard.

The taste is strange, but not bad. He’s sloppy, accidentally grazes his teeth along his length. Fenrir growls and lets him do whatever he wants. It’s heady, and makes his head foggy. When he comes Harry has to pull away, too much come in his mouth and even still more coming. Fenrir groans, looking down at him.

“Let me,” he rumbles and Harry closes his eyes as Fenrir licks his come off his face. It should be disgusting, but it’s not. Not at all. “Perfect,” Fenrir rumbles, “you are perfect.”

Harry blushes, and he laughs as he closes his trousers again. “You drove me crazy,” he rumbles, “we’re doing this again another time.”

Fenrir grins, sharp and fierce and Harry loves it. Loves him. He can’t say those words yet, but he feels it inside. “C’mon, darling,” Fenrir murmurs, “let’s find the little pup, I think a good dinner is in order.” Harry nods, and he lets Fenrir pull him up, curling their fingers together.

***

The full moon was an experience that Harry is unlikely to forget. He was surprised to see Draco join them, but Teddy seemed happy to see his big cousin, snuggling close to him as they waited for the moon to come up. Harry was close to Fenrir, and when they started changing to the moon Harry let his animagus transformation take over.

Fenrir gazed around the open area, before he howled once. They all joined and Harry could see some of the little ones, including Teddy, join in the howl. Harry watches for a moment as a big wolf walked up to them and Draco laughed, bumping their bodies together as he settled beside him. “Softie,” Draco mutters.

But Harry’s focus was stolen by Fenrir’s large form, bumping their noses together. Harry eagerly joins him, and they run and run and run. Hunting and playing and being. It was freeing and nothing like he expected.

When he woke up he was surrounded by a pile of warm, mostly naked, bodies. Teddy on his chest, Fenrir besides him. It was perfect.