Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Sirius watched as Harry left to contact this Alpha. Everything had changed in a few short hours of meeting his long lost godson. Sirius had never believed – couldn’t accept – that his godson was dead. And now he was proved right even if he was an elven King who had plans that Sirius had a feeling would rock the world. For good or bad was yet to be seen.
Sirius had gone over and over what he would say, what he would do when he finally found his godsons. However, the young Elven King had just blown away all of Sirius’ misconceptions. Mainly due to the fact in all of Sirius’ visualisations Harry had been something like a miniature James but with a good deal of Lily’s kindness and maturity thrown in.
In actual fact the young Potter Heir was very little like either of his parents in personality nor even looks. Oh he had James’ dark hair and Lily’s emerald green eyes but with the pale skin, elfin eyes and high slanted cheekbones he did not look like either of his parents. Although he probably looked a good deal like what they would have looked like had their Elven heritage not been bound or glamoured in later years.
Personality wise he acted like neither of his parents. Not the fun loving, prankster with a cruel streak that James had been. Nor was he the intelligent, passionate, fiery person that Lily had been. Instead Harry was calm, reserved and more than a little manipulative if his political machinations were anything to go by. In fact, had Harry gone to Hogwarts Sirius was sure he would be a snake.
Sirius did recognise that Sirius had only seen Harry’s business personality so far. And that Harry had to act with his people’s best interest in heart which concerned Sirius as what was best for the Elves was not necessarily the best for the Wizards. Sirius hoped that when they earned the young elf’s trust he would become warmer towards them as he stopped seeing them just as humans whom he did not like. That he would inform them of their plans.
‘Harry’s alive,’ Remus whispered.
‘He’s nothing like I thought he would be like,’ Sirius admitted.
'He never was going to be,’ Remus said softly. ‘You always thought he’d be just like James but Harry is his own man through and through. Even without his title Harry suffered at the Dursleys which would have had an impact on him. And then he was found by the elves he lost the boy he was growing up with to humans causing him to have to grow up quicker than he would have done. Add in the fact that he is the King. That everything he does could affect his people then he is doing his absolutely best to save them.
‘It’s the wizards who have to worry because although Harry told Moody he was going to leave us to Voldemort but somehow I don’t think he will. I think Harry has a plan even if it might take time to come to fruition Harry is nothing if not patient. Look at how he manipulated both Dumbledore and Voldemort who both fell right into the trap Harry had laid!’
‘What do you think he’s planning?’ asked Sirius.
‘I have no idea,’ admitted Remus.
‘Do you think anyone is going to get hurt?’ asked Sirius.
Remus gave Sirius a sharp look, ‘Harry is trying to save his people from enslavement. It would be unlikely that no one will get hurt. But I do not believe that Harry will attack unless there is no other option. However, I doubt he would be above manipulating both sides of the Wizarding war if it benefited him.’
‘He’d be a Slytherin,’ muttered Sirius darkly.
‘Or a Hufflepuff,’ Tonks said sharply. ‘Oh we’re not as goody two shoes as we like to pretend we are,’ grinned Tonks mischievously. ‘We just pride loyalty above all else. From what I have seen of your godson his motivations are based on loyalty.’
‘And even if Harry had been a Slytherin why should that matter?’ demanded Remus. ‘You’re not a child anymore! Its time you put behind your foolish prejudices before it destroys your relationship with Harry before its even begun!’
‘Do you think he’s right about Wolfsbane being poisonous?’ asked Remus quietly thankfully changing the subject.
‘Yes, it is,’ a deep voice said calmly.
Sirius turned around sharply to see Harry re-enter the room with a man who was simply massive. Harry may be tall at about six foot this man had to be almost seven foot. And where Harry was slender this man seemed to be made of muscles. The man had long dark hair that fell in messy waves just below his shoulders and a bristly beard. His dark brown hair was the same colour as his beard. He had tanned skin obviously gained from days in the sun rather tanning himself as some Pure-Bloods were known to do. The most telling thing about the man was his amber eyes.
Werewolf.
Sirius would have known that this man was a werewolf and an alpha at even if he did not know that Harry had gone to contact the High Alpha just from the sheer presence he had. Plus, Remus’ reaction gave it away as soon as he had seen the man he had to fight himself to stop submitting to the older man. Both Harry and the Alpha saw the reaction and frowned at Remus.
‘I see what you mean he really has been corrupted by the humans,’ the werewolf said. ‘However, his instincts must be good if they are able to get through the poison.’
Harry nodded in agreement, ‘that promises great strength.’
‘When he is one with the wolf as he was always destined to be,’ agreed the werewolf.
Harry cleared his throat, ‘this is High Alpha Ulric Darkback of the British Isles. Ulric this is Remus Lupin, his mate Nymphadora Tonks and soul-brother Sirius Black. Remus, Ulric is an old friend and ally he will help you if you let him so listen to him even if what he says challenges all your preconceived notions of werewolves.’
‘We’re not staying here, are we?’ asked Sirius quietly.
‘No,’ agreed Darkback. ‘You will be staying with me until Splitwolf learns to accept his inner wolf.’
‘And until I can trust you not to be spilling secrets when you return to the human world,’ agreed Harry.
Sirius was surprised that the High Alpha would be so willing to do as Harry said to do. Yes, Sirius understood that Harry was the King of the British Dark and Light Elves. But surely that would mean they were at the same level in the hierarchy. Unless it was something territorial between the two leaders.
‘The wards don’t just keep the humans out but those unsanctioned to travel in,’ Harry explained.
‘No, it’s not that,’ Sirius said. ‘I’m just surprised that the High Alpha is doing as you request of him.’
‘Sirius,’ hissed Remus.
‘It’s fine Splitwolf,’ Darkback said calmly. ‘It’s a reasonable question as usually what goes on in the pack does not involve outsiders. However, it is as good for my pack as the Dlartanseer-Shadowmage clan for those who would lead our enemies to Avalon.
‘You see when I was setting up my pack anti-werewolf feelings were on the rise meant that we were constantly trying to keep a low profile. If we were ever detected by the British Ministry they’d try to tag us as if we were no more than stray mutts,’ Darkback said anger in his voice as his amber eyes glowed. ‘And if they so much thought that we were endangering humans they would imprison us.’
‘It meant that every other full moon we were having to move to a new territory which put us in opposition with other packs when we encroached on their territory who were much larger and more experienced than the sixteen of us. Eventually I accepted that if we were to survive we’d need a safe place behind strong wards far away from other packs. Unfortunately, none of us present were rich or landed so that option was out.
‘It was a chance that I crossed paths with your infant friend when he was but a babe. King Shadowmage and his wife were journeying for a political meeting with their allies the MacDonald clan of Vampires,’ here Darkback’s lips curled in distaste. ‘Unfortunately the Department of Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures had caught wind of Elven movement. They saw an Elven babe and tried to kidnap her.’
‘And very nearly succeeded,’ muttered Harry.
‘They had the child in their custody whilst the adults fought desperately. They were about to take the child away to meet a fate worse than death when I arrived. I had been patrolling a new area hoping that we could become our territory when I saw a human try to kidnap a babe.
‘I attacked and killed the wizard in doing so saving the life of the young Elven Princess. After the battle was one we invited the Elven entourage to eat with us which the Shadowmage clan humbly accepted. As we ate we spoke about our history and what had brought us here. King Shadowmage was very grateful to us for saving his daughter’s life that he gave us the Northern Avalon Forest in his land.’
'It wasn't much after that that my grandfather decided to give up by mother to protect her,' Harry interjected softly.
‘At first I was wary of being so close to so many other races after having bitter relations with both humans and other packs. We knew that there were warring Dark and Light Elves in the cities, Fay, Nymphs, Centaurs and Satyrs in the larger Southern forest, Dwarves and goblins in the mountains. Yet they all managed to get along without killing one another so we reasoned why a pack of werewolves could not stay there as well.
‘This was the way it worked for over a decade as our pack grew steadily. It was then that one of my pack wanted to mate with a human. I had no problem with that but there had not been a human on Avalon since the Stealing of the Elflings.
‘King Shadowmage did not want him here but we could not abandon one of our pack even if he was human. An agreement was made that the human would be allowed to come here but he would not be allowed to leave until I considered them safe with our secrets. Should they betray us it would be my pack and I who would pay the ultimate price.’
‘What would that be?’ asked Sirius.
Sirius knew straight away that it was something bad from the looks the werewolf and the elf immediately got. Sirius didn’t know why he should expect anything else as it was a deal with Dark creatures. Lily and Remus may have been raised well and Harry may be grey but the former King was as Dark as they came.
‘If we are found then we shall have to repower the wards to make sure that even if the humans find us they cannot get in,’ Harry said calmly. ‘That shall mean blood sacrifice. Usually on the solstices and equinoxes we sacrifice an animal to the wards but if we were found we’d need something more substantial.’
‘The whole werewolf pack!’ Sirius said horrified.
‘No,’ Harry said sharply. ‘Just the Alpha and Beta. The rest of the pack would be exiled from Avalon for a hundred years.’
‘Hence, why we’re not going to release potential traitors,’ Darkback said looking calm.
‘How can the two of you both be so calm about blood sacrifices!’ demanded Remus angrily.
‘When you are being hunted for what you are born maybe then maybe you’ll understand, Remus John Lupin!’ Harry said angrily. ‘When you are not just risking death and destruction should you be found but the loss of your free will! Yes, I am aware that the terms of our alliance our harsh should things go south. However, what would happen if we were found out would be far, far worse. One day I hope that I can relax that when we are finally at peace with the humans but that day is not today!’
Sirius blinked at Harry’s rant feeling the power in his words and in tasting it in the air. Once again Sirius had forgotten that his godson – the baby whom he had held was not only his godson but the Heir to a Kingdom. A Kingdom that had been warring amongst itself for centuries whilst being attacked from the outside. Harry had to shoulder the burden of the Elven nation on his slim shoulders.
Harry took a calming breath, ‘now you will be going with High Alpha Darkback who will be cleansing you of the poison you have been consuming.’
Lupin looked nervous, ‘but I won’t be safe.’
Darkback snorted, ‘do you really think your inner wolf is no more than a mindless beast. Let me show you.’
Darkback removed his top and slacks revealing far too much for Sirius’ liking and kicked off his sandals. The Alpha’s usual amber eyes glowed almost orange as his muscles rippled. The werewolf’s body began to shift and fur began to show. The thing that surprised Sirius the most that unlike every full moon of Remus’ Sirius had witnessed this change was absent of any pain and full moon
Then there was a large wolf that actually looked like a wolf unlike the diseased looking thing that Remus turned into. It had thick dark brown almost black fur all over his head and back that gradually faded into cream on his lower body. Amber eyes held the intelligence and wisdom that Moony did not have. The creature padded over to Remus and stared him into submission.
Only Harry seemed completely unafraid of the creature beside them. Yet the wolf did no harm to either Harry or any of them. He just was there. Then he began to shift back to human form. The hair seemed to shrink in some places and grow as his body slimmed down back to human form. Then a very naked human formed werewolf was left in the middle of the room. Darkback quickly found his clothes in a very well-practiced manner.
‘See the change can be perfectly controlled when you accept your inner wolf,’ Darkback said. ‘It will take time but you can do it. At the moment the change hurts you doesn’t it?’
‘Yes,’ agreed Remus.
‘That’s because you and the wolf are fighting over your body,’ explained Darkback. ‘Once you become one you will not be a human for most of the month and wolf on the moon but both man and wolf all the time no matter what form you take. You will take on wolfish tendencies even in your human form. Just as your wolf will take on human tendencies.’
‘So it won’t hurt Remus?’ asked Tonks.
‘No, it will not,’ agreed Darkback.
‘Will I still be a threat to humans?’ asked Remus.
‘Soon as you are able to keep human thoughts in wolf form then no you will not,’ Darkback said calmly. ‘You will be able to control the need to attack. However, even now your wolf would not be able to attack one it seems as pack. Now what does your wolf look like?’
‘Not like you,’ Sirius said awkwardly. ‘There are features in common especially in the face but his body is almost emaciated and his bone structure is nothing like yours. Its more…’Sirius trailed off not liking any of the words he could think to describe his face.
‘Deformed,’ Darkback said quietly. ‘It is mainly down to the poison destroying your connection to your wolf and damaging your tissues. The other part of that is your diet. I take it you eat what humans do.’
‘Yes,’ Remus agreed.
‘You are a carnivore,’ Darkback said sharply. ‘You need more meat in your diet especially red meat. It doesn’t have to be raw although raw even some rare meats contain nutrients and bacteria that you need. They will be burned out during the cooking process.
Remus nodded, ‘will I really look like that?’
‘Your colouring will be different but essentially, yes,’ agreed Darkback. ‘Now we will be leaving I want the antidote to be administered to Splitwolf before dinner and them to be introduced to the pack tonight.’
Harry nodded, ‘of course. Follow me.’
Sirius found himself being led right into the bowels of guards passed more and more armed guards – not all of them elves but none of them human. Finally, Sirius found himself in what appeared to be a cavern. There was a pier right out the centre of the underwater lake which was so clear you could practically see yourself in it. Harry began to speak in his tongue once more until Sirius found the image in the water shifting until images appeared in the water.
It was like they were looking up a forest canopy through a spray of water. Sirius had to blink several times before confirming to himself that it was real. Darkback didn’t seem at all surprised and jumped right through so that he was too was in the image. He swam up and climbed up onto the side of the bank. It was hard to tell through the shimmering water but Darkback appeared to be completely dry.
‘Go,’ instructed Harry sharply. ‘Jump in. It will lead you to the Northern Avalon Forest Pack.’
Remus hesitated not looking convinced having never read about any sort of transport even similar to this. Still the werewolf did as Harry had instructed him to do and jumped into the water. Darkback pulled him out of the water on the other side.
Sirius too was more than a little wary of diving into a magical pool that they could not control. Yet he knew that it was not any different than using the Floo network. Many Muggleborns and Muggle raised Half-Bloods did not like Flooing at first due to having being raised to treat fire as a dangerous enemy not a tool for transport. Personally Sirius thought their auto-moblies were far more dangerous than the Floo but he digressed.
Tonks shrugged and copying her boyfriend jumped into the lake. Once again she was pulled out completely dry by Remus leaving Sirius alone. For the first time in almost fourteen years Sirius found himself alone with his godson. Sirius wished he could stay with Harry.
‘I could stay,’ Sirius said quietly.
Harry’s face hardened, ‘no. Go with Darkback.’
Sirius sighed wishing Harry could trust him but knowing Harry trusted no humans not even those who were his family. Sirius nodded hoping that one day he could earn Harry’s trust once more like he had done when he was a child. Deep down Sirius knew that it would not be anything like when he was a child.
Sirius jumped into the water having the same sensation of being pulled through a whirlpool but remaining completely dry. It was like he was in some sort of giant bubblehead charm covering his whole body as he was transported. Then he slowed as he found himself in the forest he had seen from the palace. Remus and Tonks pulled him out of the water quickly.
‘Wow,’ Sirius murmured.
‘What was that?’ asked Remus seemingly unable to help himself.
‘Pooling,’ replied Darkback. ‘It’s Dark, Light and Water Elves preferred method of transport. Different species have different methods of transport. Just as you wizards have the Floo network they have the Pool Links.’
‘Do werewolves have a specific method of transport?’ asked Remus.
‘It really depends on the pack,’ Darkback said. ‘Some will dislike leaving their territory. Others will use Apparation or Fire travel. We usually use Pooling due to the fact that it is the most common form of transport on Avalon.’
As Darkback had spoken he had begun walking forcing the three wizard raised individuals to follow him. The four of them found themselves in what seemed to be a stone aged village. There were small thatched huts with smoke coming from them. In the middle of the village was a small clearing with a large campfire burning in the middle.
Darkback lead them to the biggest hut which was almost in the centre of the village. Upon entering Sirius found himself in what seemed to be a very well equipped hospital ward. There were about a dozen beds although none were currently filled. There were cupboards and cool stores that were locked up tight and sure to be filled with potions.
A tall older black woman with amber eyes and smile lines around her eyes came towards them. The female werewolf had short curly pure white hair. The woman wore bright blue robes and was tutting in Darkback’s direction as she approached them.
‘Well what have you done this time, Ulric?’ demanded the older woman with only a hint of accent.
‘Why do you always assume it’s me?’ demanded Darkback. ‘I need you to administer the antidote to Wolfsbane.’
‘Another one,’ sighed the woman. ‘Now what are your names?’
‘Remus Lupin,’ Remus introduced himself.
‘Brought up by humans,’ the woman nodded.
‘How did you know?’ asked Remus.
‘My dear, you practically smell of humans,’ the woman said. ‘Plus, you bear a human name and bring a couple of them with you. Now you two what are your names and connection to our dearest Remus here.’
‘I’m Tonks – Remus’ wife,’ Tonks said brightly.
‘Sirius – Remus’ err soul brother,’ Sirius said remembering what Harry had referred to him as.
‘So I may enquire to your name, ma’am?’ Remus asked politely.
‘Healer Chausika Nighteyes,’ smiled the older woman. ‘Now no need for the formalities, Remus you are going to be my patient for some time. Alpha I need to do a full medical on Remus Lupin if you’d like to take the humans with you.’
‘We’re not leaving!’ Sirius said angrily.
‘I’m not leaving my Remus!’ Tonks agreed hair going dark red.
‘A shapeshifter,’ murmured the Healer.
‘Shadowmage didn’t mention anything about you being a shapeshifter,’ agreed Darkback looking humbled.
‘I don’t understand,’ Remus said. ‘There’s lots of wizards who can shapeshift.’
‘Using spells or taking the form of their spirit animal – any magical race can do that,’ Darkback said dismissively.
‘Shapeshifters are different from that,’ the Healer said softly. ‘A Shapeshifter doesn’t just change their physical characteristics or take animal forms when they change. They actually change their DNA – it becomes their true form for as long as they wish it to be so.’
‘The first weres were the children of shapeshifters whom laid with animals. We had to create our own society to survive when we were neither human nor animal,’ explained Darkback. ‘It’s also why Shapeshifters are immune to the Bite.’
‘So I’m not human,’ Tonks said hesitantly.
Chausika shook her head, ‘is it just changing your physical appearance but remaining human or can you shift into different animals?’
‘Just changing my features,’ Tonks said.
Chausika nodded unsurprised, ‘that likely means that you are descended from a Shapeshifter and a human on one side or the other. If you were a full Shapeshifter you would have spent your childhood shifting between various creatures. I would have been very surprised had you been a full Shapeshifter.’
‘Why?’ asked Sirius.
Darkback sighed, ‘they are very rare nowadays.’
‘Why?’ Remus practically growled protectively.
‘His instincts are impressive for one who is suppressing them,’ Nighteyes said quietly.
‘I know,’ Darkback said and then sighed. ‘The humans feared them for several reasons. They were considered to be the Mother of all Monsters. They could become anyone and anything they wanted. They would also inherit the powers of the creature or person they had become. The wizards responded in the only way they would.’
‘They killed them,’ Remus said horrified.
Sirius felt the same way knowing that his little cousin was from a bloodline that had all but been exterminated. Sirius once again realised that the Wizarding World was not all that it pretended it was. He had known this most of his life but to realise that the so called good guys were barely better than Death Eaters.
‘How could they?’ Remus demanded.
‘That’s what humans do,’ growled Darkback.
‘No, I mean how if they were so powerful?’ asked Remus.
Darkback sighed, ‘powerful yes but they were also pacifists. It was against their natures to fight even to defend themselves.’
‘How come no one reacted to me?’ asked Tonks. ‘I was able to change the colour of my hair within an hour of my birth.’
Darkback smiled, ‘they’ve forgotten,’ he said simply.
‘The victors write history, after all,’ Nighteyes said grimly.
‘Remember this was centuries ago – before the International Statute of Secrecy even came about,’ Darkback said. ‘We only know because we live side by side elves who remember everything. It’s even taught in their school. It does mean that you Tonks will be highly regarded likely why King Shadowmage wants you on his side.’
Sirius didn’t know what to think of that. He had thought he was doing all this to help Remus as a fellow creature in need. Sirius had hoped it was in a bid to get closer to his godfather. But the idea he was doing this for a political advantage was a bitter pill to swallow especially as he knew it was likely true from what he had seen from his teenaged godson.
‘I’d suggest you keep your abilities a secret from those outside the pack for now,’ Darkback said.
‘But why?’ demanded Tonks. ‘Surely I’m not the only descendent of Shapeshifter!’
‘I’ve never seen one nor even heard tell of anyone whose met one who have inherited the Shapeshifter’s powers,’ Nighteyes said. ‘And I’m one hundred and sixteen. Not in such an obvious way at least. I know that they are quicker at being able to become their Spirit Animal than most.’
Sirius blinked rapidly at this comment now realising something. The books said that it would take them four years at least to become Animagi. Sirius, however, had mastered the transformation in just four months something that should have been impossible. However, eight months later when James to managed the transformation they just chalked it down to being powerful whilst Wormtail was not. Now he realised it was their heritages.
‘That explains why Sirius was able to master the Animagus transformation in four months,’ murmured Remus. ‘They’re second cousins.’
The healer nodded, ‘now enough talk. We’re going to give all three of you a check-up. James, Diane.’
Nighteyes spoke in a soft voice but one that was apparently heard by the two werewolves in the next room. One again Sirius had to remind himself that they had enhanced hearing because seconds later another two people appeared. The male and female werewolf were likely a decade or two older than Remus and Sirius.
James was an average sized, stocky man with a wide jaw line, pure white hair and skin. However, the thing that surprised the thing most about the man was the fact that he had grey eyes. Darkback had said that there were non-werewolf family members but this was the first Sirius had seen of him.
Remus growled, ‘death.’
‘Yes, James is undead,’ sighed Darkback. ‘No he is not a Vampire but a Revitalised One. He will not harm your friends. Just as we welcome your mostly human mate and brother you must come to realise that our pack contains quite a few races.’
‘Don’t worry he can treat me,’ Sirius said brightly.
James had been wearing a blank face making it clear to Sirius that the Revitalised was more than used to this form of treatment. Sirius remembered making this face at his parents’ dismissal of him over the years. However, when he had seen Sirius so calmly accept his treatment he looked happy.
Meanwhile, the female werewolf was a small, slender woman with short strawberry blonde hair and freckled skin. She wore a short green dress and smiled kindly at Tonks and led her to another bed. Tonks took it with ill grace muttering that she was completely fine.
‘Have you ever had any eating problems?’ asked the Revitalised frowning.
‘No,’ Sirius blinked.
‘Were you starved as a child?’ asked the man again.
‘No,’ Sirius said. ‘My parents were bastards but they would never have physically harmed me!’
‘It’s just that you show signs of malnourishment,’ James said.
Sirius sighed, ‘I was sent to Azkaban prison for a crime I did not commit.’
‘You wouldn’t be the first one,’ muttered James darkly. ‘They’ve done the same to many of us. If a human says we’ve done something it is us who are punished no matter what the truth is. I am surprised that they sent a human down without a trial and then let him go.’
Sirius blushed, ‘ah they didn’t. I escaped.’
‘So you’ve never seen a Healer,’ James said darkly.
Sirius shook his head, ‘okay we’re going to start you on a diet high in protein and carbohydrates. I will write you down a meal plan. Take it to Wagner he’ll make sure that you are kept on it. I also want you to take nutrition potions with every meal. Wagner will hand you them over at meal time. I want you back here next week to be weighed and if I hear you are not following these instructions there will be hell to pay.’
Sirius gulped, ‘I understand.’
‘I also want us to talk about your feelings next week,’ ordered the Healer. ‘I have heard of the conditions of Azkaban prison,’ grimaced the Healer. ‘It’s inhuman and ex-inmates need years and a lot of therapy to get over it. So next week we will be talking about your feelings!’
Sirius sauntered over to Tonks who had already finished her check-up and was chatting happily with her gorgeous healer. Sirius went over to the older red head and grinned at the amber eyed lady. The werewolf wrinkled her nose and glowered at him.
‘Please, you are much too young and human for my liking,’ she said and walked off.
Tonks giggled, ‘she really got your number.’
‘So how did your check-up go?’ asked Sirius trying to change the subject.
‘Fine,’ Tonks shrugged. ‘I’m fit as a fiddle. Yours?’
‘I’m on a diet and nutrient potions,’ scowled Sirius.
Tonks scowled, ‘I said that we should have let Dad treat you. He wouldn’t have said anything!’
‘How are you?’ asked Sirius. ‘Knowing of your heritage.’
‘Our heritage,’ Tonks corrected. ‘I was shocked at first but I always knew I’d been different and it doesn’t really change anything. We’ve known for a few weeks that wizards are descended from non-humans. We now know where we’re descended from.’
Sirius nodded looking over to where Remus was downing a red potion and screwing up his face at the taste. Finally it was over and Remus walked over to them looking like he needed a shot of Firewhiskey to burn the taste off his tongue. However, he looked more worried about them than him.
‘How are you?’ asked Remus throwing a wary glance at the undead.
‘Fine,’ Tonks said.
‘Malnourished,’ Sirius admitted. ‘And in need of counselling,’ Sirius grimaced.
Remus sighed, ‘I wish I could have got you help years ago. Or fought against your imprisonment.’
‘It wouldn’t have helped,’ Sirius said. ‘You were under suspicion yourself for being a werewolf. Now how are you?’
‘Being poisoned and malnourished too,’ Remus said grimacing. ‘I have to take the antidote until the next full moon. Darkback also wants us to meditate at dawn most days.’
‘Come now, you will be introduced to the pack,’ the Alpha said.
As Sirius watched the tall werewolf walk out of the small hut Sirius realised that for the first time since James and Lily had died he and Remus had a chance of a home and a family. Not just with each other and Harry but with a lot of people who understood what they had been through. Whom unlike the Order would never abandon them. And that Sirius would fight for until the end of his days.
Sorry for the delay. I had a good deal of this chapter written when my computer died and needed its hard drive replaced meaning I had to rewrite this entire chapter.
This chapter is likely not perfect as I want to post it before going on holiday today. Thus, I will not be writing anything next week as I don’t have access to word.