Canis Lupus: Redux

Disclaimer: Harry Potter does not belong to me but the wonderful J.K. Rowling and last I checked that wasn't the name on my driver's license. So I'm making no money, all I have are student loans, and an ornery cat who thinks driving me bonkers is his lot in life.

One last note: I’m sure I’ll get things wrong on occasion, please, if you find something I’ve done wrong that you just need to nitpick on, send me an email and I will fix it. I can be reached at: thedarksynfullegend@gmail.com

Much love to my friends who listen to me rant and rave, my betas the CelticMuse and Darkwatch, and most of all to those of you who take the time to read and review my stories. Thank you.

Warnings: Action Adventure, Angst, First Time, Romance, Slash
Timeline: Set after Book Five: Order of the Phoenix. Canon until then.

Italics – thoughts.
. . . italics – flashback
. . . Bold italics – dream/fantasy sequence
Bold Text - Journal or Paragraph entry.

Summary – Harry has been working on becoming an animagus to spend the full moons with Remus now that Sirius is gone. Unfortunately he becomes stuck in his animal form and no one knows what has become of the young wizard. Fortunately, one Severus Snape comes across Harry and decides to adopt the stray. Harry sees a completely new side of his most hated Potions Master.

Author's Note: This story was posted before but I left the readers wondering and it was irking me that I didn't expand on scenes that needed it, and a few more things were pounding in my brain that needed to come out. So for all the readers who read, left reviews and commentary...and finally finished a year later...this one is for you.

- The Dark Synful Legend



Author's note- BIG Note here, I'm going on vacation for a few days and will not be available, so this is the last chapter you guys are going to get until the middle of the week. As always I love your reviews and they make the muses happy!

Chapter Ten - From the Ashes

~*~ Author's Note: I was listening to Lux Aeterna the Remix and this was the fresh take on the scene! ~*~




You bloody git! When I catch up to you I have half a mind to bite that nose right off your face! Harry thought as he reached the end of the tunnel and put his nose to the ground, sniffing as he attempted to trace Severus by his scent. Over the months that he had been in this form, his senses were much sharper and he discovered that Severus smelled like his potions, but it wasn't a bad thing at all. Finding the scent that he knew, he raced in that particular direction and soon saw the dark robes of the Potions Master billowing around him as he made his way to the edge of the wards. Barking, Harry raced over the grounds, his powerful legs eating the distance as he launched himself at Severus just as he was about to apparate.

Severus turned hearing the barking and rolled his eyes beneath the mask on his face as he caught his wayward companion in his arms and barely got the words, "you asinine dog!" out of his lips before the two of them disappeared with a loud crack that rivaled thunder.

~*~

A thick fog surrounded the manor giving it a more sinister appearance than usual. Voldemort's inner circle had been called and they stood quietly, for their Lord was not in a bad mood, he was furious and none of them questioned as to why, they just knew they didn't want to be on the end of his wand. "We have a traitor in our midst, my followers." Voldemort was saying as he sat down in his usual chair. The Death Eaters shifted uncomfortably for they knew what that meant. "When he arrives no one shall touch him, he is mine to punish, unless I choose one of you."

None of the Death Eaters knew which one had betrayed them in this manner as they all wore masks, and they all nodded in acquiescence to their Lord's command. Lucius Malfoy smirked behind his mask as he wondered if the traitor in their midst was Severus Snape. It figured that way as the Potions Master was the only spy they had at Hogwarts. Lucius had at one point been the Dark Lord's favorite until Severus had started to spy on Dumbledore then his place was usurped by him and after all this time Lucius wanted revenge. The fiasco at the Ministry of Magic nearly cost him everything when he had been captured, it was only his social standing, his money and his promise to back the current Minister in whatever endeavor was on the horizon.

~*~

They tumbled into the graveyard beneath the house at Little Hangleton and Harry whimpered, swaying on his paws trying to stay upright. "Do you realize what you could have done? I could have splinched us both!" Severus thundered, staring down at Harry with anger shining in his onyx orbs while snatching the mask off his face.

Well, you're mental if you think I'm going to let you go int here alone! Harry thought as he let his upper lip curl into a snarl. We can have a go later, you git, but now, we are here and there is nothing you can bloody do about it. And for the record, if you ever try and stupefy me again, I'll bite you.

With a sigh, Severus walked over to where Kyrian was and knelt next to him, wrapping one arm around those muscular shoulders, "Do not come inside with me, Kyrian. I command that you stay out here, do as you are told." he said with the same tones that were usually reserved for misbehaving students.

Harry whined licking Severus' hand, you have to take me with you. he thought to himself as he watched the man rise to his feet and head towards the manor.

Severus tugged Harry over to a copse of trees and left him there speaking softly, "Kyrian, for the love of Merlin, stay here." he demanded before slipping the mask over his face and heading towards the house on the hilltop.

Harry snuffled as he shook his head and snorted at the same time. Yeah, like I ever really do what I'm told. Harry thought as he watched him go and slowly, stealthily began to follow.

~*~

The Death Eaters had gathered in a semi-circle behind their Lord when Severus entered the grand room. "Severus, you have graced us with your presence, at last." Voldemort said, his orbs glowing in the low illumination. "Yet, you did not bring me what I asked you for."

Maneuvering quickly, Severus dropped to a knee before Voldemort, "My Lord . . . you have my apologies." he said softly, not raising his head in any way. "he was ill and I did not wish for him to become sick in your presence."

Outside, Harry padded around the house quickly, trying to find an open window, or at least one without boards on it. After circling the entire structure, Harry found only one. Placing his paws on the sill, he raised up and peeked inside. He could see Voldemort sitting there, and his eyes narrowed to slits, his scar flaring with pain that even in this form was almost unbearable.

"I am disappointed in you, my servant." The sibilant voice crooned, "pity." he held up a skeletal hand and beckoned to Lucius. "Lucius, cast for me this night."

"With pleasure, my Lord." he silkily replied, pulling the wand from its hiding space in his snake-headed cane and pointed it at Severus. "Shall we tell him what he is being punished for, my Lord?"

"The fact that he is a traitor and did not bring me what I asked him for." Voldemort said waving a hand at Lucius to commence.

Don't you fucking dare! Harry thought as he pulled himself away from the window and backed up several feet. At the sound of Severus in obvious pain, the screams reverberating through the window and to his sensitive ears. Harry threw his head back and howled, the spine-tingling sound calling to those who would listen. A savage sound for one who was in need. The forest around the manor began to sway with the wind that had seemingly picked up, but more than that, there was a sound. An answering howl for the one who had called.

"I'm his favorite now, Severus, and you...are no more than a bug to be squashed beneath my shoe. You are a traitor to our cause of the Dark, a traitor to our Lord, where is your precious pet now?"

Severus twitched in pain, gritting his teeth as he shook beneath the curse, the venom that Lucius hurled at him striking him head on and making him fall to his knees with a dull thud. Lucius stood there calmly as he cast the spell, his eyes glistening with the knowledge that he would be Voldemort's next favorite. There was an explosion of glass, and a copper and white blur leapt through the now shattered window, and Lucius screamed as fangs suddenly clamped down on his wrist causing him to drop his wand with a clatter to the floor. I told you that you'd pull back a bloody nub! Harry thought as he growled, shaking the wrist in his mouth viciously.

Pain flared trough the scar that was deeply embedded in his fur, but he didn't care at this moment in time, all he did know was that Severus was hurt. "Kyrian!" Severus barely managed to bark out as he tried to pull himself together. The animal that resided within Harry didn't want to let Malfoy go, even though they acknowledged Severus as the Alpha. "Let him go." Jaws that were dripping crimson liquid, Harry did as he was asked; dropping the wrist from his mouth as he backed up and nuzzled Severus' neck whining at him to get up. The other Death Eaters began to move in and Harry's upper lip began to curl as he moved to stand over Severus protectively.

Lucius cradled his injured wrist to his chest and glared down at the dog, Harry's eyes narrowed and focused on Lucius Malfoy once more. Appearing on his face was a vicious snarl, Severus dragged himself to his feet and placed one trembling hand atop Harry's head. "Such a loyal pet, Severus. Much like my Nagini." Voldemort purred,

Ugh. I am so much prettier than Nagini! Harry's face contorted at being compared to Nagini, though in retrospect, she was pretty faithful and loyal to Voldemort. But that didn't mean that HE was anything like the scaly familiar.

"Kyrian . . . come to me." Voldemort whispered, lifting his hand and beckoning to him.

Not on your life. that thought crossed Harry's mind as the wolf he knew was within him snarled in anger at the shadows that were slowly wrapping around him.

"So defiant. Imperio." Voldemort hissed flicking his wand over in Harry's general direction. Harry shuddered, his fur rippling under the wave of magic that passed over him as he fought the curse, even as his paws made their way slowly towards Voldemort, shaking his head and growling. Harry fought against it and finally stood his ground, not lifting another paw to move forwards. "Look, Severus, how he fights the curse, but you and I both know that eventually all things give in."

Hearing that, Harry vehemently decided that he was going to go down fighting, he continued to fight against the Imperius curse as Severus watched impassively. On one hand he wanted to jump in and save his companion but on the other, he was furious and wanted to strangle Kyrian for putting himself in such danger. Voldemort lifted the curse a few moments later watching as the magnificent animal panted trying to catch his breath. "My Lord, it is obvious that Kyrian is too strong willed for you to control him." Severus spoke. And I believe I'm realizing why.

"Ah, but you can, Severus, can you not? He released Malfoy on your command."

Not because I wanted to, you red-eyed monstrosity. But it would do no good for me at the moment, but if I get another chance....there will be nothing left. Harry thought, he had finally caught his breath and was currently standing next to Severus, pressing his muscular form against his leg.

"I cannot force Kyrian to do anything he does not wish to do. He stays with me out of friendship, and loyalty." Severus spoke softly.

And love, Severus, don't forget that emotion, it is the most powerful after all. Harry pondered as he licked Severus' hand with a warm tongue.

"Loyalty, Severus? What do you know about loyalty! Where is your loyalty to me?!" Voldemort ranted, as he caressed his wand with his other hand. "If you are loyal to me, Severus, why have you not found Harry Potter?"

"The boy is elusive, my Lord. Dumbledore knows nothing, he could be anywhere." Severus' voice was soft as he relayed the information.

Oh, but you have found me, Severus. You just don't know it yet. Harry thought, his eyes tracking movement as the Death Eaters shifted uneasily.

Voldemort shook his head, raising his wand, as the robe slipped down his arm, revealing his pale, ivory toned flesh that glistened in the low illumination of the firelight. "So disappointed in you, my servant. I know that you betrayed me to Dumbledore. You have been relaying information back and forth and now you were discovered." Voldemort hissed, as he pointed the end of his wand at Severus. "You have failed me for the last time, welcome to my world, now, leave it." He purred, his voice dropping dangerously low and Harry could almost see the words forming on Voldemort's lips and he was not about to let that happen.

~*~

The emerald green light emitted from the end of Voldemort's wand as time seemed to slow down to a crawl, several things happened simultaneously. Harry leapt up and shoved with his paws, pushing Severus out of the way of that nasty green emission as he twisted his own form to narrowly miss it as well. He barely had time to watch as the light hit Goyle Senior and he fell to the ground, dead before he hit the stone flooring.

Everyone entered the kerfuffle then as Severus suddenly was dueling with Crabbe and McNair, hexes and curses being thrown haphazardly in the interior of the room. Harry raced through the room, using his speed and agility in this form to knock some of the Death Eaters over. When they hit the floor they cursed and struggled back to their feet but those luminous orbs were searching for someone. Where did she go? Harry thought, as several dark shapes came into the room. Fangs flashing with saliva as the wolves who came to Harry's call began ripping the Death Eaters apart.

Severus turned and threw his own brand of cutting curse towards Crabbe, watching it strike with unnerving accuracy. Lucius Malfoy ran as though his life depended on it. Bellatrix was edging towards the door, but Harry saw her out of the corner of his eye and launched himself at her back even as she turned to run. Knocking her to the floor, he pinned her down and threw his head back, a chilling howl leaving his throat, as five shadows came out of nowhere and enveloped the witch.

Voldemort hissed and glided out as he decided to let his henchmen deal with the traitor. I will have Harry Potter and nothing will stop me! He thought as he made his way through the various rooms towards the door and to the graveyard below. Harry watched with satisfaction as the wolves tore what was left of Bellatrix apart, a smug look on his lupine features. It was then, that he realized, that Voldemort was gone. Looking around quickly, he noticed that only McNair and Rodolphus Lestrange were still in battle with Severus. Leaving him alone with the wolves, darted out the door after Voldemort.

When Voldemort reached the graveyard, he glanced around and saw that he was not alone. The dog that Severus had brought with him, Kyrian, was standing on a tomb of obsidian marble under a shaft of moonlight that cut through the clouds like a hot knife through butter. "YOU!" he shouted, "this is your fault! You turned Severus against me!"

I did no such thing; he hates you and was always loyal to...to my mother. Harry thought to himself as he stood his ground, it makes sense; you will die where you were reborn. Its down to you or me, Tom. The power that you know not is love. Love for my friends, love for my parents who you so brutally took from me, love for the one who turned against you and fought hard for the side of the Light.

Lifting his wand, Voldemort began to throw curses at Harry as he dodged the rainbow colors that shot towards him with lightning fast speeds. His agility and speed with the four paws helped him, as he darted in and out of gravestones chunks of those markers barely missing him in some cases. "I am the one that will bring order to the chaos of the Wizarding World! With my loyal Death Eaters taking care of the traitor, Severus . . . I will find Harry Potter and bring him to his knees before I kill him." He said, "NOTHING will stand in my way!" He was waving his wand in the air, while lightning crackled in the skies above, "I will take care of the mudbloods and those who do not belong, I will have order in my world."

Circling around Voldemort, Harry searched for an opening of some sort while the man preached about order to chaos and blood purity. I will not let you harm my friends. Harry thought as thunder rolled through the sky, Harry howled one last time, as his eyes flashed green. Snarling, he stood his ground and the wolves moved to stand behind him in a semi-circle as though policing the battle. The scar on his forehead was glowing, pulsating a brilliant white color that outshone the brightest star.

~*~

Severus stumbled through the hallways of the manor towards the direction in which Voldemort had gone, he was holding his side to staunch the flow of blood from the wound that Rodolphous gave him. Struggling to stay on his feet, he peered into the distance where he could see Kyrian who was facing down the Dark Lord and standing his ground. "Run you foolish dog." He muttered, as he began to make his way to where they were.

~*~

"Harry Potter . . . however did you get in that particular form?" Voldemort inquired as he came face to face with emerald eyes that he had hunted for so long. "No matter, you will die today of this I am certain. And now, you have no wand to protect yourself." He hissed viciously.

I have other weapons, some you have never dreamed of. Harry thought as the man's lips moved and curses flew from the end of his wand.

"NO!" Severus shouted but could not be heard over the howling of the wolves and the wind that had picked up and screamed through the trees. Severus closed his eyes unable to watch the last moments of Kyrian's life, snippets of their time together resonated in his head.

. . . Severus sat on his couch, with Kyrian stretched out next to him. Kyrian's head was in his lap as he attempted to read the potions journal, but he found himself distracted by his companion, one hand reaching down to scratch at Kyrian's ear which made his hind leg twitch . . .

. . . Dinner one evening, in his chambers where Kyrian had stolen his Beef Wellington and growled playfully at him when he tried to take it away . . .

. . . In the potion's lab, chewing on the Daily Prophet toy while watching Severus work with those cerluean orbs . . .

Snapping out of it, Severus looked to the duo. Why am I still standing here? He had to help his friend and companion and with all the strength he could muster ran towards the pair. The light that jettisoned from the end of Voldemort's wand never hit Kyrian however as it rebounded off a powerful shield. What? Where did that come from? Severus asked himself though he had no answer at this moment in time. He lurched forwards intent on saving his friend from a death he didn't deserve when he saw something, a miracle.

With a howl, the wolves moved as one, dark shadows melting with the surrounding elements. Harry darted in and out of gravestones once more as Voldemort threw more hexes and the dreaded killing curse at him; while the wolves circled around and taunted him by darting forwards and biting at his robes and ankles. Emerald eyes flashed brilliantly in the darkness and Voldemort knew that this was the final battle betwixt them. The sudden movement of copper and white dashed from behind a particular headstone, and lunged at Voldemort. The momentum of the attack made Voldemort fall backwards as sharp fangs sank into his shoulder.

Voldemort found himself on his back, against the cold ground in the middle of the graveyard, trying to fight off a snarling fury of teeth and fur. Raising his wand, he managed to stab it into Harry's shoulder, eliciting a deadly sound, "CRUCIO!" Voldemort screamed and the sound that left Harry's lips was a mixture of both human and lupine but he held firm, now that he had Voldemort where he wanted him, he was not about to let go. "You're a fool, Harry Potter! How much can you take?!"

As he said it, he saw the answer in Harry's lupine eyes. He saw his death in those verdant orbs that stared into his crimson ones with unwavering accuracy. Pulling his fangs free as they dripped with blood, Harry growled and lunged again but not before Voldemort had seen pure love resonating in Harry's eyes. The unwavering love he had for his friends, the ones he chose to protect. Not out of need or because he was trained to, but because he saw it as a duty, to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. Voldemort raised his wand one last time, "Stupefy..." he barely managed to utter as the vise-like grip tightened around his throat. Harry went flying backwards, one of his sharp canines tearing out Voldemort's carotid artery and the sound that left his dying body was a gurgling, suffocating cry. Harry slammed into the Riddle gravestone with a high pitched yelp of pain, as he twitched in agony.

"Kyrian!" Severus shouted as he made his way to his companion's side. "I'll get you home, Poppy will take care of you." he whispered, looking down and what he saw made him blink as he would never comprehend it. Kyrian's eyes were shifting colors from green to blue and back. Severus glanced in the Dark Lord's direction but he couldn't see much past the wolves that were presently tearing the body to shreds. The sound of rending material and bone crunching meeting his ears and with a shudder he activated the device that Albus had give him to bring the Order to their location. Gathering his fallen friend into his arms, Severus closed his eyes and apparated back to the grounds of Hogwarts.

~*~

Harry struggled in Severus' grip when they reached the school, and Severus didn't want to set him down as it was obvious to him that his companion was in obvious pain. Growls and whimpers along with his struggling made him the last thing he wanted to do was drop Kyrian. As soon as his paws hit the ground, Harry took off with a limp towards the Forbidden Forest. "Where are you going? The castle is that way and you need to be looked after!" Severus tried but Harry merely growled at him, determined to get to his destination before he collapsed of exhaustion.

With each step becoming harder to bear, Harry made his way to a place that Severus had seen only once before. The lake was as still as death, the surrounding trees silent as not a whisper came from the forest. Severus watched then as Harry stopped at a particular place by the shore and collapsed, panting heavily as though each breath was an effort. Sirius, I'll be with you soon. Harry thought to himself.

Severus looked around, realizing that he had been in this place before. Two years ago, he had been to this exact same spot where he had found both Harry and Sirius Black unconscious and the most magnificent patronus he had ever seen standing in the center of the lake. Quietly, he knelt next to Kyrian and brushed a hand over the fur. "Kyrian..." he whispered, a soft whine met his ears and Severus could feel the feeble lick to his hand. It was then he saw it, a soft white light glistening in the light of the waning moon. The lightning bolt shaped scar that he knew so well, "Harry . . ."

Let me go, Severus. I've done my job and I just want to rest. Harry thought as he opened luminous green eyes and stared at the deep onyx eyes of Severus Snape. Please, Severus. I did my duty, let me go.

Severus moved to lay next to Harry his own wounds forgotten as he came to realize that he had been living for the past few months with Harry Potter and not known. Gathering him into his arms, Severus whispered into that furry ear, "Harry, you cannot die now. The World needs YOU. I need you." Closing his own eyes he lay next to Harry, next to the bank of the lake, the mist rolling over the duo like a soft blanket.

A thread of gold began to slowly emerge, twisting sinuously like a writhing living being around them both. The illumination grew so bright that it rivaled the rising sun but as soon as it had appeared it winked out leaving nothing but the moon as a witness.

~*~