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

Chapter Two – Trips and Treats

The trip to Soft Paws Veterinary Clinic didn't take very long, even though the dog whined and finally dug in his paws not wanting to move any further. “Come now, I do not have time for this.” Severus said sharply as Harry dug in his paws, his upper lip curling into a snarl. This was SO not the place Harry wanted to be. Severus tried to grasp Harry by the scruff of his neck, and Harry howled in response as they both struggled for dominance. Harry by sitting down and pulling against the day-glo leash and Severus by alternatingly tugging on the leash and trying to push the stubborn dog's rear end through the door. Somewhere, Arabella had found an old threadbare collar and a matching leash in all possible shades of pink! “Come now, if you behave, I shall get you a treat. Perhaps a new collar that isn't that hideous color.” Severus said, his voice dropping to conspiratorial tones. Harry was bewildered by the conspiratorial tone and intrigued by this unexpected side to his former adversary. Quieting down, he allowed himself to be escorted inside the veterinary office past Arabella, who was biting her lip to keep from laughing at the spectacle the other two had made.

The building itself seemed very small, and the front door was painted a warm shade of red. The sign on the front door had the name of the clinic along with the hours of operation. Arabella opened the interior door and ushered Severus and Harry inside. Harry paused in the doorway, glancing around warily. It seemed cozy without being overly fancy to make people or their animals uncomfortable. Posters of cats and dogs covered the walls and wooden benches were set up for people to sit. There was a small window with a sliding glass partition that separated the secretary from the main room, and the only other door had a sign that read: Keep Closed.

Harry whined up at Severus as he passed the pink leash to Arabella who had seated herself on a bench and picked up one of the magazines before flipping through it. Harry watched then while Severus walked to the window and rapped on it with his knuckles. The glass slid aside and a balding man sat there, his beady eyes staring at Severus, “How can I help you?”

“I have a dog that needs an examination.”

The man stuck his head out of the window and took a look over at Harry, “He been here before?” he asked, pulling back into his cubicle.

“No.”

The man snorted and rummaged around as he brought forth a clipboard and stuck a form on it, before thrusting it towards Severus through the partition. “Fill this out and hand it back.” the man, who Severus was keen to notice looked like a cross between Argus Filch and Peter Pettigrew, then slid the glass partition shut with a snick.

Taking the clipboard, Severus sat on a bench while Harry padded over, his nails clicking on the floor as he looked up at his Professor. “This questionnaire is redundant.” He grumbled, as he was filling it out. For his address, and telephone number he discreetly asked Arabella if he could use hers. Upon her nod, he finished filling it out and ruffled the fur on Harry's head before walking over to hand it back. “I have filled out this form.” he said, handing it over.

“Doc will be with you shortly.” He murmured then returned to his crossword puzzle that he was intently staring at.

Returning to the bench, Severus sat down and picked up a magazine this one had an article entitled, 'Caring for your Dog,' and as he began to read, he found it fascinating as it explained how to exercise your dog properly, and it was even broken down by breed though Severus wasn't sure which breed that Harry was at the moment. He was broken out of his reading by the door opening, a young woman standing there. Her long black hair was pulled back though a few tendrils had escaped and framed her delicate features. A pair of almond shaped eyes regarded the pair warmly as they gazed around the small waiting area. “Mr. Snape? I can see you now, if you would follow me.” She said, turning and walking back inside, turning to the left where one of the examination rooms were.

Harry padded along after Severus as the veterinarian led them into the examination room. Her white lab coat fluttered after her. Maybe that's a trick all grown-ups have, or maybe just ones who like to torture...cause this...is gonna be torture. Harry thought to himself, while watching as Severus began to peek at all the metal tools and glass jars that were filled with various instruments.

“Now, Mr. Snape, Arabella told me this handsome boy needed to be seen, but if you could tell me what happened?” She said softly, nodding to her burly attendant who lifted Harry and placed him on the slick metal examination table.

“He was struck by a moving vehicle and seemed fine. But I thought it prudent to check.” Severus said as he seemed strangely fascinated by a particular jar that held various instruments.

“A smart move. Now, what is this handsome animal's name? I noticed you did not put it down on your form.” She continued, while taking notes on the clipboard. When he didn't answer she pressed, “Did you get him from a shelter?”

“No. I did not. I found him today.” Severus replied.

Her eyes narrowed, “So, no record of vaccinations either I take it.” She turned to the counter behind her as she opened a drawer and pulled out a thermometer shaking it to get the mercury to go down.

“Obviously not.” Severus deadpanned, which elicited a small sound from Harry.

Without missing a beat, Dr. Fitzgerald lifted Harry's tail and inserted the thermometer. HEY! Harry thought as an indignant whurf left his throat. That's bloody cold! Merlin, this is embarrassing, first time I get something up my arse and its a bloody thermometer.

She took the thermometer out a few moments later and looked at it, “Temperature is normal.” she said, putting the thermometer in a jar of blue antiseptic liquid. She began then to look into his ice blue eyes while stroking his head to keep him calm, she peered into his ears and pulled up his gums to look at his teeth. Then ran her hands along his body looking for fleas or ticks, but found none and made more notations on his chart. “You will have to give him a proper name, Mr. Snape.” She said, lifting the stethoscope from around her neck.

“He is in one piece then?”

“Yes, there are a few more things I will need to do then I will be finished.” came her response, while she pressed the chest piece against Harry's side to listen to him breathe. Replacing it around her neck, she lifted each paw and bent them to check for movement in the joints, “If he is a stray, he was let loose recently. I wonder if he has had any training.” She remarked, nodding to the attendant who lifted Harry off the table and set him on a scale. Taking note of the weight and height on the clipboard she smiled to him, leaning down to cup his genital area to check that things were well there also. “He's a touch underweight, Mr. Snape, but with some good food that should turn around.” She said.

Neither one of them noticed when Harry went cross-eyed at the examination of his genitals, but as soon as she started she was finished. “Thank you, Doctor.” Severus said as Harry padded over and sat down quietly on his haunches next to him.

“You have an otherwise healthy Siberian, Mr. Snape. Damned shame that they let such a wonderful animal go. But he seems taken with you, and you may want to pick up another leash and collar for him- pink is not his color.” She quipped with a smile.

Harry insinuated his nose beneath Severus' hand, and the man looked down at him. “Yes, I believe I shall.” He responded, stroking the fur on Harry's head. “Send the bill along to Arabella Figg, she will make sure I receive it, as I do not live in the area.” He finished, heading through the doorway with Harry padding obediently at his side.

“Of course, Mr. Snape, have a nice day.”

~*~

Arabella, Severus and Harry walked back to her house on Wisteria Walk, and Harry had his nose to the ground sniffing at all the various scents that seemed so much sharper than his human form. “He seems happy, will you be taking him with you to Hogwarts then?” She asked.

“If I cannot leave him here with you, I will have to. But I shall need to make a stop in Diagon Alley to pick up a few things.”

“I doubt he will get along with Mr. Tibbles, Severus.” Arabella responded as they reached her house and Harry began to pull at his leash towards a tree.

“What is it?” Severus asked wondering if Harry had caught scent of something but watched as he turned and lifted his leg against a tree and started to go. “Lovely.”

“He had to go.” Arabella said with a giggle as she left them outside and went into the house.

Severus rolled his eyes as Harry did his business against the side of the tree trunk, then smugly looked up at Severus with an expectant look in his blue eyes. Shaking his head, Severus' lips twitched into what appeared to be a smile. “Come, I still need to pick a name for you, do I not? Hm . . . what about Asphodel?” Harry tilted his head and then snuffled in a shaking motion. “No? Wormwood perhaps?” another snort, though this time Harry tugged at his leash. “Bezoar?” Harry started to growl with these names as they were the same potions ingredients that Snape had gone on and on about during his very first potion's class. “Monkshood? Wolfsbane?” Severus queried while Harry grew even more upset, his growls growing louder. “Perhaps something different...Kyrian?” Harry contemplated that name and yipped, “Ah, I see you like that one. Well then, Kyrian you are.”

Harry practically pranced at the new name as he walked to Arabella's house still on that damned pink leash. But Severus headed straight for the fireplace. “Come, Kyrian, it is time to go.” Severus spoke as he bent down to lift Harry into his arms once more. “Arabella, would you be so kind as to drop the floo powder for me?” She nodded and he spoke, “The Leaky Cauldron,” just as she dropped the required handful.

Blinking, Harry's thoughts were all on Snape for the moment. I get to live with Snape. Merlin; this is not going to be easy. But he's being so nice to me...I wonder if he would be this nice to me if he knew who I actually was? Probably not, though I do need to get back to my own body and soon, even though I'm not sure how. Then he felt nothing as he closed his blue eyes the flames enveloping them both.

~*~

Severus Snape stepped out of the floo in one of the back rooms of the Leaky Cauldron, and it was one that Harry was very familiar with. He was gently set down and as soon as his paws hit the floor, Harry's nose was to the ground sniffing with intent. Tom, the owner of the Cauldron opened the door and nodded to Severus, noticing the handsome animal that sat quietly by his side, “Greetings Professor.”

“Tom.”

Harry smiled inwardly at the sight of the older man who ran the Leaky Cauldron, remembering a time when he had spent a week here after he had run away from his relatives. Tom had been extraordinarily kind to him, making sure that he had enough to eat that wasn't pea soup. Eat it before it eats you. Harry thought with a shiver of his fur. He barked once then padded over nuzzling Tom's hand with his nose.

“Did you pick up a dog in your travel? He's a handsome thing.”

“He chose me, I don't know why...” Severus responded. “Tom, I need to speak with you on something important.” he continued, “Have you heard anything?” He queried.

“About what?” Tom asked, as he rubbed Harry's ears.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, “Harry Potter is missing. He has not been seen at his relatives in over a week, if you do hear anything...” his voice trailed off.

He sounds almost worried about me...when he's usually calling me an impertinent brat. Harry thought, tilting his head curiously towards Snape, as he listened to the conversation.

“I haven't heard anything, but I'll ask a few others out in the main room, see if I can turn up any leads.” Tom said as he headed out the door, leaving Harry and Snape alone.

Ice blue eyes watched as Severus Snape sank down onto a nearby chair by the fireplace, pulling the shrunken trunk from his pocket. He held it almost tenderly, a slim finger caressing the leather. Whining, Harry padded over and gazed upwards at the onyx eyed man, watching in fascination as a single tear began to trace its way over the pale cheek and without thinking Harry leaned up and lapped it away with his tongue. Severus' lips quirked and he let out a low chuckle, “Don't you dare tell anyone I was crying, or I will turn you into potion parts for my sixth year students.”

Harry snuffled and lay down on the rug. Potion parts? Nope, nope, nope. Not going to be potion parts. He thought to himself, sitting up a bit and scratching at an itch with his hind leg. I never knew that Snape could be like this. Noticing things, but then again he's never noticed the Slytherin students in his potion's class sabotaging other cauldrons.

I always thought he was some sort of spoiled prince, how did I not see this? I should have known better, some spy I turned out to be. I was so wrong about him. Severus thought to himself, not realizing that his inner thoughts became speech, “I wonder...he was always smaller compared to his peers. I wonder if Albus knew about this.” Harry blinked as he looked up at Severus and tilted his head with a whine. “I still have to report to the Headmaster, along with making a stop at Magical Menagerie for your supplies.” Severus finished as he rose and brushed his slacks clean of any soot. There was a knock on the door and instantly he went for his wand, while Harry started to growl in the back of his throat. “Who is it?”

“It's Tom, Professor.”

“Come.” He responded; replacing his wand as Harry backed down, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as he sat next to Severus.

The door opened and Tom walked in, there was a paper bag in his hand. “No one has heard anything, but I'll keep my ears open and my eyes peeled for any news and send it straight away to Hogwarts.” Tom said holding out the offering, “I brought your companion a nice juicy steak. You know, Harry Potter stayed here once for a week. Real polite, one of the most gracious guests I ever had. I like him; I just hope he's okay.”

“As do I, Tom. As do I.” Severus replied, guilt radiating off him in waves even as he picked up the trunk and re-pocketed the item. Taking the bag with the steak, he nodded to Tom and started for the door, pausing for a moment to watch as Harry brushed by the owner of the pub and licked his hand. Harry then trotted to catch up to Severus. Together, the duo made their way out fo the pub and down the alleyway that led to the entrance of Diagon Alley.

~*~

The bricks slid apart like water in response to Severus tapping them sequentially with his wand. Harry remembered watching with awe the first time he had seen the arch that was created. He had never seen anything like it when Hagrid had first brought him here for his school supplies, when he was eleven years old. There were already several people crowding the alley, stepping from shops and chatting amongst themselves. Several witches with their children stopped to admire Harry and his coat, much to Severus' annoyance. It was a painfully slow trip down the alley, while passing shops and patrons before they finally reached the Menagerie.

The Menagerie's bell jingled merrily as Severus pushed the door open so he and his four legged companion could make their way inside. A rotund witch sat behind the counter, peering at a copy of the Daily Prophet through thick black spectacles; however, at the sound of the door she set the paper aside and perked up, “Welcome to the Magical Menagerie. How can I help you?” She inquired; she had never seen this particular wizard before, and she glanced down at the dog at his side. She noted, with some disbelief, the pink collar and leash around his neck and was about to speak when Severus spoke first.

“I am in need of a few items for my companion here.” He said in a monotone, turning he glanced down at Harry. “Kyrian, sit.”

Guess until I get my body back, I have to play the part. Harry thought to himself, as he looked up at Severus then sat obediently in the center of the store. His tail wagged behind him, as Severus quirked an elegant black brow and wondered exactly how much training this particular animal had had. He seemed very different than the one that Hagrid kept, both in size and temperament.

“What sort of things did you need, sir?”

“A collar and leash for starters.”

“That would be best. I may have something that you'd like. Perhaps instead of a collar and leash, a harness would be preferable?” She asked, clearly recognizing a big sale when she saw one. She rubbed her tiny hands together in glee wondering how much money she could get this mystery wizard to spend in her shop.

Severus thought for a moment, as he glanced down at Harry who was sitting patiently. “Perhaps both. A harness will be good for exercise, while a collar would be preferable indoors.” Severus mused as he was then pointed to the large rack of collars and harnesses that was in the store. Meticulously, Severus picked out a nice leather harness along with a black leather collar. It was black leather with a simple D-ring in the center but the rims were done in an emerald green shade. Slytherin colors. He thought to himself though the green would go nicely with the coppery fur that his new companion had. He placed it on the counter then went about choosing a leash.

Harry had been sitting patiently up until this point, gazing about the shop and taking in all the scents; mainly the rats who were all eyeing him with beady glances and his upper lip curled into a snarl as he remembered one particular rat that he'd like to sink his fangs into. Sniffing the ground, Harry then caught something out of his peripheral vision and went to investigate. Severus turned and wondered where he had gotten to, when he saw Kyrian reemerge from one of the aisles with a rubber version of the Daily Prophet in his mouth. “I am not purchasing that.” He remarked then blinked as Kyrian growled menacingly and tried to tear the rubber toy apart.

I hate that woman! I can't burn down the damned building but I will rip this to bloody shreds with all the bullshit they printed about me that wasn't true! Damned Rita Skeeter anyway! Bloody woman is a menace! Eyes glittering with the ghosts of my past indeed! Harry thought, as he lay on the floor the toy betwixt his paws as he growled and snarled while he gnawed on it.

“Would you care for a tag? We have several to choose from.” The woman said, as she pulled out several tags and placed them on the counter for Severus to select one. “What sort would you prefer?”

Severus turned to peruse the tags on the counter, ignoring the dogs antics at the moment. There was an assortment, bones, ovals, diamonds but one in particular caught his eye and he pointed to it. “That one. Put Kyrian's name on it along with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on it. In case he gets lost.” He then placed the leash he had chosen on the counter adding it to the small pile of things that was starting to grow. “What else...” his voice trailed off.

“Might want to buy that toy he's presently trying to rip to shreds, not like I can re-sell it now that he's had it in his mouth.” she sniffed unhappily, drawing her wand to inscribe the tag. “Perhaps a dog bed? Water and food bowls? We have some very nice ones.”

Severus rolled his eyes and picked up a set of bowls. He found them oddly humorous as they had small bones running along the edge. “Add these and the toy to my bill.” He also chose a brush and lay it down on the pile.

“What about a rawhide bone or a ball?”

“I do not think I will need either of those things. Ring up my purchases; I am on a tight schedule.” Severus replied picking up the collar with the attached tag and dropping to one knee before Harry. “Here, Kyrian. Look what I have for you.” He coaxed, trying to get him to leave the toy alone for the moment.

Harry glanced up but didn't drop the toy from his mouth, his head tilting inquisitively as he sniffed at the collar curiously. The tag was in the shape of a lightning bolt and the name: Kyrian was emblazoned on it in a strong bold lettering. The mere fact that Professor Snape had chosen that particular symbol made Harry blink. A bolt of lightning, like my scar. He lifted his head proudly to accept the collar, and yipped as Severus slipped the collar around his throat and fastened it securely. Rising to his feet, Severus looked down at the the collar, admiring the way the black leather stood out against the snowy white fur of his chest. The pink collar was in his hand and he turned to the witch behind the counter.

“I think we are finished here. And do throw THAT out.” he said, gesturing to the pink monstrosity. Harry yerfed in agreement. Placing some money on the counter, he picked up his purchases, and attached the leash to Harry's collar, before shrinking the rest. “Kyrian. Come.” came the command and Harry with the toy still in his mouth padded after Severus and out of the shop.

“I still think he should have gotten a dog bed.” The witch muttered as the bell jingled and the door closed on the biggest sale she had made all week.

~*~

The duo made their way up the winding road that was Diagon Alley, Severus' heart was growing more heavy in his chest as he came to realize that each step brought him closer to telling Albus Dumbledore that Harry Potter was missing in action. He wondered idly where the boy had gone, Albus was sure that he wasn't at the Burrow, but there was always Grimmauld Place and Severus made a mental note to mention that to Albus on his return. Perhaps the young man had returned there, it was a long shot, but all they had at the moment. Severus was walking then felt the leash in his hand go taut and turned to see Kyrian who had stopped moving completely, his ears were perked forwards and the muscular body was radiating alertness. “Kyrian...” Severus started to give the command when a very familiar form turned the corner and spotted them.

The lupine lips curled into a feral snarl as the figure began its approach. What the bloody hell are you doing out of Azkaban? I know you were arrested at the Ministry with all the other Death Eaters that the Order managed to round up! Whose bloody arse did you kiss to get out?!

“Severus.”

“Lucius.”

Lucius Malfoy was impeccably dressed as he usually was, not a blond hair out of place. “I am surprised to see you out and about, what brings you out of the dungeons and away from your potions?” He inquired casually though the steely eyes were watching as Harry moved up to stand almost protectively before Severus. “And where did you pick up this fine specimen of an animal?” he continued.

Lucius made a move to pet Harry on the head, but Harry was not about to let that happen and stood his ground, a low growl of warning leaving his lips. If you touch me, Mr. Malfoy...you will pull back a bloody nub. In the lupine recesses of his brain, the thought that was being communicated was that of hatred. There was no way that Harry was going to acknowledge Lucius as Dominant, he'd die first but not before taking a good chunk of Malfoy Senior with him.

Severus glanced downwards at Harry and dropped his hand to the top of that furry head, rubbing one of the large ears. “I had an errand to run and found him, Lucius; not that it's any of your business. And do back away from him, for he doesn't seem to like you.” Severus stated. And I'm not sure why. Came the errant thought.

“So rude, Severus. Can old friends not catch up and chit chat?”

Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes in annoyance. “You are a Malfoy. Chit chat is not in your vocabulary. So, out with it, give me whatever message you were meant to give me.” Severus replied coolly. Harry wasn't backing down either and Severus could feel the vibrations of the growl in his companion's throat.

Casting a silent notice-me-not spell, Lucius raised an aristocratic brow. “A mutual friend is wondering if you know the whereabouts of the boy.” He said, his hand tightening on the head of his cane.

Harry adjusted his stance, head down but those eyes were focused on that snake-headed cane. Remembering the last time he had seen him draw it in the Department of Mysteries, where he had lost Sirius. Draw that, Mr. Malfoy, I dare you. Because if you draw that, I may have to rip your bollocks off and from this angle, I can accomplish that easily.

Severus raised an ebony brow, “I have not seen him Lucius, nor have I heard anything.” was the response from the Potion's Master. “Kyrian. Mr. Malfoy is an...acquaintance of mine.” Harry looked up at him and whined. “Kyrian.” Severus said sharply. Harry then stopped growling, but refused to look up at either one of them.

“Hm, well I shall return and tell him this. And you...” Lucius hissed like the slimy snake he was, pointing the head of his cane at Harry. “should be neutered. It might do wonders for your attitude.”

TRY neutering me, and I will PERMANENTLY neuter you! Harry thought vehemently, raising his head and his ice blue eyes narrowed dangerously even as his lip curled into a snarl. Back away from me, now, Malfoy or I may have to have your balls for breakfast. I haven't eaten today. Somewhere in the back of Harry's mind, one of the shadows moved. It wanted to rip his throat out and feel the red rivulets of blood on his muzzle and dripping from his fangs.

Lucius tapped his cane against the ground, saluted Severus with it before turning on his heel and striding away down the length of Diagon Alley, turning when he approached Knockturn. Severus watched Lucius go and shook his head as man and dog continued on their way. The people who were still milling about in Diagon Alley were stopping to watch the duo walk past. They passed the way Lucius Malfoy had gone, the entrance to Gringott's Bank and even Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes which was in full swing. Harry paused for a moment, staring longingly into the interior of the shop which he could see was brightly colored and filled with happiness which was all he really wanted for the twins in the first place. Harry himself had been the one to give them the money to start the shop, and he wuffled slightly, causing Severus to pause and stare at him oddly. Severus wondered at the expression that lurked in those lupine eyes, wondered why he was staring into the joke shop but he didn't wait long as Harry stopped staring, then padded over looking up at him expectantly.

A rare smile crossed Severus' features as he knelt down and placed one arm across the muscular shoulders, “Ready to go home, Kyrian?”

Home...Hogwarts was always my home and now I'm going back. Harry thought as he gave a soft 'a-roo' of happiness and before he realized what was happening, the world swirled with colors and shapes, the two of them were gone in a loud crack.

~*~

Harry was slightly disoriented and dizzy from the trip, swaying on his paws while struggling to stay upright. Albus was standing on the castle steps staring at the duo that had landed at the apparition point outside the wards. And Harry got his first look at Hogwarts from a different angle. The spires and turrets seemed to glisten in the sunlight, and he was thunderstruck at how beautiful it was in the afternoon light. When he regained his equilibrium, Harry walked with Snape towards the wards. Severus passed easily through the wards and then paused to wonder if Kyrian could do the same.

Sirius... The memory of his Godfather's name haunted Harry for a mere moment in time, as he snuffled and shook his head, he was able to pass through the wards in my third year, nearly took a chunk out of the Fat Lady too. He thought to himself, passing through the wards without hindrance. With a lupine smug on his snout, he padded over to Severus and sat down barking once sharply.

“Severus, you have returned my boy. What news do you bring?” he inquired, then noticed the handsome animal seated next to the Potion's Master. “And what have you brought with you?”

Severus glanced at Kyrian briefly then back to Albus, “I have a lot to relay, Headmaster, but perhaps I shall get my companion settled then I shall meet you in your office.”

“Where did you find him, Severus?” Albus inquired as the trio walked in the castle.

“I shall endeavor to explain that as well.” Harry was eager to be off his leash and bounding through the halls of Hogwarts. He pulled at the leash in Severus' hand whining. “No.” he said sharply, not about to let his new companion run amok through the hallowed halls unaccompanied. Harry whined as the various scents filled his sensitive nose, pulling at the leash again. “No!” Severus snapped, tugging at the leash.

Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat was prowling the halls looking for mice turned the corner and Harry smirked inwardly as he let out a furious bark which made her leap about two feet into the air and land with her tail puffed out. She took off like a bat out of hell down the hallway from whence she came and without thinking, Harry yanked his leash out of Severus' hands and took off after her, barking madly. Take that you nosy thing! Don't think I haven't seen you skulking about the dorms, those red eyes staring from beneath a bed! Consider this payback! Harry thought as he raced after her.

“Kyrian! COME!” Severus shouted after him, shaking his head. They had reached the gargoyle and he turned towards Albus with a very strange look in his eyes. “I shall just go retrieve my companion, Headmaster...”

Albus waved his hand absentmindedly, “I am certain a good chase will settle him, Severus. Let us discuss this then you may find him, my boy.”

“I am not your boy, Albus.”

They went up the spiral staircase together and Severus glanced around at the various portraits, the knickknacks and a lot of other things that he had never noticed in Albus' office before. Fawkes was on his perch, preening his feathers but then glanced up at the Potion's Master and trilled softly. “Would you care for a lemon drop? No? Tea perhaps?” Albus queried, but Severus stood there stoically, giving him a negative response. “Very well, explain what happened then.”

“That will depend, Headmaster.” Severus replied, his voice colder than the iceberg that had struck the Titanic.

~*~