Wolf Heart

Chapter Three:

Slipping inside of the cave he was soon greeted by one of the woman of the pack holding a small bone comb in one hand and leather bindings in the other. Not speaking the woman simply jerks her head to the left ushering him to follow her over to a small den off to the side.

Entering he saw to other woman also holding bone combs. Blushing he sat before them as they began to fuss over his hair in a manner that surprised him.

It wasn't long before he was hushed by the woman and each sat coming sections of his hair gently. Occasionally he would feel a slight tug and would notice one of the woman use a green paste. He assumed it was built to help soothe tangles and absorbed into the hair because he did not see any in parts they had already used it on.

He heard the woman giggling to one another as the younger two stood slipping from the small den area. Leaving the older woman to braid the brushed sections together loosely, tying it off with the strips of leather.

He was then turned and the woman lifted his hands inspecting them carefully before rubbing the same green salve into his palms, the calluses from holding his wand slowly eased away as she rubbed it in. Smiling the woman patted his cheek before gently shoving him out of the den.

Clearing his throat it wasn't long before he found himself playing with the cubs and younger teens of the pack. It seemed they truly loved him for him and not because of the silly names he held in his home land. He rejoiced in being able to let go and simply laugh and play. He was so caught up in the joy of such freedom he was unaware how the rest of the pack watched as he interacted with the kids and played with some of the younger teens. Or even how some of the more uptight older wolves seemed to relax completely around him laughing at the things he said.

Several days passed and it finally came to leave. Packing a small furred satchel of food Harry slipped from the main cave and into the morning sun taking a deep breath of the early morning air. His small pup behind him he took his first step toward his destination only to be stopped by a small hand on his fur wrap.

Turning he looked down at the four children he befriended in the pack each held a small bundle in their hands. Smiling he knelt to them unaware as a few adults stood to watch the interaction.

Slowly the twins stepped forward and offered there bundles first. Smiling at the offer Harry gently took them and opened them to find a pair of beautifully crafted ivory hair clips shaped like crescent moons. Smiling he hugged them in thanks and ushered them to their parents before kneeling once more before the other two.

The largest boy stepped up his head turned to the side as if not to care as he offered the slightly larger bundle toward the wizard. Giving a small chuckle he accepted the gift ruffling the young teen's hair gently. Scoffing the boy ran back into the cave entrance defiantly. Laughing lightly at the scene he didn't even notice the other little girl as she pounced on him hugging him tightly around the neck whimpers small pleas that he wouldn't go.

Sighing, he gently detached her from him gently nuzzling her cheek, "I will return sweet Keeta. I promise I will return to this land and to this pack. Never doubt that."

She rubbed away her tears nodding as she hands him a small bundle. Opening it and the older boy's gift he gasped at the shimmering mirror in one and a small pendent in the other shaped like a simple leaf. Smiling down at the girl he hugged her tightly whispering for her to tell the older boy that he said thank you.

She laughed lightly and scampered off to meet her mother as Harry slipped the items into the furred satchel. He stood completely watching as two men slipped forward with Kouga.

Kouga cleared his throat, "Harry this is Nan and Canner they will escort you to your home. Be safe and may you travel in peace."

Bowing his head the young wizard nodded to the escorts before scooping up the small pup in his arms and taking off at full speed toward the portal not surprised when the two men caught up to him with ease.

Running through the forest it wasn't long before they reached the clearing that Remus claimed would take him home. Sighing, he carefully placed his hand on one of the small knobs of the tree. Pushing in he gasped at the sensation of being pulled through a straw. Horrifying and painfully he landed on the rough dirt under an old oak tree.

Groaning lightly he carefully stood taking a deep breath at the familiar scent. Smiling he looked up at Remus and Fenrir who hugged him warmly once he had gained his footing once more.

The two Alpha's nuzzled and nipped at the younger wizard gently soft thrums of welcome slipped from their throats. The small pup that was still held against the young wizard whimpered lightly as the attention wasn't on him. The two adults looked down at the small wolf in their adoptive sons arms.

Fenrir cleared his throat, "Cub who is this fine young pup?" scooping the young wolf cub from the boys arms.

Harry smiled as he watched Fenrir inspect the pup for any harm, "I haven't really had the chance to name him. Kouga said his mother died and that none of the other wolves would take him in. So Kouga gave him to me."

Remus smiled petting the young cub's soft fur inspecting the limp paw with critical eyes, "He will be a fine wolf despite that paw. I suggest Harry that you give him a name and if you wish we can bind you two with a familiar bond. That away even in this realm he cannot be taken from you."

The small wizard nodded taking the pup back from Fenrir carefully, "I will name him at the ceremony."

Smiling the two nodded before gently leading the younger wizard towards the castle.

-With Kouga-

The Alpha male looked up just as the two escorts returned to den both nodded in conformation that Harry had made it across the barrier. Sighing, the alpha stood proudly now he had to go to the council.

Heading to the north at full speed it wasn't long before he reached the top of a large over hanging cliff where five large stone slabs sat. Each had a fur covering it.

Kouga bowed politely before kneeling and looking up at the five Alpha Kings and Alpha Queens of the wolves. The two outer demons both female and of brown hair and green eyes, they were the twin sisters Queen Alpha's of the northern mountains. The male to the left was a tall pale man with crystal blue eyes and red hair; Alpha King of the Eastern Plain. The male to the right was shorter and smaller than the others but built much like a bear; muscle on top of muscle, he was the Alpha King of the Western Forests only under Lord Sesshoumaru. The centre figure was the largest of them all and held a striking resemblance to Kouga the only difference was that this wolf demon was far more powerful, he was Alpha King of the Southern Wolf tribes, Lord of the Southern Lands and Kouga's sire.

The Southern Lord stood completely slamming one of his feet against the stone he spoke deeply, "We the council have been informed that you have held someone of another tribe within your holt. Is this true?"

Kouga swallowed and spoke appropriately, "Yes my Alpha King of the South this is true."

The Lord lowered his gaze, "And was this someone an heir to another pack?"

With a light whimper Kouga responded, "Yes my Alpha King of the South."

The Wolf Lord growled low in his throat, "Do you intend to mate with this someone even though you have promised the Lady Ayame your hand?"

Kouga winced before speaking firmly, "I made no such promise."

The Western Alpha king rose suddenly, "Then you call my youngest child a liar?"

Wincing once more Kouga stated firmly, "When she was young I may have said it. But it was of a joking manner. Not a serious promise only made to cheer her up. I never have nor will ever have any intention to mate with Ayame."

The Southern Lord sighed and covered him eyes, "Then let this be known. You have till the next Lunar Eclipse to mate or you will be mated that night to Ayame. Also until that time you are to allow Ayame a place within your holt."

Kouga bit back a snide comment and simply responded, "Yes sir."

The meeting was called to an end and the five wolf lords left soundlessly leaving only Kouga to stand staring up at the sky his mouth opening and a howl of despair leaving his lips, a mate in five days time, impossible.

-With Harry-

Harry laid upon the small bed in the Gryffindor tower his mind full of all the things that happened in the past week. Beside him lay his small wolf cub soon to be his familiar. He still had no clue what to name the small beast. It was all so fast. He had just finished healing and now at dawn he had to go to war.

In the distant he heard a long mournful howl. Sighing he closed his eyes as tears threatened to spill. The howls sounded so much like Kouga's but he knew they weren't. The alpha would have no reason to howl so sadly.

Sighing gently he nuzzled into the soft fur of his much smaller companion falling into a fitful slumber.

TBC