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

Qtness.Quill - Patience is a viiiiiiiiirtue. *sing-songs then gets on with the chapter*

Chapter Four – Bubble Bubble, Toil and Trouble

Severus was presently chasing Harry through the hallways of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and he swore the castle was helping him make his escape. “Bloody dog, all I said was that he needed a bath.” He grumbled, storming through the many passageways, his robe swirling behind him. He paused by a large portrait of a beautiful black haired witch who was dressed in elegant green robes that matched her luminous eyes. And those eyes were presently glittering with mirth. “Did you see Kyrian?”

“Who?” She inquired, her eyes shining as she placed the book she had been flipping through back on the table.

“Kyrian. My...dog.”

The woman tilted her head a bit, “Oh yes, handsome animal. Copper toned husky, such beautiful fur. Reminded me of a student I used to talk with a long time ago. Same coloring, though her eyes were a beautiful green color and not those ice blue ones that your companion had. He stared at me for a few moments then raced down the hall. It appeared he was headed for the fifth floor.”

The fifth floor, now what is up there that Kyrian could possibly want? Severus thought to himself as he nodded to the portrait and kept moving. He never noticed the tag under her portrait which read: Arista Pervell. Gryffindor tower is somewhere off the fifth floor, so is the Prefects' bathroom, and that bloody swamp that the Weasley twins made in their last year here. As Severus made his way through the hallways, he looked down to see muddy paw prints on the stone floors. Upon following the prints, he found a large crack in the wall by Boris the Bewildered where the trail ended. “Kyrian?” Severus inquired as he heard a soft whine from within the crack, “Kyrian! Come out here this instant!” he said sharply, expecting to be obeyed.

Harry crouched in the small space he had crammed himself into. The last time he had been bathed was a long time ago, his Aunt Petunia had tried to drown him in the bathtub, it had been the last time she let him use the bathtub in the house and decided that outside after the neighbors had gone to bed and the garden hose would be sufficient. He had accidentally sent her flying backwards making her hit her head on the sink to which he had been locked in the cupboard for a week with very little food, mainly crumbs he had managed to pilfer when no one was looking. I will not allow you to bathe me, Professor. I don't care, I'm not coming out. No matter what you say or do. He thought as his mind wandered back to the past.

. . . Harry was five and his Aunt had taken him upstairs after he had cleaned up the kitchen to the bathroom where she proceeded to strip him of her own son's hand me down clothes. She let him stand there shivering while she drew a hot bath. Petunia pulled on some rubber gloves before she picked up his now squirming form, while speaking, “stop moving so much! This is a bath and you are going to be clean; you filthy little freak!” she hissed at him.

Harry whimpered as she set him in the scalding hot water and picked up a flannel to wash him with. Harry hissed at the contact of the hot water and screamed in pain, even as Petunia growled and shoved his head under the water trying to silence his screams. He thrashed beneath the waters as he couldn't breathe and his magic flared to protect him sending Petunia flying backwards where she hit her head on the side of the sink. “I'm sorry, Aunt Petunia!” Harry said as he came up sputtering for air, while he apologized over and over again.

“VERNON!” Petunia screeched as she had backed herself into a corner away from Harry, clutching her head where she struck it.

Harry shrank from the way she was screaming, he didn't like her but feared his Uncle Vernon who liked to beat him and yell at him to the point where a vein in his forehead started to throb. “I'm sorry, Uncle Vernon!” Harry whimpered as he was picked up by the scruff of his neck.

“I told you boy, no more of this funny business!” Vernon was shouting, as he dragged Harry down the stairs and threw him into the cupboard. “No meals for a week, boy!” He said before shutting the small vent in the front of the cupboard and leaving Harry there to shiver in the darkness . . .

Severus rolled his onyx orbs and slowly descended so he would peer into the crevice and held up his wand. “Lumos.” he whispered staring into the darkness, spying a pair of haunted ice-blue eyes. “Come now, Kyrian, do you not want to be clean?” to Severus, Kyrian looked plainly terrified and he for the life of him could not figure out why. He glanced once more into the interior and sighed, “Kyrian, I will stay here all day if I must but you will have a bath before I allow you back in my chambers.”

Harry whined but slowly began to creep out of the crevice he was ensconced within. His copper colored fur was matted with mud, and his eyes were still wary and shone with fear. “You do not have to be afraid, Kyrian. I will not hurt you.” Severus said in a hopefully calming tone. “If you do come out, I shall have the house elves make you a nice porterhouse steak.” Harry made his way out of the crevice, his stomach growling softly. He belly-crawled out and over to Severus who had backed up a few paces. “Well, since we are up here, we may as well use the Prefects' bathroom. For we are on the proper floor though I am finding myself how you knew to come up here.” He strode down the hallway and opened the door to the bathroom as he beckoned to Harry, “Kyrian, come.”

Reluctantly, Harry padded towards Severus and entered the bathroom, as he looked around slowly. It hadn't changed since the last time he had been in here two years ago. The white marble was interlaced with golden streaks, and the mermaid was still there, brushing out her long hair as she peered at the two of them. Waving his hand, Severus started up the multiple faucets, their brilliantly colored water in various colors filling the large sunken tub with bubbles. When the water filled sufficiently, Severus turned the jets off before removing his outer robes, shoes and socks. He entered the bubbled waters, Severus rolled up his shirt sleeves and his pants to the knee and then waded in barefoot.

Watching as Severus waded into the waters, Harry followed though he was still reluctant, and whined softly even as the Potion's Master tried to coax him further in. I trust him. Harry thought to himself as he made his way over and stood quietly. The water lapped at his stomach, and Harry was shivering and shaking. Severus summoned a bottle off a shelf to him and uncorked it as he poured some into his palms before placing his hands on Harry's fur and started to rub. Merlin, that feels wonderful. The thought crossed Harry's mind as his eyes closed in pleasure. This wasn't anything like what his Aunt had put him through, and Harry slowly began to relax.

As Severus soaped up Harry's fur, he noticed the mermaid was twisting her hair in the stained glass, while trying to get a better look at them both. A simple cleansing spell may have done, but this is better, to get him completely clean. Severus thought as he finished with the first round of soap and looked about for a pitcher that he knew was kept here. Harry shook himself out then, spraying Severus with water and bubbles. Slowly, Severus turned around and raised an ebony brow. His shoulder length raven hair had bubbles stuck in it, the shirt having become slightly transparent with the onslaught of water that he had been sprayed with. “Kyrian...” Severus started.

Oh bloody buggering fuck! I think he may just kill me for that! I don't want to be potion parts! Harry thought as he scrambled out of the tub and out the door of the Prefects' bathroom. He could hear Severus sputtering and coming after him though he was not about to stop. Bloody hell! Which way do I go? I'm in so much trouble.

Severus ran through the halls after Kyrian, the coppery blur darting around corners and Severus could swear that the castle was helping him in his flight. He watched as the copper colored husky ran down a flight of stairs and Severus stopped at the top. “Kyrian!” Severus thundered, he was covered in bubbles and looked very annoyed. “Get back here this instant!” he snapped, his hands were on his hips as he glared down at his companion. “NOW!”

Wincing at that tone in Severus' voice, for it was the same tone that Uncle Vernon used quite frequently Harry obeyed and climbed the steps warily, whimpering softly beneath his breath. He got to Severus' bare feet and looked up barely laying on his belly as he whined in submission. He couldn't protect himself in this form, the way he could in his human one and all he could do was submit to the dominant presence that was Severus Snape.

Raising a brow, Severus watched as Kyrian crawled up to him on his belly and looked submissively up at him. He acts as though I'm going to strike him. Shaking his head to clear that particular thought, Severus knelt down and brushed his hand over Harry's head, “Kyrian, I won't hurt you and I mean that.” he said playing with a few lingering bubbles atop the canine head, “but we must go finish your bath.”

Harry struck a playful pose and bumped Severus with his head, knocking him onto his backside and then pinned him down with his furry body. He would never get away with this if Severus knew who he was, but he seemed to like the animagus form, so Harry went with it.

“Ack! Kyrian, get off me!” Severus said as he started to laugh, rubbing the large ears with his hands. “You are just begging for attention aren't you?” he continued, while Kyrian leaned down and licked his face enthused. Severus closed his eyes and never noticed when Harry's eyes flashed green for a mere second in time. Managing to push Kyrian off his body, Severus rolled him onto his side and began to rub his stomach, which sent one of those back paws twitching madly in happiness. “After your bath, we can have supper. I believe I promised you a steak.”

Who would have thought Severus Snape, snarky Potion's Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry would be talking to a dog this way, but there he was, in the center of the hallway, frolicking with his furry companion. Harry climbed to his paws and barked while Severus leaned up on his elbows and shook his head. With a bark, Harry was off towards the Prefects' bathroom with Severus not that far behind.

~*~

It was early evening, and Severus was sitting in his favorite chair with a journal in his hands. He had taken it from Harry's backpack, turning it over in his slender hands debating on reading it. Severus glanced over to where his companion, Kyrian was laying on some old blankets before a nice fire while he enjoyed a cup of tea. Harry yawned and glanced up curious as to what Severus was reading, but instead of going over to discover what it was, he put his head down intent on a nap.

June 1985 – Today was my cousin Dudley's birthday. His aunt Marge, Uncle Vernon's sister was here. I was allowed to go to the party but I didn't have any fun. They were playing some sort of game and she kept after me, hitting me with a stick to prevent me from winning.

July 1985 – My birthday was today but no one in the family even managed to notice. I burned dinner by accident and Uncle Vernon took a belt to me as punishment before he locked me in my cupboard. Why don't they like me? What did I ever do to them? Uh oh, someone is coming down the stairs, I know 'cause the stairs creak.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as he absorbed this information. How Harry had survived in that house made him wonder how strong the boy really was. The journal in his hands was no more than what appeared to be a muggle notebook of some sort and it appeared that Harry had been rather meticulous in his writing down his thoughts and feelings. With a sigh, Severus refilled his teacup before he opened the notebook to continue reading.

August 1985 – I finally asked where my parents were. They told me that they had died in a car crash when I was a baby and they were left to raise me being my parents only relatives. Aunt Petunia said that my father didn't work and was lazy.

Severus snorted at that statement, for he remembered James Potter was anything but lazy. Though it pained him to admit it, James had been loyal to his friends. He shuddered thinking on how he had thrown away Lily Evans' friendship with one poorly chosen word and in essence condemned her child to a life of abuse and neglect. If I could do it all over again, Harry, things would have been different. If only I had seen. But no one ever did, why did you not tell anyone what was happening in that house...though Dumbledore knew. I'm sure your friends knew, typical Gryffindor that you are, you would have told them. Onyx eyes fell back to the pages and Severus continued to read, and as he did, the anger he had towards Petunia Dursley began to grow.

I asked about my mother, Aunt Petunia said that she was ab-y-nor-mal. I don't know what that means. But this must be why they treat me the way they do. Uncle Vernon calls me 'boy' or 'freak' but that's not my name. I wrote my name today on the wall in my cupboard in a red crayon that Dudley was throwing out, my name is Harry Potter. And they will not make me forget that.

Severus shut the notebook with a scowl realizing he needed something stronger than tea. He opened a bottle of Fire-whiskey and poured some into a tumbler before lifting it to his mouth and swallowing the contents before shuddering and pouring himself another. He sank back into his chair staring into the flames. She was not abnormal, she was a witch and apparently Petunia was jealous of her sister and I was so wrong about you Harry. I'm not sure if there is a way to atone for what I have done to you over the last six years, but I'm going to try when I find you.

Severus thought about the beauty that had been Lily Evans that he had loved, and realized that his part in the death of Lily made him rethink his life. He had gone to Dumbledore and offered to spy on Voldemort and bring back vital information. But in his mind he had made a promise to Lily and told no one that he had made a trip to Godric's Hollow. Turning the tumbler in his hand so that the amber colored liquid was illuminated and glowed he remembered.

. . . The cemetery in Godric's Hollow was quiet with only the occasional sound of a cricket chirping. A dense fog covered the ground. A solitary figure moved through the graveyard, its footsteps silent as the graves around him. When it reached a pair of headstones, protected and watched over by a carved angel made out of marble, it dropped to its knee and pushed the hood of the cloak from its head.

A shaft of moonlight broke through the clouds, illuminating the kneeling figure. “Lily, I'm sorry for my part in this, but I swear, if I can protect your son. I will do it. When he arrives at Hogwarts, I will watch over him, keep an eye on him to the best of my ability.” He whispered as he lay a small bouquet of Calla lilies on the gravestone belonging to Lily Evans Potter . . .

Severus drained the glass in a few swallows as he put it down on the table and replaced the notebook in the battered rucksack that was in the corner. He paused to rub at Kyrian's ears as he smiled to his companion, before he went into his bedroom and closed the door behind him. Changing into his night wear, Severus sat on the edge of the bed and hung his head thinking, now the savior of the Wizarding World is gone and I have no idea where he is. He thought to himself before he lay down and drifted off to sleep.

~*~

. . . The graveyard was filled with a misty fog that covered the landscape and gave it a truly eerie feeling. Large headstones, each etched with the names of the dead emerged from the ground like wraiths, there were tombs, and crypts with angels chiseled into the stone. A blinding flash of light and two figures tumbled to the hard ground. One of them had been here before . . .

Harry's form twitched where he slept on the nest of blankets on the floor. His body trembling with miniscule tremors and a whimper left his throat.

. . . He was in human form in the dream and dressed in what he had been wearing on the last task for the TriWizard Tournament. Cedric was close by but Harry was drawn to a large statue of a winged form, face hidden and cloaked wielding a large sickle. Harry swallowed when he saw the name RIDDLE engraved there and his scar flared with pain . . .

The canine's eyes rolled beneath their lids, his paws twitching and his tail thumped on the floor as more whines emerged from his throat. His upper lip had curled into a silent snarl of anger, as his paws continued to move.

. . . There was a cauldron set up, and Harry looked around even as Cedric was talking about the Cup that was in fact a portkey. His legs gave out and he hit the cold ground on his knees. Cedric lifted his wand as two figures came out of the darkness approaching the cauldron. Flames lit beneath it and Harry could see a shriveled up version of Voldemort in Peter Pettigrew's arms. Harry tried to tell Cedric that they had to return to the portkey but suddenly was struck with debilitating pain . . .

The scar that was deeply buried in Harry's fur began to glow an alarming shade of emerald, the whimpers growing steadily worse though for some reason Severus remained oblivious to his companion's dream-state. The color began to pulsate, mixing with an angry crimson and a silvery white which enveloped Harry completely. But even as this display was growing, his dreams were getting worse.

. . . “Kill the spare.” Came the tiny hissing voice from Pettigrew's arms, Cedric was flicking his gaze between Harry who was still on the ground and the duo that had appeared.

Cedric was in a defensive stance as Peter spoke two words with utter calmness and Harry could only watch, “Avada Kedavra.”

“NO!” Harry screamed as the blinding green light shot past him to hit his friend, felling him instantly . . .

The colors faded as Harry snapped awake and rubbed his head against his foreleg whining softly. I hate that damned dream and its not like I can ask Professor Snape for some Dreamless Sleep Draught. With a sigh, he shakily got to his paws and padded over to the water dish that Snape had apparently filled before he had retired for the evening. Lapping up some of the cool liquid that soothed his parched throat, Harry made his way then to the closed door. Whimpering, Harry scratched at the heavy oak, his nails making small markings in the wood. Scratching harder, Harry barked sharply.

Severus woke to the frantic sounding scratches and knew that it was his companion. However he was not happy about being woken at this hour; scowling he yanked the door open. “This building better be burning for you to wake me up, Kyrian.” Severus said sleepily as his long hair was sleep tousled, falling around his face in sexy waves of ebony strands.

Harry blinked as the door opened, for Snape was dressed only in a pair of black sleeping pants. Bloody Merlin, who knew?! He thought, peering up at the half-dressed Potion's Master who had appeared in the doorway. The fire hadn't died out just yet and the flames cast a gentle illumination on the man's features. His upper body, while not muscular was lithe and Harry had to pull his tongue back into his mouth at the defined chest that tapered down into slim hips, and even the small sprinkling of chest hair made him salivate. Yup! Gotta get you out of those robes more often. Harry whined up at Severus and started to make his way into the bedroom while Snape blocked his way.

“No, absolutely not!” He snapped, as he glared down at the dog with onyx orbs. Harry whimpered and looked up at Severus with a pleading in those blue eyes. “Oh for Merlin's sake. I'll never get any sleep at this rate. Come in and stay at the foot of the bed.” He muttered, moving aside to let Kyrian into his bedroom.

Harry padded into the bedroom and glanced around. Severus had lit some small balls of light, and Harry got his first look at the bedroom. There was a sleigh bed made of ebony wood with a headboard and footboard. The comforter was a dark forest green with silver trim and the pillows were even silver in color. He watched as Severus climbed back into bed and waved his wand with a quiet, “nox.” The balls of light went out, plunging the room into darkness. Harry let his eyes adjust to the darkness before padding over to the edge of the bed and placing his paws on the covers, whining softly. “No.” Severus said as he Harry let out another whimper, this one lower and more pitiful than the last. “I am not sharing my bed, Kyrian.”

Harry's nails clicked on the stone floor as he circled and sniffed, trying to find a comfortable spot. He was whining ever so softly, as he lay down and tried to be comfortable but without the comfort of the blankets that were still in the sitting room, Harry just couldn't settle down. Severus sat straight up in the bed, covers pooling around his waist as he snapped, “Fine! Get up here, but its just for tonight!” he said, Harry yipped happily and leapt onto the bed, making himself comfortable as Severus lay back down. “Barmy dog.” he muttered.

Even for tonight, I just need someone to be there for me, and hopefully I won't have another nightmare. As he settled down, he placed his head on Severus' stomach and closed his eyes, quickly sliding into slumber. He never felt Severus' hand come up and settle on his head, rubbing his ears fondly.

~*~

Waking a few hours later, Severus hissed in pain as it flared up his left arm. His onyx eyes fought to adjust to the darkness that permeated the room, and found Harry's head on his stomach. Severus glanced down into concerned blue eyes, “I'm fine, Kyrian. Go back to sleep.” he muttered, running his hand over those furry ears again as he strove to ignore the throbbing in his forearm.

Lifting his head, Harry whined and blinked a bit as Severus shifted, climbing out of bed. Where are you going? Harry thought to himself as he moved off the Potion's Master and watched as the man maneuvered his way to the armoire in the corner. Harry watched as Severus dressed in the darkness, but recognized the robes that he was putting on in a heartbeat. Professor...

As Severus dressed, he did so quickly, buttoning his robes with a wave of his wand. He pulled out a dark cloak and slipped it over his shoulders even as he heard Kyrian whining softly. Onyx eyes picked up the silver mask and he turned to look at his furry companion. “Do not worry, Kyrian. I shall return in a little while.” He said, rubbing Harry's ears once more before departing from his bedroom. Harry padded after him but when he did, Severus was already gone.

Standing in the center of the sitting room, Harry blinked as Severus seemed to vanish into thin air. You can't apparate out of Hogwarts, how did he do that? He wondered, as he lay down on the rug and realized that he wouldn't be going back to sleep until Severus returned, so Harry waited, staring into the flames, be careful Professor.

~*~
Author's Note - Much love and thanks to the reviews! Especially to Qtness.Quill, who was a GREAT help in the first round of this story. by the way, Qtness. you need to email me, we need to yammer about a great many things.