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 Six – The Crux of the Matter

The derelict manor stood upon what used to be a lush hill that overlooked a heavily wooded area, along with a quaint village in the distance. Most of the windows had been boarded up but some of them had been removed giving the house a very sinister look to it. The whisper of a form appeared over the house made of smoke and clouds. A skull opened its mouth as a serpent came out and twisted itself into a knot as several forms came out of the orifice like dark shadows and as each one landed it became a person. There were no words from the gathered group as they made their way up the crumbling stone walkway to the dilapidated manor, ivy continued to grow up the sides of the stone walls and columns, a smattering of color against the dark gray masonry. They traversed the way through the dead hedges and small shrubs that led to a flight of stairs with a rickety railing. But before the group could even reach the door it opened and a figure stood there.

Illuminated by a hand held lantern the flame burning brightly, a beacon in the darkness, Peter Pettigrew stood there, his watery beady eyes gazing outwards. He was dressed in tattered clothing, a patched jacket, faded pants, and scuffed shoes. “He is waiting.” The man squeaked out as he withdrew his pasty face watching the nine cloaked and masked figures made their way inside.

Floorboards creaked ominously as they were trod upon, the hallway was so narrow that they were forced to walk single-file until they reached another doorway. The archway was cracked ad the paint was peeling and flaking in places. The interior could barely be made out but there was a marble fireplace with a roaring fire crackling almost merrily in the gloom. A single wing-backed chair was placed before it and Lord Voldemort himself sat like the king on a throne. Dressed in black robes, Voldemort was examining his own form, the long skeletal fingers and the fact that there was no hair anywhere on his body. His nails were claws on his fingers and his feet which were bare and pale beneath the hem of his robes. As he heard footsteps, he raised his pale head; red eyes gleaming in the darkness. “Come forward my loyal followers.” His voice was more of a hiss, as he spoke beckoning with one hand.

The members of Voldemort's 'Inner Circle' trooped in and took up a semi-circle around him. Their silver masks glistened in the illuminating flicks from the fire. They all knelt as one, their right arms over their knees as they bowed their heads. “We have come to your call, my Lord.” a deep voice from one of the members spoke.

“Rise.” Voldemort spoke softly as the group rose to their feet and stood quietly “Macnair, report.” He continued, lifting his wand and with a complex motion of it removed the man's mask from his face.

The man's bushy black mustache bobbled slightly, “I have spoken to the giants, my Lord and they will come to our aid in the fight if they are needed.” He had worked for a long time as an executioner of dangerous creatures and had once attempted to slay a hippogriff though somehow, it had gotten away.

“Excellent,” Voldemort hissed as he turned and looked to the rest of his standing Death Eaters. His Inner Circle was composed of the most trusted of his Death Eaters. “Severus, come forward.” came the almost seductive tone from the thin lips. Severus moved forwards resuming his kneel before the Dark Lord. Removing the mask with a wave of his wand, Voldemort peered at the Potion's Master with flashing crimson orbs. “You are my spy and you reside at Hogwarts...”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Yet...you have not brought me any news on the whereabouts of Harry Potter.” He whispered, sliding one of his skeletal fingers down the side of Severus' cheek. “Why is this?”

“My Lord,” Severus started to speak, shuddering inwardly at the touch to his face, “the boy is missing.”

“Sounds to me like you lost little bitty baby Potter.” Bellatrix cackled from beneath her mask. She approached without thinking, “My Lord, Severus does nothing, let me find the half-blood and I will bring him to you.” She continued in that irritating tone of voice that reminded Severus of nails on a chalkboard.

Voldemort raised his wand and pointed it at Bellatrix, “No one said you could speak. Perhaps you need a reminder of your place.” He crooned, before waving his wand, “Crucio.” He watched with glee as the witch fell to the floor curling into a ball and twitching with pain. When Voldemort felt as though she had learned her lesson, he released her from the spell and spoke, “you will learn to hold your tongue.” With soft whimpering sounds Bellatrix climbed cautiously to her feet and returned to her place and stood silently. “Now, Severus, have you learned anything that could be of use to me?”

“Perhaps, my Lord, but I am unsure of what knowledge it is that you require.” Severus spoke then instantly regretted his words.

“Now, now Severus. One would think you were trying to hide something from me." He whispered as he motioned to both Crabbe and Goyle Senior who moved and held Severus immobile. His voice was silky as he hissed, "Nott, do be kind enough to 'loosen' Severus' tongue." as the sounds of fists hitting flesh echoed in the room, Voldemort continued. "Lucius, what has the Ministry done about the disappearance of their so called savior?"

Lucius raised a brow beneath his mask, "My Lord, they know nothing. And even if they did know something, they are not speaking. Fudge knows nothing, but then again he is an imbecile who would not believe he was dying even as the knife was pulled from his heart."

"You will keep me informed on what you learn from there, Lucius." Voldemort finished, turning towards the quartet in the corner. "Nott, that is enough for the moment, bring him to me." Crabbe and Goyle dragged Severus over and dumped him unceremoniously to the ground before the Dark Lord's feet. "Severus, what is this?" He inquired, plucking a single hair off Severus' normally pristine black robes. "Did you acquire a pet?"

Severus wanted to shake his head so badly but nodded in response, knowing that if he didn't answer, it would go very badly for him. "Yes, my Lord."

"What sort of pet, Severus?" Voldemort pressed, as he ran a finger over the magnificent black eye that Severus was going to be sporting very soon. He didn't notice that Severus shuddered as he was touched yet again.

"A dog, my Lord."

"His name?"

"Kyrian, my Lord." Came the response from the thin lips. As much as he loathed giving Voldemort the information; it would prevent him from being beaten anymore by his goon squad.

Voldemort took in the way that Severus said the animal's name and a slow smile slipped over his reptilian features. Leaning back in his chair, he waved an emaciated hand towards the others, "You are all dismissed and your orders are to find Harry Potter." he finished and as they trooped out, he noticed that Lucius Malfoy was pausing by the door. "Lucius, was there something else?"

"My Lord, this dog, is very loyal to Severus. I am certain he would do as Severus asked of him."

Severus was seething internally as he heard Lucius say those words, and he didn't dare look up at Voldemort's face. But what he heard was not what he wanted. Footsteps retreating which meant Lucius was leaving, and the voice that spoke held and eerie kind of calm. "Severus, you will bring Kyrian to the next meeting."

"My...my Lord?"

"He would be useful to me." Voldemort crooned, lacing his fingers together as though in deep thought. "So you will bring him to me."

“Yes, my Lord.” Severus replied, his voice soft.

"Before you go, Severus. Find me Harry Potter, and this is a mere taste of what will happen to you if you fail me." Voldemort finished, flicking his wand, "Crucio!" As Severus' screams echoed through the house, Voldemort turned to Nott. "One last thing, give Severus here a few more persuasions to do as he is told. Wormtail, attend me." Voldemort finished, lifting the curse and rising from the chair as he glided out of the room with Wormtail scurrying behind him.

Severus barely had time to look up as he watched Nott advance on him, a malicious smile on his features. "We're gonna have some real fun now, Snape." Elsewhere in the manor Wormtail was being asked specific questions by the Dark Lord, while being serenaded by a screaming Potion's Master and the sound of a cracking whip.

~*~

Harry was pacing back and forth in the sitting room, his paws making little to no noise on the stone floor but his nails were clicking rhythmically. He scented something he hadn't before and padded towards a corner of the room, his nose to the cracks. There was fresh air coming from somewhere, scratching at the stones, he grew frustrated as it refused to budge. Whining loudly, Harry placed his paws on the wall and scratched at it futilely. Please... Harry thought when the stones began to scrape and move. Backing up, he assumed an aggressive stance just in case and began to growl low in the base of his throat.

The bloodied figure stumbled into the room, sinking to a knee from exhaustion. "Ky...Kyrian..." Severus panted, trying to catch his breath. Harry whimpered loudly and leaned forwards to lick his face. "I need....need to get to my potions." he barely managed to utter before he passed out right in the center of the floor.

No! No no no no no! Harry thought to himself as he left Severus there and raced to the front door, howling in anguish. He put his paws on the door and since he didn't know the password he was stuck. The passage behind Severus had closed when he walked in and Harry assumed that it was tuned to his magical signature. Please! Someone, anyone! Harry continued to think, tilting his head back and letting loose another howl; his eyes flashed from blue to green and somewhere on the Fifth Floor a painting shifted signaling to the Castle. The Castle rumbled, shifting as the door suddenly gave way and Harry tumbled out into the hallway in a tangle of copper fur and limbs. Shaking himself viciously, Harry ran down the hallway barking. Who do I get? Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, who else...no one, I'm not alerting Dumbledore. He thought as he ceased the noise and ran faster as though the hounds of hell were at his heels. He ran through various hallways up and down staircases until he reached the door to McGonagall's office. Whining he scratched frantically at the door, when it suddenly opened. Thank Merlin. He tried to ignore the tartan plaid robe and matching sleeping hat as he took the material in his teeth and pulled gently.

"Kyrian! What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" She inquired, kneeling at his level and rubbing his ears. She noticed that he looked very concerned about something and it shone in his lupine gaze. He whined up at her and then glanced down the hallway towards the dungeons and from where he had come from. "Is it Severus?" She asked. Harry barked sharply just once before he leaned up and licked her face affectionately. "Perhaps you might want to get Poppy. Madam Pomfrey, do you know the way..." But Harry was already gone. Quickly, Minerva closed the door to her office and quarters and made her way towards the dungeons.

Harry was frustrated as the run seemed to take him longer than he once thought. Bugger, the staircases aren't moving fast enough and every minute I'm away from him the worse he could get. He thought just as the Castle shifted again, the stairs moving to align for him. Blinking, Harry didn't think twice but ran towards the hospital wing, his paws scrabbling for purchase but found none as he tried to stop; instead he crashed into the double doors with a loud thump. Slightly dazed, Harry lay there for a few moments, a whimper leaving his snout.

Madam Pomfrey, having been in her office heard the thump and went to investigate. When she opened the doors she saw Kyrian lying there. "Oh Merlin! Kyrian! What brings you up here? Is someone hurt?" Poppy inquired, gently moving her hands through his fur looking for a wound of some type. She watched as Harry struggled to his paws and whined, looking up at her with pleading eyes. "Let me get my bag and you can take me there." She turned, quickly making her way through her stores and packing what she thought she would need. "I am ready."

Turing, Harry loped back to the dungeons where they found Minerva standing just outside the portrait of the doe. "Kyrian retrieved you I see, Poppy."

"Yes, what has happened, Minerva?"

"I am not sure, the door to Professor Snape's quarters are closed and the master password is not working."

Harry narrowed his eyes at the doe, as his upper lip curled into a feral snarl. The silvery doe turned its head gracefully to look at him, her ears perking forwards. His eyes flashed colors, a bark leaving his lips with the underlying growl and the doe moved, trotting away as the door opened to admit the trio. Both witches raised their brows at the way the door opened for him. Harry nosed it further open, entering with the two women behind him and they gasped at the state of the Potions Master. Through the Order of the Phoenix, they knew that he was a spy for Voldemort but neither one of them had seen him in this particular state before. "We have to get him onto the couch or preferably the bed." Poppy said, as Minerva nodded whipping out her wand and casting a spell to lift the unconscious man upwards. "Where is the bedroom, Kyrian? Can you show us the way?"

Tilting his head, Harry led them into the bedroom where Severus slept. Placing his forepaws on the bed, he tugged the covers all the way down as Minerva gently laid Snape on the bed. Without thinking, Harry leaped onto the bed and curled up next to him offering whatever comfort he could. It was shining in his eyes that he wanted them to help Severus and Poppy pulled out her wand and ran a diagnostic check as she took note of the multiple injuries. Severus let out a sharp cry as they lay him on the bed and instantly Minerva flipped him so he lay on his stomach. "How bad is he, Poppy?" Her voice spoke the question but her eyes were studying Harry for the concern that shone there intrigued her.

Poppy was frowning. "Multiple lacerations, contusions, internal bleeding, broken ribs. How he got back here with these injuries makes me wonder how strong he really is." She said, digging into her bag.

"What do you need me to do?"

"We need to take his robes off because I will need to see the lacerations in order to heal them." Poppy said as she began to pull potions out of her bag, several which Harry was familiar with having been in and out of the Hospital Wing at least once a year. He watched as the two women removed Severus' Death Eater robes from his body, placing them over a nearby chair before moving to the prone form once more and removing the rest of his clothing, but leaving his boxers on for modesty's sake.

Harry swallowed and turned his head away at the multiple scrapes that were on the man's form that were not there previously. He whined low in his throat as he crept further upwards and nuzzled Severus' cheek with his cool nose. You have to get better, Severus. You're the bravest man I've ever known and you always fight. So fight, the Wizarding World needs you. I need you. Harry thought to himself as he watched Poppy start to close the wounds on his back with a gentle hand. Harry curled into a ball and whined sadly, it pained him to see the snarky man who had a caring heart beneath that exterior hurting in such a manner, and it pained Harry even more that there was nothing he could do to help.

Minerva helped Poppy as best she could, propping Severus up as the Mediwitch poured various potions down Severus' throat to help him heal. There were skele-gro, a blood replenishing potion, and a mild numbing potion for any lingering pain. "Now, we wait." The two women rose and headed for the door leading to the sitting room only to watch as Harry took the covers in his teeth and pulled them up to cover Severus.

They smiled softly and trooped into the sitting area, as Harry followed after finishing his task. "Now, we wait." Minerva echoed as they both decided to return to their respective quarters. Harry padded with them over to the door to show them out, but was surprised when Minerva looked down at him, with a smile on her lips. "Will you come get us when he wakes?" She inquired, standing by the doorway.

~*~

Severus groaned softly as he tried to remember what had transpired. Unfortunately, he was not coming up with much but he could decipher that he was within his chambers back at Hogwarts. And someone was in his quarters, for he could hear voices outside in the main sitting area. Slowly, Severus pulled himself into a sitting position realizing he was tucked into bed and minus most of his clothes. Grabbing a dressing gown from the foot of the bed, he shrugged it on and rose shakily to shuffle his way towards the door. "I am awake."

"You should be resting Severus." Poppy said, as she hurried to his side and helped him maneuver his way to a chair and sat him down. She puttered around him like a mother hen tending her chick and it amused Minerva to watch as his onyx orbs rolled in their sockets but he said nothing to dismiss the Mediwitch. "How are you feeling?"

"I will recover." He muttered as he sat where he was bid, watching as Minerva conjured some tea and biscuits, handing him a cup of it after adding a bit of sugar. "How...how did you know to come?"

Minerva smiled as she fixed a cup for herself and one for Poppy before she answered Severus' query. "Kyrian came and retrieved us." She said taking a sip of her tea and nibbling on a biscuit.

Severus nearly spit tea all over himself as he stared at the dog, who was presently curled up on the blanket before the fire staring at him with luminous green eyes, though in Severus' medicine induced vision could have been a trick of the firelight. Blinking slowly he looked to Kyrian again only to see that the dog had blue eyes. "Kyrian retrieved you to help me....why?"

"I think you have a very intelligent animal here, Severus." Poppy started, "He seems to be very loyal to you and seemed genuinely concerned for your welfare."

Minerva grinned, "And he appeared to know where my office was. Severus, did you give him a tour of the grounds when you arrived here?"

"No, I did not, Minerva. I am unsure as to where he would have ascertained the information, it is not like we have some sort of directory set out." Severus responded, "Why do you ask?"

"Mere curiosity, I assure you." She said, thinking, "perhaps the paintings helped him."

"Yes, I'm sure that's it. Well, Severus, we should leave you alone to rest. If you need me, send Kyrian." Poppy said as she gestured to Minerva, the two witches rose and smiled at Severus. Minerva went to Kyrian and rubbed his ears, the expression on her face though said more than words could ever convey. "Coming Minerva?"

"Of course, yes." Minerva said, "good work tonight Kyrian, perhaps stop by my office tomorrow, I will have a treat for you."

Harry tilted his head and yerfed as he leaned up and licked her cheek affectionately indicating that he would see her then. He rose to his paws and trotted over to the door watching the two witches leave before turning back to Severus where he sat quietly next to the man and lay his head in the man's lap. Severus in turn looked down at the dog and sighed softly, "Kyrian, we are in serious trouble."

Harry looked up as he whined, trying to offer what comfort he could in his present condition. Whatever it is, we will face it together. He thought to himself. And when I get my body back, I have a few choice words for Dumbledore.

"The Dark Lord wants me to bring you to the next meeting, apparently he thinks that he can use you the same way he uses Nagini I am assuming. To use you as another spy here at Hogwarts." Severus said as he ran his fingers through Harry's fur, his fingers running over a raised welt deep in the fur of that head.

A growl left Harry's lips before he could stop himself, as the thoughts ran through his mind like a wildfire. He is demented and evil. Always lashing out at those who are different when he is no more different than I am. He's a half-blood, like I am and he has all these people believing that he's not. The power has gone to his big head and when things don't go his way . . . he throws a temper tantrum. He leaned up and licked Severus' cheek lightly. I won't let him hurt you again, Severus. I swear.

"I am tired again, Kyrian. Perhaps we should retire." Severus said, rising and watching as Harry padded into the bedroom and he followed. Shedding the dressing gown, he lay gingerly on the bed, noticing with some admiration that Harry took the covers gently in his teeth and drew them around him as though tucking him in. Once Severus was firmly ensconced within the covers, did Harry finally curl up into a ball next to him. Laying his head on the Potions Master's stomach before he drifted off to sleep his ears twitching with whatever he heard in the darkness. Severus stayed awake a bit longer simply stroking those ears and the fur of the powerful shoulders. Kyrian, I do believe you may have saved my life tonight. Though I am unsure as to how you even got out of my rooms, or know who to get or how to get there. I appreciate it. He leaned down and kissed the top of Harry's head. "Thank you, Kyrian, for being my friend." With that, Severus closed his eyes and fell into a deep slumber.

Harry blinked his eyes open as he looked over at the now sleeping Severus. I will always be your friend, Severus. No matter what, I could never go back to hating you, after all I've learned about what you really go through for the Order, and the way you saved my life. Harry thought as he wiggled up closer to the man's warmth. He looks younger when he's sleeping. And so handsome. Harry continued his train of thought as he blushed under his fur at the kiss and then settled down to sleep.

~*~

The following morning after they had supped on some breakfast, Severus went to let Harry out of his quarters while he went to talk to Albus about what had transpired at the meeting the night before. Harry traversed the hallways as he made his way to McGonagall's office. As Severus made his way to the gargoyle that protected the entrance to the Headmaster's office he never realized that he was being trailed. The sound of small feet pattered after Severus, as he had been ordered, he would find out all his Lord needed to know.

"Severus." Dumbledore spoke as the man entered his office.

"I have come to make my report, Headmaster."

"I have set the Order to finding Harry but no one seems to have found him, anywhere." He started, seeming to show his true age now, as his blue eyes were no longer twinkling. And he seemed to be staring at Severus as though he thought the man had been up to no good. "Severus, I will have to ask where you were a few nights ago." Was the statement though he had noticed that Severus was limping slightly on his right side and hiding some pain.

"Suddenly you are prying into my personal affairs? As you are probably well aware with all the portraits spying on me and everyone else in these walls . . . I have been in my quarters preparing potions for the upcoming term and doing your dirty work as a spy!" Severus snapped in response. "What has transpired now?" He asked tiredly.

~*~

Harry reached Minerva's office and gently scratched at the door as it opened to admit him. Nosing it further open he was not surprised to see that the head of his house was seated at her desk, several parchments opened before her, but she did look up as he entered. "Ah, come in." her voice was warm, and he did as she asked, trooping up to her desk where he sat down and looked up at her expectantly. "How are you today, Harry?"

~*~