Silver Howling Moon

Chapter 3: Of Dark Lords and Hidden Rooms

Harry staggered himself wearily out of the edges of the Forbidden Forest; his mind already ignited for his plan for his freedom and how to go about it. With Albus dead and unable to further meddle in his life or his affairs; Harry was at the most opportune place to reach for what he wanted.

His green eyes hardened; and that was to learn the secrets kept from him, and then to decide to become who he was supposed to be.

He was done playing the oblivious, ignorant, and dense savior. He was done letting those who pretended to be his friends walk over him. He was done playing nicely with them and being gentle for their sensitivities.

He internally smirked as his face made an exhauted look; when he heard a shout of 'there he is' and saw Hermione rushing forward to him. She had concern to her face; concern Harry knew was only partially genuine, but allowed her to let him lean to her.

"Where have you been all night, Harry?" She questioned before shaking her head, "I mean; are you alright? You were so mad yesterday, and Ron never told me why?"

Harry internally rose a brow to that; surprised that Hermione or Ginny hadn't weedled him until he had cracked. He sighed and knew he had to be cautious now; more so than before if he was to use this plan of his.

"Hermione, I want to tell you..." He spoke quietly, "But I am rather magically exhausted. I didn't remember that last night was the full moon and ran into the forest. I needed to be alone and have some time to think; I didn't figure anyone would follow me there."

Harry grimaced, "It would be my luck that...I would run into Fenrir Greyback while he was prowling."

Hermione gasped, "Let me take you to the Infirmary, Harry! You need to be looked at by Madame Pomfrey."

Harry inclined, "I know. Fenrir and I fought; though I don't think he bit me. I managed to use a spell that disoriented him and got away. Don't remember which one, so don't ask." He told her

Hermione nodded and led him inside; where she carefully helped him to the infirmary and left him there on his usual bed while she spoke then to school's matron nurse. Harry waited till Hermione finished, told him to cooperate with her, and left. Till she was long gone and eyed the older woman now hesitantly, "Madame Pomfrey....can you please cast some wards for privacy?"

Poppy eyed him a moment; knowing Harry wouldn't have asked for such a thing unless he needed them. So, she inclined and Harry smiled sadly as he thanked her.

"I need...your help." He told her softly, "Not because of the situation Hermione told you; that was mostly fabricated to her from me. But...I do need your help." He paused, "Do you know of the Order of the Phoenix? The group of people Albus had gathered together that is dedicated to defeating Lord Voldemort?"

Poppy eyed him now more seriously as she nodded, "I do know of them; though I am not a member."

Harry inclined, "The Order has been...training me...to kill; ever since the former headmaster died. I can't take it anymore and yesterday night; I did run into the forest. I did, in fact, meet Greyback there...

He paused as she sharpened her breath, "But Greyback never hurt me." Harry told her as a small smile showed, "I was injured then; and even transformed...Fenrir healed me. He took me to a cave on his back to get me out of the rain and to prevent me from getting ill."

Harry snorted amusedly, "He tried to feed me; gave me a whole rabbit, which I had to decline."

"Eventually, I tired and he let me...sleep there." Harry told her softly, "Undisturbed and unharmed. When morning arrived and he was human again; I asked him why he had helped me that night, and Greyback hesitated...