CH 78: Building the Werewolf Settlement

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Harry sat at the large oak table in the War Room, his eyes scanning over the detailed plans for the Lupin Settlement. He had already envisioned it as a sanctuary for werewolves, but something was missing. He needed a perspective from someone who had lived the werewolf experience fully—someone like Fenrir Greyback.

It had taken a lot for Harry to consider involving Fenrir. The werewolf had a notorious past, especially during the war, but Harry knew that if he was going to build a village that truly met the needs of the werewolf community, he needed insight from all sides, even the most controversial ones.

Taking a deep breath, Harry called one of the house-elves to summon Fenrir to the War Room.

The Meeting with Fenrir

When Fenrir entered, his presence was imposing as ever, his wild eyes scanning the room. He still looked as dangerous as the day Harry had faced him in battle, but there was something different now—a weariness, perhaps, or a quiet acceptance of his position in this changing world. Harry didn't see him as an enemy anymore, but as someone who could contribute something vital to this new vision.

"Potter," Fenrir growled, his voice rough but curious. "You wanted to speak to me?"

Harry motioned to the seat across from him. "Yes, Fenrir. I've been working on plans for a werewolf village, a sanctuary for your kind. But I realized I can't build this alone. I want to hear your perspective—what you and others like you would need in a place like this."

Fenrir eyed him warily, but he took the seat. There was a long moment of silence as the werewolf's sharp gaze flickered over the maps and sketches laid out on the table. Harry could see the tension in his movements, the hesitance in his posture, but Fenrir spoke nonetheless.

"You're serious about this?" he asked gruffly, his eyes narrowing. "You really want to give us a place of our own?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, I am. But I want it to be more than just a safe place. I want it to be a community, somewhere werewolves can live freely, without fear or prejudice. That's why I need your input."

Fenrir's lips curled slightly, almost as if he were amused, but then his expression softened. "A village, huh? Alright, Potter. If you're serious, then I'll tell you what we need."

Fenrir's Vision: The Werewolf Perspective

As the discussion began, Fenrir grew more animated, his rough voice filling the room with a surprising amount of thoughtfulness. Harry listened carefully, scribbling down every idea as Fenrir laid out his vision for the village:

Full Moon Festival Grounds:

Fenrir spoke about the importance of the full moon to werewolves, but not in a way that evoked fear. "Some of us don't want to hide during the full moon," he explained. "We want to embrace it, run free without fear of hurting anyone. We need a wide space where we can transform in safety."Harry sketched out the Full Moon Festival Grounds: a large, open area surrounded by protective wards. It would allow those who wished to celebrate their transformation to do so without endangering others.

Community Farms:

Fenrir leaned forward, surprising Harry with his next suggestion. "We can't rely on outsiders to give us everything. We need to grow our own food, grow our own herbs—especially the ones for Wolfsbane Potion. Some of the pack are good with plants. We could make our own potions."Harry quickly noted down Community Farms, where magical plants and crops would be grown. These would provide not only food, but also the resources needed to brew Wolfsbane and other healing potions, ensuring the village's self-sufficiency.

Library and Research Center:

"You think we don't care about books or learning, Potter?" Fenrir growled. "We need to understand our curse better than anyone else. A place to study Wolfsbane Potion, lycanthropy, and even other magical creatures. We need to educate ourselves and the next generation about what we are—so they don't grow up thinking they're monsters."Harry's hand moved swiftly as he drew a Library and Research Center, a place where werewolves could gather knowledge on lycanthropy, develop better potions, and understand the myths and truths about their kind.

Parks and Nature Reserves:

Fenrir gestured to the map's green expanses. "You think we want to live in cages? We belong in the wild. We need forests—places we can roam, connect with nature, be what we are without being trapped."Harry nodded, marking areas of the village that would be dedicated to Parks and Nature Reserves. These would be large, enchanted sections of forest where werewolves could feel at one with nature, unwind, and live in harmony with local wildlife.

Runestone Circles or Protective Wards:

Finally, Fenrir looked Harry straight in the eye. "We'll need protection—wards, runestones, something that keeps out anyone who would come after us. Hunters. Aurors. Even other wizards who don't understand."Harry drew a circle around the village and began planning for Runestone Circles—ancient stones that would be enchanted to provide powerful protection, keeping out unwanted visitors and defending the community from external threats.

As the discussion continued, Fenrir offered more suggestions—ways to ensure that the village would be a real home, not just a hiding place. The ideas flowed freely, and Harry could see how much it meant to Fenrir to be asked for his input. For the first time, it seemed, someone was seeing the werewolf community as more than just a problem to be managed.

Getting to Work

Once the conversation wound down, Harry looked over the now-detailed plans. The village was starting to take shape, and it was clear that this would be a place where werewolves could thrive. "I appreciate your honesty," Harry said as he finished the final notes. "This village will be what you make of it. It's not just my project—it's yours."

Fenrir stood, his expression unreadable. "I'll hold you to that, Potter. Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I won't," Harry replied, locking eyes with the older werewolf. "We'll build this together."

Without another word, Fenrir left the room, but Harry knew something had changed. The werewolves would finally have a place to call home—a place of safety, freedom, and community.

With renewed energy, Harry began sketching the designs more carefully. He worked through the night, outlining the Full Moon Festival Grounds, the farms, the research center, and the protective wards. He could almost see the village in his mind now—a thriving, self-sustaining community where werewolves could live free from fear or persecution.

A Long Night

Hours passed, and Harry remained deep in thought. He still hadn't received a letter back from Lord Gruzak about Gringotts Village, but he wasn't worried. That would come in time. Right now, the Lupin Settlement was his priority. He wanted to get it right, to ensure that it would be a true sanctuary for werewolves—a place where they could be free to embrace every part of themselves.

As the early hours of the morning crept closer, Harry finally set down his quill. He stretched, exhaustion tugging at him, but satisfaction filled him as well. This was the future—building communities that could thrive in peace.

He stepped out of the War Room and gazed across the quiet grounds of Hogwarts. The castle, its students, and its people were his first responsibility, but beyond these walls, Harry knew he had a much bigger role to play in shaping the magical world.

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