Changes and Secrets

Chapter 4 - Pack Advice

GUYS!!!! MY RADIO SILENCE IS OVER!!!! FINALLY!!!! Honestly though, I didn't really have a choice...I couldn't update b/c my parents had taken my phone and laptop because I had an 82 in Cultural Geography with my drill instructor teacher (tbh tho I love her to death she's awesome). Then, report cards came out and I had one 50 (50=0 b/c my school can't give 0s) so my dad said to see him in three weeks. Yesterday reports came out but I didn't get my stuff back until today. So, here's the chappie. Usual things apply. I don't own anything except stuff you don't recognize. I'm not making any money off of this. And this is only the 4th chapter and I'm getting tired of writing disclaimers. So, enjoy the story!!!

O.o

"H-Harry?" Lupin asked, voice shaking and eyes wide. The wolf blinked slowly and cocked its head to the side, looking at the professor steadily. "You're a wolf." Harry looked at his mentor, and Lupin imagined him saying 'Thank you, Captain Obvious. Yes, I'm a wolf.' 

"How?" Lupin reached up and ran a hand through the thick neck fur of the white canine. It was soft under his touch, almost like the down feathers of an owl. Harry tensed, lip curling slightly, but allowed Lupin to continue petting him. The professor did, however, move his hand around to the top of Harry's neck, causing the wolf to lower his lip and simply stare at the man. 

"You don't like feeling vulnerable, do you? I don't either." Harry rose and took a step back causing Lupin's hand to fall into his lap. 

Lupin realized he had crossed a line somewhere and attempted to fix his mistake. "I am sorry, Alpha. I spoke out of turn, and my words were inappropriate for one such as I to speak to you. Please forgive me." 

The wolf did not respond; he simply turned around and padded back into Lupin's office, door swinging shut behind him. Lupin frowned – normally a wolf would give his answer immediately. Harry leaving was a bad sign. 

Minutes later, Harry emerged from the office, running his hands through his messy hair, trying to tame it slightly with no success. "There is nothing to forgive. I realize that in wolf form I tend to overreact to things, and as a human, you are not as careful with your words as you are in wolf form. However, if you feel like you need my forgiveness, then I extend it to you." 

Lupin nodded. "So, now that the communication barrier is down, how were you a wolf? It's the middle of the day, nowhere near the next full moon, and werewolves can't have Animagus forms!" 

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I just can. I do have my suspicions, I just need to do some more research before I say for sure what it is. Besides, if it is what I think it is, I have about as much luck as a movie character in a sequel." 

Lupin frowned. "What do you mean by that?" Harry chuckled wryly. "Don't worry about it right now. Like I said, I need to do some more research before I can reveal my thoughts. Now, did I miss anything in class?" 

Lupin shook his head, still confused. "No. Once I noticed that you were, er, having problems, I stopped my lecture and tried to help you." Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Anything I need to study?" Once again, Lupin shook his head. 

Harry then suddenly moved, as though remembering something. Stretching out his hand to the older werewolf, who was still sitting on the ground, he said "Get up, please. I feel awkward talking down to you like this." 

Lupin blinked. "But, Alpha –" "No buts. You are a member of my pack, and automatically take the position of Beta. Even though there are no other people here, I will not have you presenting yourself as anything less than you are – and as my Beta, you are on equal standing with me. Am I clear?" 

Lupin took Harry's hand and pulled himself up. "I understand, Alpha." "Good. Now, when we discuss werewolf issues, or are alone like this, can I call you Remus? Calling you Lupin brings the professor student relationship to mind, and I don't want that since we are on even footing."