Changes and Secrets

Chapter 15 - Danger

1. My shoulder is doing just fine now, thanks everyone who sent wishes for speedy healing ♡

2. I'm sorry in advance

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Harry groaned as he put his books back in his bag.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked, also putting her books away. Ron looked up from Quidditch Through the Ages. 

"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry said. "I'm just not looking forward to tonight." Hermione nodded understandingly and Ron gave him a small smile.

"You've had Wolfsbane, though, right?" the witch asked. Harry nodded.

"I've been taking it like I'm supposed to, so it'll be alright," he said. "Honestly, I'm kind of interested to see the difference between Wolfsbane and the Calming Potions." Hermione nodded.

"I'd like to know as well, so if you could let me know, that would be great!" she replied. Ron glanced out the Common Room window.

"I don't know exactly how you run things," he started, "but the sun is pretty much done setting if you want to head on out." Harry glanced out the window as well, admiring the work of nature in the sunset.

"I probably should get going," he muttered, but made no effort to get up from the armchair.

"We could come with you, if you'd like," Hermione offered. Harry smiled softly at his friends.

"I think I'd like that," he replied. Hermione smiled brightly and stood, holding a hand out for Harry. Harry grasped the witch's hand and pulled himself up, never failing to be mildly shocked at how much energy drained out of him around the full moon. Ron marked his page and stood as well, quickly running to the dorm to take his book and Harry's bag up to their quarters.

When he returned, the trio walked down the staircase and through the castle to the front doors. Hermione hugged Harry tightly.

"Try not to get hurt," she muttered as she hugged him.

"I make no promises," he replied, "but I'll try." She pulled back after squeezing him one more time, and Harry turned to Ron. The redhead held out his hand and Harry took it, pulling Ron into a quick, one-armed hug. He drew back and Ron clasped his shoulder.

"Be safe," he said. Harry chuckled.

"Isn't that what you're supposed to say to the people who venture out while werewolves are active?" he teased. Ron rolled his eyes and slapped Harry's shoulder lightly.

"Take care of Remus," he muttered softly enough for Hermione not to hear. "You're his alpha, right?" Harry raised an eyebrow, wondering how Ron got that information, but nodded nonetheless. "Then you're the one who's supposed to keep him safe," the ginger pressed.

"I will," Harry promised. He couldn't imagine just letting something hurt his mate without putting up a good fight to keep Remus from getting injured. Harry glanced at his watch.

"I really need to get going," he said, glancing between his friends. They both nodded, and Harry sent them both a small smile before opening the door quietly, slipping out and jogging off.

When he got to the lake, he took his cloak off and carefully tossed it over a branch of the Whomping Willow.

"Keep this safe for me, please," he called out over the water. A large, dark tentacle raised out of the water in response.

"Thank you!" he said before stripping to his boxers, folding his clothes and tossing them onto the tree as well. Then, with one final look around, he ran into the forest.