Changes and Secrets

Chapter 19 - Phase

I finally have a new (to me) laptop! And I got an A- in my calc class! I have some free time between now and the start of classes, so I'm trying to write as much as I can. This chapter is a little short by my standards (1.9k...I try to make my chapters at least 3k but oh well), but I hope you all enjoy it anyways! Sorry for the long wait! 

If you're reading The Wolf's Howl, I will also be trying to get at least one or two updates on that story before classes start, but I make no promises. Just keep your eyes peeled in case I manage to pull it off!

O.o

Harry wasn't sure when he had fallen asleep again, but he woke up sprawled on his side with twin weights on his shoulder and haunches, feeling like he could get up and run a marathon at top speed. When he lifted his head to look around, the stiffness and soreness was completely gone. Confusion flashed through him before seeing two sea-green coils contrasting with his white fur, matching pairs of sapphire eyes boring into his own. 

"Glad to see you awake, I've missed you a lot," Akilah said from her place on his shoulder. Harry flashed his fangs in a smile and brushed her side with his nose, unable to verbally respond while in wolf form. 

"Missed you too," Mekhi pouted, slithering up from his hip and wrapping himself around Harry's ears. Harry's ears twitched in response. 

Harry made sure Mekhi was settled before lifting his head further and looking around the room. The room was empty except for Harry and the two orphi. Before Harry had the chance to be sad about Remus's disappearance, he noticed a piece of parchment on the side table.

In case you wake up while I am gone, I have gone to the restroom, and will be back soon. ~R

"He left less than a minute ago," Mekhi told Harry. 

"And we brought you clothes," Akilah added. Harry paused, processing, before grinning and yipping happily. The orphi chuckled and slithered off the wolf, allowing Harry to stand up. He double-checked his limbs just in case, happy when all his muscles and joints responded quickly and painlessly. 

"You may want to hurry before Remus comes back," Akilah warned. Harry nodded and jumped down from the bed smoothly, grabbing the bundle of clothes gently in his mouth and walking behind the curtain for another bed. 

He was just finishing shoving his arm through the sleeve of the jumper when the infirmary doors opened. Akilah fluttered her wings from the foot of Harry's bed before flying to coil up on top of Harry's head. Remus's eyes followed the movement, looking both fond and exasperated when his eyes met Harry's. 

"You know, I did make a promise to Madame Pomfrey," he said, walking closer. Harry chuckled. 

"I know. But I also had two orphi laying on me for..." "About seven hours," Akilah assisted, Harry repeating the information for Remus. The professor nodded, acquiescing as Mekhi wound himself around the elder's neck. 

"I have definitely learned the merit of an orphis's regenerative powers over the past few days," he muttered. Harry chuckled and reached over to Mekhi, running a finger over his head. 

"Can we chat sometime soon? Privately?" Mekhi suddenly asked. Harry's brow furrowed but he nodded anyways. 

"Sure, just find me when you're ready," he replied. Mekhi nodded and curled himself up, resting his chin in the dip between Remus's collarbones. 

"Well, Madame Pomfrey is going to throw a fit as it is, best not to let her catch me out of bed as well," Harry chuckled. Remus smiled and drew Harry into a hug, burying his nose in the younger's hair.