Howl into the Night

Published: 5/23/25

The days passed by easier, now. Harry noticed that Draco was getting more comfortable with his presence and didn't avoid him as much. Harry could still smell that underlying fear and nervousness, but Draco didn't avoid him now. They talked occasionally, and Draco somewhat responded.

It was only a week until the full moon, and they were still coming to terms with what Harry had done. Remus tried to talk to him or Draco, but Harry wasn't answering the floo or owls. He didn't want to hear the older man's condemnation. He refused to go to the Weasleys for the same reason. But with the full moon so close, Ron and Hermione showed up on his front step and knocked loudly.

"Harry!" Hermione called. "Stop avoiding us!"

Harry sighed, walked down and opened the door. "I'm not avoiding you."

"What the bloody hell else do you call it when you don't answer our owls?" Ron asked.

"Are you worried that we won't treat you the same?" Hermione demanded to know, looking cross.

"No! I just... I'm adjusting," Harry said, looking at the ground.

"Or do you just not want us to hassle you about getting bitten?" Hermione said, pointedly.

"Cause we aren't gonna do that," Ron finished.

Harry looked at them. He wondered if they practiced it. "Great... thanks... umm... come in." He led them down the hall and into the den. Draco was there but didn't acknowledge them.

"Harry, did you go see the doctor?"

"No... why?"

"To make sure that your bite healed? That there aren't any other issues? That Draco is doing okay?" Hermione rattled off.

"I'm fine," Draco muttered and crossed his arms petulantly.

"Draco... you are... carrying," she said, gently.

"Leave him alone. Our next appointment is after the full moon," Harry defended him. Even from across the room, he could smell Draco's discomfort with the conversation.

"Mione, leave it. Draco and Harry have it handled," Ron interjected.

"Fine. We found a new place. It's on an island off the coast. We think it might throw them off. Remus and I have been refitting it, just in case."

Draco looked up, now alert, and he smelled nervous. Harry wasn't sure about why. Remus? Or just talking about the new site? The full moon?

"Oh... good. It's gonna be like the last one?"

"Similar. We want to give you and Draco his privacy, so there will be an inner room in the bunker. You both can shift without an audience. Ron and I will be on the outer ward."

"I will come in if necessary so that Hermione won't see your naked butts," Ron explained.

"Sounds acceptable," Harry said, looking at Draco.

"Are there... umm... separate cells for Harry and me?" Draco murmured, apprehension now turning to fear.

"Yes! Two cells with thick bars," Hermione assured him.

Relief scented the air. So, that was what he was worried about, Harry thought.

Draco leaned back and nodded. "Thanks."

"No problem. Ron's going to lay down muggle wolf traps, too. We don't want to take chances, so we'll set as many wards and traps as possible. However, if we have to retreat... we might come into the inner room... and then we'll have to Apparate if they get too close."

"I don't blame you. I'll have my wand nearby in case I have to Apparate Draco and me in the morning if you have to go," Harry said. "Fair warning, I'm not sure how we will react to you being in the room after we turn."

"We'll handle it as it comes. If we have to leave, we will, but we should be able to handle twenty wolves if we're prepared.

"Sounds good," Harry approved.

"Also, we'll going to Apparate to a hideout in Wales and leave a false trail there," Ron said, and Harry thought it was a great idea.

Hermione explained the spells she researched, what they needed to bring with them, and any other contingencies she could think of.

"Harry, there is an issue that you will be unconscious in the morning after you shift back. It's your first shift."

"Yeah?" he agreed.

"Well... you might not be well enough to Apparate out," she said.

"Probably, Draco always passes out."

"Well... we will have to come in and get you after sunrise," she said. "You were concerned about us seeing you."

"No! You can't," Draco growled.

Ron cleared his throat. "As I said, I can come in.... but...."

"Alright. Just conjure a blanket over us before you come. I mean, this is only if they find us... and get through your traps and spells and break through two reinforced walls."

"We can never be too prepared," she replied, and Ron shook his head. "Alright, we'll come back in in a few days, okay?"

"Thanks guys... I appreciate it... really," Harry said.

"It's not a problem. We don't want you guys to feel like you have to take this on alone."

"But it's not just one time. It's every full moon... until when? Until they catch us?" Draco growled, got up and went upstairs.

"Draco?" Harry called, but he didn't come back. "Sorry... he's worried."

"We understand. We don't mind helping out, but he has a point," Ron muttered.

"That we can't hold them off forever? Yeah... but there's not much we can do now. I thought... I thought that me being a full werewolf might help. I can fight them off."

"You have no idea how to fight as a wolf."

"Yeah... I better bulk up, though. Those wolves weren't well fed."

"I send you some muscle growth and nutrient potions," Hermione said, actually agreeing with him.

"Thanks... and thanks for coming," Harry said, and they said their goodbyes as they flooed home. Harry walked upstairs, tracking Draco to his room. He was in bed facing the opposite wall.

Draco hadn't entered Harry's room since the last full moon, and Harry moved his wardrobe back into the room. Draco hadn't slept without him, though. Every night, Harry came to his bed, made sure that Draco was okay with it and crawled in. Draco didn't move over to his spot, anymore either, but did allow Harry to hold him and pet his bitemark.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, easing closer.

"I didn't like when you were risking your life for me. Now, Granger and Weasley have to, too," Draco muttered. Draco's concern for Ron and Hermione surprised Harry.

"We were making it safe."

"Eventually, they will break through."

"Maybe they will, but we aren't there, yet," Harry said, coming closer. Draco smelled agitated.

"What happens when...."

"We will deal with it. I said that I wouldn't make plans to confront them... but as a full werewolf, I can do damage to them, too."

Draco smelled sad, worried... maybe vulnerable. Harry stepped closer. He wanted to rub against Draco to protect him with his scent, but he restrained himself. He offered his arms, and Draco slowly came into him. Harry gently hugged him and whispered reassurances. He wished he could do more, but Draco was not relaxing. He tentatively brought his hand up to Draco's bitemark and, when Draco didn't argue it, he gently stroked his bitemark. Draco relaxed and almost purred with relief.

Harry brought his hand up to Draco's head and tinted it toward him. He carefully stared into Draco's eyes, trying to tell him that everything would be alright. He could only hope the fears that Draco has don't come true.

Alright, so I kinda time-jumped these last few trying to get out of the downturn quicker. First full moon for Harry is coming... what's going to happen?