Harry was enjoying looking at the new brooms and other equipment at Quality Quidditch Supplies. He'd just bought a personal Snitch of his own. Unlike a game Snitch, this one could be released so it would not go beyond a set distance from the owner. Sirius mentioned James having one and it drove Snape crazy. Harry reckoned on keeping up the family tradition. He also looked at the new Nimbus 2100 line that was targeting the high-end market held by Firebolt. It was a sweet broom but he was hesitant because of the rumours of the new Thunderbolt broom coming in the spring. In the end he decided to stick with his Firebolt.
As he was paying for his Snitch, Harry glanced out the window to where Remus was waiting. It was then he noticed a woman and three men approaching his honorary 'uncle'. Something in their manner brought up the Beast's hackles. Harry absently picked up his purchase and made for the door.
Remus was enjoying the unusually warm and clear London July day. Harry deserved the day out after the rubbish coming out of the Ministry and with tomorrow's Wizengamot meeting. Remus wanted to check out the latest Defence books that had arrived at Flourish and Blotts anyway so it was not a problem for him. Remus was never a Quidditch fanatic so he was happy to have Harry inside browsing while he enjoyed the warm sun. Remus was watching the passing shoppers for signs of known Death Eaters or their sympathizers when he spotted her.
"Charisa," he said in greeting.
"Lupin," she replied.
"It's been a while."
"Six years," the woman agreed. "Since the last time you deigned to visit our pack. But you managed to become a Hogwarts professor - at least until your true nature came out."
Remus considered the woman. Charisa became a werewolf at fifteen and was shortly thereafter thrown out of her parents' house. The teenage witch had been a Hufflepuff at Hogwarts and had just finished her OWLS when her life changed. She was taken into a pack shortly thereafter and developed hatred towards the 'normals' for the rejection of her friends and family after her infection. She'd been shocked to learn the older Gryffindor that had just finished Hogwarts had been a werewolf his entire time at Hogwarts. Remus suggested she talk to Dumbledore about completing her schooling but she declined. The packs were leaning toward the Dark Lord and she refused to turn her back on the only ones to take her in and help. Besides, unlike Remus, her family made her infection public and even Dumbledore couldn't get a known werewolf included in the student body.
The last Remus had seen the woman she'd become the second to the Alpha Female of the Welsh pack. One of the five Packs of Albion, the Glyndwr pack claimed the forests of Wales as their hunting grounds. It was the largest pack and only Fenrir Greyback's pack in northern England had more sway across all the packs of Britain and Ireland.
"And to what do I owe this honour of you and your friends visit?" Remus asked as he indicated the three male werewolves with a nod.
"A fortuitous event," Charisa answered. "The community needed some potions supplies and I had little choice but to come here." Remus could hear the disgust in her voice at the thought of mingling with 'normal' witches and wizards. "But when I saw you I wanted to pass on word. There is to be a Gathering. Greyback seeks to unite the packs under his leadership once again. But you know the Pack Laws - everyone will have a voice and anyone that does not attend will be exempt from the Pack Law until the next Gathering. You must attend… and bring your new cub with you."
Remus froze. "Excuse me?" He could feel Moony trying to come out two weeks before the full moon but still wanting to protect his pack.
Charisa seemed to realize just how much she'd provoked her fellow werewolf by the sudden wariness in her eyes. "I've heard what the official story is but some of Greyback's pack are friendly to some of the Death Eaters that were in that graveyard. They swear Potter was the creature that attacked them. You know even a hint that that is true would excite the packs. If it is true and he is not there you know what that could mean." Remus winced as his mind started running through the possible ramifications.
"Is there a problem here, Remus?" Harry asked from behind the older wizard.
"All's fine for now," Remus replied.
"Mr Potter, may I say this is an honour to meet you?" Charisa said with a small head bow of respect. Her werewolf escorts shifted uncomfortably on their feet as they looked at the teenager.
"Ma'am," Harry responded with his own smaller nod.
The female werewolf looked back at Remus. "I hope to see you there, Lupin." A small, flirtatious smile crossed her lips. "Maybe we will have the opportunity to discuss old times." Without another word she turned and continued down the alley, her escorts taking positions to her rear and flanks without a word.
"Remus?" Harry asked.
"Not now, Harry. We'll talk when we get home. Let's finish up and get back
"Sirius! Get down her NOW!" Remus roared as he entered the Marauders' house.
"Actually, I am sitting right here," Sirius answered from a nearby couch where he had a series of folders spread out next to him.
"We have trouble. The Packs know about Harry," the werewolf Marauder said shortly.
"And what does that mean, Remus?" Harry demanded now. "You said you'd explain when we got here so explain."
Remus turned from where Sirius was looking both shocked and angry to the only son of the Marauders. He let out a sigh and gestured at a nearby chair. "Sit down, Harry. This may take some time."
"Do you know how many werewolves there are in the UK?" Remus asked.
Harry looked a bit perplexed. "Well, the reading Snape had us do suggested 50-60 at any given time." Remus nodded at that.
...
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