Forbidden Forest - 30 Minutes before February Full Moon

"You know, you guys really don't have to come along. I'm sure everything will be fine. You'll probably be more comfortable sleeping in bed anyway. Yeah I'll just see you two at breakfast."

Amou's hurried speech did not sway the two Ravenclaws from his side. They would be there for their friend, and his nerves would not stop them.

Miakoda simply did not want the full moon to separate them if it wasn't necessary. Harry felt like he was carrying on a family tradition but more somehow. As he transformed at the wards' borders, he just knew that the day was approaching when /not/ spending the moon as a wolf would feel unnatural. Hearing the howl that signaled Amou's completed transformation, he looked to Miakoda. The two cautiously entered the boundary line and got into position. Harry went through the checklist:
1. Lie low, belly touching the ground check
2. Look down check
3. Fur lying flat in submission che-not check.
Every instinct in Harry, both as a wolf and as a warrior, announced the arrival of a predator, of Amou.

It's Amou, my friend, friend/span Harry chanted in his head, focusing on that one thought to calm himself. He abruptly found himself respecting his dad a lot more for being able to run with his friends as a stag.

Harry could see Amou's large paws in front of him, hear the quiet panting of his breath. The wolf pressed forward, nudging him to his paws. Amou began to rub their necks together, marking him as pack in the primal way of packs everywhere. When Amou turned to Miakoda, the marking took a slightly different form as the two lightly nipped at each other, not drawing blood but stating that they 'belonged' to each other.

Eventually, formalities were concluded, and what followed was a long night of games. The three chased each other in a wolvish form of tag; Harry eventually gave in to his (slightly) childish desire and dragged a large stick to the others for a game of tug-o-war. When the stick broke under the strain, he went to bury the largest part. Some part of Harry felt like he should be ashamed or embarrassed by his behavior, but neither Amou nor Miakoda seemed to be judging him. After hours of play, Amou walked along the edge of the clearing, checking on the security of his new territory. Afterwards, the three wolves curled up in a pile for a few hours' rest, sharing body heat. Just before moonset, Amou and Harry entered the cave with Amou's clothes. The only injuries were bruises from tag and hickeys on the lovebirds. The three tiredly made their way back to the castle grinning all the while.

-DE-

Full moons at Hogwarts were no longer something to be endured. Amou and Miakoda became ever closer. Amou began to include Harry in certain actions, showing him how to assess the borders for security and having him 'herd' himself and Miakoda into the caves. The two began to have mock battles, something the wards permitted only because neither wolf's emotions displayed anger or fear. Amou was embarrassed to learn of the lessons and distraught at the minor scratches and injuries that often resulted, but Harry took it in stride. Harry did not know what Amou's wolf seemed to be training him for, but the training reminded him of his lessons with the goblins - with different weaponry of course.

-DE-

Harry Potter's first year flew by. He had made friends and acquaintances, experienced victory both on and off the battlefield. Next year could prove to be even better. A week before summer break, Harry met with some of those who had been most involved with Hogwarts' updates.

"It seems clear to me that, given sufficient space and the right environment for the pack, the full moon has the potential to be fairly peaceful. There are ways to transform basements and the like into an environment much like we have in the Forest." Harry began.

"No one likes to receive charity though. How would we convince the alphas to go along with the placement of such a thing in their homes?" Percy Weasley pointed out. While the Weasleys were not able to financially contribute to the cause in question, they had become exceedingly loyal and vocal about lycan rights.

"It needn't be a handout per se. I've heard that a push has been made in the Wizengamot to force lycans to register with groups that oversee their safety and protection," Draco Malfoy began.

"So we offer the service through one of these places?" Hermione Granger asked.

"No, Granger. Unfortunately, most of these groups do much more harm than good. They attempt to separate packs and oversee invasive inspections for the flimsiest of reasons. Not to mention, the fees to join them are outrageous. What I propose is creating a new organization, one that will treat lycans with dignity and provide services that can actually benefit its members. A handout would be treated with suspicion, but perhaps services that come as part of membership to the only reasonably priced group out there would be permitted." Draco explained.

By the time Amou and Miakoda were wed in early July, WOLFHANDS was up and running with Beowulf's pack as the first to sign up.