Just the Beginning

There wasn't a single star in the sky, the moon was hidden behind the clouds, and the sky itself was black. The grounds of Hogwarts should have been quiet and dark but instead they were lit up like the Fourth of July. Curses were flying through the air, small fires had started where the flames had fallen from sconces, and bright explosions from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes could be seen every so often.

Shouts could be heard as witches and wizards battled one another. Screams pierced the air as a curse hit home. Howls echoed as werewolves flooded the grounds looking for unworthy victims. Loud bangs and grunts resounded as a dozen trolls thrashed their way forward. Bodies littered the ground, some merely unconscious while others were surrounded by pools of blood and no longer in the land of the living. A few lucky survivors were headed to the Infirmary with the aid of friends. The entire scene was a mass of confusion and no one could tell which side was winning as both had suffered tremendous losses.

Two people stood alone from the turmoil and confusion before them, each the leader of their respective army. Lord Voldemort overlooked the battle below high in the clock tower of Hogwarts. He viewed the scene with an amused expression. Even he was surprised at how easily he had convinced his followers to fight and die in the battle. He occasionally sent a Killing Curse into the crowd, attempting to take out a member from the Light Side. His eyes never stopped searching for the one he sought, though.

Harry Potter stood just inside the Forbidden Forest and stared at the scene in front of him. Sadness and hopelessness were easily seen on his face. He hadn't wanted this. He had tried to get to Voldemort before he started his final attack but had been too late. Now more people were dying and it was his fault. Well, he blamed some of it on his stupid hormones. See, Harry had a secret that he alone knew. Harry was a shifter. He had the ability to turn into a large jungle cat, a jaguar to be specific.

Earlier, Harry had been prowling the grounds in the form of his cat. He was trying to make his way to the castle and his ultimate goal of Voldemort. The sadistic maniac had paused the fight to allow both sides to regroup. He had come across a few straggling Death Eaters and had taken them out easily. His ebony coat with highlights of auburn allowed him to blend into the night. The pads on his feet ensured that he could stalk his prey and be absolutely silent. His powerful back legs made it easy to pounce and his three and a half inch canines pierced his prey's skull with ease.

Harry had been slinking through the bushes when he heard harsh laughter to his right. He stalked forward until he was able to see two bodies before him. He couldn't make out one as they were huddled on the ground, a thick black cloak and hood hiding their entire body from Harry'a view. The other man, Harry knew all too well. It was Fenrir Greyback, the most mortifying of all werewolves. His look of contempt had the hairs on Harry's neck standing straight up. Harry had fought to not let loose a growl when the werewolf brutally kicked the cloaked figure.

"Ha, you aren't so tough are you? Thought you would try and sneak away would you?"

The figure on the ground drew in a ragged breath before replying, "Just go ahead and kill me, dammit."

Greyback laughed again before replying, "Oh no, I have a much worse punishment than that. See I intend to make you like me and then take you for my mate. I will love fucking you senseless until you beg me to stop."

Harry noticed the shudder that traipsed over the battered body. He hunched his shoulders preparing for an attack as Greyback started to move closer. Just as the mad man made to grab the cloak, Harry launched.

The werewolf never even sensed the deadly predator in the bushes until it was too late. Harry had made sure he was down-wind so his scent wouldn't carry. As the cat forced the werewolf to the ground, he instantly went for the kill. His jaws closed around the other man's skull and almost instantly crushed it. In seconds, Greyback was dead with half his brain on the ground beside him.

Harry turned around to peer at the other man and as he took a deep breath, he was hit with the most intoxicating smell. He slowly walked closer to the other man and the smell intensified. It seemed familiar but he couldn't quite place it. It smelled of pine and cinnamon with a hint of peppermint. He had the strangest urge to purr and he wanted to do nothing more than rub all over the man before him.

The figure slowly sat up but his hood still blocked Harry from seeing who it was. He tentatively reached a hand out towards the big cat. Harry quickly butted his head against the hand and felt an electric shock throughout his body.

The man took a deep breath before whispering, "I've been searching for you for a year. I had lost hope of ever finding you, my mate."

Harry pulled back at hearing those words. Again he felt as if the voice was familiar but still couldn't place it. As far as this man being Harry's mate, he couldn't deny the signs his body were giving him. Everything that his parents had said in their letter was happening to him right now. The cat and man continued to stare at each other until a scream penetrated their moment of peace.

Harry jerked away and started to run towards the sounds. The cloaked figure hastily stood up and called after him.

Harry wasn't stopping and sent a mental message to the man, "We will meet again, mate."

Then Harry put all thought of the figure behind him and focused once more on the War at hand. He had rushed ahead to try and save the screaming person but was too late. By the time he arrived, Collin Creevey lay dead and Antonin Dolohov stood over him. Harry's fury clouded his vision as he stared at the man who had not only killed Collin but also his favorite teacher and close friend, Remus Lupin. He dodged a curse that the man sent his way and viciously attacked him. He made sure his death was painful and agonizing.

Harry was about to continue his way to the castle when a cold, snakelike voice resonated through the grounds.

"Harry Potter, you and your friends have fought valiantly tonight but you will not win. I gave you a chance to come to me and yet you stayed away. Now your friends and followers shall pay for your stupidity. Go my Death Eaters, destroy the Light and end this battle."

That's how he found himself on the edge of the Forest and back in his human form. He had made sure a stash of clothes had been handy. Unlike animagi, Harry did not retain his clothes when shifting. He really didn't feel like battling the Dark Lord in the nude so he had made sure he was prepared.

Harry peered towards the castle, his vision superb thanks to his "special" genes. He could just make out a lone figure on the clock tower and knew it was Voldemort. He sorely wished he had his invisibility cloak so he could sneak through the many battles going on but he had given it to Ron. So, Harry did the next best thing. He sent forth bright red sparks into the night sky. He watched the tower and saw Voldemort disappear in a cloud of darkness. He watched as several more clouds formed throughout the battle field. They all came to rest somewhere near the center of the forest and Harry knew what he had to do.

He took one last look at Hogwarts. It had become his home and he didn't want to leave or say goodbye but he had to end this war and his life was but a small price to pay. He could feel his cat prowling beneath the surface of his skin. It was unhappy with Harry's choice but he forced its submission. He squared his shoulders and headed deeper into the forest towards his doom. Minutes later he could hear voices.

"My Lord, how do you know the Potter brat will show up? Those sparks could have come from anyone," Harry recognized the voice of Bellatrix Lestrange. Of course Voldemort would have her here.

Harry listened as others agreed with the insane witch. He was surprised to hear the voice of Lucious Malfoy as one of them. He had thought the eldest Malfoy had fallen out of grace with his vengeful Master.

Before Harry ended his life he had one more thing to do. He slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out Marvolo Gaunt's ring. He flipped it three times and couldn't suppress a sad smile as he looked up. The ghosts of his parents, Remus, and Dumbledore stood before him. His cat was quiet for the first time that night as if it understood the significance of the moment.

"I never wanted any of you to die, I promise that."

His mom was the first to speak, "My son, we are so proud of you and of course you didn't want us to die but that is fate. We all love you very much and can't wait for your journey to be over."

At this his father piped up, "And it is almost over. Soon, very soon it will be nothing more than a memory."

Harry looked at his former Defense teacher and felt tears in his eyes, "Remus, you just had your son and I…"

Remus interjected, "You will tell him all about me to honor my memory and make sure my son knows that I died to try to make the world a better place for him to live in. He still has his mother."

Harry nodded, "Yes but no child should have to grow up without both their parents but I will make sure my godson knows just how brave and great a man his father was."

The man smiled, "That is all I ask. Harry, just so you know, I loved you like a son as well."

Harry felt a lump in his throat, "I know, I loved you too."

Harry turned back to his parents, "Even though I never really knew you guys, I love you with all my heart and I would give anything if I could rewind all of this and be able to grow up as a family. You're always on my mind and in my heart."

James answered, "We have always watched over you and we love you very much Harry. You have made us more proud than we could ever have hoped. We wish we could have been there while you grew up, too."

Lilly spoke up, "Harry, my brave boy, your father and I love you and we would give up our lives a thousand times if it meant you would live. When you have kids of your own, you will understand."

Harry couldn't say anything to his parents' declarations of love and finally turned to the last figure in the circle. It was odd to say but death almost seemed to suit Dumbledore. He seemed happier than Harry could ever remember. Harry thought back to when Dumbledore had told him that death was but the next great adventure. Maybe he was enjoying that adventure, Harry supposed.

` Dumbledore spoke first, "I always knew you could do it, my boy. I regret that I didn't entrust in you more information but I wanted to make sure as few people as possible knew what you were doing. Alas, I knew you would have Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley to help you."

Harry thought of all the things he wanted to say to the wise wizard but he knew deep down that Dumbledore knew how he felt. He also knew that the man was right and the less that had been said, the better.

"Harry, I want you to know that I didn't tell you about my past because it was the one thing I was most ashamed about. I guess I never wanted you to know such a horrible truth about me, I preferred you thought of me in a good way. I was always somewhat selfish in that regard and for that I must apologize. I never meant for you to learn the truth the way you did."

Harry was finally able to let some of the anger he felt towards the old man go. He had needed to hear that confession from Dumbledore more than he had realized. He now understood just how much he had actually looked up to the headmaster. Harry had been so devastated because he had felt like he had been betrayed but he now knew that wasn't the case.

Harry could only nod as he said, "I know sir and I'm sorry for some of the things I've said about you. As usual, I let my temper control me."

Dumbledore smiled, "No problem at all, my boy. And Harry, Miss Granger was completely right when she said I cared for you. I think that's why I told you as little as possible. I hoped the less you knew the less quickly you'd have to grow up."

Harry wiped at his eyes before asking, "You'll stay with me?"

His mom whispered, "Until the very end."

Harry took one last look at the people surrounding him before dropping the ring to the forest floor and quietly moved forward. As he stepped into the small clearing, all heads snapped towards him. He did his best to not fidget, never having enjoyed the attention being on him.

"No Harry, what'r you doing here? Go away Harry, go…"

A flick from Voldemort's wand and Hagrid was immediately silenced. Harry wished he go to his friend and unbind him but that wasn't what he was here for.

Voldemort smirked, "The Boy Who Lived has come to die."

Harry replied, "I might die tonight but so will you. All your tools for immortality are gone. The ring, the diary, the locket, the diadem, the cup, and even your precious snake are all gone. You have no horcruxes left, Tom."

Harry watched as the man's face twisted into a mask of pure hatred. He saw the lips move and heard the words uttered. He could only stare as the green light rushed towards him aiming for his heart. He whispered a final goodbye to all of his loved ones and then closed his eyes ready for death to take him. As the spell hit, he was thrown backwards from the force of it.

The Savior of the Wizarding World was sprawled on the ground and no life seemed to come from his body. Hagrid sobbed as he stared at the dead boy. The Death Eaters cheered and even Voldemort couldn't help but smile. He still wasn't so stupid as to not make sure his enemy was dead.

"Narcissa, check and see if the brat is dead and be quick with it."

Mrs. Malfoy hurried over to the body on the ground making sure she blocked as much of Harry as possible. She gently brushed her hand through his hair before bending over and placing her mouth to his ear.

In the quietest of whispers, "Is Draco alive?"

Harry had known from the moment the curse had hit him that he wasn't dead. He had never prayed so hard that no one was sent to check on him but his luck had run dry years ago. When he had heard Narcissa's name, he had lost all hope but now he quickly regained it.

In the same low whisper he answered, "Yes."

Harry didn't know if this was the truth as the last time he had seen Draco was when Ron and he were running through the castle under the invisibility cloak. Ron had punched Malfoy in the face but the git had still been breathing. He didn't dare tell Narcissa that he didn't know or else she told the Dark Lord that he wasn't really dead. With a whoosh of her skirts, Narcissa Malfoy stood and approached Voldemort.

She stopped a mere foot from him and uttered, "He is dead."

Harry couldn't see anything but he heard Voldemort say, "At last. Go my followers, finish this War. They will stand no chance now that their Savior is dead."

Soon the clearing was empty except for Hagrid, Voldemort, and Harry. The Dark Lord walked over towards the body. Just before he reached him, Harry jumped up and spun around, his borrowed wand pointed at Voldemort.

A look of astonishment crossed the Dark lord's face, "What is this trickery? You are supposed to be dead."

Harry shrugged, "Didn't you ever hear Tom, a cat has nine lives. I've only used two or three."

With that Harry shifted and leapt at the man before him. Voldemort was so stunned that he didn't even have a chance to defend himself. Harry's claws sunk deep and his teeth tore through bone and muscle. He made sure the man died a slow and horrible death. He disemboweled the dark wizard and watched as his blood gushed from the wound. Voldemort's wand laid three feet away, no use to him now. He met the cat's eyes, full of fury, before the teeth descended and crushed his skull into hundreds of fragments. The cat held this position until it felt the last breath rattle from the mutilated body. With that it dropped the body to the ground.

Harry shook himself, droplets of blood flying from his coat. He grimaced at the taste of evil and corruption still in his mouth. He spun around when he heard noise. With the high of the kill still flowing through his body, Harry had forgotten all about Hagrid.

Hagrid's face was dirty and tear trails could clearly be seen. His hair and beard were singed in several places. One eye was black and blue and forced shut. Small cuts covered his face and yet he was smiling.

"Harry, ya did it. Ya killed him. I will say I'm surprised at how but as long as he's dead, that's all that matters. Now would ya mind untyin me?"

Harry was thankful for the ability to communicate telepathically when he was in his cat form, it made some things so easy.

"I can try Hagrid but I don't know how well I can untie knots in this form. I would shift back but I don't get my clothes back like animagi so I'd be stark naked."

Harry would have laughed at the blush that crept into the half-giant's cheeks at that statement if he had been human. He just shook his head and set to work trying to undo the knots. He found they were loose enough that he was able to chew them until they were frayed enough for Hagrid to break them. Hagrid regained his feet and stretched. He then took his coat off and laid it atop Harry's body.

He smiled at the confused look, "Now you can shift back. That coat is plenty big enough."

Harry ducked his head in gratitude. He asked his cat to retreat back inside and let his human side take over. The cat was tired and slipped away without argument for which Harry was glad. Sometime the animal was stubborn and Harry would have to fight for his human body back.

"Thanks for that Hagrid, I owe you one."

Harry walked over and picked up the wand of Voldemort. He now held the Death Stick in his hands. He knew all the things he could do with the wand but he only had one in mind. He reached into the mole skin pouch around his neck and pulled out his broken wand. He placed it on the ground and then pointed the Elder Wand at it and said, "Reparo." Harry was overjoyed as his wand sealed back together. As he picked it up, he felt a tingling throughout his body and knew the spell had worked. He pointed his wand at the coat he wore and whispered another spell. The coat instantly shrunk. Harry was just glad it reached past his knees.

He faced Hargid once more, "C'mon Hagrid lets go see how the rest of the battle goes."

Harry placed both Voldemort's wand and the borrowed wand into the moleskin pouch while keeping a firm grip on his beloved holly wand. He and Hagrid were able to move through the Forest with ease. It seemed all its inhabitants had either joined the fight or retreated deep into its depths. Harry rushed ahead as the castle lights came into view. He was prepared to join the fight once again.

It turned out that the battle was over. When Voldemort had died, his Death Eaters became incredibly weak. Without their masters magic helping them, they were easily defeated. Members of the Ministry swarmed the grounds scourging for any Death Eater that they might have missed.

Harry and Hagrid made their way to the entrance. The magnificent double doors were completely gone. They had been blasted to smithereens it seemed. As soon as the two men started to walk up the steps, they were joined by a group of people. Hermione flung her arms around Harry. Her hold was so tight, she was practically strangling him. Ron moved beside his friend and patted him on the back, a broad smile on his face.

Harry managed to gasp out, "I can't breathe Hermione."

Instantly she removed her arms and sweet oxygen rushed into the brunet's lungs. He looked at the rest of his friends and was glad that they weren't too battered and bruised. Neville had a nasty cut on his forehead and Luna's arm was bandaged but both were smiling. Fred and George wore identical grim expressions and only had a few scrapes a piece.

They all gathered for a big group hug before entering the castle. They headed to the Great Hall and Harry was unprepared for what he saw. He could feel tears in his eyes as he saw Fred, George, Ron and Hermione head over to what was left of the Weasley family. Percy and Ginny had been killed during the battle. They lay on the ground as if sleeping. Harry walked over and looked at his ex-girlfriend. He was deeply devastated at seeing her dead but his heart didn't shatter. He realized that while he loved Ginny like a sister, he had never actually been in love with her. He whispered, "I'm sorry" under his breath before moving away to give the family alone time.

He headed over to Tonks who was sobbing into the shoulder of Minerva McGonagall. They sat on a bench beside the body of Remus. Harry placed his hand gently on her shoulder. She looked at him with tear filled eyes before pulling him into a hug. They didn't say a word but then again they didn't need to. Harry could feel his own tears mixing with Tonks and for the first time in his life, Harry grieved for everything he had lost. He cried for his parents, for his friends, his family, his childhood, he cried at the unfairness of life and all the pain he had been caused, and he even cried for the hundreds of thousands of people who had died because of Voldemort.

After what seemed like hours, Harry pulled away. He had to leave the Hall. The stench of death and sadness were overwhelming and it was driving his cat crazy. He needed fresh air to clear his head and grieve more on his own. He hurriedly headed back outside and almost ran into Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Harry, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you. What happened to you? I saw Voldemort and his Death Eaters disappear in the forest but I never could find you. I'm assuming the man is dead but how?"

Harry sighed and tried to think of a way to explain the mutilated corpse in the forest but his tired brain just couldn't come up with anything. He resigned himself to the fact that he was going to have to tell Kingsley his secret. He knew he could trust the dark skinned wizard and he respected him greatly.

Rubbing his hand through his hair, "Kingsley I need you to follow me. I have to show you something and you're the only person I trust. I have been keeping something a secret for a while now but I don't have any way to keep it that way."

The elder wizard gave Harry a very skeptical look but nodded his head and followed into the forest. Along the way, Harry learned that Molly had killed Bellatrix. Molly had lost it after the evil witch had killed both Percy and Ginny. Harry hoped that Molly had gotten the justice she sought.

Soon enough, the two wizards arrived in the clearing where Voldemort had uttered his last words. Kingsley's eyes widened in shock at seeing the body. He walked over and just stared at it for seconds before turning to Harry.

His eyes locked with the brunets before saying, "No spell did this did it?"

Harry's shoulders sagged, "No it didn't. I can assure you that. Voldemort died at my own hand…. Or should I saw claw."

Kingsley's confused expression turned into embarrassed as Harry stripped. Harry then let his cat loose. The darker skinned wizard didn't even flinch at seeing the boy turn into a giant feline. As he looked, the cat sat on his haunches and just stared.

In his head Kingsley heard, "Now you know my deepest secret. You're the only other person who knows what I am. This is how I killed Voldemort. I need your help Kingsley. I need to keep my secret at all costs, not even Ron and Hermione know."

Kingsley replied, "I can understand why you would want to keep this secret. Most of the Wizarding community is highly distrustful of shifters. Yes I know of your kind. You're the second one I've met and I will keep her secret and now your secret until the day I die."

Harry nodded his head, "Thank you, my friend. I don't know how I could even begin to explain this."

The older wizard was silent for a lengthy pause before saying, "I think the best solution is to just burn the body. There would be no evidence left of what happened. It is the only full proof way, I think."

Harry thought this over and analyzed every piece of the puzzle. He thought Hermione would be proud. He wasn't able to find any outstanding flaws and so he consented to the plan.

Kingsley pulled his wand out and pointed it at the body. He shouted Incendio and the body burst into bright blue flames. Pungent smoke filled the clearing and both its occupants gagged at the smell. During the burning, Harry once more shifted into his human form and donned the coat. He moved to stand beside Kingsley and together they watched as the Dark Lord burned into oblivion. They stood there until the flames flickered and then disappeared. Nothing but a pile of ash remained.

Kingsley spoke first, "He is gone. May the world be at peace."

The brunet gave a hollow laugh, "Here, here."

Kingsley turned towards Harry, "You know I can transform that jacket into decent clothes if you want."
Harry smiled, "That would be much appreciated."

With a wave of the wand, the coat turned into a pair of trousers and a shirt. Harry was glad to be wearing pants again. He wasn't very fond of nothing covering his private parts and such. He didn't understand why girls liked to where dresses so much.

He locked eyes with the other wizard, "Thank you and I don't mean just the clothes."

Shacklebolt placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "You're welcome. Your secret is safe with me. I promise. Now I must return back to the castle. Lots of untidy business to take care of."

With that he left Harry standing all alone. Harry stood there and just soaked up the peace and comfort of the Forest around him. Now that he was a shifter, he didn't find the Forest as dark or scary as before. Now it was just a place teeming with life of all sorts and he felt a part of it. Even now, he could heart crickets chirping. Life was slowly returning. He caught the faint scent of a unicorn and couldn't help but feel nostalgic. The first time he had met Voldemort had been in the Forest. How fitting that it was also the last place he met him?

Feeling better, Harry once more headed to the castle. He walked into the Great Hall but this time wasn't as overwhelmed knowing what to expect. He was surprised to see the four house tables set up. Piles of rubble lined one wall and the covered forms of bodies lined the other. A quiet murmur filled the air. Harry was fondly shocked to see people from all the houses mixing with each other. Maybe they wouldn't be divided any longer.

He scanned the room for a head of red hair and another full of bushy brown. He spotted them sitting at what used to be the Ravenclaw table. He headed over and graciously took a seat beside Ron.

"Where ya been, mate? We looked but you disappeared again."

Harry whispered, "I had to show Kingsley something."

Hermione piped up, "What was it Harry?"

Harry hesitated before answering. After keeping his secret for so long, he was adamant about telling anyone but these were his two best friends. The three of them had been through so much together that there really shouldn't be any secrets between them.

Harry slowly said, "It was about Voldemort. Before you ask further, we need to be in private for me to tell you the rest. Right now, I think I'm gonna disappear again and go get some sleep. I'm absolutely exhausted. I'm going to head to the dormitory and maybe have Kreacher bring me a sandwich."

Harry said goodbye to his friends and headed upstairs. As he climbed a staircase, he could smell the faintest hint of pine and peppermint. His brain tried to register it but it had pretty much shut down and refused to function. He just shook his head and proceeded to the Fat Lady's portrait. The picture was empty and the door was wide open. It seemed even the paintings were celebrating. Harry climbed the stair to his dormitory. He flopped into his four poster bed with gratitude. Seconds later he was sound asleep. He didn't even get his sandwich.