Choices Without Regrets

Chapter XIV: Shocking Talks and News

Harry's gaze was reminiscent while he smiled with a sad happiness, "He tried; in vain, to get me to submit to him willingly of my own accord and to become his mate. I outright refused; several times. It annoyed him and likely angered him; until I contacted Tom mentally and got him to help me. Fenrir was angry at being denied and lashed out until he realized who he had lashed out at."

"Tom then separated Fenrir and I; to cool off. I had a bit of a minor breakdown once the shock wore off."

Harry sighed tiredly, "Ever since then, my continual refusals to accept Fenrir as a mate, and to acknowledge him as such has gradually worn on his wolf-side for some reason. And now, his mentality wanes with each week as his emotions and actions towards me become more desperately possessive, jealous and such; Tom and I are at a loss as to what to do."

Remus considered this and then rose a brow as he pondered something and Harry saw his thoughts practically turning like gears.

"I have an idea of what it may be, but it's highly unusual and very unlikely. I do not yet wish to say what I think it is. I need a few days to gather some of my books to research this. Just know that if this is what I believe it to be; it is exceedingly rare." He told Harry softly, "It might also explain some of Fenrir's viciousness over the years; though it is no excuse for it."

Remus sighed, "I will try to put the past where it belongs and to cooperate with whomever I will need to; even Greyback when the time comes. I want this opportunity for peace as much as all the others; I just have my own demons as we all do, in what we need to work in ourselves to make it possible."

Harry nodded and then Remus smirked at him, "Now, want to tell me why you smell like baby powder?"

Harry grinned before he smirked back, "I will tell you; but depending on whether or not you can keep a secret; I might not tell the truth."

Remus's grin was absolutely wolfish now as his eyes gleamed, "I can keep your secrets, Harry. I know I need to do better than I did before, and I want to try."

Harry nodded as he steepled his fingers momentarily to his chair before he smiled softer, "Nagini wanted to be buried at the place Tom found her. That meant going to the place he was born and reared in; the orphanage that was his place of residence outside of Hogwarts. A place of no comfort to him."

Harry eyed the fireplace, "We never expected to run into anyone there that would have recognized him; if only because he looks so much younger than he really is and there's not... a lot of people from his generation that are alive in the muggle world. Yet, we had. She grew up in the same orphanage at the same time, and she had all manner of questions. Some we answered and others we had to modify to answer. But the place is now much different from what he knew, and we never expected to find a baby there with magic.

One who was ill and needed magical medical care."

Remus breathed to this, "So you both adopted the child and brought it here? He agreed to this? He actually agreed and let you do this? Because I swear to Merlin that it almost had to be something you wanted more."

Harry smiled wider, "I disagree. I think him seeing me holding it and doing what I could for it started the process; he was was wary and unsure. Not really knowing if he was parent material after his lack of parental guidance or ready for this...change. However, I made some rather pointed remarks and he conceded to them. Then, I think Tom fell in love again as soon as held the child. Which makes me wonder what he'll be like once we have one of our own; because it will happen eventually, just not too soon due to this new war."

Remus smiled now, "I see. Parenthood tends to change everyone in some manner; not always for the good reasons. Some people are more suited to it than others, and I am happy that you are finally getting to experience happiness and to settle with your life.