Star: Holy Hogwarts I've been gone for a minute! I am so very sorry. I want to say this will not happen again but my muse hates me so...I will try to cage her for longer periods of time. However, I am working on writing several things so that is a good sign! Anyway, please do not maim or kill me. I did not mean to be gone for so long and leave you all wondering about the future of this story and others. So without further ado, the next chapter! Onward Defrosted Tuna Team!

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Harry or the world in which he lives. It is but a wistful dream of this author.

Chapter Four - Sirius

"Good afternoon everyone. I'm Sirius." The group of black-banded werewolves were sitting in a circle in one of the common areas. Sirius could see their nervousness in everything from their fidgety frames to their closed off stances. It was going to take some time to build the trust.

"I'm going to be heading up the BB groups from now on, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I'll be leaving Sundays open for private chats if you want to come and talk with me one on one. But before we get any farther I wanted to open the floor for any questions you may have for me. I know this is a big thing to change given the intimacy of this group and what is discussed here so if you have any questions or concerns feel free to ask them. I will try to answer them as best I can." A few of the wolves looked around before an elder man spoke.

"Why did you come here?"

"Because I want to help. Wolves are excessively mistreated and undervalued in almost every aspect of society. I want to shed a light on that. I wanted to help you in any way possible, the heads of the Institute thought this was a good way to start, and I agree." The blonde girl next to the old man leaned forward.

"But why? Why help us at all? What do you have to gain?" Sirius leaned forward to look her in the eyes.

"I have nothing to gain. I help because it's the right thing to do."

"So this isn't personal for you?" A dark haired guy on his right asked. He looked about Sirius' age but pretty skeptical. Sirius knew that his reasons would come out eventually but he didn't figure they would ask so soon. Sighing he looked down at his string finger.

"It's very personal to me actually. See, the reason they wanted me to work here with you is because I understand what it's like to lose that other half of you. My string turned black a few years ago...before that it was a life line. I would cast the spell to see it all the time, just to feel the string. To feel the heart of my soul mate beating through it and know that out in the world somewhere, my true love was waiting for me."

"Did you ever meet them?" A small girl of about 12 asked. Sirius shook his head.

"No. I never got the chance. I wanted to though, more than anything. I would sit and stare at that dark red string for hours some nights and imagine what he was like." The wolves looked startled by Sirius' comment.

"You were the mate of a werewolf?" The dark haired guy asked. Sirius nodded in answer.

"I researched all I could on werewolves because I wanted to help and after I lost my connection to my soul mate I went into Werewolf Rights. If I can make your lives better or give you back freedoms that are rightfully yours then maybe, I can do my mate proud." The old man looked around and nodded to the other wolves.

"Son, I think you've already done him proud, just by being you. My name's Aldrich and if you'll allow, I think I'd like to share first." Sirius smiled and nodded his head, giving the graying wolf the floor to speak.

It was a few weeks later that Sirius found himself eating lunch with Myra. She was talking about how the wolves in his group really seemed to have taken a liking to him and started to open up.

"It's almost like you're one of them, like they see you as part of their pack."

"Well I'm being invited into the most intimate part of their personal lives. You'd have to have a strong amount of trust for that." Sirius stated as he popped a cherry tomato into his mouth.

"I know that but it's going better than even I expected. Really Sirius, you are a miracle worker." The Black shook his head.

"No, just experienced. That and I know how it feels..." Myra looked at Sirius for a moment before cocking her head to the side in thought.

"Maybe you should talk to somebody too Sirius. The group is there for a reason. You should share. It might help."

"I'm alright Myra. I promise. By the way, do you know when my roommate is supposed to come back or am I getting a new one?"

"He said he would be back. We keep the bed saved for him just in case. You would like him. Hopefully he'll come back."

That night Sirius laid down in the bed and fell asleep almost instantly. It wasn't long after that he started to hear the heartbeat he had sorely missed. His mate's heartbeat. He knew that strong drum. There was no light and no sound other than the heartbeat but Sirius could feel a presence near him. If he could just reach out-

The alarm went off, waking him from sleep. Sighing, Sirius turned over onto his back. What had that dream been? Was it simply because he missed his string so badly or was there more to it?

The days continued to pass easily for Sirius and with each day he searched more for the answer to the now frequent dreams. It had taken him the better part of the month to look through most of the books the Institute had on dreams and so far nothing had come up. There were only five books left but Sirius was quickly losing hope of finding an answer. One of the younger wolves found him in the same spot hours later.

"Sirius?" The soft voice drew him away from his reading on shared dreams. The small blonde girl was looking at him with owlish yellow eyes. Quickly the man looked out the window. Moon-rise would be in a few hours.

"I must have lost track of time..."

"Is it ok to talk for a bit? I know I'm not in your group and I didn't schedule an appointment but the others say you're really good." Sirius smiled softly at the girl and nodded.

"Sure, what's on your mind kiddo?"

"Well, I found my mate today."

"That's great! Congratulations. It's not common for someone to find their mate so young."

"That's what Aldrich said too. Twelve is barely old enough to cast the spell for the string, but he's human. I don't want to hurt him." Oh, well that did complicate things a little.

"That's understandable. Is he magical or muggle?" The girl shrugged.

"I don't know. I haven't had the courage to ask...I think he's a muggle though."

"I see. Do you know anything about him yet?" Fluffy blonde hair swayed as the girl shook her head.

"Just that he's my mate and not a wolf."

"Well, then I would say there is plenty of time. The strings lead us to the person we are meant for most. They show us the soul who will understand, care for, and love us no matter what. This boy, whoever he may be, will accept your condition. He will love you regardless."

"But how could you know that?" There were tears in the girl's eyes as she spoke. It was a hard thought to process for many werewolves. Sirius had seen that first hand with several wolves.

"Because my entire family hates werewolves...I did too once upon a time. Then I found out that the other end of my string was a werewolf. I began to look into the life of wolves and found that my view, my hate filled thoughts, weren't true. I had changed because of the condition my mate had. I still loved him very much. This boy will accept you too in time. Just have a little faith, and perhaps, start with a hello. Love is grown, it's rarely instantaneous." The girl smiled and wiped her eyes. The others had been right. Sirius was good at what he did.

"Now, I believe it's getting close to moon-rise. Get somewhere safe kiddo."

"You too, and thank you Sirius. For listening." The grey-eyed man smiled as he walked the small wolf out of the library.

"Anytime kiddo." As the moon rose in the sky Sirius heard the howls all around him. The Black curled up on his bed, allowing his body to shift. He never could stay human during the full moon anymore. Not since he learned how. Sirius laid on his bed, though he knew sleep would not come. Instead he listened to the sounds of the pack around him and allowed his mind to wander to his mate. Where was he? Was he ok? Was he somewhere safe? Did he have a pack around him or was he alone? The same questions plagued his mind every full moon and the animagus doubted they would ever stop until he found his mate.

Morning was met with an eerie calm. Sirius knew the wolves were worn out. He couldn't blame them. The moment he knew they were human again he ventured out. The wolves were surprised to find him helping the med witches. Aldrich smiled at him as Sirius carefully wrapped his arm after applying essence of dittany.

"You're very good at this."

"Well I wanted to be able to treat my mate after the full moons. I wanted him to be able to depend on me."

"I'm sure he would have. Perhaps you could have saved him if you had met sooner." Sirius looked up at the elder wolf in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Aldrich smiled softly at the young man.

"Most wolves die from the full moon due to being unable to get proper care after they change back. I assumed that's what happened to your mate." Could that have really happened to him? Sirius prayed not. He wanted to keep the faith that the other end of his string was still out there somewhere.

"N-no…That's not why."

"What is it my boy?" Aldrich could see the change in Sirius. Something was bothering him.

"It's nothing."

"Sirius." Aldrich laid his good hand on the man's arm, causing him to look at him. "You don't have to lie to me."

"It's complicated Aldrich. I will tell you one day, I swear, but for today allow me this lie. Please?" After a moment Sirius saw him nod. He quietly finished bandaging the man's arm before moving on to the next wolf that needed help.

"Today I want to focus on something a little different. I know the pain is hard to get passed when thinking of your lost mate but I want you to remember the good times. Bring back a bit of that happiness you had when you had them. I want you to talk about the first time you met your mate. Or if you were unable to meet them, the first time you remember seeing your string and feeling their heart in the thread." The wolves were really opening up during group and now that more trust had been built, Sirius could see the changes in his group members. Many were starting to smile more and come out of their shells. They were more willing to talk and share their stories with Sirius. It probably helped that he shared his own too.

"I'll go first today Sirius." One of the female wolves in his group, Calliope, stood up.

"We're ready to listen."

"I met my mate when I was 19. I had gotten loose from my confinement on the full moon and had run into a village of people. I don't remember it but thankfully someone was able to stop me before I hurt anyone. I was being held by Greek Magical Law Enforcement. They were waiting for orders. The man guarding me had refused leave his post at my door the entire time we waited. I was told he was the one that stopped me." The brunette paused, smiling to herself.

"His name was Luka and he found me because he had been following his string. He didn't know that the dark red meant I was a wolf but he didn't care. I was eventually cleared of charges of endangerment with the agreement that I would come here to Rome. Luka never left my side during the whole ordeal. He was the one to escort me here and he stayed with me until he died trying to save a group of children caught in a fire…he was a good man." Calliope sat back down as another girl next to her hugged her.

"Thank you for sharing Calliope. Anyone else want to share?" The group continued with many of them sharing their stories. Sirius even shared his own of the night his mate became a wolf.

The days grew shorter as Christmas approached and then began to lengthen once more as the new year came. Winter was coming to an end when Sirius was approached by Myra.

"Is my roommate coming back?"

"Not just yet. He's helping his old headmaster with something and decided to stay for a bit longer. I, however, have a proposition for you." Sirius chuckled a little as they began to walk down the hallway.

"Oh do you? How can I be of service?"

"Go back to England." Grey eyes turned to her stunned. They wanted him to leave?

"What?"

"Oh not like that! We love having you here but there's this discussion going on in England about werewolves being able to attend wizarding schools. There are a lot of people there who are opposing the law stating that underage wolves be allowed to train as wizards. At least those that were born wizards. We were hoping you would go and speak on our behalf like you have before. They know you at the British Ministry of Magic. You have some pull there and may be able to secure a lot of wolves' futures."

"So long as proper precautions are in place there is no reason they can't. When is the hearing?"

"Next week. We'll have someone take over your groups while you're gone as well. Please say you'll do it?" Sirius smiled and shook his head at her plea.

"Why would you think I wouldn't. They deserve the right as much as anyone else to attend school. Especially if that school is Hogwarts. Dumbledore is a kind headmaster and a good friend for us to have." Myra cocked her head in confusion.

"I thought you went to Durmstrang."

"I did but I sat my NEWTs at Hogwarts and had the pleasure of meeting Dumbledore. He'll be on our side. I'll start packing and let my group know at the next meeting."

"Thank you Sirius! You really are amazing." The man grinned at her.

"Thank me when we've won. The only downside to this is going to London in March. I was happy having warmer weather." The pair laughed as they headed off to dinner. Sirius's last day before leaving had the little girl he met in the library coming to see him.

"Sirius?"

"Yes? Oh, hey little wolf. How are you?" The girl smiled at him as she swung her arms.

"Good. I talked to my mate."

"That's wonderful! Is he a muggle like you thought?" The girl shook her head.

"He's a wizard but his parents are humans. He's really nice. His name is Alex." Sirius smiled as he closed the suitcase he had been packing.

"Short for Alexander I'm sure." The girl shrugged.

"He's Roman."

"You know I've always found it funny that Italians don't usually call themselves Italians. They're Roman or Venetian. Maybe that's just in the wizarding world though."

"You call yourself a Londoner and not English." The Black stopped for a moment to look at the young wolf.

"Huh, I do. Perhaps it's just pride of where one lives that does it. Did you want to walk me out?" Sirius smiled as the girl nodded. She was telling him all about meeting her mate and how she hoped he remained just as kind when they were older. Once they were at the entrance she hugged him.

"Thank you for everything Sirius."

"It's no problem little wolf."

"Hey, I just realized I never told you my name." The dark haired wizard just ruffled her hair and smiled.

"I still know it."

"Oh yeah, what is it?" The girl challenged.

"Amelia." The look of shock on her face cause him to laugh.

"How did you know!? Did Myra tell you? She's such a brat!" Sirius waved at her as he left the building.

"See you in a few weeks little wolf." With that the Black was on his way back to England. Back to London and the life he left. The first thing he noted when returning is how lonely the house felt with Alphard gone. It still felt sad sitting in the old house but thinking of the happy memories of his uncle made it hurt less.

The next two days were spent preparing for the hearing. That meant going to talk the headmaster of Hogwarts. He needed to be sure he was on the werewolves' side. The headmaster welcomed him warmly into his office and offered a toffee to him.

"No thank you Professor. I wanted to talk to you about the hearing tomorrow for underage werewolves." The elderly wizard nodded in understanding.

"What is it that you want to discuss?" Sirius figured he had an easier time than if he was dealing with other headmasters but it wouldn't be a cakewalk either.

"I want to know that you would be willing to take in underage werewolves that would've been going to school had they not been bitten and allow them to attend. The castle is huge and there are many places that could house werewolves during the full moons. With the proper wards and measures in place they could attend school safely and get the proper care after the full moons." Dumbledore held up his hand to stop Sirius talking.

"My boy you don't need to convince me."

"But Professor-"

"I am already willing to take in wolves. While it cannot leave this room, I have already done taken a few werewolves over the years." Sirius looked at the headmaster stunned. He had already taken in wolves?

"You've already admitted werewolves? But then you have a proven system of keeping both the student population and the werewolves safe. How many wolves have you had come through?" Dumbledore sat down at his desk and looked at him over his half-moon spectacles.

"In total? Three. The first I'm sad to say died before she could graduate. With the second we created a better environment for the wolf that was also safer for both the students and the boy that was afflicted. The third did just as well as the second. I would be happy to offer a home for more werewolves. However, my concern is for their safety from others. There is many who would wish them harm should they be able to attend with their condition known." Sirius frowned. He didn't want that.

"That would be a problem. What if they still attended in secret? Maybe work their schedules around so they never attend on the full moon? Or something like that?"

"It is a thought. Regardless, I will be on your side when the hearing happens. Every child should have the right to learn." Sirius grinned. Albus Dumbledore was something else.

"I really wish I could've attended here. I think I would have been happy."

"I think if you had, you may have found exactly what you were looking for." Sirius smiled. He definitely would've been happy here.

"Thank you Professor. Will you be attending the hearing?"

"Of course. I would not miss such an important meeting. I will see you then Sirius." The old wizard shook his hand before allowing him to use the Floo home. Sirius could not wait for the hearing. Dumbledore had done much more for werewolves than he had realized. He was absolutely a great ally to have.

The Ministry was abuzz with people as the hearing loomed. Sirius could feel the jitteriness of the crowd as everyone filed into the room. He looked to the people speaking against werewolves and wasn't surprised to find Lucius Malfoy as the speaker. Of course he would be. He was usually the one speaking out against werewolves. Not that he usually won against Sirius. However, when it came to children the crowd and the deciding officials were already against him. He had to prove that werewolves were as human as the next wizard. Luckily, he knew just how to do that.

"Order! We are hereby starting the hearing for Lycanthrope Rights Coalition vs The Hogwarts Board of Governors for the Educational Decree of werewolves being allowed in attendance at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Mr. Malfoy, you may begin."

Review please my lovelies!
Next chapter has Wolf returning with Remus
See you all again soon~