Welcome to Harkness [Ralin/Theo]

[Ralin O'Faerlun]

There was a rush of air as a figure zoomed down from the sky, braking suddenly as the ground rushed up, then touching down gently, his toes barely brushing the cobbled steps leading to the door of the Harkness House for Orphaned Children. His trusty broom (named Eos) was hauling more than just the short Irish young man, he'd bewitched his suitcase to hang below it. With his reckless style of flying, Ralin had nearly lost the suitcase in a flock of birds, a train bridge, and a lamp post.

Hopping off his broom and swinging it up to rest against his shoulder, Ralin waved his wand at the suitcase so it followed behind like an obedient puppy.

A feathery object collided with Ralin's face.

"Oy, Spud behave!"

The wee owl hooted indignantly as he scolded the lad, his feathers sticking up all over the place.

"Well I know I was goin' fast. That's th' whole point. Ye kept up just fine."

Spud gave him a dirty look and settled on the tip of the broom sticking over Ralin's shoulder, and set about the business of putting his feathers back in order. Ralin chuckled and walked up to the door, knocking loudly, then stepped back to wait.

[Theo Bowre]

[Continued from Little Steps Amongst Giants...]

The large entrance to Harkness House opened a short spell after Ralin's knock: the carved oak door opened inward, and the space between the orphanage and the outside world was attended by a small house elf, whom assumed the greatest of responsibilities in the manor. His name was Ashwood and he was the Doorman.

"Ralin O'Faerlun." The elf gave a warm welcome. "We are most obliged, young sir. Please come in." Ashwood stood back in to the warm embrace of the orphanage and allowed the young Irishman to step forward with his owl and his luggage. Ashwood noted, with some merriment, that the luggage had had an "obvious journey." He placed a hand on the young man's arm to steady him as a group of young ones ran past.

"You must excuse our happy lot this afternoon. They've been reading about pirates! I fear the stairs have become a mast and the second floor a crow's nest. We may be charged with walking the plank so you'd be best to stick close. Theo's on the third floor." Ashwood pointed up the stairs and followed closely behind Ralin. The staircase was grand in size but modest in design: large tree trunks, free of bark, provided bracing for the stairwells and landings. Upon the main floors sat nooks with bookshelves, perches in front of large picture windows and hiding spaces - many - where some children had decided to build forts. The home was full of activity, but you had to look to find any mess. Small lanterns caused the blanket forts to glow.

"You must excuse Theo if he seems tired. He's just returned from Ireland this morning. Your apartment is here, on the second floor. If you would be so kind as to leave your luggage by the door, I will ensure that it's delivered to your room promptly. We have a full kitchen with after hours service. Miss Moon has already seen to providing cookies for your arrival. We've received word! You've never seen a baker so happy. This way."

The second set of stairs, leading to the third floor, were much smaller in scale. They arched slightly to the right, taking Ashwood and Ralin to the hall that lead to Theo's office and quarters. Large portraits adorned the walls: images of Ralph and Jean Harkness, and the current Minister of Magic, Jack Harkness. The walls were the colour of grey sparrow feathers.

Ashwood's gloved hand turned the tarnished knob of the door. He had chosen not to knock, knowing that Theo trusted the visitor. At first there was silence in the room ahead, then a tired voice said,

"Deletrius."

Ashwood eyed the fire, content with it's melodic crackle, and nodded to Ralin.

"I'll bring you both some tea." Then louder. "Theo?"

"Coming, Ashwood." Theo popped his head around the corner and then smiled when he saw his visitor. He gave a slight wave. "Welcome, lad. Have a seat."

Theo entered the space, sporting casual attire that was quite unlike his tailored suits. He was wearing a light grey t-shirt and black sweatpants. His hair almost stood on end. Theo gave Ashwood his wand.

"Very good, young sir."

"Thank you, Ashwood."

"See you at dinner."

Theo took a seat across from his new assistant and extended his hand.

"You are a sight for sore eyes. Did you survive Davy Jones' locker? I promised the wee ones I'd be their bounty after supper."

[Ralin O'Faerlun]

Ralin followed the house elf through the door and up the stairs, looking around him in happy wonder. This place did not have the feel of a place where young ones were sent when they had no family. No, this place was family. It was a home, and there was a distinct feeling of belonging. He dodged two wee sprouts who were swashbuckling with a cricket bat and an umbrella, trading fierce scowls and 'Arrrrr's.

Ralin realized that Spud was now perched on top of his head like a fluffy hat. A very small one. He felt like an old grandma with a tiny milliner's creation pinned to his red locks. Then Spud pecked his scalp and the little old lady feeling vanished. He realized he was now being ushered into what must be the master quarters of the house. Something fluffy caught his eye and Ralin quickly brushed some goose feathers from the collar of his cloak. It wasn't just his suitcase that had had an eventful flight.

Theo appeared 'round the corner and Ralin's keen emerald eyes caught the shadows below his eyes, the weary slope of his shoulders and the way his frame seemed drained of energy. But his greeting to Ralin was enthusiastic, and Ralin felt himself warming to the man even more.

"Aye," he shook the offered hand firmly, taking a seat. "I survived th' locker. Even wrestled a giant squid on me way up from th' depths. Sure an' ye'll make a grand bounty. If yer lucky, they'll press gang ye into bein' captain." He winked.

"Mister Theo, me thanks again for th' job offer. I hope I meet your expectations. An' for th' matter of my condition..." Ralin's eyes darkened for a moment, then the mood passed. "Double me thanks, it's hard to get employment when yer a werewolf. I've only been for about half a year, still gettin' used to me furry alter ego. But never fear, I'm a lovable great pooch when full moon rolls around. And it comes in handy, I'm a good guard too." His smile was a bit toothy. Where his diminutive size had always been a disadvantage to him, his new 'form' now gave him an edge against those who would do harm and ill-will.

"So, what are th' job details, what will ye expectin' of me?"

[Theo Bowre]

"I believe in giving people a fair chance, Ralin. If you tell me it won't be a problem, I believe you. Besides, some nights I could use a guard dog! Do you find it cool in here?"

Theo crossed over to the fire and added an extra timber, not entirely convinced that the inferno was emitting any heat. There was a definite chill in the air, but whether it was the surroundings or a subconscious echo of the evening prior, he had no idea.

"Actually, I have a better idea. Let's go for a walk." Theo held the door open for Ralin and followed closely behind until he could stand with the boy side-by-side on the stairs. The energy of the house enticed a bounce in the Master's step and his enthusiasm grew a bit more. He pointed excitedly at various points of interest throughout the house.

"We've only recently expanded our family to 24 kids. Oddly enough, an even mix of girls and boys. It's almost like a competition between them; for a while the boys outnumbered the girls and then they were horrified when I brought in triplet girls from Liverpool. My youngest is 9 months, my eldest just turned 17. He has plans for the Ministry. Common areas, the library, the dining hall and such, are all on the main floor. Second floor has the dorms and staff quarters, and the upper floor is, for the most part, offices. There's also an owlry in the tower. As my assistant, you will have access to 99% of the rooms. Doors are spell-locked with the phrase Primum non nocere. It's important that that information is not shared, Ralin. Ashwood is the only other keeper and I depend on you both."

A loud and exuberant cheer from below brought Theo to the banister overlooking the main floor. He beckoned for Ralin to join him and smiled when he spotted all 24 children in a form of rally. Little Sasha, whom had only arrived at the Orphanage that morning, was wearing a star-spangled scrap of cloth as a pirate bandana. Two of the older girls were keeping her close between them and it made Theo very proud to see that they were protecting her, much the way he had hours earlier. He wondered what the small girl thought of entering a home full of swords and jolly rogers.

"Names will be a challenge. Going through the alphabet, we have Annie, Bodi, Beatrice, Charlie, Darcy, Eoin, Everest, Holly, Ivan, Keeley, Lilly, Liam, Maddox, Molly, November, Omry, Pasha, Raz, Rio, Sasha, Spencer, Tuesday, Zack and Zion. It takes a while, but before long you'll find they roll off the tongue. Then we get to the staff. Mostly house elves but we also have a mediwizard, a solicitor and a head groundskeeper. My parents are also frequent guests. You'll hear them being called Bama and Poppy...we're still trying to figure it out."

A voice belonging to the eldest boy, Spencer, rose through the household.

"RAISE THE SAILS!"

Theo leaned over to whisper to Ralin: "His voice recently broke. He's going to be a baritone!"

The call to arms was then echoed by everyone else.

"RAISE THE SAILS!"

24 faces looked up in unison, expecting to "see" their galleon's mighty sails. Instead, they saw Theo and Ralin.

"INTRUDERS!"

Theo's smile dropped.

"Uh oh. Welcome to Harkness House, Ralin. And, uh, run." Theo grabbed Ralin's arm and pulled him towards the western wing, breaking in a mad, barefooted dash down the hallway. Two dozen footsteps could be heard charging up the main staircase and a secondary staircase used mostly by the staff. Delighted screams were heard from every direction and it didn't take long for Theo to realize that they were surrounded. Doomed.

A throng of pirate children approached with cardboard swords ahead of them. Behind them Spencer and his merry lot held rope.

Theo stopped beside Ralin and held up his arms in surrender. He implored-

"But it's such a pretty boat."

"IT'S A SHIP," the children sang together.

"And you'll be walking the plank, you scallywags! These are our waters, and you've trespassed most grievously." Captain Spencer came closer and closer, charging his crew with their orders. "Take Commander Theo to the mast! I want to speak to his friend, Big Red!"

"BIG RED!" In riotous fashion, a dozen sets of hands hauled Theo to a newel post atop the stairs and bound him to it. The remaining children swarmed around the infamous pirate, Ralin O'Faerlun, in a tight circle. Their swords were drawn and ready to strike the man, herein known as Big Red, were he to misspeak.

"Big Red," Captain Spencer began haughtily. "You've entered my waters illegally. Normally I would make a man walk the plank for this, but I have it on good authority that you can provide my excellent crew with intelligence." Spencer walked towards the edge of the circle and came face to face with Ralin. There was a split-second in which the eldest boy gave Ralin the once-over, as if to dare him to call out their game of make-believe. He proceeded. "Commander Theo is suspected of smuggling the last of Lady Moon's pumpkin-chocolate cookies. These are obviously very coveted as they are only baked once a week. If you can tell us the location of this treasure, we will consider sparing you your terrible fate. Can you help us?"

"Now wait a moment!" Theo called from the newel post, where several of the girls stood guard. "I only took one cookie!"

"Silence the defendant."

Theo looked on in surprise as small Sasha gagged him with her bandana. She giggled at the sight and Theo winked.

"Big Red. Where is the treasure?"

[Ralin O'Faerlun]

There was something about this house, an energy that brightened Ralin's soul. He could feel it, almost like a tangible thing, like the smell of warm baking bread in the oven. A homely, warm feeling. As Theo took him 'round the house, showing him its various quarters, Ralin knew he had made the right choice to take the job. Here he could maybe find his direction again.

And he could be himself. The children made him smile as he watched their games below the balcony. He chuckled, about to say something to Theo when-

Uh oh. Welcome to Harkness House, Ralin. And, uh, run."

Ralin found himself giggling as he was propelled forward, the pattering of many wee feet following them as the children gave chase.

But it was no use. He and his comrade were surrounded, no chance for escape. Ralin put on a fearful face, holding up his hands in surrender as Theo was gagged and bound.

Big Red. Where is the treasure?"

Ralin adopted a fearsome scowl befitting a legendary pirate. Swaggering before the crew he, fixed the leader with a beady eye.

"Arr messmates, ye be lookin' on th' feared Cap'n Big Red, haharr!" He poked one finger at the boy's chest, bringing his scowling face close. "Now I'll be th' one askin' the questions, ye cully. I sailed into yer waters lookin' for the treasure meself, but ran afoul of this scallywag," he jerked a thumb in the prisoner's direction. "So I brought 'im to ye, cause I've heard of yer feared crew."

Big Red straightened and folded his arms. "Now, 'tis said ye are in possession of th' treasure yerselves, now where is it and I'll spare yer lives!"

There was a pause as Cap'n Spencer looked at his shipmates, then as one they turned and brandished their swords at Big Red.

"NEVER! GET HIM!"

Ralin was instantly buried under the mass of children as they tackled him, pinned him and tied him up, using ample amounts of rope (Ralini had no clue where they'd gotten hold of so much). Soon the feared pirate Big Red was tied up securely, with Cap'n Spencer's sword at his throat.

"Now, prisoner, before ye walk the plank, tell us where th' treasure is, or you'll get....the torture!"

The children's voices rose as one in glee. "The TORTURE!"

"Bring forth the torture!"

November stepped forth wielding a feather duster. "Say yer prayers, Big Red-"

"CAPTAIN Big Red!" Ralin protested.

"Silence!" Cap'n Spencer pointed a dooming finger at the young man. "Now, will you talk?"

Captain Big Red stuck his tongue out at the boy. "Do yer worst!"

But five seconds after the tickling ensued, he was pleading with the pirates. "All right teeheehee stoppit stoppit!"

After he had stopped laughing, Captain Big Red sighed in defeat. "Well mateys..." but then he laughed. "Haharr! Ye fell for it! Now ye've sailed into cursed waters, where there be thief crabs! They're makin' off with all th' treasure!"

Screams of delight rose to the rafters as the children raced off in every direction, hunting down crabs to rescue their treasure. Ralin scooted towards Theo, but he was bound from the neck down.

"Well messmate, what now?"

[Theo Bowre]

Normally, Theo would be horrified to see a new employee reduced to an inch worm on their first day of orientation. On Ralin, however, the look rather worked. In truth, he was relieved (and impressed) that his young assistant fell so quickly in to step with the kids in his charge. Not everyone had an imagination and not everyone understood the minds and needs of kids. Not only had Ralin stood up to the challenge, he took one for the team. And now he was crawling along the second floor. The more Theo laughed, the harder he found it to move. Why were his kids so proficient in knots? Why?

"Well messmate, what now?"

Theo was amused, perplexed, and entirely speechless, the latter condition being almost certainly attributed to the bandana tied across his mouth.

"Mmmmf ummmppfff hrrrmmmmmmffff. (Well thank you, Ralin, that's a very good question.)

"MMMMMMpppfffff rrrrmmmmmpppppffff buuuurrrrrrfffffffhhhhh." (I would suggest erecting the canon but I forgot it.)

"Rrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmppppfff mmmmmmpppppffff mmmmmmmmppppfffffff ummmmmmppffff. (This is bad.)

"Rrrrrrrrhhhhhhgggggrrrrgggpppphhhh. Mmmmmmffffffppppffff. Ummmmmppf ummmmmppppfff mmmmmmmrrrpppphhhhhhh." (I think Ashwood was bringing us the cookies with tea.)

Ironically, the astute house elf named Ashwood arrived at the top of the stairs, not entirely surprised to find the Master and his assistant tied up and sitting on the floor. In his hands, he carried a kettle of tea and a plate of the last of Ms. Moon's pumpkin chocolate cookies. Ashwood quickly placed the tray on a nearby table.

"Oh dear, oh dear," the house elf's voice was etched in concern as he rushed over to Ralin. "Well, young man, you've managed to get yourself in to quite the pickle on your first day. They always use the ropes from the curtains, bless them. Mr. Viceroy is going to have a conniption." Ashwood withdrew a small pocket knife and began to saw at his bonds until Ralin was free. Despite their difference in size, the house elf saw fit to help the new assistant to his feet; he ushered him over to the tea and the cookies. "Please, help yourself as I attend to Theo."

Ashwood's demeanour towards Theo was quite the opposite. In fact, he took advantage of his Master's silence to scold him. Ashwood straddled Theo's legs and pulled him forward by his t-shirt. Hell hath no fury like a house elf scorned.

"THEO BOWRE! It's his first day, for Merlin's sake! You ought to be more careful, placing him in the middle of the melee before he's made aware of the extent of the children's imagination. Suppose they saw fit to play Wild Wild West today! Hello, Ralin! Welcome! Why, Ralin, why are you stuck in our gallows? Convicted? Well, wait until they tie you to the horse and send you to Inverness as a message to Wyatt Earp!" That's utterly ridiculous! He's not been properly equipped for their affairs. Children or not, I'd rather take on a basilisk than their conquests - and you're at the heart of it! It's no wonder we haven't lost staff! Shame on you, Theodore! Shame on you. I brought you up better than that."

"Mmmmmmmpf!"

"That's enough! Poor Ralin. You're going to think about what you did as I take him down to dinner. And then, after dinner, the children will mysteriously receive a tip about a plate cookies found in the proximity of one Commander Theo, whose still loitering about the mast."

Satisfied and smug, Ashwood jumped off Theo and straightened his waistcoat, walking towards Ralin with the look of a refined and respectable lord of the manner. White gloved hands removed the platter of pumpkin chocolate cookies from the tray; Ashwood smuggled two of the cookies and placed them in Ralin's pocket, the rest were left on Theo's lap. Ashwood snubbed his master and, retrieving the tray, he waited at the top of the stairs for Ralin to follow.

"Tonight we're serving hot turkey sandwiches with cranberry jelly, stuffing, sweet potatoes and turnip salad," he whispered as they descended down the stairs. "Desert is an Irish Mud Pie, in honour of our two newest arrivals - Ralin and Sasha, and the after dinner entertainment involves watching the pirates discover that Commander Theo has not been completely honest in his confessions. So! Let me show you to the dining hall. We've beckoned the children. They'll be thrilled to see you."

Ashwood guided Ralin down a long hall that was decorated with lanterns from around the world. The candlelight, spelled in colours of amber and blue, cast star-shaped patterns along the walls. There were dozens more portraits, one for every child that called Harkness House a home, and life-sized statues of the delicate beasts known as thestrals.

"Many of our children have seen death. Poor loves. Theo helps them overcome their fear, showing them that thestrals are kind beings that understand their grief. The kids have named the statues: Daedalus, Athena and Bob. You'll want to watch that Bob doesn't end up in your quarters one night. He has a habit of wandering." As the duo approached the hall, a growing murmur could be heard through the door.

"After you, Mr. O'Faerlun."

Ashwood pushed open both doors leading to the Hall and the sound of cheering could be heard as children caught a glimpse of Big Red, whom they now knew as Ralin.

"RA-LIN! RA-LIN! RA-LIN!" Small hands clapped the table in excitement.

"Let's welcome Ralin to Harkness House," the resounding voice out of small Ashwood was quite amazing.

"WELCOME RALIN!"

"And our newest sister, Sasha," Theo chimed in, as he entered in behind Ashwood and Ralin, picking up the house elf around the middle and carrying him towards the staff table.

"You forgot that I was one of those kids too. I love my knots. And I'm stealing the cookies."

"WELCOME SASHA!"

"Ralin," Theo called over his shoulder. "Let's eat!"

[Ralin O'Faerlun]

Luckily for Theo, Ralin spoke Mumble quite fluently. He nodded in understanding from his position on the floor, admiring the woodwork of the well-worn floor and the beetle that scurried away in fear for its wee life. He wasn't going to tell Theo about the beetle.

Ralin wriggled and struggled, but was tied tighter than a lady's corset. But help arrived in the diminutive form of the house elf Ralin had met at the door.

Ashwood released him from his bonds, but Ralin snorted in pent-up laughter as the house elf then proceeded to scold Theo as if he were a young disobedient child with his hand in the cookie jar.

"We can't just leave him-" Ralin protested, but the house elf (surprisingly strong for his wee stature) steered Ralin out of the room.

The Irish lad turned and saluted helplessly at Theo. "I'll come back for ye messmate!"

But as it turned out, Theo was a regular sailor, with his skill for knots. Ralin couldn't help but grin as his name was raised to the ceiling, he felt a great warmth in his heart, it was like the sun rising inside of him. For the months following his graduation from Hogwarts, he had felt adrift, as well as isolated, thanks to his new wolfyness. He didn't see much of his big brother Dash, as he was off a lot across the world. The life of a pro Quidditch player, but when he was in town they'd spend time together.

But still, he had missed the life at Hogwarts, where he was surrounded by friends, Hogwarts was his home, but now...Ralin took up Sasha's name with the rest, giving the wee lass a massive hug.

Now Ralin felt that at last he had come home.

"Ralin," Theo called over his shoulder. "Let's eat!"

"Aye, yer on! Can't wait to taste this amazing food!" Ralin sat across the table from Theo, pushing his way between two of the triplet sisters. "'Scuse me lasses, Cap'n Big Red comin' in fer his vittles."

He winked at both of them, causing them to giggle and scoot over, making a space for him.

"So mateys," Ralin called across the din, "Who's th' best cap'n around these waters?"

"THEEEEOOOOOO!" The cheer rose up, and Ralin pumped his fist into the air.

"That's th' spirit me hearties!"

As he buttered a roll, Ralin grinned at Theo. "So, tell me mate, how did this whole place come about?"

[Theo Bowre]

As he buttered a roll, Ralin grinned at Theo. "So, tell me mate, how did this whole place come about?"

Rio required her hot turkey sandwich a very specific way and it was while Theo helped her assemble her dinner that he provided Ralin the short answer of the lengthy family story behind Harkness House. Rio loved her cranberry jelly and it had to be decontaminated of seeds and spread precisely one-inch thick between the bottom slice of cranberry sourdough and the turkey meat before she would even touch it.

"Harkness House was built on the love and selflessness of Ralph and Jean Harkness and their son, Jack, whom you might know as Minister Harkness."

"Uncle Jack!" Rio squealed through a toothy grin.

"Uncle Jack is right, my darling," Theo gave her an excited smile as he continued prepping her plate. "Ralph and Jean are actually Muggles who gave birth to Jack while they were taking in foster children. He's their only biological child, but they were parents to a whole bunch of us. Jack was the only wizard in the family at the time and so when he was called upon to attend Hogwarts, the entire household upped and moved to Bryn so they could stay together. The family kept expanding, with magical children too, and in time the estate filled. I was adopted by the family when I was five. Grew up helping them take care of the younger ones, much like Spencer does now. We invested in more property, expanded the estate, and just continued to grow. Everything Harkness House is is the result of the love and commitment of Mum, Dad and Jack. They are the heart and spirit of this-

The doors to the dining hall opened suddenly, giving entry to Mr. Viceroy, a butler elf, and his hurried feet. He waved frantically at Ashwood, who met him halfway down the hall, and forced a slip of paper in to his hand. Ashwood read it carefully and calmly, whispering instructions to Viceroy to retrieve their Master's wand with haste. Viceroy and Ashwood parted in opposite directions.

"Excuse me, Theo. It's rather urgent," Ashwood called out as soon as his master was in close earshot. He handed Theo the paper.

Patronus received from Reckony Pike.
Time delay approximately ten minutes.
Max Kameren may be in danger.
Retrieve him from Hogwarts at once.
Protect him until you hear from Curse or Pike.

Theo's brow furrowed in concern. He lightly threw the slip of paper in to the air, where it instantly disintegrated, and rose from his seat.

"Ralin, I'm sorry but I will need to call upon your service almost instantly. Ashwood will fill you in on the details. I require all of you to be extremely vigilant around the orphanage tonight. Take all the necessary precautions and do no stand down until I give word. Thank you for being here tonight."

Theo left the table without another word, his shoulders and posture placing him once again in a ready state for business. He glanced over at Spencer, who nodded in understanding, and nearly made it to the door before little Sasha left her seat and went over to his leg. Theo knelt down. A few words were shared between them and Sasha kissed his cheek before returning to her table.

At the door, Theo collected his wand from Viceroy. It felt unnaturally heavy in his hand and he stared at it for a long moment before leaving the hall...

[[OOC: Theo continues in "Safekeeping"]]

[Ralin O'Faerlun]

As Theo apologized and moved to leave, Ralin caught his eye and gave him a look as if to say They'll be safe with me.

"Go and come back safely, Theo." Ralin waved and watched as he departed and the doors closed behind him.

The atmosphere had become heavy. The younger ones didn't quite grasp that Theo was leaving on business, but some of the older ones got it. It was a feeling of missing someone and hoping they would come back swiftly, protected. Looking around the room, Ralin clapped his hands.

"Well, lads and lassies, what say we have a slumber party?"

Small faces turned to look at him expectantly. One hand rose up. He was still getting their names mixed up, so he just pointed. "Aye lass?"

"Mister Ralin sir, can we stay up past bedtime?"

He grinned. "Aye, but only if ye don't call me sir or mister, deal?"

Cheers rose from the group and they began clearing from the table. Ralin caught Spencer's attention. "Spencer, where's th' comfiest place t'have a slumber party?"

Numerous voices chimed in.

"The den!"
"It has comfy cushions!"
"And big blankets!"
"Oooh there's tons of books, and a fireplace, and big windows and and and stuff!"

Ralin laughed. "Well mates, th' den it is! Grab yer sleepin' things, get into yer comfiest pajamas, an' we'll meet in th' den. Ready, set GO!"

Half an hour later everyone was gathered in the spacious den. It truly was comfortable, with cushions and couches, thick fluffy blankets, and Ashwood was kind enough to put on a roaring fire in the fireplace. Some of the children were reading books or looking out at the stars, others were playing games or just chatting. Ralin and Ashwood drew the curtains.

Screams of delight rose up behind him. Ralin turned to see that Spud had discovered he had a fansquad. Fluttering around their heads and cuddling up to their faces and hands with fluffed out feathers, the wee owl was being quite a ham and lapping up the attention.

"Mister Ralin-" A small hand tugged on his shirt.

He knelt and brushed the little girl's curly brown locks from her freckled face. "Call me Ralin. Just think o'me as yer big brother. Or me friends call me Lucky too."

She smiled at him shyly, revealing dimples. "I always wanted a big brother, well Theo's a big brother, but I wanted another one too."

Ralin was about to reply when he felt a twist in his stomach, and instantly was brought back to one of the hard facts of his recent life.

"Hold that thought wee sis, I'll be back in a jiff."

Making sure Ashwood was watching over them, Ralin jogged up to Theo's office where he'd left his belongings. Particularly, his backpack. Pulling a tall silver vial thermos from the inner pocket, Ralin took a big gulp of the nasty tasting liquid. But the action brought him an idea too.

Reentering the den, Ralin called the children over to him. "Well mates, I've got a surprise for you. Theo didn't tell ye, but I'm special."

"Theo says we're ALL special," a lad of about 11 spoke up.

"You're like us!" Another grinned.

Ralin laughed. "Not quite m'dears. Well, try not t'be scared, but watch me carefully."

Sitting down on the lush carpet, Ralin closed his eyes and focused, careful to make the transition smooth. Reddish-brown fur sprouted all over him and his arms and legs lengthened. His ears slid up to the top of his head, and his face lengthened. A thick bushy tail sprouted behind him, and when he was finished, the children were gawking at a massive fluffy wolf sitting calmly before them.

Ralin knew Theo may yell at him for taking a risk, but the night at a taste of danger on the air, and he wanted to be able to call on his wolf-senses to keep the children safe.

Spencer walked forward. "Ralin?"

Putting on his cutest face, Ralin lay down and looked up at the lad, laying down his ears and swishing his shaggy tail. Timidly, Spencer placed a hand on Ralin's head, then rubbed behind his ear.

It was the signal for the other children to rush forward. They giggled and laughed with delight. They had a puppy AND a big brother! He was soon buried under the children as they rubbed him all over, hugged his tail and buried their faces in his thick ruff. The werewolf barked and panted happily, like a Shetland pony-sized puppy.

They played for a long while, Ralin giving them rides around the room, romping around with them, playing fetch and doing doggy tricks. They'd offer him a cookie and then giggle as he gently took it in his teeth, or washed their sticky faces with his tongue.

It was the first time Ralin had really felt at peace with his wild form, and he was so glad they had accepted him.

Eventually the children were snoring helter-skelter around the room, tucked into their blankets. Ralin lay in front of the door, guarding the threshold and the room, wide awake. One of the children was using his thick tail as a pillow. Smiling, Ralin-werewolf watched over the room, guarding them until Theo returned with the all-clear.