The Owl Prince

Harry was walking through a dazzling meadow, laughing at the butterflies flitting around his head when he spied a sad little owl lying under a tree.

Harry skipped over to see the dear thing and was upset to find that he was hurt! A knife had pierced his tiny little wing and he whimpered softly with the pain.

"My sad little friend," Harry said. "Let me help you!" He took out his Leatherman Multi-Purpose tool and pulled out the knife, as quickly but carefully as he could. The owl cried out and Harry's heart ached, like there was no one else in the world but him. "You'll be all right," Harry whispered. "I'll take care of you. I'll call you Draco and you can live with me forever!"

Scooping Draco up in his arms, Harry carried him home and made a bed for him beside his own. For seven days and seven nights, Harry nursed Draco, cleaning his arm and feeding him Healthy-brand owl chow.

On the eighth night, Draco climbed into bed with Harry. He burrowed under the covers and quietly snuggled with Harry's arm. It made Harry giggle and he cuddled close to Draco, stroking his head and singing awkwardly to him.

They continued that way for a long time. Every day, Harry hurried home so he could curl up with Draco. It gave him a curious feeling whenever Draco snuggled with his arm.

Then one night, Draco looked up at Harry and said, "If you kiss me, I will become a handsome prince."

Harry screamed with surprise. How could an owl talk? He must have dropped off and dreamed it.

"You're not dreaming," Draco said, seeing the surprised look on Harry's face. "Kiss me."

"Don't tell anyone I screamed like that," Harry said and kissed Draco on his mouth. The air swirled and suddenly, there stood a handsome prince! With a crown and everything!

"I'm Prince Draco," he said. "I was cursed. It's a long story."

"Is it really you?" Harry said.

"See?" Draco said and showed Harry the scar from the knife on his arm. Then he kissed Harry and they tumbled on the floor and did a lot of very beautiful things, some of them involving a comfy bed.

"I love you," Draco said when they were done. Harry clasped him close and they lived together happily ever after on all the prince treasure Draco had stashed away.

And if Draco didn't know about Harry's visits to the owl sanctuary, well, it wouldn't hurt him.