Title: Floating on Still Water
Author: Isabelle Malfoy Potter Snape
Summary: Harry is a magical creature, and is discovered by Snape. From this discovery they form a bond as Harry tries to decide what to do with his life.
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Harry/Severus, Draco/Ron, Ginny/ Hermione, and Sirius/Remus
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling does, so please don't sue!
Feedback: Always welcome!
Chapter One: A Sight of Beauty
He was standing. No, not standing, floating… he was floating on water and Severus Snape, Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry could only stare at the magnificent sight that gracefully stood in his line of vision. Harry Potter, nineteen years old now and breathtaking in every way stood, hovering above the water in the lake at Hogwarts in the rain. Head thrown back, eyes to the sky he looked like a fallen angel with the thick green wings that were stretched out for the world to see. They were the exact same color as the deep green of his eyes that overflowed with tears. Severus watched amazed as Harry was engulfed in a blue light. He could only gasp as Harry continued to glow blue and the something happened; Harry began to change. His fingers became claw like with sharp talons. His face morphed so that he had a large bill that looked to be about three feet long. He kept his slender body but his feet also morphed so that they looked like flippers. Harry opened his bill and let out a wail that tore at the usually stoic professors' heart. Slowly, tears still streaming down his face Harry began to sing in soft cawing sounds making Severus want to reach out and embrace the awkward creature that stood in front of him in his arms. Harry's song went on for a couple of minutes before he spread his wings and flew gracefully into the Forbidden Forest. Severus without a second thought went running after him, not sure why but knowing that he could not leave Harry alone.
Severus ran fast searching the sky for vibrant green wings that would stand out against the dark grey sky. Not mindful at all of the creatures he could encounter his eyes roamed the heavens for the vision he had once gazed upon. Severus heard a whoosh sound and turned running as he heard Harry begin to sing again in his harmonious caw. Severus ran for a full half hour before he saw Harry land in a field in the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Still cawing gently he began to thrust his beak in the field which Severus then noticed was made of corn. He watched enamored as Harry began to eat, making a sound every now and then to show his contentment.
Severus watched Harry eat his fill before slowly turning to where Severus was and noticing him for the first time. His eyes widened as he realized that Severus had followed him. Staring into Severus's eyes Harry waited knowing that he was going to see disgust and surprised when he only saw acceptance, curiosity, and concern. Slowly Harry approached Severus and standing bill to mouth began to sing. Severus could feel it, the earth, the wind, and water, they were charged with an energy that was being supplied by Harry.
Severus felt a shift in him and did not react to it, trusting Harry; when he stopped singing he whispered gently into Severus's mind, 'Can you hear me Professor?' Severus blinked in surprise and answered, 'Yes I can Harry, that's an interesting trick you can do Potter.' Severus heard Harry laugh and then give a soft sigh, 'Neat isn't it? I'm glad you aren't scared of me.' Severus gave Harry a questioning look and answered, 'Why would I be?' Harry snorted and replied bitterly, 'Because I have a three foot bill, flippers for feet, oh and I'm sprouting wings. I must look so bizarre, just one more thing to add to the Harry Potter Freak Factor.'
Harry was shocked by the mental smack that Severus sent to him and listened with eyes wide as Severus said, 'You are not a freak, Harry Potter and the next time you say that I will hex you. What your relatives told you as a child was not true and you should not listen to them. You are a wonderful young man. Who else but you defeated Voldemort? Who else single handed saved Dumbledore for a curse that has never had a person survive, its deadly venom? Who continues to help the wizarding world with orphanages and a better auror training program? No one else but you, you've proven your worth a million times over, being a magical creature only adds to list of which makes you very unique.' Harry smiled and sent Severus a wave of thanks as he lifted his bill out into the sky.
'Thank you Professor I needed that. But I could have never defeated Voldemort without you and countless other people, and that venom I did not heal Dumbledore Nagani did. And on the subject of magical creatures, no one but you, Dumbledore, and Fawkes know what I am so please don't mention it to anyone. It's still my little secret.' Severus nodded his promise to Harry and then asked, 'What magical creature are you?' Harry giggled and replied, 'I'm a Boobrie; it's a magical creature from Scotland. Please I'll explain everything later but right now we have to get back to the castle. I'm doing a presentation in Hermione's Muggle Studies class about computers. You know 'Mione trying got Professor Dumbledore to bring computers to Hogwarts for next year.'
Severus nodded and replied, 'Yes I am aware of Miss Granger's want of computers, I think it's a good idea.' Harry sent his surprise and Severus answered, 'It would help them learn, they could research on the net, and learn a lot more than they can right now with books. It would be a very practical teaching tool for the students.' Harry laughed at Severus's and Severus inhaled deeply trying to savor that sound that was rarely ever heard from Harry. Severus's sharp eyes caught the yawn that came after that heavenly sound, and caressing a wing Severus said in a teasing, 'Come, we should get back so his royal highness can sleep.' Harry stuck out his tongue at Severus mentally and hugged him before he could say anything taking off into the night.
It was a short flight and when they landed in front of the lake, Harry let Severus on the ground gently before flying and then floating over the water. It was only then that Severus remembered that hours earlier Harry had been crying in the same position he was in now. He watched as Harry threw up his hands and began to caw in a soft voice and watched as a funnel of water shot up around hair hiding him from view, slowly that water went back down into the lake and when it did, Harry stood still floating peacefully. He flew toward Severus and landed in front of him. Smiling at him briefly Harry closed his eyes and slowly his green wings retracted into his body. Gracing Severus with another smile, Harry grabbed his hand and led him back to Hogwarts so they both could rest and reflect.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it.
Isabelle