A new chapter!
I'll let you all enjoy the furry Sev/Dusk! *winks*
There will be another chapter posted up sometimes within a week. *grins*
Enjoy! Please leave a review!
Harry knew Lucius would be kept in the bedroom for a week and that would allow him to figure out how to train Lucius. He knew Remus is happy currently and he preferred to do that now. The morning arrived and he was ready to see The Weasely for a change. Dusk was sleeping on his trunk, unaware of the boy moving around so much.
Once Potter managed to finish what he needed to do, his fingers soothed the soft head of the little creature and gained a purring in return. Harry smiled and knelt down to the cat's level.
"Come on, Dusk," He softly whispered, "It is time to wake up and my family is eager to see me."
Dusk yawned and looked at the boy. He pretended he was confused, but blinked afterward. He stretched out and managed to get into the boy's arms. Harry found him interesting and decided to ready themselves to the next location. They walked through the middle of the room, which still leaves the human side of Severus confused on how that was possible. He would learn one day, but for now…the boy came first.
"First time, I was walking in the bloody lake," Harry snorted and chuckled, "Now? Nowhere near it." The emerald eyes glanced up at the tall house he knew for years now, "You stay right with me and you'll be safe, Dusk." He informed the furry creature.
Meow. It was all Dusk could do to reply, but Harry didn't mind it at all. Perhaps it would work in their favor and that's it. Harry knocked on the door and waited for the excitement for him to show up.
"Now who could that be?" The woman of the house spoke loudly, "I'll get it." She opened the door and saw her boy! "HARRY!" Her arms spread out readily to hug him-
Harry quickly stopped her, "Mrs. Weasley, I'd hug you, but this guy doesn't like close space." He sheepishly grinned.
Oh, that was a Slytherin move. Severus within the animagus saw the boy was using him to avoid a hug. He would have to make that comment later. Molly gasped and glanced to see the little one. She awed at him and covered her mouth.
"Your cat is beautiful, Harry. What's his name?" She smiled and gestured him in.
Harry nodded and helped himself in, "Dusk. Well, that's what his collar said. He found me in garden work at my relative's home." Petting gently to the cat.
Molly took care of his luggage, "We're happy you're home now, Harry. Are you hungry, dear? What would you like?"
The boy shook his head, "I'm fine, really."
Her hands on her hips, "Don't fool me. It is still early morning and your stomach is growling."
He sighed, "Whatever Ron is eating."
Molly perked up and headed to the kitchen. She produced her wand and prepared to cook the morning meals for the day.
"Ronald! Harry's here!"
"Harry's here?" Ron's head popped out of the bedroom.
"He's here?!" Ginny ran out of her room with a delightful smile.
The twins onto the staircases, "Harry-boy!" At the same time.
A gasp, "Harry!" Hermione with toothbrush in her mouth.
Everyone was rushing downstairs and eager to see him. Harry kept his distance to keep his cat safe and they noticed right away! Hermione was the first to pet the black cat and captured the beauty. Dusk nuzzled against her touch, considering Harry wouldn't like it if he rejected his friends.
"So sweet. Crookshank wouldn't even let me pet her this way and what's his name?" Hermione looked up at Harry.
Potter met her eyes, "Dusk. It was on his collar." He shrugged, "But I don't mind the name. I think it fits him."
Hermione kept petting Dusk, gaining soft licks from him, and enjoyed the attention she was receiving. Ron shrugged and headed over to the kitchen to see what his mum was making.
"Say, a cat-"
"-is trustworthy, Harry." Picking the twins sentences.
George winked, "-At least we know no one is evil."
Fred nudged Harry, "Even with Ron."
"HEY!" Ron felt he was insulted!
Harry chuckled, "Yeah, but all you lots wearing pyjamas. Dusk likes to sleep a lot apparently."
They were all blushing and they knew Harry likes to tease them. He shook his head and joined at the table as he set Dusk on his lap. Somehow, the animagus didn't disagree with the last part from Harry. Sleep was relaxing and nothing could change that.
"How did you get the Durselys to let you keep the cat?" Ginny joined at the table.
Harry shrugged, "My aunt, but she was strange about it. But, Dusk is my responsibility and to keep out of the kitchen. My uncle agreed along with her. My cousin, not sure…he's weird." He shrugged.
Hermione shook his head, "And they think we're weird." She scoffed, "Perhaps it is a good thing."
Molly wavering her wand, "At least you can eat more while you are here! You are far too skinny!"
The usual saying that never seemed to end, but Potter didn't mind it. It was the way she found to love him properly and give him a mother he never had growing up. Dusk noted that it was best to keep the family around since they care enough to treat Harry as their own.
The Weaselys chatted about their summer time and mentioned about what was happening and more. The way the wizardry society was panicking because the dark lord returned. Harry took in interests and felt he was a part of it. It was helpful to find himself to be aware about their world. It had felt like home to him, he settled in without difficulty. Although, longing for this to be forever would be nice.
Harry didn't know if his death would be worth it, but he couldn't stop the plan. The way everyone smiled in the room as if there was not a war burden on their shoulders. How magic tied the family stronger than ever and imprinted the love on one another. Something…something Harry would never have.
Ron and Hermione snagged their best friend and hid in Ron's room for the day. They chatted deeper about their school years and questions they had to know. Dusk felt disappointed in his spying position, nothing big for the plan to discover.
The Weaselys were eager to go shopping the next day and Harry gathered plenty enough to spend all the things he would need. Dusk was tucked in his cat carrier bag in comfort, which was transformed by the leash. It was better than tugged by the throat and suffering for it. He was pleased Harry considered his well-being. He saw that Harry spent quite a lot of money that Draco would have found a match for a friend shopper. Not that anyone knows the young Malfoy found shopping as fun.
School supplies were bought, new clothes purchased for the youngest members, and pet supplies set for the year. The school starting soon was not too far off and Dusk couldn't wait to be human once more! After shopping, Harry told his friends he would be attending somewhere important and they understood exactly what he was saying. They left him be and this puzzled the creature. They knew as well? What did he failed to do all these years in his spying?
They were entering to the living room of Grimmauld, seeing Remus brushing the man's blond hair and having his mate's head on his lap. Harry's brow raised at the sight he witnessed and considered the week was well-spent. He coughed to gain their attention and stood there expressionless.
Lucius looked up, "Do we must have to do this now?" He frowned, not determine to leave the werewolf's side.
Remus sighed and patted the man's head, "In a war, there is never an appropriate timing."
Now he understood that point, but still…he preferred to keep going with his hair treated well. Harry appreciated it much from the werewolf's input for the explanation.
"I hope the bond is completed," Harry set the bag down and released Dusk out, "Have you succeeded magic without a wand, Lucius?"
Senior Malfoy sat up, "How is that even possible? Without losing control of magic?"
Harry hummed, "So you haven't. How well are you in non-verbal spells?"
"Excellent and top notch, Mister Potter," Not grasping the point, "Why?"
"It is much the same without a wand. You already mastered half the work, now you need to do the rest without the use of a wand. A wand is a device," Potter headed over to the coffee table in the room, "A device that provides training and control over your magic. Once you become used to such access, it becomes easier without one."
Lucius stared at the boy, did not expect such extended knowledge, and turned to face his mate.
"It is no wonder why the prophecy follow up add up well."
Both the Gryffindors were surprised to hear something new. Severus within the animagus found himself confused…what was Lucius on about? Harry came closely and stood in front of Malfoy.
"What does the prophecy say?" He insisted to know.
Lucius pulled back as his back against his mate's chest, "A savior who cannot forfeit unless given an access. A power that is no one will know, but overcome himself beyond the grave."
That kept the Gryffindors in silence and unable to carry on that discovery. Harry took in the information and saw the value to have a spy on his behalf. Oh, Voldemort will not see this coming and neither will the world.
"The prophecy…does your dark lord knows of this?" Harry tilted his head, crossing his arms.
The blond shook his head, "No. I thought it was rather useless information to rely to him. It did not concern him or related what marked him as his equal."
Harry looked over to his godmother, "Truth, lies, or manipulating?"
Remus sighed, "Truth."
Lucius straightened his back and frowned. He didn't appreciated the assumptions already and finding it would be no difference as being a Deatheater.
"You don't trust me? To keep my words to you?"
Harry blinked and pulled back as he did not expect, "Lucius, did I called you a liar? Expected you to tell me the truth? Or uncertain to trust you?" Seeing how lost the man appeared to be, "If you must know, werewolf like Remus here, can sense those three things. What you did is passed the test by being honest with us, especially for Remus. He needs a mate that he can trust, not me."
The Slytherin hasn't thought to live to this day with Harry Potter to be more mature than anyone he came across to. Dusk blinked…of course, but he wondered if Remus supported him or exposed his secret? Now that was something to worry about and consider later. At least, the werewolf was rather attentive to his mate and holding Lucius closely.
"I see."
Harry shook his head and decided to start the beginner's training for Lucius before furthering into the spying position. Dusk kept himself outside of the training room and observed. Remus would be watching along and almost attacking Harry for hurting his mate! Of course, he knew what would happen for going after Harry…it was only temporary.
Lucius wasn't prepared for his wand to be set aside and his effort into the training. He could the 'attack' was a little extreme, but if he complains? He did not wish to discover. To tap into his magic core was not comparable enough for a nonverbal and wandless. However, if he needed to escape the wand…he had to-
"-Cannot speak either, Lucius. An enemy will know and prepare themselves," Harry's eyes narrowed.
Senior Malfoy was shocked to hear that and found it rather difficult. It was nothing to compare for Hogwarts years. Remus was squirming from where he stood, did not like the idea to see his mate in such state, and almost whimpered. Potter heard him and sighed, dismissing the attack.
"Remus, I will leave you in charge of training him. He has three days to master it." Harry glanced over to the werewolf, "Is that understood?"
The man nodded, "Yes," Finding himself relieved to see his mate safe again, "What of the rules?"
Harry glanced over to Lucius, who was sitting on the table out of exhaustion, "I will be here by day four. I expect at least some proper control, once there is some control, I will lay out the rest of the rules." He hummed, "Lucius, you best listen to Remus."
The blond accepted, "Of course. If you do not mind, I'd like to eat."
Harry understood and respected him for the simple things. He gestured Remus over to the man and left the room.
Meow.
Harry glanced down and smiled. He scooped the little one and went through the usual portal to return the burrow.
"Six more days left until school. I'm certain you'd like to explore and find some friends there." Harry commented.
Somehow, Dusk didn't know whether to hiss or claw the boy for saying that! What was he on about? Oh, right…Harry did not know he's an animagus the entire time. Perhaps, it was a long holiday and he did not know what else to do. For once, he hadn't seen the boy smiling and it was rare occasion to witness. The wizard within him wanted his mate to be happy and he was determined. Harry held him in his arms, feeling safe and secured. It was no wondered why others counted on the young boy to save them, he had that feeling where everything was okay and he would make it that way.
… … …
It was a quick week and Dusk was pleased for a change. Harry spent so much time with the Weaselys, his friends, and training Lucius. Lucius was mastering it well, but nowhere to compare with Remus. Everyone was quick to pack up the night before, but Hermione and Ron managed to get ahead of others. They were determined to have less stress for the morning and not a single rush. Harry was impressed, but he suspected that they wanted more time to enjoy the last time and they knew he wouldn't be able to do it one more time.
Harry set the rules for Lucius when it came to meeting the Dark Lord and how to report to him. His friends remained unaware, but he preferred no one to know. Remus was given a connection to the bracelet mark, in case anything were to happen to Lucius and he'd be there readily for the action.
Today…to ride the express train. Dusk decided to act playful by trying to take Potter's clothes out of the luggage or lay on top of something. It was rather amusing, even with Harry reacting to whatever he purposely did. Although, Harry did give him a treat. Hermione was trying to look after him, but Dusk managed to escape and found Harry once more. The witch gave up and informed the wizard that his cat was too attached.
They finally found a private cabin and settled in comfortably with the drapes pulled down. Dusk rested on Harry's lap, while the boy petted him from time to time. Hermione shook her head and smiled. The trio found themselves relaxed from the craziness and decided to enjoy their alone time for now.
"The time will be cut in half." Harry pointed out, "By the end of school year, the war will be finally over." He sighed.
Ron frowned, "Do you really think it is necessary to die at the end? Why does your life have to be a factor? What if it's a mistake?"
For nearly two years, Harry refused to budge on what he learned and took the information. His friends gave in around the time the fake attack of the Dementors that one summer. He requested a vow from each of them not to interfere his death and they did so willingly. Dusk heard the conversation and hoped to hear more, but it hasn't budged since he approached the topic. Harry's head leaned against the board.
"I have to…it's the only way to stop him for good."
Dusk sensed something heavily emotional inside of Potter, but unable to help at the moment. Did the boy truly think there was no way to live after the war? His friends didn't seemed to convince him to find another way.
"It's stupid…war is beyond impair-able and a mess." Hermione felt like crying, "So many people are going to die and I'm losing my best friend without a doubt."
Harry sighed and scooped the cat into the witch's arms. Dusk tensed up, but he allowed it for now. She held him and cried. The tears were getting his fur wet! Yet, the other wizards comforted her and Dusk considered it alright. As long it wasn't just him, he'd live.
"It's not fair, Harry," She wept, "A madman wizard placed a dangerous curse so he could live, but in order to stop him…" She was lost for words.
The lynx ears picked up. The clues that would provide information he needed to know. So, it was the Dark Lord's doing and it happened. Somehow, he failed being a spy in the business here.
Harry nodded, "I know. But he wants to kill me, but I have to stop him first before he does succeed." He squeezed hug for her, "But, I promise you…the war will end. No one will lose anyone." He murmured.
Ron squeezed her hands, but glanced at the cat. He frowned as he realized.
"What about your cat? He's used to you and all."
The boy chuckled, "I think he'll outlive me, so he will be given to Hermione." He looked at her.
Her lips quivered, "Crookshanks would have like that." She sniffled, "Oh, gosh, I'm crying. It's too soon, Harry. Can't you push it off a year or two?"
So tempting, but he knew the risk of delaying anything. He remained quiet and decided to forget the rest of the conversation. Sirius and him had planned everything in details alone and explored all kinds of possibilities.
"Did you both managed to complete the practices?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes. Without wand and voice, I'll say, it'll be strange using my wand again once we start class." She chuckled, letting the cat rest on her.
Ron chuckled, "Yeah, I'd be shock if I did a spell in class without my wand! Who knew life without a wand can be so much better?" He grinned as a foolish Gryffindor he was.
Harry snorted, but smiled, "I almost did a few times in class, but I think I'm too conscious about it." Shrugging.
"Think about how many people would think of us without a wand and still perform well? They'd think we're Merlin."
Ron coughed, but laughed, "Bloody hell! We'd be all over the Daily Prophet!"
The trio laughed their heads off without a single thought like that. A war can change a person, but preparing for something so readily appeared to be more terrifying than one person thought. A risk that could change everything they knew and nothing would be the same. Perhaps, this would be why they find a way to distract themselves most often.