Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

"What is it Harry?" Ginny asked.

"I'm not sure." He muttered. The complicated wards weren't of a harmful nature but it unsettled him, the person who wove them must have known they wouldn't deter him and they were just complicated enough to give anyone who intercepted it or found it mistakenly pause.

"Please, all of you go down to Breakfast. I'll join you later." Harry said making his way to the boy's dormitories purposefully.

..............................................................................................................................................................

"Why would you risk his wrath Simon? What could possibly have driven you to make such a decision?" Harry mocked cruelly.

James slowly flicked his wand at the door, silently casting a spell which would quiet any squeaking of the hinges before doing the same to himself.

"Do you have any idea what these people will do to you if they find out what you've told me Simon?" Harry spoke softly and James had to suppress the urge to shiver at the iciness in that voice.

..................................................................................................................................................................

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed and James had to stop himself from jumping, the guilt and worry clawing in his cut multiplying in strength at the sight of his son.

"Hey." Harry answered casually.

"So, did you open the letter?" Sirius asked his eyes glinting and watchful.

Harry locked eyes with him before shaking his head, "No," his eyes suddenly shifted and gripped James, "I think you might want to have a word with the twins Ron, I think they've been fiddling with our door again." Harry words and body language was relaxed but the intensity of his eyes told another story.

Fuck. James thought as pulled his gaze away from the burning green one and took a large gulp of water from his goblet.

I'm fucked.

........................................................................................................................................

"Are you sure?" Sirius's incredulous whisper floated down the empty corridor.

"Yes, I'm sure! Why would I make something like this up?" James glared, more anger at the situation than his friend.

Sirius glared right back, "Well sorry for checking your mental stability James, it isn't something you hear everyday." He hissed back.

James reached up and rubbed his face with his hands roughly, clenching his teeth together against the stress, "Whatever Sirius, I'm sorry, there, now can you please help me!"

Sirius winced inwardly; sure James had been unnecessarily biting but with what he'd just heard who would blame him. Offering his best friend a small smile he leaned back against the stone wall folding his arms across his chest contemplating what James had told him. "A shop clerk?" He clarified.

James nodded once running his hands through his pitch black hair in frustration.

"Ugh! This is so infuriating!" James growled through his teeth, "I should just ask him what he was doing," James exclaimed while pacing back and forth, "I mean it's not like he doesn't know." He snapped.

Sirius suppressed his smirk of amusement. When James had pulled him aside after Breakfast to explain what he'd heard Harry's comment suddenly made sense. Even though it wasn't under the best of circumstances Sirius had to admire the man's brilliance.

"Then why don't you?"

James paused in mid stride, staring at Sirius with a completely lost look on his face before exhaling loudly and slumping against the wall beside his best friend.

"Because I shouldn't have been spying on him in the first place and if I were to bring it up it should be to apologise for doing just that, not in order to grill him for information." He explained with a pained expression.

Sirius nodded slowly, "Very mature of you."

"Thanks." James snorted.

"But you're being a moron."

"Excuse me?!" James scowled at the insult.

"Look mate, so you shouldn't have eavesdropped...so what? You're his Father and whatever you heard doesn't sound exactly sunshine and rainbows does it?"

"But what if I just got it out of context?" James asked weakly.

Sirius shot him a disbelieving look, "' I will hunt you down, I will find you no matter how long it takes or how well you protect yourself' that is what Harry said isn't it?"

James nodded pathetically.

"How in Merlin's name can that be misinterpreted?!"

"I don't know." James breathed out tiredly.

"You gonna tell Moony?" Sirius asked cautiously, aware of the sore topic.

"Why?" the elder Potter spat back suddenly furious, "So he can claim Harry is the next Dark Lord because he threatened someone? No thanks."

Sirius winced at the harsh words and rubbed the back of his neck trying to find the words.

"Prongs, we're going to need his help with this one. I don't want Harry to get hurt and whatever Remus might think of his methods...I know he'd never want Harry to suffer." He finished.

Silence engulfed the corridor after Sirius's words and he sighed thinking he hadn't gotten through to his friend.

"He's just been through so much Padfoot. So much. And it isn't fair to judge him...but I can't have this worry hanging over my head and not knowing whether or not my son is safe will drive me insane." He laughed feebly. "Okay, alright...we'll tell Remus, we sure can't expect any help from those friends of his." He pushed himself off the wall and motioned to Padfoot to follow.

Sirius grinned, happy that some of the bad feeling between James and Remus has dissolved, just as long as Moony didn't immediately call for Harry to be handed over to the Dementors of Azkaban all should be well.

"What class is next?" Black asked trying to unsuccessfully distract James from his morbid thoughts.

James shrugged, "Don't know. We just follow Harry remember?"

"And where is the prongslet?"

"I have no idea. Have you noticed that Harry is never around apart from classes and odd time's when he's in the common room?" James asked.

"Well..um...now that you mention it sort of." Padfoot said.

"And you don't find that strange?" James pressed.

Sirius laughed and clapped him on the back pushing him through the portrait hole, "Come on Prongs! He's a teenage boy! There's any number of things he could be doing."

"Hey you two, where were you? You just sort of disappeared after breakfast." Ron called from where he and Neville were sitting playing chess.

"A Marauder never reveals his secrets." James said theatrically and watched; satisfied as they both accepted his non-answer. Harry wasn't the only expert liar.

"So what class do we have next?" Padfoot asked as he commanded Neville's bishop to take Ron's queen.

Ron scowled at the play-boy time traveller, "Care of Magical Creatures," he said shortly, "and was that really necessary? Neville knows how to play and doesn't need you usurping him."

Sirius grinned, "Not used to losing WonWon?"

"Where did you hear that?!" Ron demanded glaring hotly.

"WonWon?" Padfoot laughed.

"Yes!"

"Apparently an ex-girlfriend of yours Ron." James interjected happily.

"I'll kill her," Ron grumbled under his breath, "I can't believe she still calls me that!"

The four men all made their way through the castle towards Hagrid's Hut.

"So, why Care of Magical Creatures?" James asked Ron.

"What do you mean?" Ron said his forehead creasing in puzzlement.

"Nothing," James waved a hand casually to the large number of students around them, "I'm just curious to know why it's so popular, hardly anyone took it back home."

Ron grinned his brown eyes twinkling with amusement, "Harry."

James rolled his eyes, "Of course," he shot the red head a sardonic look, "should I just stop asking questions?"

Ron laughed, amused, "The Professor, Hagrid, is a friend of ours, Harry's in particular."

"That's sacrilegious!" Sirius exclaimed, grateful for James's diverted attention, "there should be no fraternising with the enemy." At Neville's raised eyebrow Sirius huffed annoyed, "the teachers!" he moaned pathetically, his tone telling them just how much of a lost cause he saw them as.

"That's an awful thing to say Sirius!"

The four men turned around at the sound of the strict voice. Hermione stood with Draco and Pansy, her arms clutching books which look like they might escape at any moment, a decidedly unimpressed look on her face.

"And you need to learn how to live a little Hermione." Sirius drawled waving her words aside ignoring her affronted look and Draco's snigger.

A gasp from beside them took them all by surprise.

"Hannah?" Hermione asked looking at the stunned girl in question.

The Hufflepuff just shook her head wordlessly quickly scampering off to two of her housemates.

"Well that was weird." Ron deadpanned, the rest nodding in confused agreement, "You haven't been threatening anyone we don't know about, have you Hermione?" Draco asked with a teasing grin.

"Honestly." Pansy muttered, "Must I always be the one to explain?" she glared, "Abbott was just surprised that Black was acting so caviller and comfortable around us, that's all." She explained.

Draco wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to his side placing a quick kiss on her forehead, "I love it when you act all intelligently superior," he whispered into her ear not looking ashamed in the least that the intimate teasing was heard by the whole group. Pansy blushed and pushed at the arm holding her to him but Draco just tightened his grip around his girlfriend and stared at the amused James Potter staring at him.

James raised his hands and shot the blonde a smirk, "Hey, you'll hear no complaints from me Malfoy, as soon as I get my girl to actually agree to being my girl your rather subdued public display of affection will be nothing."

Before the blonde could say anything James had turned around seeing the class watching an enormous figure coming their way.

"Care to explain why you destroyed a perfect moment for mocking?" Sirius leaned in and whispered in his friend's ear.

James chuckled quietly and lowered his voice to make sure Malfoy wouldn't overhear. "Draco's a Slytherin Padfoot, you would know better that me how hard it must be for him to drop his mask enough to even act warmly around Pansy in public." James looked at Sirius pointedly and the man flushed for not thinking about it sooner. Afterall, he was a Black. "I didn't want to ruin it for him or Pansy." James explained.

Padfoot grimaced at the missed opportunity but mumbled his agreement.

"Hey." Remus murmured a greeting looking very nervous but also determined as he stood next to James. His friends were the most important thing in the world to Remus and he hated being at odds with them. Usually it wasn't a problem, there wasn't much they didn't agree on, but there was nothing normal about their situation.

Sirius smiled at him in greeting and Remus almost sagged in relief but then his nerves came back again as he looked to the still unresponsive Potter. James nodded once in acknowledgment his eyes still frosty but Remus was cheered. If his words had been unforgiveable there was no way in hell that Prongs would still be standing beside him.

"Morning students!" Hagrid grinned enthusiastically not taking any notice of the shifting feet and wary eyes which his excited manner had evoked. "Today's lesson is a real treat! If you will all just follow me, we're heading for the Quiditch pitch."

Just as the class began moving after the Professor Remus turned around to Neville, "Where's Harry? Isn't he taking this class?"

Apparently Remus's words carried because Hagrid came to an abrupt stop. "Harry's not here?" He asked Ron.

The red head winced hoping that the gentle half giant wouldn't take his bests friend's absence as anything more than what it was. "Um...I guess not. He's probably just running late."

Hermione stepped in quickly seeing Hagrid's face fall and knowing how much Harry's opinion about his lessons meant to him, "I'm sure Harry will be here soon Hagrid, you know how much he always likes you class."

The half-giant practically beamed, his back straightening and continuing onwards with a bounce in his step.

"How pathetic." Draco sneered but was careful to keep his voice down.

Neville grinned at the Slytherin, "Just make sure your derisive comments don't get to Hagrid's ears Draco, wouldn't want a repeat of last time would we?"

Pansy giggled remembering the ingenious pranks Harry had bombarded her boyfriend with until he had apologised to the Golden Trio's favourite Professor.

Draco shot Neville a scathing look and pinched Pansy's waist, eliciting a small shriek from her, in retaliation.

"So what did you guys do in your free period?" Hermione asked the four Gryffindors.

James was immediately reminded of his concerns and shot Sirius a piercing look not bothering to listen in on the wild tale Padfoot spun Hermione effortlessly.

"Is that a...?" Pansy trailed off her voice coated with awe.

"A Gryffin." Remus breathed his amber eyes wide with astonishment.

There, not thirty feet from them stood one of the most revered and rare magical creatures in the Magical world. Standing at two meters the Gryffin was just taller than Hagrid with shiny tan fur covering its body except for the neck, head and wings which were the most amazing, deep gold. The wings were easily two and a half metres each covered in beautiful golden feathers.

"Not only that but a Golden Gryffin." Hagrid laughed happily, the awe and wonder on his students faces making his gentle heart swell.

"Hagrid..."Hermione stuttered her eyes not leaving the magnificent creature, "how ever did you get one to agree to come?"

Hagrid beamed at the young witch and explained to the perplexed looking students in front of him, "Yes everyone. No one can command a Gryffin to do anything; above all else they value their freedom."

"Then how come this one's just standing there for our class?" Dean Thomas asked.

Hagrid just shrugged looking wholly unconcerned, "Your guess is as good as mine Mr Thomas. Gryffins are incredibly intelligent creatures none more so that the Golden Gryffin. This girl here," he shot the creature a fond and astonished look like he couldn't quite believe his luck, "just turned up outside my home yesterday morning and of course Gryffins can go anywhere they please so I just asked her if she would mind me showing you all, as you can see, she didn't." He laughed his black eyes glowing with pride that such a creature would allow him to see her.

"Now, can anyone tell me anything about Gryffins?" Hagrid asked.

Immediately answers were being hurtled through the air.

"They are nearly as rare as phoenixes!"

"Hardly anyone ever sees one!"

"They are said to live the highest mountains in the world where they can fly and be free."

"Golden Gryffins are the royals!"

A powerful shriek silenced the excited shouts of the students; the female Gryffin snorted in clear irritation the muscles around her wings tensing in annoyance.

Laughing Hagrid raised a hand, "Very good everyone but as you can see Gryffins demand respect and are powerful enough to force it, most of what you said is true except for the Golden Gryffins being royalty. Can anyone tell me the difference between the Gryffin and the Golden Gryffin?"

All eyes swung to Hermione but she looked lost and frustrated at not knowing the answer.

"No?" Hagrid asked, "Well I suppose..."

"I know sir," Sirius spoke up hesitantly, his sapphire eyes not having left the creature once since he had seen her, "Gryffins are indeed almost as rare as phoenixes." His voice was low and the creature turned to look at him, crimson eyes wise and intense, "They live up to five hundred years and only have one offspring during that time, they are not capable of more than one. They live in the highest mountains around the world and are therefore capable of surviving extremely low temperatures. As you already said their intelligence is a well known fact, it has been speculated that their minds are far superior to humans." Here the Gryffin finally broke gazes with Sirius and snorted in what most thought sounded like amusement, Sirius grinned looking utterly enamoured with the creature, "They are impervious to most magics and fiercely loyal. The Golden Gryffins aren't royalty," Sirius chuckled sharing an amused look with Hagrid, "they are the original Gryffins. The other Gryffins have changed and evolved over time becoming smaller or bigger, different colours but the Golden Gryffin is said to be the most intelligent and powerful of them." Sirius finished with a whisper.

Hagrid clapped, "Well done Mr Smith, well done." Hermione looked at bit put out but her apparent awe at seeing a Gryffin quickly dispelled such childish thoughts.

"Where's Harry?" Draco muttered "He will never forgive himself if he misses this." Concerned silver eyes drifting back towards the castle.

"Hey mate? You alright?" James whispered to Sirius seeing a dopey look on his face normally reserved for his latest conquest.

"Can you image James; I mean...did you ever dream that we would see a Gryffin?" He breathed his eyes refusing to stray from the magnificent beast.

"I didn't know that you liked them so much." James shrugged.

"When we had to read all those books on animagus transformations I read about them." He shot James a crooked grin.

"My wolf is calm." Remus whispered is open amazement.

"What?" James frowned.

Remus turned excited eyes on him, "My wolf, it's docile. Like it knows to behave in the presence of a..." he waved towards the Gryffin, "...superior."

"Alright class settle down. I want to ask you all something. What do you know of familiars?" Hagrid asked. "Yes Seamus?"

"Aren't they just your pet? Like an owl or a cat?"

"No Finnegan." Draco drawled, "Would you say that Dumbledore and his phoenix have exactly the same bond as you do with your turtle?"

Seamus shot him an acidic look but Draco just smirked. So the Gryffindors didn't like him, Harry could keep them in line.

Hermione's hand shot up eager to answer the first question she knew the answer to, a truly strange and unsettling fact.

Hagrid nodded for the brunette to go ahead.

"It is, in reality, quite rare and unique to have a familiar because the bond must be with a magical creature. The creature also isn't the witches of wizards pet but rather their partner. They see each other as equals. The only wizard in Hogwarts that is known to have a familiar is the Headmaster. The magical creature and the witch or wizard establish a bond which ties them together. Not much is actually known about the process or results of familiar bonds because it is said to be an extremely private matter which the human partner doesn't like to discuss. But we do know fate does play some role in the matter because destined familiar partners feel an instant connection to each other but then both must agree and make a choice as to whether or not they wish to bond. Familars and their witch or wizard are incredibly protective of each other and stay with each other throughout their entire life."

"You, Hermione, read far too much for it to be healthy." Ron stated seriously, chuckles erupting around the class.

"Well done Hermione! As I was saying..."

"...Sorry I'm late Professor, I got held up." A smooth, dark voice floated over the students effortlessly gaining their attention despite the soft volume.

"Harry!" Hagrid bellowed and James noted that his face stretched into the largest grin the half-giant had given today. "I'm so glad you made it and of course, I understand, it's no problem."

Everybody waited for Harry's response but none came, those emerald orbs were locked in a staring match with the crimson ones of the Golden Gryffin.

"Harry?" Pansy asked reaching a hand out towards him only to have Draco gently stop her.

"Professor?" One of the Hufflepuff girls asked uneasily.

Without warning the Gryffin threw back its head and let out an echoing and imposing call which had goose bumps rising on Harry's skin. Those sound waves were pure magic; Harry realised with amazement but made sure to keep his face carefully blank.

The female Gryffin brought her eyes back to Harry and he suddenly needed everyone gone. Quickly, Harry checked his Occlumency barriers to see if anything could be affecting him but didn't find anything, on a hunch he delved deeper into his mind to his magical core and barely managed to smother his gasp for what he found. His magic was glowing, pulsing, radiating excitement while a small thin red line of magic different from his distinct emerald seemed to be connecting him to something. Normally Harry would have immediately cut the foreign magic but...he looked around...it was almost as if his own magic was...rejoicing. Inwardly, he snorted at the ridiculousness of that concept but still...

...his instincts had never led him astray before.

"Harry?"

He turned, for the first time breaking eye contact with the Gryffin and felt his magic both settle and scream in anger and misery.

"Harry?" James asked again, concerned.

The whole class was staring at Harry in confusion except for a few Slytherins and Ravenclaws would wore unattractive sneers and whispers amongst themselves.

"Hagrid," Harry called softly and the bewildered looking man immediately came to attention, "Please take the class back into the castle."

Again with the orders, Remus thought bitterly, watching Harry.

"Harry, are you sure you...?" Hagrid began but a sharp look from those emerald eyes had him gathering the students together and ushering them towards the castle.

Harry took a step toward the silent and unmoving creature feeling almost...compelled.

Remus had to bit his tongue to stop himself from saying anything but he was glad to see that for the first time the others looked at Harry with a little doubt.

"Mate, what's going on?" Ron spoke slowly his neck turning from Harry to the Gryffin. It wasn't that he didn't trust Harry, Great Merlin far from it. He would follow his best friend to the ends of the Earth this just seemed so...strange.

"I'm not leaving." Sirius said his eyes glowing hotly daring anyone to try and budge him.

James just stared at Harry. His son's posture was stiff but at the same time something told James that Harry was not in complete control of himself at the moment. His emerald eyes held a wildness to them that put James on edge. He knew that magic was unpredictable and that the magical community didn't like to acknowledge exactly how little they actually understood... he could feel Harry's magical aura growing and becoming agitated and he was willing to bet it had something to do with one of those innumerable facets about magic that they had no hope of understanding.

Remus felt almost smug as he watched, for the first time, people questioning Harry's word; his orders, that was until he locked eyes with assessing blue. Pansy Parkinson was looking at him like he was a puzzle she had almost figured out but didn't like the picture she knew it would make. Turning away from those eyes he realised that his wolf was again restless and inwardly cursed Harry's presence. As soon as he had shown up one of the only reprieves he had ever experienced from the wolf had been utterly destroyed.

"Can he even hear us?" James asked pointedly.

Draco was quick to assess the situation. "I'm not sure...Harry? Hey Potter!" He paused, "Whatever is going on I don't like it." He said watching the motionless figures of Harry and the Gryffin that had yet to break eye contact.

"It's like he's in some sort of trance." Sirius said.

Hermione was biting her lip knowing that Sirius's ill placed stubbornness was capable of inciting a reaction they didn't want. She knew the signs of Harry's magic escaping his controls. The last time it had happened...she clenched her eyes shut against the pain and straightened her spine.

"Let's go." She stated and locked eyes with the others. Those that really knew Harry; Ron, Draco, Neville and Pansy took one look into her eyes before accepting what their magic had told them was going on. You couldn't blame them for not wanting to believe that Harry's magic was reacting, the last time...

"So Pot Head has finally decided to go off the deep end." A cold voice sneered from behind them.

They all turned and saw three individuals coming towards them wearing matching sneers.

"I would watch your tongue Nott or it's liable to be cut off." Neville threatened quietly his knuckles white but his eyes not moving from Harry's exposed figure.

Nott sneered looking horribly unattractive and Terry Boot stepped forward.

"It's embarrassing the way everyone just falls into line whenever Potter utters a word." He said slowly advancing forward, smirking when he caught Ron stiffening and moving in front of Hermione. "Then again you're nothing but his lap dogs are you?"

Draco withheld his sneer with some difficulty. Unfortunately, Nott and Boot were fairly intelligent wizards and powerful ones too. Silently his swore under his breath, they couldn't even teach the little rodents a lesson because they were on Hogwarts grounds in full view of the castle and judging by the confident smirks they wore, that fact was not unbeknown to them.

"I wonder what would happen to Potter if I hexed him right now," Boot drawled, "nothing good I imagine, though I am curious to know what's going on..." he trailed off and looked around him and smirked, "Looks like you don't know either."

"Shut-up." Hermione hissed fire spitting from her eyes, how she hated Nott.

"What? Don't like me anymore Mione?" He chuckled darkly as her face drained of colour and her hands began trembling.

"Hey! Why don't you just bug off?" Sirius suggested with his usual flippant manner.

"What?" A new voice spoke, "And miss all the fun?"

Terrence Walker seemed to appear out of nowhere a Slytherin crest displayed on his robes and an attractive brunette on his arm. James noticed immediately as the four students seemed to come to attention and diverted some of his attention to the situation and away from his son.

"So what's this?" Walker nodded his chin in the direction of Harry his black eyes glinting wickedly. He was a very handsome man standing at 6'1 with a natural tan that spoke of Mediterranean ancestry. Draco sneered, this man was dangerous. He had a brilliant mind and a penchant for cruelty. Unfortunately, Ron knew none of them could beat Walker in a duel except Harry but with him otherwise engaged...

"I should have known you would only be brave enough to show your face around us when Harry was out of commission Walker." Ron glared.

Walker smiled slowly his eyes flicking back to Harry's still form eyes alight with delight and malice. "So the Golden boy is out of commission is he? Thank-you for telling me."

Terrence Walker let Nott, Boot and Melanie take the reins then, watching Potter with an almost obsessive stare. Harry Potter and he had come face to face with each other only last year after his transfer to Hogwarts. He was the bastard son of Bellatrix Lestrange and the infamous Death Eater Brice Walker. He had inherited both his parents' intelligence and took it a step further, he was known to be sharp and malicious and nobody dared tangle with him. Not even Malfoy. He threw a look at the blonde and reminded himself to keep a look out for him; Draco Malfoy was not an easy opponent. None of them were, Longbottom could take Nott and Boot out if he didn't have to fight them at once and the Weasley was on par, something of an accomplishment seeing as how both had been trained by the elites in Voldemort's circle. But they didn't have the power to match him. They were all very skilled, he'd give them that, but he had been groomed since his inception to be the best. He sneered, and he was the best apart from Potter. He took a step closer to the vulnerable body feeling the temptation...

"Stop." The command was so casual it did indeed halt his progress and he turned eyes on the three newest additions to Potter's band of followers.

James watched the wizard opposite him wearily sensing his power but also pupremely confident in his own abilities.

"I don't believe we have been introduced?"Terrence said politely but James caught the flash of irritation at having stopped his progress to Harry.

James rolled his eyes and looked at the man pointedly, "Well, no one would question your intelligence, would they?"

"No need to be unpleasant, I was merely enquiring." Walker smiled tightly his eyes flashing.

"Then enquire no longer and leave Terrence." Draco stepped in between them knowing that James didn't exactly know who he was dealing with; in fact, none of them could really handle the wild card that Walker was without Harry nearby and conscious of reality.

"But I do so wish to know what is going on." He pouted mockingly before letting his lips morph into a cruel smirk. "And what better way than firsthand experience?...Legitimens!" he shouted bringing his wand up and casting the spell so quickly none of them had time to block him.

"Harry!" Pansy screamed as she saw Harry's body abruptly crumple to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

Harry's concentration and connection with the Gryffin was snapped unexpectedly as a shaft of magic tried to force its way into his mind battering unrelentingly at his mind's defences. He could feel his magic building and without giving himself even a moment to panic instantly ejected the invading force with the last of the magic he had within his control.

The Gryffin let out a roar of fury and launched itself into the air only to land in the space between Harry and the others.

Terrence scowled at the creature and eyed Potter's body shrewdly, he was curious and he would know what was going on.

"What the hell?!" Neville quickly looked around the creature to see if Harry was alright and saw him hunched in on himself clutching his head between his hands; Neville, despite the chaotic nature of the situation felt like breathing a sigh of relief, at least there was some life to him now.

Remus jerked back from the furious Gryffin and felt his wolf cower submissively in the face of its overwhelming anger.

"Leave me alone you stupid beast!" Nott screamed and was rewarded by a stunner in the back from Ron.

Quickly, the others took action and managed to stun Melanie but Boot flittered back into the castle. Walker put up a full body shield wholly unconcerned for the numerous spells it was defending him against and walked towards Harry's pained form.

"Don't you look splendid Potter?" he chuckled darkly feeling the blood rush rising within him demanding the kill.

James growled and sent a semi illegal spell racing towards the Slytherin having had enough.

Terrence raised his gaze from Harry when he felt a particularly powerful spell impact on his shield and fracture it. Letting it crumble Walker looked at James Smith, the new transfer student, with narrowed eyes...there was something, some bit of crucial information he was missing.

Without warning his shield shattered and a burning curse engulfed his arm. Furious, he turned enraged eyes on the culprit and met Hermione Granger's determined gaze.

"That was not very nice." He said darkly.

"You are safe in Hogwarts, it is true. Just remember who made that possible and know that if you kill Harry there is no way you would make it past the anti-apparation wards alive Walker." She spat.

"I thought you were against violence Hermione?" He smirked, unconcerned.

"She might be but I'm not." Caught unawares Terrence struggled to withhold his screams as Draco hit him with a particularly dark but not Unforgivable torture curse.

Heaving and gulping for breaths once the spell was lifted Walker coughed once then slowly grinned at Draco menacingly, "I thought you gave all that up cousin?"

"Fuck off." Pansy hissed knowing she was treading on thin ice, they all were, without Harry none of them stood a chance against Walker. He was too good.

"Mmm," Walker seemed to melt into the shadows an unsettling smirk on his lips, "Perhaps you are right...tell Harry I said hi..."

"Shit." Neville murmured looking at the empty space the Slytherin had left.

Growling in agitation James raced to his son's side "Harry? Harry?! What's wrong?" No response. This time is so screwed up! He was sick of being in the dark and he was through with these fucking weird situations being thrust upon him where he felt worse than useless. He and his son were going to have some words...he just had to fix him first.

Glancing up at the others he saw that they were conveniently distracted by the menacing growls of the Gryffin which had allowed him safe passage to Harry. It was almost like she was protecting him...James shook his head and focused on his son.

"Harry, I'm going to help you alright,...you must trust and accept what I give and who I am or so help me God! I will ground you from the moment you are born before telling Lily exactly what dangerous stunts you've been pulling...and let me tell you, you do not want Evans on your case... remember; trust and accept what I give." James whispered urgently into his son's ear.

Harry was in agony. The constant yelling and screaming combined with the confusing amount of magical energies that weren't his own had caused that crimson chord of magic to snap, creating a wave of backlash magic and energy which had nowhere else to go, nothing else to attack...except his mind. His own magic was tearing and butchering his carefully cultivated occlumency shields... he barely had time to muffle the scream that rose within him as one of his major mental defences came crashing down damaging his memories of his Summer between second and third year.

'Going...help...must trust...grounded...Evans on your case...I give...remember...trust and accept...I give.'

The words seemed to echo in his mind like a cool soothing balm and he watched his magic pause in its head long rush of destruction. Immediately, Harry tried to force him magic back, to calm its raging energy. He was the master of his magic no one else. He ruled supreme in his own mind and he would be damned if he let his own magic control him.

He was so tired though. Some intrinsic knowledge that he had lost something incredibly precious and impossible to get back dulled his thoughts...he just needed more...

That's when he felt it. Something new but...remembered from the past.

A feeling.

He frowned, confused, the agony making it almost impossible to think clearly.

It was cool, inviting yet hesitant at the same time.

Without warning a pale blue wave of light fluttered through his barely standing occlumency walls without pausing for even a moment. Harry immediately tried to fight it off not understanding why, at every attack he made the magic didn't fight him but merely retracted before trying again.

It felt so good. Too weak to fight it off it slowly crept forward and Harry saw that his mindscape was healing...his thoughts regained some of their sharpness that made him such a fearsome enemy.

'accept...trust what I give'

...Dad.

In a rush, the pale blue magic swarmed through his mind Harry making no attempt to stop it but trusting someone else fully to know what they were doing without fear of betrayal.

Slowly his magic calmed and the agony receded.

"What's wrong with him?!" Hermione screamed fearfully at James who remained unmoving by Harry's side.

He couldn't explain to her what he had had to do. It was a secret no one except family could know. Nobody but a Potter could accomplish.

Abruptly, the Gryffin spread its wings and roared again, making the grounds beneath them tremble, before snapping its head in Harry's direction causing the group to stare at it cautiously ready to act if there was need.

James only had to look into those crimson eyes once to know that she wanted him to leave. Now. There was a threat within the flames of rage in her eyes that told him what would happen if he didn't obey her in this. Still, knowing this, James didn't move. There was no way in hell he was leaving his son at the mercy of...that raging lunatic Gryffin.

I will not harm your child, human.

James started at the feminine voice inside his head, "Wha...?"

Go.

"Dear Gods...." James murmured. I'm hearing voices...he moaned despairingly.

Now. He will come to more harm if you do not obey me in this.

James peered up at the magnificent creature sceptically before nodding his head in accent. Numbly, hardly believing he was doing this, he slowly moved away from Harry ignoring the cries from the others at his action and watched as the Gryffin bend her head to touch his son's.

Emerald eyes snapped open.

The pain was gone.

His magic was still and under his complete control once again.

Come child, we have things to discuss. I do not wish to be interrupted again. The underlying threat was clear.

Harry rose to his feet gracefully in one move and fixed his eyes on the group before him. They all looked a little worse for wear, he noted, and felt another weight add to the impossible burden on his shoulders.

"Harry?..." Ron asked quietly, his eyes pleading for some explanation. At this point, he wasn't capable of pretending that seeing his best friend lying on the ground, his face contorted in pain while not understanding what the hell was going on, hadn't affected him.

Harry's stone face softened. "Please...all of you, go back to the castle...we'll talk later."

"Harry ... Walker..." Pansy tried to say.

Terrence....

The whisper echoed eerily through his mind, racing through his thoughts.

The name was like whiplash.

Immediately, he turned glowing emerald orbs on Pansy.

At the mention of the name Harry's gaze was immediately on her his stare so intense Draco wanted to step forward and break the contact.

Harry forced himself to swallow, "Is anyone hurt?" rapidly; his eyes scanned the group looking for any injuries he had missed previously, "What did he do?" His voice was filled with dread.

"We're fine. He didn't do anything." Sirius said carefully eying his future godson with worry.

"I don't know what possessed you to grant him immunity within Hogwarts Harry." Ron sighed. The man was terrifying. Uncontrollable.

Harry ignored the second comment and nodded at Sirius in thanks. Taking note of Hermione's white face he asked Pansy if she could take her to the hospital wing before fixing his Father with a long calculating look.

"I think we need to talk when I get back."Harry said.

"Yes." James nodded in agreement his mind inadvertently floating back to Simon.

Now, human. I am growing impatient.

"Where are you going?" Sirius asked as Harry began to turn around.

Harry only looked at them for a moment before moving forwards, "I'll be back soon." He turned sharply and glided into the forest.

The Gryffin stayed behind for just a moment staring at the group calculatingly before following.

"Dear Salazar," Draco muttered watching the mystical creature fade from view as the trees covered the pairs path, "what have you got yourself into this time Potter?"

#

Harry walked through the thick underbrush with the Gryffin right beside him for several minutes before he finally spoke.

"You wanted to speak with me?"

She tilted her neck slightly, Yes.

"Alone?"

Yes.

Harry sighed tiredly as they came to a clearing and took a seat on one of the boulders while the creature folded her wings tightly against her sides and stayed standing.

"Do you have a name?"

Harry got the distinct impression of amusement from her which he ignored before she deigned to answer him.

Does it matter?

Harry shrugged and leaned back rolling his shoulder trying to get the muscles to loosen unsuccessfully. "I would rather I had a name to call you by." He answered simply.

Desari.

Harry nodded in acknowledgment but couldn't help but let his thoughts stray to his friends...and Terrence.

"What did you have to speak with me about?" he asked.

My, my, you are direct.

Again he had the distinct impression that she was laughing at him.

"I admit I am not a politician and prefer frankness rather than word games," he smirked at the Gryffin, "that isn't to say I'm not good at them."

...Indeed.

"Do you always speak mind to mind?" Harry asked.

No. Only to a small select few.

Harry raised his eyebrow and waited for Desari to get to the point.

Tell me, Mr Potter, what do you know of familiars?

He frowned suspiciously but after receiving nothing but a cold expectant stare he answered. "Not much is known...but I did research the subject a few years ago when I became curious,... why?"

The Gryffin shifted uncomfortably, You know that familiar bonds are pre-ordained to an extent am I correct?

"Yes." Harry said slowly.

I was flying over Scotland yesterday when I felt an inexorable pull forcing me to land, commanding me to stay with that man Hagrid and another to allow myself to be shown for your teachings. I had my suspicions as to why before but now...

"You are certain?" Harry sat up straighter feeling dread pull in his stomach.

She nodded her head of gold feathers once in agreement.

"Are you and I familiars?" he winced at the words. It felt like he was asking someone whether they were in love with him or not; awkward and private but he had to know.

No

Harry sighed in relief falling back against the immovable stone.

My child is.

DID YOU LIKE IT? PLEASE REVIEW AND TELL ME! AND JUST SO YOU KNOW TERRENCE IS NOT SOME SCHOOL BOY RIVALRY HE'S A LEGITAMATE THREAT.

DID YOU LIKE THE GRYFFIN FAMILIAR IDEA? I LOVE IT!

PLEASE REIVEIW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!