Chapter 8.

The loud hissing of Jasper the next morning awoke Harry; he opened his eyes and was greeted by the sight of his familiar leaning down from where he was curled around one of his bedposts.

"Master your mother is shouting you and I believe you are an hour late and she plans to kill you when you get up."

"Thanks so much Jasper I really wanted to know that."

"Ha you are welcome master."

Harry leapt out of bed and threw his clothes on before his own snake could laugh at him anymore. Although thinking about it snakes shouldn't be able to laugh. He dashed down the stairs before remembering his laughing snake, which caused him to get a raised eyebrow from his Uncle Craig as he turned from one foot and leapt back up the stairs to drape his snake around his neck and shoulders.

"You forgot didn't you master."

"I am sorry Jasper I didn't mean to forget you."

"Its alright master you have other things on your mind this morning."

Just as Harry was running down the stairs again he was caught around the waist by a pair of strong arms. Gabriel lifted both Harry and Jasper easily up into his arms.

"Now where are you off to in such a hurry little one?"

"Dad let me go, mums going to kill me"

"Your mother won't kill you but have you done to disserve the threat?"

"I overslept so I am an hour late."

"That explains it then."

"Yep."

"Come we will go together."

Gabriel carried his son and his snake down the stairs to the main lounge were everyone was waiting. As soon as they stepped through a pair cubs came racing towards Gabriel's long legs about to attach their hands to his denim jeans. The voice of their mother stopped them dead in their tracks.

"Socha, Drake if you take one more step I will ground the pair of you for the whole year."

"But mummy."

"No buts."

Socha pouted and turned to his father with a pleading look in his eyes but Ruairidh just smiled and shook his head. This in turn made Drake scowl at his father, they were so alike it was scary sometimes.

"Craig?"

"Yes Sarah?"

"Is it my imagination or are your twins speeding up their growth?"

Craig's eyes widened, at once he snapped his head to look at his mate. Surly his cubs hadn't inherited the Moon Tiger ability to be able to change the speed they aged at? He glared his husband into giving an answer.

"Well, it would seem they have maybe their mates are older than them."

"I suppose that would make sense."

"It would also explain how they seem to be nearly as old as Harry and Draco."

"Guys we are going to miss the train we can sort this out later once everyone is settled."

"Yes sorry, Sarah come on before we end up running all the way to Hogwarts."

After a lot of scrapping between the kids and adults the Pack managed to get to platform 9 ¾ without any more problems. Draco and Harry kept close to each other as they eyed the other students wearily. Harry also clung close to his mother, as her comforting presence and his father's aura of power made him feel safe. Although he wasn't clingy by nature he had only really been around Draco and the twins rather than like normal children so he wasn't sure what to do or how to act. He felt the gentle brush of Draco's skin against his own that helped to stabilise his crazy thoughts.

"Don't worry little one we aren't leaving you"

"I know dad I am just not sure about all these people."

It didn't take long to bundle Harry and Draco on to the train, they only managed it because Harry knew he would meet up with everyone later that Draco managed to remove his arms from his Father.

"Come on Harry we need to go."

The smaller boy tightened his hold but allowed Draco to pull him on to the train with one last hug from his mother. Although he did cling to the window until the train had moved out of sight of the platform.

"Dray can we go find a compartment before everyone starts staring?"

"Sure."

Draco took hold of his friend's hand and pulled him forward. As they had boarded at the back of the train they easily found an empty carriage. Harry gently removed Jasper from around his neck and placed him on one of the bench seats. Then he managed to settle down and concentrate on playing a game with Draco rather than worry about people looking in their compartment. While they played Suma was stretched out across Draco's legs. Everything was going fine as Draco was winning, until the two heirs got a visit from a redhead and a bushy haired girl.

"Have you seen a toad?" Asked the girl.

"No and if we had my friend would have eaten it, wouldn't you Suma."

The clouded leopard lifted his head and drew the redhead's attention to him.

"What the bloody hell is that!"

"Suma is a leopard, what does he look like?"

"You aren't allowed leopards in Hogwarts."

"You will find that I am allowed as he isn't a pet he is my familiar."

The girl huffed but stalked out with the redhead following like a little lost puppy. Draco just rolled his eyes at the pair, as they were obviously not worth his or Harry attention. With a low sigh Harry reached down and scratched gently behind Suma's ears, hearing the usual rolling purrs from the leopard helped to sooth the small boy's nerves. Draco smiled slightly at the sight of Suma pushing his head into Harry delicate fingers for more attention when he thought the emerald-eyed boy might stop.

"Suma that's enough."

The leopard just yawned and lay back down across his master's legs.

"Dray that was mean, Suma wasn't doing any harm."

"I know that but he knows how to behave in public."

"Since when is just you and me been public Dray?"

"Its not."

"Then why…never mind I can't ever understand your logic."

"Your not supposed to, your job is just to agree."

"Prat."

Draco then decided to go against his pureblood training and stick his tongue out at his black haired counterpart. Harry just laughed before settling down against Draco's shoulder to sleep the rest of the journey away. Jasper slithered closer and laid his large head in Harry's lap to keep warm as he too went back to sleep. Draco just rolled his eyes at his best friend and opened a book Gabriel had given him to study the day before.

The first years were lead to the little boats and escorted across the lake to the steps of Hogwarts, during the trip there was a lot of whispering about the fact Potter hadn't turned up and the fact that all the first years were disappointed they hadn't got to meet him. This murmuring was stopped completely when the fearsome sight of Professor Minerva McGonagall at the top of the staircase came into view.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am the Deupty Head Mistress and Head of Gryffindor house Professor McGonagall. While you are here your house will be like your family, any misbehaving will result in the loss of points and any triumphs will gain you points."

Draco leaned across to Harry and ran a hand along his arm to settle the little brunet's nerves as there was a lot of pushing and shoving as the Professor talked. Harry stuck close to Dray as they were shepharded into a small antechamber to wait for the sorting.

"You alright Harry?"

"Yes Dray just want this over with so I can see everyone later."

"That's true."

The sorting was done fast and they soon came to Draco's turn, the current Gryffindors were pulling faces as the young Malfoy strode up to the stool and the hat. The fabric settled onto his head and the voice started in his mind.

"Ah young mister Malfoy, I see you have found your rightful other half but still your house will not change. The pair of you should do very well under the new rule. SLYTHERIN." The hat shouted.

The green and silver clad table errupted into clapping while the Gryffindors just scowled and hissed words under their breathe. Draco glanced at Harry as sat down so there was an empty seat next to him. Harry smiled softly when he saw the pointed glance Dray gave the seat next to him. The hall went silent as Harry's name was called out no one recongised it and whispers flowed around the purebloods but no one could put a background to the name. The hat was placed on the dark head and everyone watched with bated breath. Harry's eyes were flitting between Draco, his mother, his uncle Ruairidh and uncle Jack as the hat spoke.

"Ah so Harry Potter has arrived and yet you do not go by that name. I sense your Pack are all around the grounds and some in this hall, I have no reason to let your secret out but you shall go to the house that you will be greatest in. SLYTHERIN."

Harry walked to Draco with the grace that told of his upbringing, there was no doubt in any of the purebloods mind's that he was one of them but why did none of them know his name and why was he so comfortable with the Malfoy heir. The rest of the new students were sorted in minutes and the hat and stool taken away as the Headmaster stood up to speak.

"Welcome students both young and old. I wish to welcome you to a new year at Hogwarts, there a few rules to go through after I have indroduced you all to our three new members of staff. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts proffesor is Ruairidh Donaldson."

The tall Tiger stood and gave a little bow to the students, many whispers followed this as girls and guys alike swooned at the gorgeous man as he sat back down. His crimson and black stripped hair was cause of a lot mummering from the male students as it looked completely natural.

"Then our next new member is Sarah Thorn our new Care of Magical Creatures proffesor"

Sarah smiled as she stood up and gave a little bow to the students, her long hair shimered in the light from the stars that were peaking through the dark clouds. She rested her hand on top of Arthur's head as he was sat beside her seat although he was hidden by her chair until the head master told the students about him.

"And finally we have our last new member, Jack Southern is our new Ancient Runes professor." At this the head master let Jack stand up and bow before he dismissed the students to their common rooms and beds once they had finished eating.

"One last thing students. There are several familiars with us this year and I think the owners would appreciate it if you all didn't treat them as pets. To show you what I mean, Professor Thorn could you let Arthur step forward please?"

Sarah grinned and gestured for her Daemon pup to step forward, there were gasps as the big dog was seen although it helped he had a collar on and was just sitting looking up at his mistress.

"Thank you. That is all students you may continue to eat our lovely feast." The head master sat down again and seemed to be content to let the students eat this time.

The Slytherin's set about learning whether or not to make alliances erm friendships as soon as they feast appeared. The older years had hidden looks of shock on their faces as they watched Harry and Draco interact with each other over the food. It was obvious they knew each other very well because they were able to get the correct food for each other and eat round each other with perfect pureblood manners. As Draco chose his meat he picked up double the amount and placed the slightly smaller portion on Harry's plate, which the dark haired boy was dolling out the mash and vegetables for the both of them. The blonde sneered at the sweet corn that was mixed in with the rice, broccoli and chopped carrot. Harry rolled his eyes and efficiently removed the offending vegetable off his best friends plate. Draco smirked and slipped his hand with his fork in it around the smaller boy's arm to steal his carrots, he ignored the indignant hiss Harry gave him and continued to eat. The pair were ignoring the stares they got from most on Slytherin table and others as well who had never seen Slytherin's acting human, even the first years.

"Dray why has mum changed her name?"

"I guess so it's not obvious from the start who she is."

The smaller boy smiled and seemed to settle back at that explanation although no one else had a clue what the two had been talking about. Up at the Staff table Sarah grinned at Jack and Ruairidh having heard what Draco had said, she had forgotten to warn her son that she would be changing her name so people couldn't question Harry over his mother teaching at Hogwarts while he was attending. As well as she the joy the Pack got from hiding under the Head Masters nose and watching the problems unfold.

Harry and Draco kept close together as the Slytherin prefect lead them down to the dungeons where the snake's common room was. Draco was keeping an eye on the other students as he had picked up on the rumours floating around after Harry's name had been called out for sorting. The blonde was not stupid he knew all the other purebloods would be trying to place his best friend but unless their family history went back as far the Malfoy's they wouldn't find anything of use. Draco was pulled out of his musings by a small hand on his arm as Harry alerted him to the fact they were being told the password for that week. The blonde snapped his mind back to the tour they were being given by the prefect as a tall man in billowing black robes entered through a portrait on the other side of the common room. Harry shivered and pressed subtly against Draco's side as he looked at the man, for some reason he didn't like him. Draco narrowed his eyes on the man and went automatically to reach for his Sai's but they weren't there. Draco growled lowly under his breath but relaxed his hand away form his belt.

The black haired man swept his gaze along the line of new Slytherin students. Most were from families he either knew or could loosely place, but there was one child that escaped his knowledge. This child was stood close to the young Malfoy heir the difference in their heights the black haired child looked much smaller than any of the other students. Most children that came into Slytherin were abused in some way but this kid looked perfectly healthy, he even had some of the first signs of developing muscles so he obviously wasn't being starved or hit. Severus mentally shrugged and let the thoughts go, maybe his parents were small that wasn't unusual. Draco allowed a small sigh of relief to escape as the man moved his piercing gaze away from Harry and began to speak.

"Welcome to Slytherin house. While you are here I expect you all to follow the rules and not loose any house points. I am the Head of Slytherin, Professor Snape. I am also the potions master of Hogwarts."

With that said he turned and strode out of the common room, his bat like robes billowing out behind him. The prefect -who had introduced himself as Adrian- once again took over and directed all the new students up the stairs to their dorm rooms. Since there were so few new Slytherin's this time they had been paired off into twos rather than fours like other houses. Draco scowled at the prefect, his wished he was allowed to use some of the spells Gabriel had taught them if he and Harry weren't paired together. Although it seemed someone had heard Draco's inner threatening as Adrian called out his and Harry's name to share one of the bigger dorms. They were the last to be sorted into dorms so they quickly left to see if their trunks were inside, Draco was very protective of his belongings, something Harry still found amusing, as he didn't have the same attachment to materialistic items. Inside they found two four poster beds with their trunks at the ends, Harry grinned as he looked around although he shivered lightly as he wasn't used to coldness of the dungeon after being in the warmth of Ice Manor. Emerald eyes widened as he noticed the absence of their two familiars, with a distressed looked he turned to Draco.

"Dray why aren't Jasper and Suma in here?"

Draco gave a start and quickly cast his eye around. Harry was correct. There was no leopard or snake in sight. The blonde narrowed his eyes at the door and inwardly growled, no one except their family had the right to separate the familiar from the master.

"I don't know Harry but we can find out."

Just as Draco finished speaking there was a loud pop and two cages appeared, luckily they weren't too far off the ground so the two animals weren't hurt but they did hiss and yowl at the rough treatment. Harry dashed over to his large snake and opened the cage with a frown on his delicate face, his small hands reaching at once for the coils of serpent.

Are you all right Jasper?

Yes master but those stupid humans don't know how to look after a familiar; they examined us and try to put spells on us. They also let us get cold.

Harry gasped and held the snake close to his body he now noticed the serpent was shivering as was Suma who was cuddling close to Draco purring as his master petted his ears to comfort him.

How about you sleep on our beds till we get back from visiting the Pack if we put warming charms on the sheets?

Yes please master

Draco sighed but his resistance was only for show and Harry knew this as the two placed warming charms on each bed and allowed their familiars free reign. Draco looked at his leopard and tried to keep his face stern but was failing as he spoke.

"Don't get used this Suma."

Harry sniggered knowing full well Draco let the leopard sleep with him most nights but due to his hang up on the pureblood rules he denied it all time. The dark haired boy kept his grin to himself and to hide it began to throw his clothes into the wardrobe they had been given. Well that was until Draco spotted what he was doing and strode over.

"Now you know your mother would kill you if she could see what you are doing to all those expensive clothes."

Draco smirked when Harry sighed and allowed the hand holding his wrist to still his movement. Although Draco did catch the smaller boy rolling his eyes at him when he cast his eyes over the now rumbled clothes in the draws. With a flick of his wand and a quick spell his father had taught him years ago the clothes were neatly hung a folded away before Harry could protest.

"Get changed then we can go and see the Pack before curfew that prefect told us about."

At that Harry leapt up and managed to get changed in record time, they were now dressed in dark jeans and jumpers to help their escape through the castle halls. Draco smiled at his best friend as he shifted on the spot unable to keep still with all the energy he had saved now bubbling to the surface at the prospect of seeing his parents, uncles and cousins who were more like brothers.

"Come on Dray we need to go. See you in a bit Jasper, be good."

Draco shook his head as the snake raised his head sleepily but hissed in agreement as his master had already dashed out the door and stood impatiently waiting for Draco. The two quickly navigated through the corridors, their dark clothes and training kept them from being spotted by any stray teachers. Within minutes they were out of the front doors and away across the grass, they raced towards the forbidden forest with Harry narrowly winning as they skidded to a halt in the shadows of the trees. The smaller boy grinned up at the blonde before a light glow covered him and he switched into his animal form. Draco wasn't far behind and the two frolicked as they slipped through the trees. The young dragon nipped at the little fox's hind legs as they ran, he ignored the indignant yip from Harry as they speed through a clearing. Harry skidded to a stop by a gap between two trees, he could smell they had found the barrier that been set up by his uncle Craig and Ruairidh by the smell of things. With a quick press of his nose that told the Pack that it was Draco and him who were coming through the barrier. The fox and the dragon disappeared, on the other side they changed back to humans. Now Harry grinned at Draco, the blonde answered by pulling a face at the smaller boy, although he waited till Harry's back was turned and then pounced on the smaller male. The two fell to the ground, Harry yipped and dug his claws into Dray's arms but he couldn't remove the larger boy. This made Harry sigh and pout at Draco as the blonde pinned him to the floor.

"Dray that was no way fair!"

"I never claimed to be fair Harry."

Harry was about to answer rather rudely when hoof beats alerted them to the fact they had been found. Gabriel glanced down at the two children on the floor. His dark emerald eyes fixed on his son as he stamped one huge back hoof. At this Harry and Draco scrambled to their feet each one stood with their legs shoulder width apart. Gabriel lowered his massive head and nudged the two around his shoulder to his sleek back. Harry's eyes widened at what his dad was telling them to do. The Stallion snorted but remained completely still, Harry gulped but his eyes gained a determined glint in his emerald eyes. The dark haired boy jumped slightly when he felt Draco lift him by his waist, he knew he would never manage to jump that high from the floor and obviously Draco had been thinking along the same lines. Harry's eyes were still wide when he felt Dray settle behind him on his Fathers broad back. Gabriel snorted in warning and set off at a walk, now he wasn't daft he knew if he cantered straight away he would hurt his son and student but that wasn't the only thing stopping him. The stallion had images of his mate killing him or even worse shutting him out of their bedroom. Gabriel shivered at that thought.

The whole Pack knew how to ride normal Wizarding horses as well as muggle ones but none of them came to over 18 hands high and could run faster than lightening at a light gallop. So Gabriel kept his concentration on his son and student, making sure they were balanced before and after he changed gait. Once he was sure that they were settled and used to his huge stride he slipped into a light canter. Harry and Draco barely felt the changes in Gabriel's speed his strides were that fluid and graceful. It wasn't long before the house came into view; they were as deep into the forest as anyone could go hence why they were safe from discovery. Gabriel slowed as they came up to the garden but then his stride changed and he snorted for the two to hold on tightly. It was Draco who realised what was happening first, there was a huge fence around part of the garden, it was a see through which was why Harry hadn't twigged to what his dad was about to do. Draco shouted while tightening his hold around the smaller boy's waist as he readied them for the Stallion's jump. Harry let out a yell as Gabriel's powerful back legs dug deep into the ground and propelled them over the fence. Draco shifted his balance as soon as they landed so Harry was pressed securely against him. Gabriel slowed as they reached the front door, Harry slid off his back first followed by Draco. His son stumbled as his feet hit the ground; it was very high from someone as small as Harry to jump down from. Draco reached out an arm and steadied his best friend as they waited for Gabriel to change forms.

Harry grinned up at his tall Father who was raking a hand through his hair as it had come loose when they had jumped over the fence. Gabriel smiled at his son and opened his arms to the small boy; Harry threw himself into his dad's arms and laughed when he lifted into a strong chest. The 11 year old snuggled into Gabriel's shirt and allowed his father to carry him into the house, although he did keep one eye on his best friend to make sure Draco was following. As soon as they entered a room that seemed to be the family pallor, Gabriel put Harry down abet it was reluctantly but he still let his son go for now. As soon as Harry's feet touched the floor and Draco appeared behind him they were ambushed by Socha and Drake. Harry scowled when he realised the twins were taller than him; he poked Draco when the blonde sniggered once he followed Harry's train of thought.

"Hey Har mama wants to talk us all. Do you think we should have kept quiet about the ageing thing?"

"Well they were going to notice sooner or later, after all you look older than me and Draco already. Anyway lets see what is going on before we jump to anything ok?"

Socha nodded and dragged Harry to floor with him; Draco and Drake joined them and at once the four spread out across the hearthrug. Between the four of them they were all touching in some way. Draco was on one edge with Harry using his stomach as a pillow, Socha was using Harry's thighs to rest his head and had thrown an arm over the smallest boy's knees and Drake had his legs underneath Socha's as they waited for the adults to appear and settle.

Jack was sat in a large armchair his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles, his dark eyes filled with amusement as he watched the rest of his Pack filter in and settle into their new home. Lucius was sat in another armchair beside Jack and was watching the scene unfold with a rare look of contentment on his face. Craig and Ruairidh were snuggled on the smaller settee, Craig's face was drawn and pale but his eyes were calm. Sarah was curled up in the other armchair with her feet tucked under her legs, Gabriel had settled on the floor with his head leaning on his wife's legs. Sarah had her eyes fixed on her son as Craig stood up, it was only when she saw her friend was shaking did she divert her attention to the snow leopard.

"Craig what's the matter hun?"

"Ruairidh and I think that the twins have inherited the Moon Tiger ability to alter their ageing. It doesn't seem like they are doing it so it seems that the most likely explanation is that their mates are older and they are adjusting to match that. We thought we would see what you all think in case you have seen something we haven't."

Sarah glanced at the twins and then at Ruairidh then back again. She then unfolded herself from the chair and hoped over Gabriel; with deft fingers she cast a diagnostic glade over the twins. The results were instantaneous, a scroll appeared in her hands and she began to read out loud. With every word Craig relaxed a little bit more.

"Drake Callum Donaldson.

Height 5'6

Age 13 ½

Magick Inherited Moon Tiger ageing (Active)

Socha Damien Donaldson.

Height 5'4

Age 13 ½

Magick Inherited Moon Tiger ageing (Active)"

As Sarah finished she passed the scroll to Craig and let him and Ruairidh read over the information. Socha was looking wide eyed at his mama and father, he hadn't known anything about this and by the look on his twins face neither had he. Although it would explain why when they awoke their room was always destroyed and their magick went haywire at night.

"Mama can we go to Hogwarts now?"

"I should think we could manage to pull up enough details to get Dumbledor to believe a transfer."

Drake and Socha jumped up and hugged their mother as he agreed, after all that was the best place to start looking for their mates and they could spend more time with Harry and Draco rather than being stuck in house all day. Harry grinned but pulled the now older twins back down to the floor as Jack had stood up to speak.

"Now that is sorted and the mystery has been solved how about we all go out for a run before Harry and Draco have to return to the castle?"

The children all jumped to their feet at that suggestion and turned pleading eyes on their parents. Gabriel rolled his eyes but nodded at once knowing he had no chance of saying no to those wide emerald eyes. Lucius nodded at once and he had stood as well, he had been stuck inside for days now and it appeared to be getting to him. Ruairidh grinned at Jack and leapt up, he did however remember to extend a hand down and help Craig to stand.

"Lets go!"

No one was sure which of the twins had shouted that but they all followed at a brisk pace, as the sky was clear and the night young. Once everyone was outside and spread out on the lawn they changed. There was a frenzy of greetings, noise and scuffles as the younger four scrapped on the floor. Sarah padded up to her son and touched noses as she checked him over, after a minute the vixen was satisfied the smaller fox was ok and moved to check Draco over. The dragon allowed the vixen to sniff him over and lick a few patches as she had done with her own son. As soon as she had moved away Harry pounced on him and the two rolled away with yips and growls. Socha was stood next to his mother as the other snow leopard washed behind his ears while Drake was play wrestling with the other Crimson Moon Tiger. Craig rolled his icy blue eyes at his mate and eldest son. Gabriel and Jack stood together; the pair did look rather funny as they were going slightly crossed eyed as they stared at Lucius who had chosen to finally show everyone his soul animal form. A new big cat had joined the ranks, as he was now a White Lion.

Draco and Harry scampered over to the large Lion and started to investigate the new member of their Pack. Lucius sighed but laid down and allowed the two to nip sniff and climb over him. Drake and Socha then decided they would join in the fun and they pounced as one on top of Lucius. The Lion roared and stood up but that resulted in the two hanging off his back by their needle sharp claws, Lucius roared again but only shook his large body to try and dislodge them but the twins were having none of it. Well at least until Craig stormed over and dragged them away by they're ears, which resulted in the two smaller felines being dragged by their snow leopard mother. His released their ears once they were far enough away so they wouldn't pounce back on the unfortunate White Lion again. Gabriel stamped his hooves as he was fed up of waiting and wanted to run, Sarah laughed at him and leapt up onto his back her fluffy tail wagging back and forth as she grinned at the huffing Stallion. Gabriel snorted and shook his head as the rest of the Pack untangled themselves and headed over to where he and Jack were stood. Ruairidh turned to Jack and opened the Pack's mind link.

Where are we going? Or is this just a fun run?

We are just going to stretch our legs before Harry and Draco have to go back inside.

Ruairidh dipped his head in agreement before stretching out and shaking his glossy coat out, Craig did the same before rubbing against the larger feline and nudging the twins in front so they could keep an eye on them both. Gabriel was resting one hoof as he lazily watched the rest of the Pack stretching and settling into a running frame of mind. Sarah leapt down from his back and settled by his side; Harry had slunk up underneath Gabriel's stomach and was now prancing around with Draco in front.

Everyone ready?

Yes!

The collective assurances that everyone was ready came and Harry, Draco and Sarah shot off into the trees. Gabriel just snorted but followed at a slow canter, he knew he was the one who would end up rounding everyone up at the end. Socha and Drake had bounded forward to join in with the other three as Lucius kept with the other two felines as they began to teach him everything he would need to know while in this form.

Make sure you use your tail for balance, especially when you're hunting or jumping.

Craig then proceed to demonstrate on Ruairidh as he leapt up onto his mate's back and the two went down to floor in a tangle of paws and tails. Lucius skidded to a stop to avoid crashing into them, the Lion then proceed to look down his nose at them till they stood and untangled from each other. Craig butted Lucius with his head and pulled back his lips in a growling laugh.

You need to loosen up a bit Luc.

I am not rolling around the floor

Yes you are!

Ruairidh took that moment to pounce on Lucius as did Craig, the three rolled down a hill and right into the back off Jack and Gabriel. The result was a dog pile that caused the kids to skid to a stop to watch as Sarah being the annoying thing she was leapt onto the top of Jack and sat there with a smug look on her face. This caused Harry, Draco, Socha and Drake to fall over they were laughing that hard, Draco and Socha were holding up Harry, as he seemed to have lost the ability to stand he was laughing that much.

Sarah get the hell off me!

Jack! Don't swear in front of children.

I wouldn't have to if your paws weren't digging into a very painful area!

Oh sorry.

You don't sound very sorry.

The vixen let out a yowl as she was bodily picked up and removed from Jack, it appeared Gabriel didn't like the fact his wife was laying on another man and had changed forms to remove her. Sarah yipped and tried to wriggle out of Gabriel's hold but she had no chance so she just went limp. The Stallion raised an eyebrow at the lack of resistance but knew better than to complain. Gabriel put her down and switched back to his animal form, he snorted, as he knew no one was going to like what he was about to say.

Time to return.

But Dad…

No buts come we can come out again tomorrow but you too need sleep.

Yes Dad.

The Pack raced back to the house. By the time everyone was back Harry's eyes were drifting shut and even Draco had trouble hiding how tired he was. After all it was proberly well after midnight. Gabriel hugged Harry close and kissed the top of his head.

"Good night little one."

"Night dad."

Sarah smiled at her husband and led the two out of the house and back through the forest and up to through the castle doors, once they had reached the Slytherin portrait she hugged both of them and kissed Harry on the top of his head.

"Be safe boys and remember be outside on the edge of the forest for 5:30 in morning, training is still as normal."

"Ok, night mama."

"Night little one, night little dragon, sleep well."

Draco had once again blushed when she called him that. Harry grinned sleepily but tugged on the taller boy's hand to get him to follow. When they entered their new dorm they could see that their familiars hadn't moved from where they had been left. Harry smiled at his snake but didn't have the energy to remove the bright blue serpent from his bed; with a yawn the small boy changed and crawled into bed. As soon as Jasper raised his head and hissed softly, the snake slithered up the bed and coiled around his master's body to keep them both warm. Draco raised an eyebrow but a smile tugged at his lips at the image Harry created with Jasper, the blonde quickly got changed but he was still slightly more awake so he remembered to put their uniforms out for after training in the morning. Once he had sorted that he didn't have the energy to move Suma so he just climbed into bed and laid an arm over the snoring clouded leopard.

Sarah padded silently through the halls of the house they had chosen as their new home, it wasn't as good as Ice Manor but it would do until they could return. Sarah, Jack and Ruairidh had decided they would take turns staying with the Pack while the other two stayed in Hogwarts. This meant Craig and Sarah weren't separated from their children and mates more than was absolutely necessary. It was Sarah's turn tonight. Gabriel was waiting for her in one of the master bedrooms they had claimed for themselves, as Sarah walked in she was greeted with the sight of Gabriel stripping out of his clothes and attempting to get the knots out of his long hair at the same time. The Vixen laughed out loud at the sight. With quick strides she reached his side and grapped the long braid that was causing all the problems.

"You could have waited 5 more minutes for me to do it you know."

"I didn't know it was your turn tonight."

"Yeah Jack was feeling nice."

"In other words you bullied and threatened him into letting you stay tonight."

Sarah pouted at her husband, which told him he was correct in his guess. Gabriel smirked at his mate but drew her small body against his own as he did so; she relaxed into his strong chest and laid her head under his chin.

"Did the boys get back alright?"

"Yes but the Kit was tired so we will have to watch how much we push him in the morning."

The Stallion nodded and tightened his hold around her waist. He nuzzled into her neck and let her soft scent wash over him as they stood there. It was only when she pulled away and turned to get undressed did he catch the change in her scent. Gabriel froze in place when the thought registered in his brain, Sarah noticed her mate had gone completely still and nudged him but it had no effect.

"Gabe what's wrong?"

"Your scent has changed."

"No it hasn't."

"Its only faint, I only noticed when you turned just then."

"It cant have I haven't been in heat…"

"But you should have done."

Sarah began to tremble, it was wrong time and her Kit would think they were replacing him; no it shouldn't be happening, not now… Her inner panic was stopped when Gabriel sunk a clawed hand into her hair and tilted her head back till she was looking him straight in the eyes.

"Calm down love."

"But Gabe the timing is all wrong."

"That doesn't matter, Harry will understand, you never know he might be over the moon to get siblings."

Gabriel slowly stripped the rest of his mate's clothing off and then lifted her into his arms. Once they were settled into the bed Sarah snuggled closer to Gabriel's warm body and sighed as his arms wrapped around her waist.

"Should we tell Harry?"

"Yes the sooner we tell him the better, if we leave it he will think we are replacing him as well as keeping things from him, especially as we never have before."

"Alright."

Her eyes were drifting shut as she spoke; the warmth that surrounded was making her drowsy. Gabriel held her close as she drifted of to sleep although he lay awake for a long time after his mind far too full for him to sleep.

Draco was the first to wake in the morning; he fumbled for the wand that was vibrating under his pillow as an alarm since they weren't supposed to know that spell at only first years he had set it not to make noise. Harry as usual hadn't even twitched when his alarm went off but that was always the case so Draco crawled out of his nice warm bed and headed for the showers, on his way past he threw his pillow at Harry who leapt upright with wide eyes.

"Dray that's not funny!"

"It was from where I was stood."

"Prat"

"I heard that."

"You were meant to."

Harry stuck his tongue out at Draco's back but dragged himself out of bed. He hated training at 5:30 in the morning and often called his dad crazy for such things but it never worked. Jasper hissed at him but just curled up in the warm spot where Harry had just been laying. The dark haired boy pouted at his snake but still dragged his feet into their shared bathroom to get dressed. It didn't bother them that they got dressed or undressed in front of each other. Draco was already trying to sort his hair out with half hearted gestures. Harry nearly walked into him he was still that sleepy, with jerky movements he pulled on his clothes and turned with a whimper to Draco.

"Could you do my hair, please Dray?"

"Sure alright but if we end up late I am blaming you."

"Ok."

Draco quickly brushed and braided the smaller boy's hair; it was really long now but every time Harry went to cut it Draco wouldn't let him. So he ended up having to braid and brush it for making Harry keep it long but he never complained. The two collected their now awake familiars and headed out of the castle and down to the grounds. There waiting for them was Sarah, only this time she astride Gabriel her hands holding his long mane and grinning at them.

"Morning boys."

"Hey Mum! Why are you riding dad?"

There was a snicker from the trees above when Harry innocently asked that question. It seemed Ruairidh had not been able to keep the innuendo out of his mind; a slapping sound and a growl of "Pervert" from Craig followed that statement. Sarah rolled her eyes but spoke to the boys instead of Craig and Ruairidh who were scrapping up in a tree.

"Because we are going to be riding today and there aren't enough horses."

"Makes sense."

Harry grinned and scampered over to his mother, he held his arms up for a hug before they started. It seemed he was feeling the effects of being separated already but Sarah loved the fact her son was so cuddly with everyone because it meant he was emotionally healed from his time with the Dursley's.

Jack and Lucius then appeared leading the horses they had brought with them for training purposes, Sarah had been correct. Had she not being riding Gabriel they would have been one steed short. The reason they were all training this way was because it was a great way to keep fitness up while leaning how to track and keep silent as they moved with a live animal. Harry smiled and automatically went to Lucius who was holding a slender but powerful grey with soft, kind eyes. This gelding was the one Harry had been training on since they had started on this exercise. Draco took the bay that was almost red from Jack, he grinned when Harry vaulted up into the saddle. The grey was only just 16 hands so the height wasn't too much for little Harry. Draco swung up into the bays saddle with an easy grace and then he laughed at the scowl on Harry's face as he watched him.

"It isn't my fault I just happen to have more grace than you Harry."

"Yes it is or at least it's Lucius's fault if not yours."

"Now, now little one don't go blaming anyone because you happen to be clumsy like your mother."

As one Harry and Sarah glared at Ruairidh for that comment but Gabriel stamped a hoof in irrattion and to curb the bickering that was about to take place. The group moved away back into the forest for the training, Draco grinned at Harry as they cantered off, he knew they would be sore and tired by the time they had finished.

Harry dashed down the corridor with Draco right beside him, once again they were almost late for potions and there was no chance of getting away with it even if they were in Slytherin. The blonde kept an eye on Harry as they ran, it wouldn't be the first time he had tripped while running to class so Draco always kept one eye on him. Even this far into their year they were still having problems, it had been 6 months since they had started and Draco was insanely popular within Slytherin because everyone knew Malfoys were the best. Harry on the other hand kept to himself, he didn't trust anyone except Draco from any of the houses. When any of the Pack had asked him to explain he just said it was a feeling he got, he could see eyes watching him where ever he went.

They came to a sliding stop outside the heavy door that led to Snape's classroom. At least Snape hadn't arrived by the time they got there or they would have been in trouble. Draco led Harry to the front of the classroom where they took their usual seats. Snape strided in just as they sat down. His robes billowed out behind him as tapped the board with his wand and scowled at the students.

"Your intrustions are on the board, follow them you have one hour."

The students rushed to do as they were told and quickly collected the ingridents they would need for the simple burn salve they were making. Draco arranged everything on their desk and began to heat the water in their cauldron as Harry started to dice and chop everything they would need. Between them they always managed to get their potions perfect but that was because they had been taught up to 3rd year by the Pack before they even started. Not that their Head of House knew that little bit of information. Snape glared at the 11 year olds but made no comment, he only expected three students to manage to complete the potion correctly, and he wasn't dissapointed. Harry, Draco and Hermione all handed in correct potions and were excused from the homework that night but the rest of the class groaned as they were given 3 foot of essay to write for the next day.

Harry fell about laughing as soon as they sat down for dinner in the great hall, for some reason he always managed to find his fellow students getting extra work funny, Draco had never worked that one out yet. The blonde rolled his eyes when he was sure no one was looking and slid a plate of food in front of the smirking smaller boy.

"Eat up Harry."

"God Dray what are you my mother?"

"No but still, you need to eat more."

Harry just huffed but ate everything on his plate anyway, he knew there was no point argueing with his best friend and he could feel his mother's gaze burning into him to make sure he ate. The dark haired boy sighed but reached for the chocolate cake, at least he could enjoy his dayily chocolate fix without getting frowned at by anyone. Well as long as he was careful in front of his father, he was the one with the problem with his son's chocolate obsession. The summer holidays were coming up next week and neither Harry or Draco could wait till then, the Pack had agreed that they would fake the transfer over the summer so that Socha and Drake could attend with Hary and Draco.

Dinner never lasted long as most of the Slytherins didn't like to stay where the rest of the school could see them when eating. The first years were often the first back to common room to start their homework from that day. Harry had picked up the common habbit Slytherins tended to have of disregarding the tables and chairs for the floor. When Snape slipped in and out to check of his students he would always find them spread out on the floor, under the tables, leaning on sofa's and even upside down with their heads on the floor as they wrote on someone elses back. It seemed the little Blackthorn heir had taken up that perticular habbit but only Draco would sit so he could write on him.

Draco just rolled his eyes as Harry threw off his uniform and grapped his homework from his bag, he watched with a raised eyebrow as Harry settled upside down on the biggest sofa and then looked at him expectantly. Those deep emerald eyes wore down his protests before his brain had even had time to voice them, with a fake, long suffering sigh Draco spread himself out on the floor so Harry could lean on him to write.

"Only for you Harry."

"I know Dray."

The bright smile that seemed to light up the room more than made up for Draco's slight natural adversion to sitting on the floor. A low growl had the blond move his gaze to the door to their room but it was only Suma and Jasper. The two familars had a habbit of joining Harry and him in the evenings as they werent allowed to guard them during lessons. Harry leaned down with a grin and held a hand out for Jasper to coil up so he could join him on the sofa, the huge serpent was happy to act as a blanket while his little master worked. Suma prowled around the three for a minute or two before settling against his master's side with his head on his paws and beautiful eyes open.

Severus sighed as he left his Slytherins to do to his rounds,once again he had found they were all spread out on the floor in sperate groups. The young Malfoy and Blackthorn were together as always, their familiars curled up on guard duty as they worked. It seemed the whole house perfered the floor to the sofa's and tables not just the first years. The Potions Master had just withdrew silently for there had been nothing for him to do in his House tonight and he had his rounds to do. There was also the little fact of a meeting he had been summoned to by an old friend Lucius Malfoy, although he had been warned the Headmaster was not to find out at any cost.

The Pack waited patiently for the arrival of one Severus Snape for it was him Lucius believed to be a good ally for when all four boys were attending Hogwarts after the summer holidays. As there was no doubt that Sorcha and Drake would end up in Slytherin with Harry and Draco. There was still the problem of the fact they were older than they should be but didn't often act it. Lucius wasn't too sure weather this meeting was going to go the way they wanted it to, after all although Severus was trustwrothy and powerful he did have to condtend with being a pawn for two different masters. Contry to popular belief it was this struggle that made him so sour and dissagreeable rather than him just being plain old, horible. The meeting place that had been chosen was the edge of the forest, just out of range for wandering students and teachers that might be about late at night. No one noticed the black, silent figure that snuck out of the castle and away towards the trees.