DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
A/N: Please be aware that though Harry knows Draco is the tiger and vice versa, they don't know the names of their animagus forms. Thus, Beau will refer to Odin as Harry and Odin will refer to Beau as Draco.
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Chapter 9 - Confrontations
The Gryffindor Common Room was almost empty on the beautiful Sunday afternoon. Many of the Lions having set aside what they were doing to enjoy the warmth and sun of the fall day. Harry and Ron returned from lunch to find Hermione impatiently tapping her fingers while staring into space, several balls of crumpled parchment resting in the dark fireplace.
Harry draped himself across the back of the couch Hermione sat on and peered at the blank piece of parchment she had been contemplating for the last twenty minutes. It remained blank and had probably been that way since she got back.
"Having some trouble with your. . .Transfiguration homework?" He asked with interest, prepared for the evil look she shot him. Grinning, he allowed himself to slip further over the couch, dropping neatly onto the cushion next to her.
"Of course not." Hermione snapped as she flipped the page of her text and narrowed her eyes in concentration. Harry watched as she chewed her lip and glanced in the direction of the window, her fingers tightening on the book she clutched.
Harry glanced over his shoulder at Ron and smiled, twirling his wand absently as he looked back and forth between the pair. Wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, Harry placed his hands atop his head and spread his fingers, watching an evil gleam slip into the red head's eyes as he nodded in agreement. Rolling off the couch, Harry accepted Hermione's shove as he dragged himself in the direction of his dorm, winking at Ron as he passed the other wizard.
Pausing at the top of the stairs, he glanced back down and smiled as he saw Ron take the witches hands and place a light kiss upon each wrist. His words was too quiet for Harry to hear but the expression on Hermione's face was full of interest and longing.
Grinning he proceeded to the sixth year dorm, immediately heading towards his small section of the room. All of the beds had been made, wrinkles smoothed from the covers, missing pillowcases replaced, and the long curtains surrounding each bed pulled back and tied at the corner post. Shaking his head, he shuffled through the stack of clean clothes left on his desk and pulled out a comfortable pair of jeans and an overly large shirt. He yawned as he tossed the rest into the trunk at the end of the bed, dropping the lid on the mess.
Sneezing suddenly, he frowned and shook his head to clear it, surprised when Odin came rampaging to the surface. The Stag was none too impressed with their earlier antics and felt the need to remind Harry of it. Pushing the animal down, Harry hummed loudly as he shed his pajamas and dressed. The black shirt he wore hung off his small frame, making him appear little and underfed. He chuckled at his image and pulled on the jeans, freezing in mid motion when Ron came flying into the room.
"She said yes " He whooped, grabbing Harry by the shoulders and shaking him. Harry smiled as he internally tuned into Odin, listening to the Stag's urgent bellows. "I didn't think she'd agree but apparently Ginger has been badgering her all morning "
"Good job, Ron." Harry said, laughter in his voice as he watched his friend dance around the room. Buttoning his jeans, he grabbed his trainers and was about to jam his feet into them when he decided against wearing the shoes. Sliding them back under the bed, he tunneled his hands through his shaggy black mane and trailed Ron's bouncing form down the stairs.
Hermione stood impatiently at the bottom of the steps, one toe tapping as she looked at the watch around her wrist. "I'll set the timer when we get out there. We should have around three hours in our animagus forms before we have to return for dinner." Glancing up at them, she raised a curved eyebrow in silent question, nodding when Harry jiggled his foot and Ron patted his chest.
Hermione led the way to the portal, seeming more eager then the red head who was still bouncing on the balls of his feet. Trekking through the castle, the three Gryffindors received some odd looks from other houses. Of course it wasn't everyday one would have the chance to see Hermione practically skipping down the hall dragging Ron with Harry following sluggishly in his bare feet. As soon as they were outside, Ron and Hermione broke into a playful lope, laughing and calling encouragement to Harry.
Chuckling, Harry trotted slowly after the pair, heading vaguely in the direction of Hagrid's hut. Slinking into the shadows, the trio stopped and looked back over the lawns, eyes searching for anyone who might be watching them. Nodding in approval, Harry turned and led the way into the Forbidden Forest.
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"They're up to something." Blaise murmured lazily, eyes locked on the three Gryffindors as they trotted across the schools lawn. He covered his mouth politely as he yawned, his dark hair dropping down to cover his eyes. The three Slytherins had retired to the school lawn, choosing a comfortable place by the lake to settle down and study. Pansy had brought one of the books she'd requested from the library, perching herself on the rich navy and silver blanket Blaise had dragged up from their dorm.
"Perhaps you could be a little more specific." Draco said, stretching out in the shade created by several tall trees. Rolling onto his stomach, he rested his chin on his arm as he tracked the movements of the three Gryffindors.
"I didn't think they'd be stupid enough to go out so soon after you warned Potter away from the forest." Pansy said quietly, turning a page of the book sitting on the grass before her. She sighed as Draco growled under his breath and made to climb to his feet.
Blaise threw an arm across the blondes legs, pinning him to the grass. "Mind your own business Draco." He warned, growling softly when he felt the other wizard's body shook with a quiet rolling snarl.
"He is my business." Draco responded, twisting his spine in a purely cattish movement and slipping from beneath the dark haired wizards arm. Stretching his arms to the sky, he arched his back and rolled his shoulders. Running a hand across his chest, he frowned at a small grass stain marring the pale material. "You better hope the house elves get this out."
"You have three shirts that look exactly like that one, I highly doubt you'll miss it." Blaise grumbled as he rose slowly. Extending a hand, he pulled Pansy to her feet, waiting impatiently for the witch to gather her stuff. The pair moved quickly after Draco, knowing the blonde was completely engrossed in his search for Potter. Blaise marveled at the smooth gliding gait Draco had begun, his feet seeming to float above the ground.
"They went this way." Pansy muttered, waving a hand at the bent stalks of grass and the light scuff marks in the dirt. The Forbidden forest stretched before them, the massive trees casting shadows over the vast expanse of grass along its edge. Draco trailed a hand over a tree trunk as he passed into the forest, pausing once to glance over his shoulder at the pair standing behind him.
"A hunting we shall go." He murmured playfully, smirking as Blaise rolled his eyes and Pansy huffed snobbishly. With a final look in the direction of the school, the three slunk deeper into the forest and vanished among the dark foliage.
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Odin laid his ears back and aimed a kick at the wolf running circles around him. Grunting angrily, he took a few bounding strides before dropping his muzzle back to the lush grass and nibbling contentedly. His black coat shone blue in the shadows of the forest, the single white antler glistening like ivory. Much to his bemusement, the large red wolf followed him and danced just beyond his reach, pink tongue flopping around.
"Go away Ember." He grumbled, one hoof slamming against the earth in annoyance. Above them, small birds called happily, their shrill voices ringing through the woods. Flipping his tail, he moved forward, jerking his head up when a wet mouth locked around one of his dainty black ears.
"Come on Odin, play with me " Ember whined, his paws carrying him in a ever shrinking circle around the stag. His thick red coat bouncing with every step. Dark fur ran up his longs legs before melding with the strange coppery red hair. His long tail wagged furiously, black tipped ears twitching eagerly.
Heaving a deep sigh, the stag took another step, shaking his antlers in warning when the wolf drew to close. A thought ran through his mind and had him raising his head and peering at the wolf. "Do you know where Ginger went? Maybe you should go and find her, I'm sure she'd love to play with you."
Ember's ears perked and his blue eyes brightened, the tongue that had been dangling from the corner of his mouth vanished. "Ginger?" He asked, whirling around and glancing about the clearing. With an excited yip, the wolf plowed through a bush and disappeared.
Snorting in amusement, he took another mouthful of grass, raising his head and peering contemplatively around. Telepathic whispers ran through his head, the unhappy yelps of Ginger as her peace was disturbed by the brash and loud Ember. As the voices grew louder, he knew the pair were drawing closer to him, most likely Ginger would try and foist Ember back on him.
Spinning around, he leapt neatly over a small log, muscles pinioning as he plunged through the forest. He slowed when the whispers had faded completely but continued his solemn march. His dark hooves sank into the rich dirt, leaving a visible trail that even the most novice hunter could follow.
Odin dropped his antlered head as he pushed his way through concealing branches, emerging into a large clearing with a deep pool at its center. The waters were a dark blue fading to black near the middle. Extending his neck, he sniffed carefully. His senses spoke of the other animals that had visited the small pond throughout the night; thestrals, wolves, rabbits, and deer.
The sudden shriek of birds had his head jerking up, ears swivelling as they sought to locate the danger. He snorted unhappily and eased into the surrounding shadows, melting back into the waiting arms of the forest. A sharp pain spiked through his skull, sending him to his knees. The constant barrage of feelings splintered his mind. With a low bellow, Odin collapsed completely, the view before his eyes no longer his own. Above him, the birds screamed in fear and took flight, fleeing into the safety of the sky.
XxXxX
Beau loped through the Forbidden Forest, his keen senses keeping him on the trail of the black stag. He ignored the panting wolf trotting along behind him, its paws whispering against the earth as quietly as his own. His white coat gave him some advantage as they wove silently through the trees. Leaves brushed against his fur and branches upon the ground grasped at his underbelly. A raven shrieked unhappily at him, floating from tree to tree and heckling him. The white wolf snarled and snapped in warning at the bird, fangs gleaming as they slid past dark lips.
"Do you know where you're going?" Frost demanded, dropping back into place and flattening his ears against the black birds cries. The tiger lashed his tail in answer, the tip knocking the wolf lightly in the side of the head.
In the distance the shrill cry of a flock of birds had the tiger lengthening his stride, ears and whiskers cocked as they strived to pick up whatever had startled the birds into flight. Straining their senses, both were able to pick up the faintest of groans, the rolling sounds continuous and pain filled.. The tiger was sprinting suddenly, his heavily muscled legs carrying him closer to his dark king. With an uneasy yowl, the cat burst into a dense thicket, the picture before them brining him to a sudden halt.
The black stag lay sprawled on the forest floor, legs thrashing against the ground. His neck was tensed, muscles quivering under the silky coat. Veins running across the animals delicate face were visible while every choppy breath exposed the pink of his nostrils. Pained grunts escaped the stag as his head jerked, the whites of his eyes exposed as the emeralds rolled wildly.
"That's Harry?" Frost whispered, eyes wide as he tucked his tail between his legs. The tiger rumbled softly and took a careful step closer, nose testing the air for anything that could possibly endanger him. Each slow step took him closer to the dark stag, ears swivelling as he listened for danger. A line of blood drifted down the gleaming ivory antler, collecting on the tip of one tine before falling into the slowly growing puddle.
"Do something." Beau demanded imperiously, hovering anxiously next to the quivering stag. The wolf opened his muzzle to reply but was cut off by a sharp bark. Beyond the black stag, bushes shook and several leaves settled to the ground as a red muzzle pushed through the concealing shrubbery. A lean wolf slunk into the clearing, his muzzle held close to his chest as his blue eyes searched the clearing. Rumbling quietly, the animal crept closer to the stag, eyes focused on the ghostly tiger standing over the shaking form.
Beau shifted his weight carefully, curling his lips back and growling at the wolf's threatening posture. Hissing in warning, he sprang over the stag and landed nimbly before the wolf, one paw swiping the air just beyond the dark nose. Beau flinched as something impacted lightly with his side, needle thin teeth burying themselves deep in his shoulder. A white blur swept past him and slammed into the red wolf, sending both writhing forms hurtling into the shadows. Spinning around, Beau rumbled at the small vixen standing warily next to the stags head. Stalking forward when she refused to move away from his stag, he froze with one paw above the earth when Harry stilled completely.
XxXxX
Odin groaned and stretched his neck out, feeling the tired and strained muscles protest the movement. His vision was foggy, the small form before him a colourful blob of brown. Rolling carefully, he sat up and folded his forelegs close to his chest, ears flipping as they searched the forest for some sound audible to only his ears. The low snarls and crashes coming from beyond his vision had him twisting his head only to find himself peering deeply into pale eyes of ice. The white tiger rumbled softly, tail flipping as he followed Odin's movement.
"Ember." Odin called loudly, the low bugle bringing silence to the clearing. A sharp crack and an angered yelp announced the red wolfs entrance, his thick coat marred with streaks of mud and blood. Panting heavily, the wolf trotted forward, his tail hanging limply behind him. "Trouble in Diagon Alley, you must warn the Grey Beard."
"How bad?" Ember questioned, his ears swivelling as he listened to the white wolf scramble from the thicket of bracken he'd been tossed into.
"Don't really know, we couldn't see it," murmured the stag. In a powerful movement, Odin regained his hooves, head hanging as he gathered his strength. The red wolf gave a deep booming bark as he shot beneath the stags belly, hurtling into the forest in the vague direction of Hogwarts. His crowned head rose sharply as another wolf shot under his nose, the once snowy fur stained a muddy brown.
Hearing a purring growl, he tipped his head and looked at the tiger circling him, it's eyes searching the darkness of the forest for further threat.
"Odin, what do you want us to do?" Ginger yelped, bouncing around between the stag and the tiger, her eyes darting back and forth between the pair. Feeling uncomfortably safe under the animals guard, the black stag shook his head and took a long stride, testing his aching legs. With a bemused growl, the tiger matched the stags steps, ignoring the vixens growl of warning. An unhappy chittering drew the gaze of all three, leaving them staring at the small mink resting on its hindquarters, forepaws planted on hips.
Snickering in amusement, Odin eyed the blue eyed tiger as the animal responded to the minks cries. A low baying howl rose in the distance, piercing the low chirps of the brown furred mink. Swinging his head, Odin parted his muzzle and bellowed in response, ignoring the vixens startled yip. Breaking into a slow lope, the black stag tested himself, preparing for the moment he leapt into full gait. White and black fur streaked along beside him, commandeering the vixens place.
Emerald eyes met blue ice seconds before the stag broke into a full bounding gallop, knowing neither the vixen nor the mink would be able to keep the speed needed to remain with them. The volley of angered barks had both pinning their ears back as they crashed through the forest, the stags long legs enabling him to leap over fallen logs and around thick brush moments before impact. Blowing hard, he slitted one eye and watched the tigers long easy strides, the sheer athleticism of the cat allowing him to surpass the weakened stag. Branches snagged at the thick fur of their coats, tearing and pulling small hunks free.
Breathing heavily, Odin slid to a halt at the edge of the schools grounds, preparing himself for the quick rush of magic as he made the change. He gave one last look at the tiger panting next to him, and then he changed.
XxXxX
Draco shivered and brushed at his robes, ridding himself of some of the mud clinging to the rich black material. He narrowed his eyes at the form trotting towards the school, raven hair bobbing with every jolting step. Jogging to catch up, he grabbed Harry's shoulder and swung him around. The Gryffindor shrugged his grip off and whirled back around, resuming his fast march towards the school. Hissing in anger, he ignored Beau's excitement and stalked after the other wizard. Skipping several steps onto his way into the castle, he lunged and grabbed the back of Harry's school robes, tossing him lightly against one of the walls before pinning him in place.
"What the hell was that Harry?" He snarled, snatching the fist aimed in the general direction of his face. Both wizards were panting heavily, from both the run through the forest and the rush of adrenaline that had carried them into the school.
"Mind your own business Draco " Harry snapped, wriggling against the tenacious grip the blonde had on his robes.
"I told you this morning and I'll tell you again: you are my business Harry." Draco replied sharply, slamming him against the wall for emphasis. Gryffindor and Slytherin shoved at each other, neither gaining nor losing ground or space. Mouths hanging open as they gasped for breath, Harry leaned back against the wall with Draco leaning lightly against him.
"Is there a problem here, Malfoy? Potter?" Professor Snape questioned quietly, arms crossed over his chest as he observed the pair. Jerking apart, both wizards stared in open mouthed shock at the professor who had seemingly slunk up on them without their having noticed.
Draco opened and closed his mouth before hitching a finger in Harry's direction, "He . . . " Snapping his mouth closed with a click, he glanced at Harry and noticed the firmly shut mouth and the muscle jumping in his cheek. "Tripped."
A dark eyebrow rose slowly as Professor Snape titled his head back, considering the pair with a thoughtful look in his eye. "Imagine that."
"I was running and there was a corner and I tripped and collided with Malfoy." Harry stuttered, wincing at the finger Draco buried in his ribs.
"One of you is lying," Snape began, uncrossing his arms and leaning closer to the Gryffindor. "And since I can't figure out which one of you it is . . . I'll see you both in detention tomorrow night at seven. The Headmaster wishes to see you in his office immediately Potter." Smiling cruelly, he whirled around and stalked down the hall, robes snapping behind him.
"Thanks a lot Harry." Draco growled releasing the Gryffindor and narrowing his eyes as the other wizard snorted before jerking about and stomping down the hall. "We'll talk about this later " He bellowed at Harry's retreating back.
XxXxX
Ginger stalked along the rutted trail, tail fluffed out and sweeping above the muck. She ignored the continuous hisses and shrilling chirps coming from behind her. Large pointed ears had been flattened to her head, the dark tips quivering in unspoken rage. The communication device was no longer working, Odin and Ember having passed beyond the range of the small charms.
A tug on her tail, drew her to a halt. Bright eyes narrowing as she slowly turned and leveled an evil look on the mink clinging to the long fur. Drawing her lips back, she growled softly and attempted to roll her eyes as the mink chittered unhappily. Whirling back around, she continued on her way, practically dragging the other animagus with her. They would pay for this, she snarled softly, both of them. She would see too it.
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A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing.
NinjaoftheDarkness - lol, that's awesome. Though I must say you will miss some awesome parties.