AN: I will be dedicating this entire chapter to my best friend. Since she was the one that came up with the idea for it. And deserves full credit for helping me write this.

Fair warning, updates will probably be slow as I can only write on the weekends.

~NicoDiAngeloLover7

A Lynx to the Past – Chapter 13 (Healing Capabilities)

Harry wasn't exactly sure what to think at that moment. But his mind was spinning endlessly with information that he was still trying to process. And it seemed like a lot of questions was revolving around Marcus. That Headboy seemed to have an endless amount of information and he was pretty sure he only knew a portion of it. And that was only because he basically lived with Marcus full time as his familiar. Harry knew that he would love to question the Slytherin on every question he had. But that was impossible until he figured out a way to transform back into his human form. So, for now he had to stick with his feline form and try to figure out his questions in his own way.

One of the biggest questions that Harry had was how he met Aberforth and knew that, that man was Dumbledore's younger brother. And he had a sister? It blew his mind. And who wound up killing his sister? Was it Dumbledore? Or was it that dark wizard, Grindelwald? Harry was pretty sure that was the name that Aberforth and Terence said. He had never heard of the man, but he remembered the shiver that ran down his fur. Harry didn't even know if the man was as dangerous as people said Voldemort was. Or if he was actually more dangerous. Marcus and Terence obviously knew the name of the wizard. Harry had never hated being so isolated during Hogwarts as he was now. He doubted that even Hermione knew the name of Grindelwald. But it was obvious that Grindelwald was a part of wizarding history. A history that he was seriously lacking in. Then there was the fact that Dumbledore had allied himself with that man at one time in his youth.

The next question relating to Dumbledore was if he was going to be sacked. Terence had already mentioned that he thought Bones would manage it. And he had met that woman what felt like months ago. She definitely reminded him of Professor McGonagall and her no toleration of nonsense and mischief. She was definitely someone he didn't want to cross if possible and if he did, he'd want her on his side. He didn't have any doubts that Madam Bones would achieve her goal.

Harry's thoughts then wandered to the 2nd task at the Black Lake. He knew that Marcus had tried to keep him away from the water, not wanting him to fall in. And after everything he heard of what happened to the French champion, he was glad that Marcus did. He was for once, content with staying with Terence as Marcus tried to help heal Krum. There was a violent tremor that ran through him as he pictured what would have happened if he had to dive into that lake. 'I would be dead…' was Harry's sudden depressing thought. He could feel his paws and legs shaking and almost give out under him. It was like he could picture as if those claw or talons were shredding into him.

That was when Harry saw Marcus looking down at him in concern.

"Ezio?" was Marcus' loud voice.

Harry looked up into Marcus grey eyes, they were calming. He could see concern and affection in them. Harry found he liked the color of Marcus' eyes and could feel his feline form start to calm down. And let Marcus scoope him up in his arms and let him lie on his lap.

"You're shaking," Marcus noted with alarm. "Are you alright?"

Harry could feel himself purring as he pressed himself closer to Marcus' chest. He liked the feeling of being so close to the Slytherin and felt safe. Harry never noticed that his feline form had started to purr.

Marcus cracked a smile, "I guess you are. I almost wish I could read your thoughts. Something is apparently on your mind if you started shaking."

Harry listened to Marcus' words and he wished that he could tell Marcus what was on his mind. And tell him on how grateful he was towards him. And if Harry was human, he would have snorted at that, never would he have imagined a day where he would hear a Gryffindor being grateful or thankful towards a Slytherin. And yet here he was…

There were also questions on what rumors from the Gryffindors that made Marcus certain that he was some sort of 'weapon.' It didn't make much sense to him. Though if Marcus had indeed heard of what happened since he was a first year, then maybe Marcus was onto something. But he didn't know how that could make the Slytherin think he was some type of weapon that Dumbledore was wanting to use. A lot of this wasn't making much sense to him. But if there was one question that Harry could ask Marcus…

Harry had to think about that for a bit. He had so many questions that he needed answers to. But if there was a question that Marcus might answer, he wanted to know if Marcus would actually help him stay away from Hogwarts. Or really what the Slytherin might say to him to convince him to stay away from Hogwarts. Harry couldn't honestly picture himself willingly wanting to stay away from Hogwarts. He had been attending this school since he was eleven. Would that mean he would have a lifetime of peace? No Dursleys? No Voldemort? The thought was a nice one, but Harry couldn't see it as a reality.

Harry then felt his feline form starting to drift off to sleep. And he didn't fight it, he loved being able to sleep at any time of the day if he wanted to. And he couldn't even get in trouble for it. So, he left himself fall asleep while curled up in Marcus' warmth.

And it wouldn't be until a few hours later that Harry would feel himself jerk awake. He would put his paws forward a few steps so he could stretch. And if his body was human there would be a lot of noise from his bones popping. Harry turned his head to look at Marcus and quickly noticed he was fast asleep. Harry felt his eyes soften as he looked at Marcus, he looked so peaceful and relaxed. Even asleep, Marcus still looked highly attractive. He had fallen asleep in his Slytherin robes with one of his transfiguration books by his side. Harry honestly thought that Marcus was constantly overworking himself. But he knew by now that it was just a part of Marcus. Though he found it to be an appealing trait that Marcus seemed to care so much.

Harry didn't really want to leave Marcus's side, but he felt this urge within himself. And he knew better than to just ignore his primal instincts. He figured that hopefully Marcus wouldn't notice his absence and would stay asleep.

That in mind, Harry jumped off the bed and landed on all fours on the floor. Even though he had stretched his body out earlier, he shook his fur to try to get rid of the drowsiness. He wanted to be more awake and aware. With that, Harry padded his way out past the entrance of the Headboy's dorm. He didn't try to pay much attention to where he was going and let his instincts take over. Besides, he wanted to know why his instincts were screaming at him. And it was best to let his feline form take over when he didn't even know the destination.

And so, Harry was a bit surprised that his paws led him to the Hospital Wing. He wasn't sure why his feline half would take him here. He knew from Marcus that Krum had been released about a week ago. And they were already in the month of April, the 3rd task only two months away. So, the only patient of Madam Pomfrey would be the French champion's younger sister. If Harry could frown, he would. But he knew there was a reason why he needed to be here, so he used the pet entrance on the door.

The room was pretty well-lite for being in the middle of the night. And it was obvious to Harry on the reason why.

Because Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape were currently hovering around the tiny girl. He assumed that they were still trying to heal or watch over her. Harry had caught glimpses of the wounds left by the Selkies, but never a true view of the damage. Mainly because he was afraid that he would constantly picture that happening to himself. And he didn't want to think about that just yet.

When Harry got closer, he began to hear parts of the conversation.

"Severus, it's still not looking too good…" Pomfrey said, her voice low.

"I'm very aware of that fact, Poppy," Professor Snape snapped.

"What are we going to do? Her wounds keep opening, it's a miracle that she hasn't died from blood loss," Pomfrey's voice sounded frantic.

"There isn't much we can do. But we can't afford to not douse her with blood replenishers. And I doubt the 'precious' Headmaster will feel charitable to have Fawkes lend a few Phoenix Tears…" Snape snarked sarcastically.

Pomfrey glowered, "it's a wonder he is still Headmaster."

"Indeed…" Snape muttered.

That was when Harry saw Madam Pomfrey's head shoot up and look at him.

"Ezio," she said softly.

Harry honestly thought he heard relief in her voice. Though he noticed that Snape was also looking at him. It was a little unnerving. He knew that the feline in him was telling him that he was a person he could trust. Though sometimes it was hard to forget all the times that the man had it out for him. He hadn't much control of his body when his feline half decided to ride on his shoulders. Though, Harry had admitted it hadn't been too bad, but he thought that privilege should only be reserved for Marcus.

Harry didn't see any hatred in Snape's eyes, only curiosity.

"Potter," Snape whispered.

If Harry's eyes could have widened, they would have. He felt himself take a step back.

"Mr. Potter, it's okay. We are the only ones that know you're stuck in that form. Professor Snape and I have decided that you had the right to know. Though if you wish to return to your human form, that is entirely your decision. But if you need any help, we are here," Madam Pomfrey's words were soft and comforting.

Snape gave a firm nod. "I myself, do not intend to reveal who you are. Though I do not like Gryffindors. Even I agree that you should not be in that tournament and your current form protects you. I also agree that Mr. Flint has been a worthy protector for you. And should you return to your past form, he may be a worthy ally for yourself."

Harry gave a quick nod, he had thought the same of Marcus. And he didn't doubt that Marcus would be there for him, even though the Slytherin didn't really know anything about him. But Marcus' words seemed to show that he wouldn't abandon him, even if he was no longer in his Lynx form. Harry could only hope that was true.

Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey seemed to grow more hopeful as Harry or Ezio walked closer to them.

Madam Pomfrey then crouched to Harry's level and met his eyes as if asking for permission.

Harry nodded his head and then felt the mediwitch's soft hands on his fur. He tensed for a moment, as they weren't Marcus' familiar hands. But relaxed as he was gently placed on Gabrielle Delacour's bed.

Madam Pomfrey's eyes flickered to the opened door to the Hospital Wing, hearing them open. But quickly turned her eyes back to her young charge.

Harry didn't notice any change though looked up at Madam Pomfrey. As if asking a question.

"Ezio? Can you heal her?" Madam Pomfrey's voice was soft, but clear.

Harry could feel himself nodding. He watched silently as Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape took a few steps back. Giving the orange lynx some room and so they could watch.

Harry tore his gaze away from Snape and Pomfrey and stared down at the still form of the French witch. He could see that her wounds weren't bleeding at the moment. But if what they said earlier, they would again soon. The gashes looked pretty deep and gruesome. It gave Harry a reminder of that this could be him, on his deathbed, if not already dead. He shook his head to get rid of the depressing thoughts. He wasn't in the tournament, he was still in his feline Lynx form. Though Harry didn't know it, his emerald eyes started to shine a bit brighter, the gold in them a bit more defined. He slowly let his feline side take over and lick over her wounds. And if he felt a shudder run through him, he ignored it. When he was sure that he had licked all of the girl's wounds, he jumped off the bed.

Harry started to lick at his own fur, cleaning himself of any of the dirt his fur may have gathered. He didn't see any more need to be on that bed since his job was done. There were some lingering thoughts if this is what his instincts had wanted him to do.

That was when he heard a voice he didn't expect.

"Ezio?"

Harry perked up and immediately saw Marcus' strong form. He felt himself dash over to his side and wrap around Marcus' leg.

Marcus had a smile on his lips as he stared down at Ezio's precious form.

"So, this is where you decided to wander off to," Marcus stated.

Harry let a meow exit his lips in affirmation.

Marcus' eyes softened as he gazed down at his familiar. He wondered how Ezio knew that the young Delacour witch needed his help. But he couldn't help but feel pride for his familiar. He reached down to lift Ezio up, so the feline could wrap himself around his shoulders.

Harry let himself let out a content purr. He was glad to be by Marcus' side once more, no matter how brief that absence had been.

Marcus traced a finger down Ezio's flank before giving him a scratch underneath his chin. That was when Marcus realized a figure was standing in front of him.

"Professor Snape," Marcus greeted.

Professor Snape gave a nod, "I would be proud of your familiar, Mr. Flint. I say, Mr. Ezio, is the reason why Miss Delacour will make a swift recovery. I will admit that without his aid, she maybe would have survived for another week, if that."

"Of course, Sir," Marcus responded immediately. "I would never wish for another one's death, especially as young as she is. No matter if she be of Hogwarts or Beauxbatons. Every magical world would feel the loss of one of their own."

"True words spoken by Slytherin," Professor Snape praised. "I will bid the both of you good night. And will overlook you breaking curfew as part of duties as Headboy, considering the circumstances."

Marcus nodded, "thank you, professor."

Marcus watched as Professor Snape turned his back to check back on the younger witch. He looked up at Ezio with a fond expression, "Come on, Ezio. We should let her rest."

Harry let out a meow as a response.

Marcus took that as agreement and walked back out the Hospital Wing, with Ezio riding on his shoulders.