Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N - Just FYI, first chapter of my new HP story is up! If you get a chance, check it out! It is set at the end of fifth year and has a a Harry who is ready to give up and a very protective Snape and Draco who help him. Guess I'm on a good, protective Draco kick lolol
I got you now, Cassius thought as he crouched down. He wiggled his body and then pounced.
Draco moved to the side and watched as his cub sailed right by him.
Cassius stood up and shook himself. He gave an annoyed mewl to his brother.
Draco snorted and playfully knocked him back over.
Cassius bounced back up and growled.
Draco yawned. They were playing in their panther forms in the forest. Cassius had begged and pleaded and Draco knew he was worried about giving a speech tomorrow at the celebration and wanted a distraction. But it was getting late and he still had papers to grade.
Suddenly Cassius began leaping after something flying by them.
Draco watched in amusement as Uncle Sev played with Cass, getting low enough for his brother to almost catch and then flying out of reach.
Cassius finally sat down in a huff.
Suddenly the three animagi stiffened when they heard footsteps and two boys giggling.
Draco immediately picked up Cass by the scruff of his neck and took him behind a tree, out of sight. They watched as Snape flew up and landed on a branch.
Two first year Gryffindor's crept into the forest.
"We did it!" One of the boys squealed.
"Yeah, there's no dare too hard for us," The other boy said. "Now we just have to go in a little further and find a black flower to take back as proof that we came in here."
Snape flew past the boys unnoticed and a minute later, came stomping through the forest back in his human form. "Dunderheads!" he shouted.
The two Gryffindors froze.
"Do you know how dangerous the forest can be? It's forbidden for a reason, especially to two foolish little boys," Snape snapped. "And the black flowers grow near where the Acromantula reside. Are they something you would like to encounter, hmm?" Snape's eyes flashed angrily. "Twenty -five points from each of you and detention tomorrow evening with Filch!"
"But the celebration is tomorrow," One of the boys complained.
"Not for you," Snape sneered. "Now back to your Tower." He glowered as the boys hurried out of the forest.
Draco and Cassius had transformed back to human and walked out to join their godfather. "Good thing we were out here," Draco commented. "If not, they could have been seriously hurt."
"Yeah, the Acromantula are scary. Especially Aragog. He set all his children on Ron and me and -" Cassius stopped talking when he saw the horrified looks on Draco's and Uncle Sev's faces. "I mean, um," he trailed off.
"You encountered the Acromantula?" Draco asked hoarsely. "When?"
"Second year. My first second year," Cassius clarified. "Ron and I were trying to find out information on chamber of secrets and Hagrid gave us a clue to follow the spiders...so we did. It wasn't fun."
Snape shook his head. "Merlin, all the close calls you have had." he muttered. "Incidents I was never even aware of."
"You ever go near them again -" Draco began angrily.
"I wouldn't!" Cassius said quickly. "We didn't even know what would be encountering, we just wanted answers to help clear Hagrid. He was being accused of opening the chamber. Believe me, I never want to see an Acromantula again."
Draco grabbed him in a firm hug. "Foolish kid."
Cassius hugged him back. "Sorry," he said sheepishly.
Draco pulled back and rolled his eyes. "One day I'm going to have you tell me every single little escapade you got into. Of course, I'll need like twenty calming draughts to get through it."
"I'll tell you when I'm seventeen and you can't punish me," Cassius teased.
Draco smirked. "Who said I won't punish you just because you turn seventeen?"
Cassius's mouth dropped open in horror, causing his brother and godfather to break into laughter.
/
"You ready, cub?" Draco called to his brother's room. He was already dressed for the celebration, in black dress robes with a dark green trim.
"I think so," Cassius said as he walked out. He was in green dress robes with a sliver trim. "I'm nervous." he admitted. He had never like being the center of attention.
"I know," Draco put his arm around Cassius and led him through the corridors. "But I'll be right next to you. So will Uncle Sev. And Cass, if you don't want to say anything you don't have to. Professor McGonagall can talk if she wants. No one will force you."
Cassius's mouth dropped open when they entered the Great Hall. It was filled with people! Not just the students, but the whole Weasley family was there, including Ron. Aurors were there like Moody, Tonks and Kingsley as well as Fudge and his assistants. Hermione, Neville, Luna, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Rita Skeeter plus a few other reporters were there and...Dumbledore?
Draco's eyes darkened when he saw the former Headmaster. He stalked to McGonagall, dragging Cassius with him. "What is he doing here?" he demanded, nodding towards Dumbledore.
McGonagall had a displeased look on her face. "I'm sorry, I did not know he would be here." she said quietly. "Cornelius Fudge invited him, he still goes to Albus for advice and apparently still regards him highly." she said in disapproval.
"Make him leave." Draco said through gritted teeth. No wonder Dumbledore had avoided Azkaban, if Fudge still has use for him.
"Draco, if we make a big deal it will just give him more attention and spark rumors." Snape spoke up.
"He better keep his distance," Draco said coldly.
Just then Cornelius Fudge stood at the podium and got everyone's attention. "Good evening everyone!" he said jovially. "Today is the one year anniversary of the destruction of you-know-who. Of course, the Ministry did everything they could to protect the wizarding world -"
"Excuse me Minister Fudge, but didn't you deny that you-know-who was back?" Neville called out, a smirk on his face.
Fudge pursed his lips. "Yes, well. That was unfortunate but of course we could not do anything without definitive proof. However, thanks to one student he is gone for good."
"Definitive proof? Gee, like my memories that he refused to view?" Cassius muttered under his breath. Yeah, he was still bitter over it. Stupid Fudge.
"So we would like to thank Harry Pott – oh, forgive me. We would like to thank Cassius Malfoy for his services to the wizarding world." Fudge said.
Cassius could tell Draco was about to lose it and he didn't blame him. Fudge had said that name on purpose.
McGonagall looked extremely displeased as she stepped up to the podium. "Cassius Malfoy," she said. "Could you come up here please?"
Cassius went up to the podium, grateful that Draco stayed by his side.
"Would you like to say anything?" McGonagall asked kindly.
Cassius nodded and looked out to the sea of faces. "I just wanted to say, there were a lot of people who contributed to the destruction of Voldemort," he said the name deliberately. "All the members of the D.A. helped fight the death eaters, and the Aurors risked their lives many times protecting me over the years. It was a combination of everyone, of friends, bravery and love that defeated Voldemort." He waited as the room clapped and cheered. "And I wanted to thank those who supported me even when certain people implied that I was an attention seeking liar," his gaze went towards Fudge, who narrowed his eyes at him and then he moved his gaze to Skeeter, who had an eager look on her face. "And I wanted to thank those who support me now. Like my brother, Draco and my godfather, Professor Snape. It's good to know who my real friends and family are. Uh, that's all I guess."
The room exploded into cheers and McGonagall stepped up beside him. "Mr. Malfoy will take a couple of questions," she announced. "Mr. Boyd?"
A heavyset reporter cleared his throat. "What does it feel like to have taken down the most dangerous wizard of our time? Do you ever have nightmares?"
Cassius shrugged. He did sometimes, but that wasn't this man's business. "I feel relieved that Voldemort can't hurt anybody anymore." Was all he said.
"Mr. Stevens?" McGonagall called on another reporter, ignoring Skeeter who was waving her hand.
"Obviously we are all happy that Vo -Voldemort," He looked proud that he had been able to say the name. "is gone. Are you happy with your life as it is now, Mr. Malfoy?"
Cassius relaxed. "Yes, very. I have wonderful friends and an amazing brother and godfather." he glanced at Draco who grinned at him.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Rita Skeeter said loudly, not waiting to be called on. "Do you ever miss your life as the boy-who-lived? Do you not feel guilty turning your back on the name that gave you fame?"
"No," Cassius said in an irritated voice.
"Is it strange having your brother be someone who wished you dead for years?" Skeeter continued.
Cassius just stared at her as Draco pulled him off the podium and McGonagall began speaking.
"That is enough questions -"
"According to seventh year Gryffindor, Ginny Weasley, Draco Malfoy hated you," Skeeter continued gleefully. "Do you really think that just because it turns out you two are related that he actually cares about you? After all, he -"
"Silencio!" Snape snapped. He put his wand away with a satisfied look on his face.
Cassius wanted to shout at the annoying reporter but Draco had a firm grip on his shoulder and he knew it would just be better to ignore her. He looked at Ginny, who was smirking at him.
"Ginevra Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley shouted. "How dare you even talk to that horrid woman? Let alone say those things?"
"But it's true, Mum!" Ginny protested. "Malfoy hated Harry."
"I'm not Harry, you stupid -" Cassius started to shout but Draco put his hand over his mouth.
"Ignore her, her opinion on anything is inconsequential." Draco hissed in his ear. He understood his brother's anger, he was furious himself. But getting mad in front of everyone, especially reporters would not be smart.
"Ginny, not another word!" Mr. Weasley snapped. "I'm very disappointed in you!"
Ginny's face turned red and she turned away but not before glaring at Cassius.
Suddenly a several rocket fireworks went off, flying through the room. Everyone had to duck to avoid being hit by one.
"Just a little something -"
"To lighten the mood!"
Fred and George grinned as everyone around laughed.
"Are you two all right?" Snape asked quietly as McGonagall announced that it was time to eat.
Draco looked down at Cassius. "I think so. You good, cub?"
"Sure," Cassius said with a fake smile. When his brother just stared at him he sighed. Draco knew him too well. "I really detest Skeeter." And Ginny. Why couldn't she just get over it?
"Skeeter is being asked to leave," Snape told him, glancing to where McGonagall was confronting the obtrusive reporter.
"Good," Cassius muttered.
Draco gave him a side hug. "You did great, cub. Thanks for what you said."
Cassius grinned up at him before acknowledging the other annoying person who spoke that night. "About what Ginny told Skeeter -" He glanced towards the bitter red-head who looked like she was being scolded by Hermione.
"I don't hate you, I never really did," Draco said, his voice low and serious. "I was upset when you rejected my offer of friendship and I admit I was jealous of your flying skills, and even of the attention you got, but I never truly hated you. And I certainly don't now, I love you."
Cassius relaxed. "Yeah, I know. I love you too. And I never really hated you either. I just thought you were a spoiled prat."
Draco burst out laughing. "I was."
"And you still have your moments," Snape said in amusement.
"Hey!" Draco protested.
Hermione came over. "Hey, I think dinner is going to start soon." she put her hand on Cassius's shoulder. "Are you okay? Skeeter is a menace and I can't believe Ginny."
"I'm fine," Cassius answered. "I saw you talking to Ginny."
"Yes, I told her if she spouted any of that drivel again she would find herself without a mouth," Hermione said smugly.
"If only we could do that to most of students here, my job would be a lot easier," Snape said dryly before going to join McGonagall at the table.
Cassius, Draco and Hermione took a seat and the table filled with food. There was roast duck, shepherd's pie, prime rib, stew and dumplings, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rolls and much more. Cassius eagerly filled his plate and chatted with his friends, who were sitting across from him. Draco fell into a conversation with Hermione and the dinner was fun and delicious.
After dinner, Cassius went to say hello to the Weasley's, minus Ginny and Ron who were sitting with Fudge and Dumbledore. "How is Bill?"
"He is doing well," Mrs. Weasley said. "Should just be a couple of weeks before he is healed enough to return to work."
"Good."
"Do you like your substitute?"
"She's okay, I guess," Cassius said with a shrug. He glanced over where Remus and Professor McKinnon were talking and laughing. He still felt like she didn't really like him but if Remus liked her, she couldn't be that bad. Remus caught his gaze and motioned him over.
"Pup, you were great up there," Remus said, ruffling his hair.
"Thanks, Remus," Cassius grinned, ducking his head. He looked at McKinnon. "Professor," he greeted.
"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy," McKinnon said with a nod. "It is quite a party, isn't it?" She sighed. "I wish the Potters could be here."
"Me too," Remus said.
"And Sirius, of course," McKinnon continued, looking at Cassius.
Cassius's grin faded. "I wish he was here too." He did miss Sirius.
"He'd be proud of you, Cass," Remus told him.
"Thanks," Cassius said with a small smile. "Are you going to stay for fireworks?"
"Of course," Remus said. "Marlene?"
"It should be fun," McKinnon smiled deeply at Remus.
The evening passed with Fred and George setting off fireworks, causing the crowd to ooh and ahh at them. Cassius sat on the ground with his friends, stifling a yawn. He was tired but didn't want to go to sleep, he wanted to enjoy the firework show that was being put on. The twins fireworks would even spell out words in the night sky, such as No More Voldemort! Or Thank You Cassius!
"The twins are so cool," Enzo said as they clapped when the firework show was over.
"They are," Cassius agreed. "You should have seen them leave Hogwarts on their brooms after rebelling against that toad Umbridge. It was brilliant!" As he and his friends talked more, Cassius found himself yawning more frequently and he laid back on the blanket he was sitting on. I'll just close my eyes for a second...
/
Draco smirked when he found his brother asleep and scooped him up, bidding goodnight to his brother's friends before heading to their quarters.
"Is he okay?" Remus asked as Draco passed him.
"He conked out," Draco chuckled. "It's been an eventful night for him."
Remus nodded, smiling at the sleeping boy. "He's a good boy."
"Yes," McKinnon said, her eyes falling on Cassius. "Now if he would just stop talking so much during class..."
"Does he in yours?" Remus asked in surprise. "He doesn't in mine."
"I did have to take points from him. It's probably because I'm just a substitute," McKinnon smiled sweetly. "You know how some kids take advantage."
Draco frowned. Cassius didn't do that in his class but he supposed the kids might think they don't have to pay attention in a substitute's class. "I'll talk to him," he promised. He didn't want Cassius misbehaving in any of his classes. "He may just be nervous, he does struggle with Transfiguration."
"It's a difficult subject for most," Remus agreed.
"I'm sure he'll improve in time," McKinnon said smoothly.
Draco told them goodnight and continued to their quarters. Arriving, he took Cass to his room and put him in his bed. He then transfigured his brother's clothes into pajamas. "Goodnight, cub." he whispered before leaving.
TBC: