CHAPTER TWO
Harry's eyes opened first and almost immediately Kylie's did. Their magics and biological clocks were completely in sync.
"Today's the day, Harry."
"It is."
They both shot up and began to jump on their beds.
"Today is the day! Duds wake up! Today is the day!"
Dudley was asleep next to them and groaned.
"Guys…really." He complained.
"Get up and jump Duds! Today is the day!"
He jolted and hollered. "Today is September first!"
Remus knocked.
"You may enter the domain!" They sang laughing as they jumped.
"Well, I suppose you aren't lacking energy from being turned so long."
"Oh no we got over that ages ago. The trick is to sleep in the animal form." Duds informed and hopped down onto the ground. His weight was almost a fit as Harry's and getting better every day.
"The power company got the move out date wrong. So, no power."
"Well then good thing we have magic."
By the time everything was locked up and they were on their way the nerves set in.
"Remus, what if they don't like me? Or they don't like Harry or duds? Am I allowed to hit them?"
Remus laughed. "No, Kylie. Hitting is not allowed at all, ever."
"That's a guideline not a rule Kylie. If someone hits you, you better make them bleed." Harry insisted.
"No! You must go tell a teacher! We've been over this."
"Will the teacher make them bleed?" Kylie demanded crossing her arms.
"No, because that is wrong. To punish students, you lose house points and get detention. At worst you can be expelled and never be allowed to return to Hogwarts again."
"I'm wondering what it's like at night."
"Well, Dudley, you have to be inside by curfew which is 9pm for first years. When it's winter you'll see what it's like at dark I suppose."
The three of them halted.
"Wow. Curfew?" Harry said stiffly.
"Yes, you are children. As in not adults. You cannot be out anytime you please!" Remus felt like this was something they went through every hour of every day.
"No thanks." They said and disappeared. Remus fumed as he turned on the spot. He walked to them briskly, trying to rid the irritation from his face.
"You do know I am not going with you, right!" He said in a huff.
"What?"
"I am not a student or faculty. You'll be arriving at Hogwarts with the rest of the students and the first years are escorted by the groundskeeper. Feel free to write me; you are NOT allowed to leave school grounds when you feel like it even to see me."
"Wait a damned second. What if we want to go to the shops?"
"You can't. Order it."
"What if I don't know what color works best with my hair or something? I have to be there to know, Remus!" Kylie insisted.
"You've never listened to anything I've said. Dear lord. I anticipate many owls from you. You'll have some tough lessons to learn. Pick your battles, you three. And no, you are not coming to me during the moon. Hurry, the train is starting."
Kylie rushed and hugged him with Harry and Dudley after. Remus watched them jump onto the train with ease and smirked.
It would be nice to have one up on them for once.
He apparated to the grounds of Hogwarts where he would begin his first year as the D.A.D.A teacher.
Harry eyed every single kid who passed them. He was rigid with nerves, but Duds and Kylie seemed more at ease. They found an empty compartment and Duds flopped down. Kylie touched his shoulders.
"Harry, you can be just as prepared and on guard if you relax some. Don't look so unfriendly. Okay?" She said looking into his eyes.
A minute later Draco opened the compartment and froze seeing Harry.
"You're welcome to sit Draco." Harry said moving aside.
He hurried to do so. "Who are…they?"
"My cousins. Kylie, and Dudley."
"You didn't mention you had magical cousins then."
"Didn't know it then."
"Excuse me. How do you know Harry?" Kylie spoke up sharply.
"I met him in the shops in early June, I think. He really helped me that day. I wanted to write but never knew what to say. I'm not used to being nice to people." Draco looked at his hands while he spoke.
"I mentioned him to you guys. Draco Malfoy." Harry reminded them.
"Ahh. Well it's nice to meet you. What do you like to do?"
Draco looked at her in awe. "I- I like to fly. I do it loads at home."
"Fly? How?"
"On a broom." He said puzzled.
"Draco, muggleborns." Harry whispered.
"Oh, yes there are magical brooms that allow flight. There's a sport too but most firstys can't play on the team."
Harry watched Draco closely as he interacted with Kylie. She was obviously pretty, and he would rip apart anyone who hurt her.
"Harry, you're exuding." Kylie said sharply.
Harry sucked in a breath and scowled at the floor.
"Wow, it got so hot in here."
"Yeah, let's take off-
"NO! Absolutely not. You will keep your clothes on, all of you. It's cooler now."
Kylie shot him an alarmed look, but it was cooler, so she didn't take off her shawl.
A girl opened the compartment door, "Do you have room for one more?" She was teary eyed and trying to hide it with a brave face.
"Of course." Harry said and moved closer to Draco to let her sit across from Kylie.
Draco stiffened as he was smushed. "You okay?" Harry whispered.
"Fine."
"I'm Hermione Granger!" The new girl said.
"I'm Kylie Potter, Dudley Potter, and Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy. It's nice to meet you. I desperately need a girl to be a friend."
"Me too!" Hermione said brightly.
"I thought there was only one Potter son though?"
"Cousins who've taken my last name." Harry interjected meeting eyes with Duds and Kylie.
"Did you grow up together?"
Kylie's face closed off and she moved to go over to Harry but stopped herself.
"It's a tough subject. For another time. Yes and No." Harry said. Kylie's eyes flashed.
"Do not answer for me Harry Potter."
Harry rolled his eyes. She growled and Harry's second skin bristled.
Dudley stood up between them. "You've both got a lot of crazy going on right now for things best kept secret. Kylie, you dropped the ball on answering for yourself. Harry was just trying to help. Chill out. Both of you."
"Stop it Kylie!" Harry hissed. "You're going to make me have to leave. I will not speak for you again. Just stop it!"
She took some breaths and looked out the window.
"Well, you two have made it so awkward." Dudley complained.
"Either of you able to do any spells yet?"
"Oh yes. I can do reparo and some other basics. You Draco?"
"I can do lumos but that's about it so far."
Harry leaned over. "I could show you some more on our own if you'd like."
Draco nodded gratefully. "I was shit at everything else I tried."
"Don't worry, you'll be great."
Dudley soon snored whilst Hermione and Kylie were in their own world. Draco and Harry were in theirs. However, if you looked closely enough you would see Harry and Kylie's foot tapped in sync the entire ride to Hogwarts.
"Wow, dude, you are huge." Kylie said abruptly when they were greeted by Hagrid the groundskeeper.
"Ahh…well anyway we are traveling across the black lake up to the castle to get a good view. Let's get on."
Hermione tucked into Kylie's side explaining that Hagrid was half giant and a very trusted person to Albus Dumbledore.
Draco and Harry sat together with Dudley on the other side who still looked half asleep.
"Wicked!" A red head said as the castle came into view. Dudley turned around, "It's something isn't it?"
"Yeah, I mean my brothers all told me how awesome it is, but you've got to see it in person to really get it."
"I'm Dudley Potter."
"Ron Weasley."
Draco was stewing when he got out of the boat and soaked his socks. Harry leaned down and dried this with a wave of his hand. Draco beamed at him in a way no one had before. He felt his stomach flutter for a second and did not know what it might mean.
There was so much to see that none of them could possibly take all in. Harry was glad he already discussed with Duds and Kylie. Whoever was called up first and sorted they would all go to that house.
Hermione went up first and eventually named Gryffindor her house. Harry nervously waited until Draco went up. He hoped they would be together, but he had to be there for Kylie and Duds first.
When the hat announced Gryffindor there was an astonished hush in the great hall. People were whispering that a Malfoy wasn't sorted into Slytherin like it was shocking.
"There hasn't been a Malfoy sorted anywhere else but Slytherin for centuries." Hermione whispered to Kylie.
Draco looked ready to fall apart as he moved down and sat at the Gryffindor table. Funnily enough Harry was called first even though Dudley was closer alphabetically.
The hat touched his head and instantly shouted Gryffindor. A weight released and he tried not to smile too much as he sat next to Draco. A door opened in the back corner just as Dudley went up. The three siblings immediately frozen smelling him.
Remus Lupin was there in this school and he was most certainly a liar.
A snarl released from each of them and at which Remus smirked. Dudley was sorted just as fast into Gryffindor and Kylie after him. The three of them kept their gaze on Remus, ignoring the new friends.
Up at the staff table Minerva was watching the trio with apprehension.
"Remus, they look positively livid. Why is that?"
"I didn't tell them I would be teaching. There are some other things I have not mentioned…but yes they are indeed livid." Remus gulped a little.
"Dear man, you actually look a bit frightened."
Remus met her eyes. "I would be a fool not to be. A wonderful as they are there is a certain ruthlessness to them. They will only consider I lied to them. It took so very long to gain their trust. Harry's especially. I wasn't kidding when I told you, you would need me here."
"Well, they wouldn't harm anyone, they're-
"Ruthless and very powerful. Potter/Evans Line, Minerva. You must make them care; they won't as a default. Harry befriended Malfoy because he stood up for them. Kylie wanted a girl as a friend, so Hermione fit the mark. Ron is an eater and sleeper like Duds, so they've made their pact."
"Duds, is it?"
"Yes. I would not like to call him anything else after months with him. Dudley is an unfortunate name after all."
Albus Dumbledore took the podium and began the speech. Remus didn't think they heard any of it they way their gazes were locked on his every move.
Sure, enough they did not eat a bite of their dinner. Hermione and Draco were a bit put out by their behavior but talked to each other. As the evening was closely, he waved them over. They stood and walked stiffly to him in complete synchronicity.
"Through the door."
"You first." The hissed.
"Children-
"No Minerva. I will go first but I want the word I will not be harmed until I explain."
"We agree to your terms." Kylie answered.
They disappeared behind the door, but Minerva transformed and followed.
"Get her out of here." Harry snarled.
"I'm very sorry Professor, but no one likes an eavesdropper." Kylie said and touched her head. Minerva found herself lying under a tree in the courtyard.
Remus took some breaths. "It was a social experiment which you all passed really well. You wanted to immediately confront me when you smelled me. You didn't though. Why?"
They floundered for a reason. "We don't know."
"You recognized the social cue. It would not be a good idea to draw that attention to yourselves by attacking a teacher. I had to know if you could control yourselves because I failed again and again to teach you that over the summer. It's not about someone controlling you. It's you controlling yourselves. You did very well, all of you."
"You lied to us!" Harry jerked the pop of his shoulder back in place. Kylie had no luck and fully turned, growling at Remus.
It triggered a domino effect. Harry and Dudley followed and approached Remus.
"Guys, I did lie. It was to gain knowledge that I could not gain by being entirely truthful with you. Let's calm down and think-
"Oh my lord merlin!"
Professor Flitwick squeaked after tumbling through the door with a plateful of desserts.
They turned growling.
"Oi! I lied to you. And I'm very sorry. But I had to know okay. Calm down. Ignore him."
Remus took off in a run, which they gave chase. He ran out to the courtyard and down to the grounds around Hagrids.
He turned just in time for Kylie to tackle him. She bared her teeth as Harry and Duds joined him. Remus knew he could not be the alpha with Harry in the mix, but he couldn't roll over either as he was an elder…. or…
Remus rolled over like a dog with his tongue out. The aggression went out of them instantly and they took turns nipping his tail. After running for an hour, they finally settled down enough.
"You need to point us in the direction of food Remus. It's your fault we couldn't focus on anything."
He smirked adjusting his robes. "The kitchens are closed after the feast, or dinner in the evenings. I know the entrance. I suggest you make nice to the elves who cook, or they will make sure you can't return. And I will also have to show you to your dorms."
A snack or so later Kylie climbed the stairs to the girl's dorm and saw Hermione on one bed reading, while everyone else was down in the common room.
"Hermione…"
"Yes? Is everything okay?"
"I…so I was kept prisoner most of my life. Duds and Harry had no idea who I was until they found me when my…father died. So, I spent eleven years in tiny space, alone. Since I've been safe, I've always slept with Harry. Can I please sleep with you?"
"Oh my gosh. Of course, you can. Just beware my hair is twice this big when I wake up."
Kylie laughed and they changed into sleep clothes. When the other girls came up the curtains were shut, and they were sound asleep.
Harry found himself in the same predicament. Draco was a bit miffed about his disappearance and Harry felt badly. It was a new thing for him actually because he never felt badly about anything.
He tossed and turned for an hour before his curtains opened.
"Will you please stop moving around." Draco demanded.
"I can't. I'm not used to sleeping alone." Harry huffed.
"You aren't alone. There are six other boys in here."
"Don't be daft. I meant in bed with me. Kylie and Duds and I have…been through a lot. We always slept together."
Draco looked around. "I will sleep with you. Is that okay?"
Harry tried not to look so happy as he slid over to allow him in.
Draco snuggled into his pillow and Harry lined his arm up with his. As soon as the warmth hit him, he fell asleep.
Harry woke to laughing. He cracked his eyes open and saw the other boys of the dorm gathered around his bed, where Draco was still beside him asleep, their hands touching. It didn't make sense to Harry but then Draco sat up and it made sense to him.
"Didn't know they made the Malfoy's fags now, Draco." Ron Weasley said with a curl of his lip.
Before Harry could voice his extreme disapproval, Draco leaped out of bed.
"I am not. He's gross and disgusting. He just wouldn't stop turning over in his sleep. I'm NOT gay." He snapped and walked to the bathrooms.
For a moment Harry didn't understand. He looked at Duds in question who was glaring at Ron.
"Duds what does that word mean?" Harry asked sitting up. The other boys cleared out and Duds sat next to him.
"It means boys that like other boys. I'll be having words with Ron. Draco was probably just embarrassed, Harry. You know that's not true."
Harry nodded and went to go to the showers. Duds stopped him.
"Wait till the guys clear out. I think it would be a bad idea right now."
Harry saw the seriousness in his eyes and listened.
When everyone cleared out, Harry showered and went down to breakfast. Kylie was there looking as if she slept wonderfully. The way Hermione was laughing with her made Harry suspect she was why.
Draco sat far away from him and didn't even glance at Harry as he sat down. It made Harry feel something uncertain. And he didn't like it.
Classes were the perfect way to take his mind off it as it turned out. The three siblings completed all their spell work with ease. By an hour after dinner their homework set was completed. It helped a great deal that they read the texts books a few times before term started. He wanted to go running but Kylie and Duds looked engrossed in their discussions with their friends. Something about their dynamic made Harry feel a bit left out. He spotted Draco off by himself and was a bit relieved. The moment he sat down across from him though Draco looked at the time and walked off.
That was enough. Harry went after him and caught up to him in the courtyard.
"What is the matter with you!" Harry hissed.
Draco sneered. "I don't want to associate with you anymore."
Harry blinked. "What did I do?"
Draco closed his eyes. "I don't want people to say that I'm gay."
"But you told them you aren't. What's the problem?"
"Because if I keep around you, they won't believe me! I can't let that happen."
Harry glared at him. "What does it matter? Is it a bad thing?"
"Don't act dumb. You know what it is." He glared right back.
"I had Duds explain that it's boys who like boys. But if you don't then you have nothing to worry about. I just thought we were friends."
Draco seethed. "No. I felt bad for you because you're gross and ugly. Stay away from me. I was never your friend. I will not let people say that I'm gay."
Harry felt a sharp pain in his chest, but his quick wit caught up to his mouth.
"Because you are?"
Draco turned around in an instant and punched Harry right in the nose. None of Harry's defenses were up; he long ago labeled Draco as someone who was safe.
The force knocked him onto his butt where he looked up at Draco with disbelief. Pain registered then as well as the blood dripping down his face. Draco looked shocked and angry. Like it was Harry's fault he hit him.
Harry did something he hadn't done in a very long time, and he cried. Tears, snot, and blood mixed, and he cried there on the ground.
Draco then looked horrified. "Harry…I….I didn't mean it. I got angry. We just can't be friends."
Harry stood up and looked him in the eyes, but found words escaped him. He felt his emotions in an overload that he couldn't manage.
"Harry." Draco whispered.
Harry ignored him and disappeared.
He knew he was in the forbidden forest and felt badly for it for what he was going to do. His dragon took over and he spewed hellfire with a roar that shook the ground.
It was near daylight when he came back to himself. His clothes were completely ash, so he transfigured some large leaves till he appeared in his rooms. It was just about time for the boys to get up. He looked in the mirror after his shower and saw a couple black eyes and blood still dried.
He decided to keep it aside from the blood.
"Harry! Where were you? I was worried sick." Duds said ripping Harry into his arms.
"I had to release some stress. I need to be alone today. Thanks Duds." Harry whispered. Duds looked at his black eyes in disbelief. His gaze shot to Draco who still slept.
"I will handle it my way." Harry said evenly.
"Let me know if you need help. See you in class. Kylie's right pissed though."
Sure, enough when he got down to breakfast kylie ripped him a new one and was very unhappy with his reluctance to explain.
The headmaster made an announcement to reiterate not to go into the forbidden forest as a dragon was spotted. Kylie let off the questions after that.
It was the first day of D.A.D.A and Remus simply stared at him for a long moment.
The class was fun and took Harry's mind off things. Kylie and Hermione were whispering about who could have hurt him. Hermione kept glancing at Draco but strangely didn't snitch.
"Harry." Remus called. Harry debated on whether he wanted to stay or go. He decided to stay.
"I'm fine. I'll take care of it. Nonlethally."
Remus jumped. "Well, I would hope so Harry. But what could have possibly allowed this to happen?"
Harry knew what he meant. How did someone catch him off guard when he was always on guard?
"I trusted the wrong person."
Remus nodded slowly. "What caused this person to turn on you?"
Harry gave a frustrated sigh. "This person was called gay for being around me. I didn't know what that meant. We argued because I thought he was being unfair, and we were friends. He said some hurtful things and punched me when I accused him of actually being gay. I don't get what the big deal is about it."
Remus looked stumped. "Well, it's always been taboo. People used to be killed for that at some points in history. It's more acceptable now however, some men find that liking other men makes them less than a man."
Harry mulled that over.
"I'm trying to decide my course of action. This person was kind to me but now tells me I'm gross and ugly. I've never thought much about my appearance. Can you confirm or deny, Remus?"
Remus blinked. "You are a handsome young lad, Harry. Much like your father was. And you have better hygiene than most of the students in this school. So, they are both untrue. Perhaps this person said these things because they believe the opposite."
"What would you do?"
"I would try to be understanding to their fear but make it absolutely certain that nothing like this could happen again without consequence."
"Are you gay?"
Remus stammered for a moment. "Well, yes. I am. Does that bother you?"
"No. You're still you. What do I care what you do naked? I will direct all inquiries of my injury from professors to you. Have a good day and thank you for your help."
"Harry…be careful out in the forest. There might be something bigger than you in there."
"Noted."
He made it to Transfiguration with two minutes to spare. Unfortunately, the only table left was Draco's. Duds sat with Ron who was red in the face, clutching his wand tightly. When he saw Harry, he gave up his seat and Harry took his. Draco said nothing when Duds sat next to him.
"So, I'm sorry for what I said about you and Draco. I shouldn't talk about things I don't know about." Ron said to Harry.
"Thanks Ron. I appreciate that." Harry replied.
Ron was relieved that was so easy and buckled down for the lesson.
"Ahh so who can tell me what causes an Animagus?" Professor McGonagall asked the class.
Kylie's hand shot up just as Hermione's did.
"Okay, Miss Potter. Why don't you tell us what causes it and Miss granger you can add onto it."
"An Animagus is a transformation you elect." Kylie said.
"It is different from forced transformations like Werewolves or curses." Hermione added.
The Professor eyed them.
"What are some traits that might identify an Animagus?"
Duds shared a looked with Harry. Kylie wisely held herself back, but Hermione raised her hand again.
"They might take on traits of their Animagus form. It could be behavioral or physical."
"Nothing to add, Miss Potter?"
Kylie shook her head.
"What are the rules and regulations for Animagi?"
Hermione frowned in concentration but didn't raise her hand.
"Well, it is punishable to a fine of 100,000 galleons for failing to report your form and dates to the Ministry."
Harry sighed. This professor would be a problem apparently.
"Now, who can volunteer to be transformed into a parrot?"
The three siblings did not raise their hands. They already had forms that would counteract any transfiguration. Their second skins would not take a liking to that.
"Mr. Potter?"
"No thank you Professor." Harry said firmly.
She turned to Duds who repeated the same.
"Well, I would like a reason the three of you will not comply."
"We do not feel comfortable with it right now. We are muggle raised so it's a very strange concept to be turned into an animal." Kylie supplied easily.
Minerva's lips thinned though she was a bit impressed with her ability to lie.
She kept pushing. "Well, perhaps if you performed the spell on a fellow classmate…"
"As long as it's not my family, then sure Professor."
The other students were looking confused, so Minerva allowed Kylie and Draco up to the front.
Kylie's spell work was perfect from beginning to end. Draco looked none to pleased but Minerva accepted her loss this time.
"I will expect a 12-inch essay on the process of becoming an Animagus. Please use correct punctuation and spelling. Please add what you think your form might be at the end. Have a good day class."
Kylie and Hermione had their heads bent together as they walked out of the door. Ron bolted away from Harry the moment they were released which suited Harry just fine.
"Harry."
Duds was looking at him with concern.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Why?"
He bent down. "You're crying a little."
Harry touched his face in disbelief. "I didn't even know. I don't like this much."
"When did it happen before? I've never seen…
Harry couldn't help but glance at Draco who was gathering his books. Duds went stiff.
"He made you cry!"
Harry closed his eyes. "Yes, it was unpleasant enough without you shouting about it duds."
"Sorry. I want to punch him." Duds said with a cruel smile.
"No. He's off limits, Dud. Completely."
"Excuse me. Harry, it has come to my attention that none of you use wands for your spell work. All of your professors reported the same thing."
"And?" Harry asked.
Minerva pursed her lips. "And that is not a practice here at school whilst learning magic because it is uncontrollable."
"Did any professors report lack of control?" Duds countered.
"No, but it's a matter of principal."
"I don't have time for this. Let's go." Harry said his stomach suddenly rumbling.
"Mr. Potter! You cannot speak to me that way."
"Well, I was speaking to Dud. I haven't eaten today and I'm starving. We have broken no school rules. Duds." Harry stood and walked away with his cousin after him.
"Detention Mr. Potter. This evening at 7pm."
"Maybe." Harry called and Duds laughed.
"Harry, was that the best course of action?"
He shrugged. "I don't really care. I'm hungry."
After an enormous helping at lunch, it was time for flying lessons.
"Please place your hand over your broom and say up clearly."
All three Potter's brooms shot up instantly. Hermione appeared discouraged but Kylie whispered a hint in her ear.
That left Neville Longbottom, a quiet boy in their house. Duds walked over to him and whispered a hint in his ear.
"Well, Miss Potter, and you Mr. Potter. Share with the class your secret."
"No, thank you Professor." They said.
Madam Hooch gaped at the response.
"If you don't answer the question, you will be running laps the rest of the class."
"It is a private matter, so we will not answer the question."
She snapped for the Potter's to run laps immediately.
Kylie took off her shawl and stuck her tongue out at Duds.
"I will win, no worries." Harry interjected smirking.
"You wish." They laughed and took off.
Kylie took the lead, Harry falling behind Duds. It always went like this. Duds eventually cheated and tapped into his form to gain more speed. Unknown to the Potters the class was watching their race with awe.
"How are they so fast?" Ron asked in general.
Hermione Granger had something suddenly click in her brain and smiled. It all made sense now.
Madam hooch tried to call her classes' attention to no avail.
"Class dismissed!" She stomped off the field.
The Potter's were still going, jumping over imaginary hurdles, and trying to trip each other. Draco had his eyes on Harry who was slowly creeping up on his cousins. Just as they neared the end of the field to rejoin the class Harry forced more speed and crossing the line before them.
To the astonishment of the class, they didn't even look out of breath.
"Harry! That's no fair!"
"It's strategy, Kylie! Slow and steady wins the race." Harry smirked.
They had Herbology as their last class of the day which was mostly boring. Kylie enjoyed it some, but no one else appeared too. Harry however had a green thumb. The Mandrakes took a liking to him and made him wonder if they had any connection to dragons. It seemed unlikely. His mandrakes did not cry and allowed themselves to be repotted.
It was 4:30pm when classed ended. The Potter's had their fill at dinner and Harry finally lost his energy. He wanted to slack off detention but was it the best course of action.
Kylie and Duds went to the common room, but Harry went up to the owlery to see Hedwig and Stormlyn. They were huddled together dozing.
They hooted upon sensing him and he sat down against the wall.
Hedwig snuggled into one shoulder and Stormlyn began picking things out of his hair.
Footsteps hurried up to the owlery and Draco appeared out of breath with a letter. He tried multiple owls but they all nipped him or ignored him.
"You can use Stormlyn if you'd like. He likes delivering. But If using my owl makes you gay then best not."
Draco turned red. "I…can I really use him?"
"Of course. Stormlyn would you please carrying Draco's letter?"
He nodded and stuck out his leg. Draco leaned down to fasten it with his soft clip.
"Thank you Stormlyn."
The owl regarded Draco and then rubbed his head on his arm before departing.
Draco looked gutted by the kindness and his gaze fell to Harry.
"I am sorry Harry. I wish I could take it back. You are right and I was too scared to admit it. I am gay. That letter is to my parents informing them because…if not now then it would happen someday. Can we please be friends again? I won't behave that way again."
Harry was not surprised that he came around. It was why he delayed any immediate reaction.
"Very well. How are your studies going?"
Draco blinked. "That easy? You aren't going to hurt me?"
"Draco, at what point did you decide that I hurt my friends? I hurt bullies and people who hurt my family. You were angry and scared. I was a bit horrified that you made me cry. I haven't cried since I was maybe 3, but I got over it. My instincts are good, and they trusted you. Plus, Remus assured me that I am not gross or ugly."
Draco turned red. "No, you aren't. I didn't mean it."
Harry stared at him. "Why did you say that specifically then?"
Draco looked anywhere but him. "Because I think you are cute. I just didn't want to think that."
Harry felt a smile touch his lips and a warm feeling in his chest.
"No one's ever called me that before. I like it."
Draco looked up with wide eyes.
"You don't think it's gross to like boys?"
"No. What does it matter?"
"Do you?" Draco whispered.
Harry thought about it. "I like a person. It doesn't matter to me if they are boy or girl."
Draco surged forward and kissed Harry gently on the lips. The warm feeling spread through his whole chest and when Draco pulled away, they grinned at each other.
They stayed in the owlery while they waited for Stormlyn, and Harry helped Draco with some questions on his homework. 7pm approached and he turned to Draco.
"McGonagall gave me detention. I don't want to go though."
"Well, she'll just give you more next time. I'll see you in the dorm." He smiled shyly and kissed him quickly. Harry smiled the whole way to detention.
"Professor?"
"Ahh Mr. Potter so kind of you to show up."
Harry waited.
"You and your cousins are Animagi."
"Where did you get that idea?"
"You know too much about it and your behavior at the welcoming feast with Professor Lupin left me very concerned."
"Why?"
"Because! It's…dangerous. There was a dragon spotted in the forest and professor lupin is…"
Harry sighed. "Professor I'm tired. We are indeed animagi and are perfectly in control of our forms. We've had them for over two months now and have had no problems with them. However, our forms have accepted Remus into our…pack? He lied to us…. anyway, it's sorted. You can stop fishing around. The Dragon was me after this occurred, but everything is fine." Harry pointed to his face.
Minerva could scarcely believe it.
"There hasn't been a recorded Dragon Animagus since the time of the founders. And you can breathe fire?"
"Hellfire actually."
"How were three 11-year-olds able to do this?"
"Determination, patience and focus. Like everyone else Professor."
Minerva crossed her arms. "I would like to see your form."
"I would like to sleep." He countered.
"Why are you reluctant?"
"Because no one but Kylie, Duds and Remus have seen me."
Her eyes popped wide. "Remus knew of this?"
"Only after the fact. We didn't tell him we were doing it."
"But he knows now and didn't report it?"
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Go ahead and fine three orphans 100,000 galleons if you really feel the need to Professor."
Minerva opened her mouth and then closed it.
"Well, Professor, I could stand here all night, but I would greatly like to sleep since I was up burning down the forest all night."
"I thought you said you had control."
"I do. I could have not done it, but I cared more about releasing my anger and hurt than the forest."
"Mr. Potter there may be things bigger than you in the forest."
"Unlikely as I can become a fully grown dragon, however I don't plan on making a habit of it."
"What species are you?"
"We don't know and couldn't figure it out. Remus and Kylie tried forever."
"I would very much like to see your form. Could we make a deal?" Minerva couldn't believe she was trying to make a deal with an 11-year-old.
"Yes we can. You give us permission to go to shops when we would like."
That was odd but seemed okay. "As long as you have a chaperone."
"No dice. We will inform Remus but we go alone. I will tell you their forms as well…." Harry dangled the information in front of her.
"Fine. Any sign of trouble and the privilege is rescinded."
Harry nodded. "Well, when and where. Anyone can walk in here so preferably not in the school."
"We can go to the edge of the forest. Just a moment and we'll walk there."
"No need." Harry touched his professors' arm and they appeared at the edge of the forest.
"Mr. Potter! How on earth did you manage that!"
"We haven't figured that out either. The anti-apparition wards don't affect me or my cousins."
Harry transformed and looked at her for a second. She caught the hint and turned. Harry took off into the forest letting his form grow larger and larger. He sensed her nearby as he shook out his wings.
Harry suddenly felt exhausted to a detriment and fell asleep.
Minerva turned back to her human form and surveyed Harry's dragon. It was like nothing she'd ever seen.
The scales were emerald, green, with black spots. He was also enormous having down a few trees to make room to lie down.
Minerva sent a Patronus to Remus and asked him to meet her in the forest. Harry snored while he slept, and Remus cleared his throat when he arrived.
"All is well, Remus. Harry makes a hard bargain. Since you seem to have taken some risks for the Potters then you can make sure he returns to the castle. He actually asked me if I would report three orphans for being unregistered? Have I lost my touch? Students cowered under my gaze…"
"No one could scare or hurt them more than that man did. I'll be here with him. Next week is the full moon, so I will be away for a couple days."
"Very well. Do they know?"
"Yes, almost instantly. They called me Wolfman the entire summer."
She snorted. "Well, good evening professor. I will have your classes covered."
She turned to walk away. "He can apparate within the grounds."
"Yes. There is so much more than that."
Minvera sighed and trudged along back to the castle.
Remus turned and settled down close to Harry and slept.
A/N: Thank you sereniteerose(btw my first name is Serenity!) for the review and Hermione will be a bigger part going forward. Ron is still up in the air. Do you guys like a good ron or no? Thank you all for the many follows and favs! Working on chapter 3 today. Feel free to leave a review. I can find something constructive even in a flame. lol