I've finally found time to upload this chapter. Why didn't anyone tell me how much work you got when you do your V.C.E! It's driving me crazy! Anyway moving right along I want to thank the people that reviewed and I want to thank Prophetess of Hearts for reminding me about Harry being able to talk to snakes I had completely forgotten about that, I'll use that later on in this story. It also seems that I forgot to mention what time this story takes place I'm thinking sometime in their fifth year ok.

Disclaimer: *cries* none of them belong to me not one! So please don't sue.

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Chapter 2: Into the night

Two blood red eyes a long fat snout and teeth that could rip an elephant in half. Its feet were the size of Harry's head with claws that looked, if possible, more deadly and razor sharp than its teeth. At least the size of a Hippogriff, if not larger and somewhat resembling a large wolf it was not an animal that anyone would want to come face to face with, and Harry was defiantly no exception to this. Gulping Harry tried to remember what Hagrid once said, in his Care of Magical Creatures class, about avoiding confrontations from dangerous animals.

*Try to look as less threatening as possible* his mind told him. *Don't look it straight in the eyes and back away slowly, it works for dangerous dogs so maybe it will work for this too. *

Slowly Harry took a small step backwards only to be awarded with another deep growl stopping him from backing up any further. The creature let out another growl and as quick as lightening raised its hairy front paw and swiped at Harry clipping the side of his head. Taken by surprise at the sudden motion Harry stumbled losing his balance and fell onto the ground.

*So much for backing up. * Blinking he locked eyes with the drooling animal now leaning over him, with one paw resting on his shoulder, claws digging into his skin. Behind him he heard Malfoy gasp as the creature licked the side of his face. Cringing he thrust out his free hand searching blindly for something, anything that could serve as a weapon. Unfortunately there was nothing within reach that that would be useful only the gritty dirt on the forest floor.

*Blind it. * Grabbing a handful of dirt he threw as much of it as he could into the beasts eyes. It had the desired effect, the creature let out a howl and backed off rubbing at its eyes furiously. Now was his chance.

Harry scrambled to his feet, spun around and grabbed Malfoy roughly around his arm dragging him with him into the snake like tunnel. They ran blindly, being too dark to see anything, zigzagging back and forth to avoid the onslaught of green acid being spat at them by the snakes. After what felt like hours the tunnel finally gave way to the dimly lit forest once more and Harry and Malfoy both collapsed on the ground breathing heavily from their long run. They both lay in silence for a few minuted catching their breath before Malfoy spoke up.

"Do you think it will follow us?"

"I'm not sure, but I don't think so." Harry said squinting into the inky blackness of the tunnel, half expecting the beast to come galloping through teeth bared, but nothing did. Sighing Harry pushed himself up, his shoulder was aching slightly and his robes had holes in them from the creature's claws but he was still in one piece so that was something to be thankful for. Malfoy didn't appear to be hurt either but his robes had been torn a bit on his side and his usually sleek blonde hair was messed up and a bit dirty.

"I guess we should get moving then in case it does come back." Harry said getting to his feet, Malfoy following suite. They started off once more but this time keeping a watchful eye out in case of any more run ins. Eventually the little light there was started to fade away signalling the coming of the first night.

"I'm tired." Malfoy said.

"Good for you." Harry snapped not in the mood to listen to Malfoy whining.

"Come on Potter, aren't you tired? And anyway we're not going to be able to see anything when its dark are we?"

Though he hated to admit it Malfoy was right, and to be truthful he did feel tired.

"Fine we'll stop when we find somewhere suitable." Harry said expecting Malfoy to complain, he didn't and they started looking for somewhere to spend the night. Eventually they came across a huge dead tree that was partially hollowed out. Perfect.

"This could work." Harry said thoughtfully.

"Finally." Malfoy muttered plopping down at the base of the tree. It was actually a good thing that they had found something when they did because just then something cold splashed onto the bridge of Harry's nose and bright light ran across the sky, making Harry wince and squint. This was soon followed by a deafening crash of thunder and a few more drops fell before the skies opened. Harry and Malfoy scrambled into the hollow tree and huddled together, both wet, in the dark listening to the rain pound all around them, the sky every now and then being lit up by bright flashes of jagged lightening.

*This day is just getting worse and worse. * Thought Harry jumping slightly as another crash of thunder sounded. A small half dead pine tree, not more than twenty feet from them suddenly exploded and fell in two pieces on the forest floor. Malfoy let out a surprised yelp and backed as far as he could into the dead tree whimpering slightly and wrapped his arms around his legs. The flames from the tree quickly died down, the rain was pelting down so hard it had it had begun to get through gaps in their little shelter dripping on them. Harry looked down and saw a black spider perched on his leg. He pulled it off and tossed it out in the rain. Come to think of it this tree was probably full of spiders and other miniature nasties, but when you were lost, attacked by a giant wolf like creature and caught in a terrible storm spiders don't seem to matter that much, and anyway they were relatively dry and safe here so there was no way he was leaving until the storm passed. Harry let out another miserable sigh, closing his eyes trying to block out the relentless pounding in his ears and just wishing this whole nightmare would end...