"Silence please." Snape's growling voice drifted across the class. "Today we're making a Cheering Potion. If you fail to brew the potion to my satisfaction," he smirked, "You will do it again tonight at seven thirty. The instructions are on the board now get on with it!" glaring at the class Snape swooped to sit behind his desk. Dark eyes calmly watching the third years he happened to glance upon Daine. Even though she had only been in lessons for a few weeks she was already quite skilled at non-magical subjects such as potions and herbology. She was clearly ahead of her year mates in potions. Her former teacher had obviously taught her well. There were the odd potions she had never heard of but the majority of the potions the class had brewed she already knew. Watching as she placed her cauldron on a fire his eyes fell on her three companions. Both Cub and Blackpaw were resting underneath the table; Braane was swooping around the classroom, alighting often on Daine's shoulder to receive some cheese or bread. Snape removed a quill and a pot of green ink from his desk and finished marking first year essays.
***
"Argh! What is it?" dropping her equipment Harriet pulled a face at the creature before her.
"It's a dragon! Professor!" outraged one of the Slytherins stomped to Snape's desk as though it was his fault.
"Kit! What are you doing here? How's everyone?" also dropping her things Daine knelt beside the blue dragon. She ran her hands down the sides of the dragon smoothing down ruffled scales. Placing her claws on the girls shoulders the dragon chirruped.
"Oh, I've missed you so much!" Daine picked the dragon up and got to her feet. She bit her lip as she noticed the stares she was receiving.
"Miss Sarrasri? Might I enquire as to where that thing came from? And what it is?" Snape pushed himself up and watched the girl thoughtfully.
"I don't know Professor. I think Numair once told me that dragons don't have boundaries on worlds. They can travel between. I think. Kitten, is a dragon. Her ma asked me to look after her." sighing Snape strode across to the fireplace and seized a fistful of glittering powder form a small pouch hanging form the mantelpiece and threw it into the flames.
"Headmaster?" slowly the smiling head of Dumbledore appeared in the now blue flames.
"Really Severus, you could have at least called when I wasn't snoozing. What is it?"
"Miss Sarrasri has a newcomer." the old man's face crinkled in confusion.
"Meaning?"
"Come and see." stepping away as the headmaster staggered out of the fireplace, Snape turned to face Daine. "You see?"
"Ah yes, well I hardly think that I needed to be told. It's not really a crisis is it?"
"Albus! Surely you aren't going to let this girl keep a dragon in the school are you? It's terrible! The governors will not be pleased when they find out."
"Severus, I can plainly see that as long as Miss Sarrasri is with the dragon it won't misbehave. It's not very big either, it's no bigger than An'la. So please stop overreacting." Dumbledore turned to the class. "Class dismissed, I doubt you'll be able to work after the excitement."
"Headmaster!"
"Severus. I'll be going now. I expect to see you at dinner. I noticed your absence this morning." he growled warningly.
"Yes sir." Sitting back at his desk Snape glared at the now empty classroom.
***
"Wow, how cool was that! We have about an hour till Care of Magical Creatures!" Half-listening to Harriet's chatter Daine followed the girl to the Quidditch pitch.
-Daine, are you sure Kit won't bite. -
-Yes, she's only a pup like you two-
-Good- Cub's relief showed in her voice. Blackpaw unlike her sister was quite happy to play with the young dragon.
"Well I don't know what you're going to do really, I mean Liam and I can practise but there's nothing you can do. Are you sure you want to stay with us." The raven-haired girl turned to face the other girl.
"I'll be fine." shrugging, Liam and Harriet climbed over the benches and mounted. Turning so that her face was in the wind Daine inhaled. Shivering slightly, she sat up straighter. Taking a deep breath she shifted into a hawk. Changing the vocal cords of the hunter into those of her own she called,
"Harriet, will you shout to me when we need to go to Hagrid's lesson? I'm just going for a fly."
Not waiting to hear her reply Daine sped towards the castle. Daine revelled in the feeling of flying with delight. She noticed the way the wind ruffled her wing feathers, the way the sun beat relentlessly on her back. Far below her she noticed a figure walking alone. Wheeling around Daine circled. Professor Snape strode towards the castle. Like the time Daine had first met him he had been collecting ingredients from the forest. In both hands were bags. Lazily she coasted down beside him. Blinking Snape turned to her.
"My, God. I didn't know there were any hawks here." Snape murmured almost reverently. Realising he didn't know her for what she was, Daine dove towards the ground and in doing so changed into a hyena.
"Showing off, Miss Sarrasri, gets you nowhere." frowning at her he turned back to the castle. Slightly annoyed Daine yipped at him and trotted back to the Quidditch stands.
"How long till next lesson?" Shaking her head Daine shouted to the blurs of colour above her.
"Ten minutes. You'd better go and get dressed and go straight to Hagrid's. I'll come put your clothes in a bag." Diving straight to the ground, Harriet jumped off her broomstick and ran to Daine. Stuffing the clothes into a nearby bag Harriet ran back to her broom and carried on as if she had never got off her broom. Baring her teeth in a silent laugh Daine picked up her bag and galloped to the castle in a hurry. The two wolves had presumably gone back to her rooms for a nap. Changing into a cheetah for speed Daine careened around corners with wild abandon. Until she hit a pair of legs. Cursing Snape got to his feet.
"Miss Sarrasri, we meet again." knowing she was in big trouble Daine dropped the bag to allow her the freedom of speech.
"Professor! I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were there! I'm really sorry." staring strangely at her Snape shook his head.
"No matter how many times I see and hear it. I will never get used to talking animals."
"Sorry."
"No need to apologise. I am curious on one point though. Why aren't you in class?" He was being far too nice she decided. Something was going on.
"I need to shift back."
"Sorry? Can you only shift in one place?"
"Oh, um no. When I shift back to a human I don't have my clothes on. So I'm going to my rooms to shift and get dressed. So if you would excuse me?" if a cheetahs could blush Daine would be doing so now.
"Of course. Good day." With a whirl of black robes and the scent of apples and cinnamon Snape disappeared through and old oaken door.
'Well that was strange.' thought Daine.
*
"The Queen's Riders." after making sure that the door was locked Daine shifted and got dressed.
***
"Stay back! It'll 'ave yeh arm off!" wildly waving his arms, Hagrid ran (A/N do you think Hagrid would run funny?) towards the student who was getting too close to the dragon Hagrid picked him up and ran to the other side of the paddock with him under his arm.
"Liam Preston what the heck did yeh think yeh were doin'? Yeh coulda bein' killed!"
"I just wanted to get a better look at it."
"Yeh plonker! Them charms only keep it in. They don't keep yeh out!"
"Oh, I didn't know that."
"Well yeh do now. Class, did yeh all notice the way it's ears went forwards? That's because even though we were silent it can hear us well enough."
"Hagrid, sorry-lost-track-of-time." Panting heavily Daine clutched at her sides. Suddenly she straightened up.
"Oh, thank you." turning to the fully-grown dragon she smiled.
"Beautiful int he? Where were you?" wondering at her comment, Hagrid turned also.
"Yes." Daine barely moved her head to murmur to Hagrid, "He's beautiful." Slowly she tilted her head to one side as if listening. Hagrid frowned. He'd never heard of a dragon putting a trance on someone. Slowly she walked towards the dragon.
"Daine! This dragon aint like yeh little un. He's vicious! More than vicious. Just come away will yeh. Yeh making me nervous."
"He's lovely though. He wouldn't harm me."
-Would you?-
-Of course not.- the dragon's voice was like the sound of leaves rustling. He was obviously quite old. Goosebumps breaking out over her arms as Daine passed through the charms set over the paddock. Just to make sure she passed her hand back through the barrier. It slid easily through. It was obviously set to work only on the dragon.
-Why does Hagrid think you're vicious?-
-The hairy man? Some humans killed my mate years ago so I hate them. I want to kill as many of them as I can!- the dragon roared out it's fury. Neck muscles contracting. He noticed that Daine stepped away from him.
-Don't worry little one, I won't hurt you. You puzzle me. You have the skin of a human and yet you act as a dragon.-
-I have special magic-
-What's so special about magic. The ones who killed Ayala had magic- the old dragon lowered his muzzle. Stretching out he pushed his snout against Daine's clothes.
-You don't smell as they do. You smell cold, and of animal.-
-Yes, what's your name?- He hesitated.
-Pavo-
-That's pretty. Would you let the humans come near you if I promised they wouldn't hurt you?-
-I... Would you stay by me?-
-Of course.-
-Then yes. But only because you asked. Normally I would eat them if they came too near me.- with mock anger he snorted a ball of smoke towards the students way.
-Do you give me your word you won't hurt them? Or eat them? Or kill them? Or scare them?-
-I can't scare them? That's unfair, but yes I give you my word.-
-Thank you.-
Giving the elongated snout a little pat Daine returned to the group of wide-mouthed students and teacher.
"Pavo says that you can go to him as long as you don't annoy him he'll be good."
"Daine, yeh can't be sure of that. I could lose my job if anyone got hurt."
"He gave me his word," Daine told him stiffly, "A dragon never breaks his word. They are the most noble creatures."
"Are yeh sure?"
"Yes! Think of how much better it would be. Everyone would be able to be near him and not just watch him form a safe distance. We could actually meet him. That's a real hands on type of lesson. Think of how your reputation would be. The one Hogwarts teacher to truly tame a dragon."
"Well I'll go in first, and see if he starts up or not. If he does no one goes in. Come on you're coming with me." Not caring how strange he would look Hagrid grabbed Daine's hand. Though he loved dragons he had never got so close to an adult. And this adult had a notorious reputation of killing people.
"Pavo, this is Hagrid."
-Tell him he smells of dragon. When did he have a young one?-
"Hagrid, you smell of dragon and when did you have a young one?"
"How does he know I had a baby dragon?" astounded Hagrid stared up at the magnificent being.
"Dragons have a very acute sense of smell. Even though it has been years since the young one left, Pavo can still smell him on you." finished translating Daine looked expectantly at Hagrid. "So can the others come in?"
"Yes, hurry up will yeh? Liam stop pulling Louise's hair. Harriet! Stop that at once!"
***
"Kit? Kit where are you?" pulling open her bathroom door Daine peered around for the missing dragon. "There you are. Stop it I'll give you a bath later. C'mon let's go get some dinner. Braane? You up there? Come on, it's dinner. Cub, Blackpaw? Get out of there and come on!" Shaking her head Daine opened the door and watched as the animals stood waiting for her at the end of the corridor.
-Hurry up Daine, we're hungry.- Blackpaw bared her teeth at Daine in a wolfish grin.
-Why you! You were the ones who kept me waiting!- With a smile ran towards them. Blackpaw and Cub dashed to the end of the corridor again. Shouting remarks and laughing at each other the strange crowd of dragon, girl, wolves and crow made their way to the Great Hall.
*
-Slow down will you.- as the animals began to eat Daine just sat down. -Did you all have to go so fast?- she got no answer.
"Silly things, so Harry how'd practice go?"
"Great, I really think we're going to win this year."
"Brilliant."
"Daine what's it like from where you come from?" the table stared at the usually quiet Ginny.
"Well," not sure where to begin Daine decided to keep it brief, "I lived in Galla until I was thirteen. It wasn't that nice. But then I went to Tortall. It's lovely there. I was employed by Onua, she looked after the horses in The Queen's Riders."
"What are they?"
"They're like a little army, set up by Queen Thayet. Not as formal as the King's Own but it's still important. Well she took me to Tortall and it was there that I found out about my magic."
"Who found out first?" Daine swallowed.
"My teacher Numair." tears blurred her vision.
"I'm sorry Daine I was being nosy."
"No, you weren't. It's just I miss them so much. I miss Numair, I miss Cloud, and I miss Alanna. I miss everyone." standing Daine ran through the doors, hot tears stinging her cheeks. All the animals made to follow her but everyone held them back.
"Leave her be. She needs time." Staring at the empty seat Hermione scratched Cub's ear.
***
'Why did it have to be me? Why couldn't someone else have come here? Am I going to stay here forever? What if I never get home? I'll never see Numair again!' After leaving the Great Hall Daine had came up to one of her favourite haunts. The west tower.
"Miss Sarrasri?" Daine twisted around to see the speaker. All she could see were shadows.
"Who's there?"
**********************
Dan, dan, daaan! Who is it? Well Review and you'll find out! Please review!!! I know that there's not much animal stuff but next chapter there will be. Plots and stuff galore!!!
**Runs away giggling madly**
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***
"Argh! What is it?" dropping her equipment Harriet pulled a face at the creature before her.
"It's a dragon! Professor!" outraged one of the Slytherins stomped to Snape's desk as though it was his fault.
"Kit! What are you doing here? How's everyone?" also dropping her things Daine knelt beside the blue dragon. She ran her hands down the sides of the dragon smoothing down ruffled scales. Placing her claws on the girls shoulders the dragon chirruped.
"Oh, I've missed you so much!" Daine picked the dragon up and got to her feet. She bit her lip as she noticed the stares she was receiving.
"Miss Sarrasri? Might I enquire as to where that thing came from? And what it is?" Snape pushed himself up and watched the girl thoughtfully.
"I don't know Professor. I think Numair once told me that dragons don't have boundaries on worlds. They can travel between. I think. Kitten, is a dragon. Her ma asked me to look after her." sighing Snape strode across to the fireplace and seized a fistful of glittering powder form a small pouch hanging form the mantelpiece and threw it into the flames.
"Headmaster?" slowly the smiling head of Dumbledore appeared in the now blue flames.
"Really Severus, you could have at least called when I wasn't snoozing. What is it?"
"Miss Sarrasri has a newcomer." the old man's face crinkled in confusion.
"Meaning?"
"Come and see." stepping away as the headmaster staggered out of the fireplace, Snape turned to face Daine. "You see?"
"Ah yes, well I hardly think that I needed to be told. It's not really a crisis is it?"
"Albus! Surely you aren't going to let this girl keep a dragon in the school are you? It's terrible! The governors will not be pleased when they find out."
"Severus, I can plainly see that as long as Miss Sarrasri is with the dragon it won't misbehave. It's not very big either, it's no bigger than An'la. So please stop overreacting." Dumbledore turned to the class. "Class dismissed, I doubt you'll be able to work after the excitement."
"Headmaster!"
"Severus. I'll be going now. I expect to see you at dinner. I noticed your absence this morning." he growled warningly.
"Yes sir." Sitting back at his desk Snape glared at the now empty classroom.
***
"Wow, how cool was that! We have about an hour till Care of Magical Creatures!" Half-listening to Harriet's chatter Daine followed the girl to the Quidditch pitch.
-Daine, are you sure Kit won't bite. -
-Yes, she's only a pup like you two-
-Good- Cub's relief showed in her voice. Blackpaw unlike her sister was quite happy to play with the young dragon.
"Well I don't know what you're going to do really, I mean Liam and I can practise but there's nothing you can do. Are you sure you want to stay with us." The raven-haired girl turned to face the other girl.
"I'll be fine." shrugging, Liam and Harriet climbed over the benches and mounted. Turning so that her face was in the wind Daine inhaled. Shivering slightly, she sat up straighter. Taking a deep breath she shifted into a hawk. Changing the vocal cords of the hunter into those of her own she called,
"Harriet, will you shout to me when we need to go to Hagrid's lesson? I'm just going for a fly."
Not waiting to hear her reply Daine sped towards the castle. Daine revelled in the feeling of flying with delight. She noticed the way the wind ruffled her wing feathers, the way the sun beat relentlessly on her back. Far below her she noticed a figure walking alone. Wheeling around Daine circled. Professor Snape strode towards the castle. Like the time Daine had first met him he had been collecting ingredients from the forest. In both hands were bags. Lazily she coasted down beside him. Blinking Snape turned to her.
"My, God. I didn't know there were any hawks here." Snape murmured almost reverently. Realising he didn't know her for what she was, Daine dove towards the ground and in doing so changed into a hyena.
"Showing off, Miss Sarrasri, gets you nowhere." frowning at her he turned back to the castle. Slightly annoyed Daine yipped at him and trotted back to the Quidditch stands.
"How long till next lesson?" Shaking her head Daine shouted to the blurs of colour above her.
"Ten minutes. You'd better go and get dressed and go straight to Hagrid's. I'll come put your clothes in a bag." Diving straight to the ground, Harriet jumped off her broomstick and ran to Daine. Stuffing the clothes into a nearby bag Harriet ran back to her broom and carried on as if she had never got off her broom. Baring her teeth in a silent laugh Daine picked up her bag and galloped to the castle in a hurry. The two wolves had presumably gone back to her rooms for a nap. Changing into a cheetah for speed Daine careened around corners with wild abandon. Until she hit a pair of legs. Cursing Snape got to his feet.
"Miss Sarrasri, we meet again." knowing she was in big trouble Daine dropped the bag to allow her the freedom of speech.
"Professor! I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were there! I'm really sorry." staring strangely at her Snape shook his head.
"No matter how many times I see and hear it. I will never get used to talking animals."
"Sorry."
"No need to apologise. I am curious on one point though. Why aren't you in class?" He was being far too nice she decided. Something was going on.
"I need to shift back."
"Sorry? Can you only shift in one place?"
"Oh, um no. When I shift back to a human I don't have my clothes on. So I'm going to my rooms to shift and get dressed. So if you would excuse me?" if a cheetahs could blush Daine would be doing so now.
"Of course. Good day." With a whirl of black robes and the scent of apples and cinnamon Snape disappeared through and old oaken door.
'Well that was strange.' thought Daine.
*
"The Queen's Riders." after making sure that the door was locked Daine shifted and got dressed.
***
"Stay back! It'll 'ave yeh arm off!" wildly waving his arms, Hagrid ran (A/N do you think Hagrid would run funny?) towards the student who was getting too close to the dragon Hagrid picked him up and ran to the other side of the paddock with him under his arm.
"Liam Preston what the heck did yeh think yeh were doin'? Yeh coulda bein' killed!"
"I just wanted to get a better look at it."
"Yeh plonker! Them charms only keep it in. They don't keep yeh out!"
"Oh, I didn't know that."
"Well yeh do now. Class, did yeh all notice the way it's ears went forwards? That's because even though we were silent it can hear us well enough."
"Hagrid, sorry-lost-track-of-time." Panting heavily Daine clutched at her sides. Suddenly she straightened up.
"Oh, thank you." turning to the fully-grown dragon she smiled.
"Beautiful int he? Where were you?" wondering at her comment, Hagrid turned also.
"Yes." Daine barely moved her head to murmur to Hagrid, "He's beautiful." Slowly she tilted her head to one side as if listening. Hagrid frowned. He'd never heard of a dragon putting a trance on someone. Slowly she walked towards the dragon.
"Daine! This dragon aint like yeh little un. He's vicious! More than vicious. Just come away will yeh. Yeh making me nervous."
"He's lovely though. He wouldn't harm me."
-Would you?-
-Of course not.- the dragon's voice was like the sound of leaves rustling. He was obviously quite old. Goosebumps breaking out over her arms as Daine passed through the charms set over the paddock. Just to make sure she passed her hand back through the barrier. It slid easily through. It was obviously set to work only on the dragon.
-Why does Hagrid think you're vicious?-
-The hairy man? Some humans killed my mate years ago so I hate them. I want to kill as many of them as I can!- the dragon roared out it's fury. Neck muscles contracting. He noticed that Daine stepped away from him.
-Don't worry little one, I won't hurt you. You puzzle me. You have the skin of a human and yet you act as a dragon.-
-I have special magic-
-What's so special about magic. The ones who killed Ayala had magic- the old dragon lowered his muzzle. Stretching out he pushed his snout against Daine's clothes.
-You don't smell as they do. You smell cold, and of animal.-
-Yes, what's your name?- He hesitated.
-Pavo-
-That's pretty. Would you let the humans come near you if I promised they wouldn't hurt you?-
-I... Would you stay by me?-
-Of course.-
-Then yes. But only because you asked. Normally I would eat them if they came too near me.- with mock anger he snorted a ball of smoke towards the students way.
-Do you give me your word you won't hurt them? Or eat them? Or kill them? Or scare them?-
-I can't scare them? That's unfair, but yes I give you my word.-
-Thank you.-
Giving the elongated snout a little pat Daine returned to the group of wide-mouthed students and teacher.
"Pavo says that you can go to him as long as you don't annoy him he'll be good."
"Daine, yeh can't be sure of that. I could lose my job if anyone got hurt."
"He gave me his word," Daine told him stiffly, "A dragon never breaks his word. They are the most noble creatures."
"Are yeh sure?"
"Yes! Think of how much better it would be. Everyone would be able to be near him and not just watch him form a safe distance. We could actually meet him. That's a real hands on type of lesson. Think of how your reputation would be. The one Hogwarts teacher to truly tame a dragon."
"Well I'll go in first, and see if he starts up or not. If he does no one goes in. Come on you're coming with me." Not caring how strange he would look Hagrid grabbed Daine's hand. Though he loved dragons he had never got so close to an adult. And this adult had a notorious reputation of killing people.
"Pavo, this is Hagrid."
-Tell him he smells of dragon. When did he have a young one?-
"Hagrid, you smell of dragon and when did you have a young one?"
"How does he know I had a baby dragon?" astounded Hagrid stared up at the magnificent being.
"Dragons have a very acute sense of smell. Even though it has been years since the young one left, Pavo can still smell him on you." finished translating Daine looked expectantly at Hagrid. "So can the others come in?"
"Yes, hurry up will yeh? Liam stop pulling Louise's hair. Harriet! Stop that at once!"
***
"Kit? Kit where are you?" pulling open her bathroom door Daine peered around for the missing dragon. "There you are. Stop it I'll give you a bath later. C'mon let's go get some dinner. Braane? You up there? Come on, it's dinner. Cub, Blackpaw? Get out of there and come on!" Shaking her head Daine opened the door and watched as the animals stood waiting for her at the end of the corridor.
-Hurry up Daine, we're hungry.- Blackpaw bared her teeth at Daine in a wolfish grin.
-Why you! You were the ones who kept me waiting!- With a smile ran towards them. Blackpaw and Cub dashed to the end of the corridor again. Shouting remarks and laughing at each other the strange crowd of dragon, girl, wolves and crow made their way to the Great Hall.
*
-Slow down will you.- as the animals began to eat Daine just sat down. -Did you all have to go so fast?- she got no answer.
"Silly things, so Harry how'd practice go?"
"Great, I really think we're going to win this year."
"Brilliant."
"Daine what's it like from where you come from?" the table stared at the usually quiet Ginny.
"Well," not sure where to begin Daine decided to keep it brief, "I lived in Galla until I was thirteen. It wasn't that nice. But then I went to Tortall. It's lovely there. I was employed by Onua, she looked after the horses in The Queen's Riders."
"What are they?"
"They're like a little army, set up by Queen Thayet. Not as formal as the King's Own but it's still important. Well she took me to Tortall and it was there that I found out about my magic."
"Who found out first?" Daine swallowed.
"My teacher Numair." tears blurred her vision.
"I'm sorry Daine I was being nosy."
"No, you weren't. It's just I miss them so much. I miss Numair, I miss Cloud, and I miss Alanna. I miss everyone." standing Daine ran through the doors, hot tears stinging her cheeks. All the animals made to follow her but everyone held them back.
"Leave her be. She needs time." Staring at the empty seat Hermione scratched Cub's ear.
***
'Why did it have to be me? Why couldn't someone else have come here? Am I going to stay here forever? What if I never get home? I'll never see Numair again!' After leaving the Great Hall Daine had came up to one of her favourite haunts. The west tower.
"Miss Sarrasri?" Daine twisted around to see the speaker. All she could see were shadows.
"Who's there?"
**********************
Dan, dan, daaan! Who is it? Well Review and you'll find out! Please review!!! I know that there's not much animal stuff but next chapter there will be. Plots and stuff galore!!!
**Runs away giggling madly**
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