A/N: Greetings. I apologize this update took a bit longer than I expected. Lately, I've been quite busy and my grades are slipping. Regrettably, new chapters may end up taking about a week or a little more before I post them until I can pull those grades up. But hey, if I spontaneously have time to sit down and type, I will do just that. Also, I'll definitely post again tomorrow or the next day, just incase I have another busy week.

In other news! I just wanna say thanks to all you reviewers, I really appreciate it. (I've never had the patience with one story to sit and finish it out, but reviews keep me motivated!) So, I'm not gonna name everyone, I wanna get into the story. However, I just want to touch on Brenna8's question, which was, "why in the world would Harry trust Malfoy enough to go anywhere with him and not hex him on the spot?" Well, Harry's belongings are locked away, so his wand probably is too. But that answer is too simple for me likings, so let's assume it's not locked up with his other things. Right now, we've got Dudley--bully, muggle world--on one side, Draco--bully, wizarding world--on the other. We've established they're both bullies. Right! So! Now, we know summer is always hard on our Gryffindor, so I would imagine anyone from the wizarding world is a welcome reminder. (Whether or not Harry wants said reminder to stay is another issue.) Draco, at this point, has not only shown up, and quite unexpectedly at that, at Privet Drive, but is also physically stronger than Harry due to Harry's lack of sustenance, plus he dragged him off without and sort of warning. Also, Harry could assume that someone from the Order is near enough to do something if Draco were to try and hurt him. I probably should have thrown in more detail, but the first few chapters are never the most fun for me to write and I kinda just wanted to get through them.. Eheh.. Aaaanywhos... wonders if anyone even reads this babble Probably not, ah well, don really matter much. On to the story! (My apologies, again)

Oh, but before I forget... DISCLAIMER! Rawling's characters are despondently not mine. Plot and Manyara are. Thank you.

Veneficus Amicus

By Nu Rho

As the day progressed, streams of sunlight found their way around dull grey branches and even under the gloom of the monstrous trees, there was light enough for Harry to take in the details of this new atmosphere. The trees, which previously had appeared to all be the same grey, unwelcoming trees, were indeed different. Some Harry even recognized; birch, oak, redwood... Only, all of these had ovbiously had time to grow undisturbed, as they were all incredibly large and old. The young wizard had actually spotted a few younger trees, but even those seemed cast in an unearthly shadow of grey. Whatever the reason was, there was definatley something different about this forest than other forests, even other parts of this very same forest, if it was indeed what the serpent had claimed it was. Harry also noticed that there were other plants he recognized here, though most he did not. Some he was familiar with from school such as abyssinian shrivelfig from second year Herbology, a few mimbulus mimbletonia, which he remembered Neville once having, and he was even sure he had spotted a devil's snare. Once he started asking quiestions about some of the odd-looking plants, his new companion started getting into a lesson of sorts.

For the past few hours, Harry had been listening intently to the odd creature that had saved his life, as the serpent worked on pointing out dangerous things Harry should watch out for in this forest.

"There are more dangers than just the other creatures that reside here," The serpent had explained. Among other things, the young raven-haired wizard had learned quickly that the blood-red vines of the venomous tentacula plant would indeed try to grab him if he got too close, but tasted rather well if cooked properly in a stew of ginger root and rosewood bark, granted they were boiled enough to rid the vines of their poisons. Also, despite the uncanny resemblance with devil's snare, flitterbloom is a non-violent plant, and one can most easily tell the difference between the two by the difference in smell.

"Many creatures use their sense of smell for help in countless situations, foliage being only one of many. Learning to use you're nose more efficiently will be a skill of good use to you in the future, young wizard."

Harry nodded and felt like he should be taking notes, as if he was in class. The serpent was a very good teacher and kept the Gryffindor's attention easily. Somehow, even though Harry knew nothing of many of the plants mentioned by his new companion, he never felt quite as stupid as Snape made him feel. One thing they had not covered yet, though, was exactly what the serpent had meant by "the Lost End of the Forbidden Forest." Harry was quite curious, to say the least, but wasn't sure he should bring it up.

By the time dusk had reached into the tangled depths of the forest and weaved it's shadowed fingers around all the plants and rocks, Harry had learned more about the various plants of this dark forest than he ever had in any of his classes. The serpent taught him how many of these plants were used mostly in dark magic potions or just more advanced potions, as many of them had often dark, yet powerful attributes when used properly. That night, the snake decided to make supper of the venomous tentacula, to show his new student how it was done.

Harry watched in awed bewilderment as the serpent spread his wings a little and seemed to slightly sway back and forth in front of the spiked red vines, unblinking. Harry, at a safe distance, noted how the vines that had looked ready to strangle the serpent just a moment ago, fell into the swaying motion as well. Then the snake lowered his head and hissed towards Harry, summoning him over.

"They are subdued for now, break a few vines off and carry them a few feet away. Just be careful not to prick yourself."

Harry nodded and did as he was told, but the vines were heavy, thick, and nearly impossible to break off. He watched his companion tear through the plant with his saber-like fangs as if they were naught but brittle twigs. Frowning, the young wizard glanced around him and found a decent sized slate of stone, which he was able to use the edge of to cut through the vines. A few minutes of this passed before the plant shifted and started trying to move again. Glancing back at the serpent, Harry was a little surprised to see the snake had the vines he had already gathered floating in the air beside him. Harry quickly lifted his own vines, holding them carefully so as not to prick himself, and followed the serpent to a small cleared area near a looming hill of stone, a small opening visible near the base.

"My home," Explained the snake. Then he lowered his head between the two and a small fire burst into life, making Harry jump slightly. The serpent released a hissing chuckle. Just because I have no wand, does not mean I cannot perform magic, Veneficus." The orange orbs twinkled brightly. Harry's vines lifted from his arms and hovered over the fire, soon joined by the serpent's gathered vines and a cauldron of water appeared beneath them, which they promptly splashed into.

"I was actually wondering about that..." Harry began. "Uhm.. Sir.." he added respectfully.

The hissing laughter emitted again. "Please, Veneficus, you may call me Manyara." Amusement sang in his hiss. "I am not one of those professors of yours..." Manyara nodded towards some ginger roots to Harry's left and the wizard plucked them from the ground and added them to the cauldron while the snake added the bark. Bringing his gaze back up to meet Harry's, then serpent inquired, "You were wondering?"

"Yes.." Harry tried. "I was just curious.. Because my wand is home, you see.. And I'm not sure how to get there..."

"Ahh, yes.." Manyara nodded in understanding and sighed. "I am afraid I cannot aid you in the retrieval of your possessions... However, I can teach you a thing or two of wandless magic." He smirked as Harry's expression brightened. The water in the cauldron started to boil. "Be careful as to not breath in the steam, Veneficus. It is ridden with poisons."

Harry glanced at the steam rising from the cauldron and nodded. "How long until it is safe to eat?"

Manyara smirked. "Hungry?"

Harry nodded and smiled. "Starving."

"Well, not much longer... We must wait until the bark softens and the poisons are finished boiling out. Unless you like it spicy?"

"Hah, no thanks.." Harry replied with a chuckle. "I don't want to take the chance."

"Fair enough." The snake nodded his consent and continued to let the stew boil. "Chances can be worth the risk, at times, Amicus." He tilted his head at the young wizard in front of him. "It might be good to keep that stored in the back of your mind. It could come as fare guidance in the future."

- - - - -

Draco sat in Dumbledore's office, in a large comfortable chair opposite the old wizard, who was seated behind his cluttered desk. The Slytherin glanced guiltily at the obvious worry present in the Headmaster's face.

"Mr. Malfoy..." The Headmaster tried. "You're... quite sure...?"

Draco nodded, twisting his fingers in his lap, then replied almost angrily. "I looked, Professor. I could not find him." There was a pause and the younger wizard sighed inwardly. "Professor... I'm sorry.." He lowered his head.

"No, no, Mr. Malfoy," The Headmaster replied. "There is no need for apologies." He looked at the boy seated across from himself and tried to smile reassuringly. "Our young Harry a strong, determined boy, Draco. I have faith that he will not give up quite so easily." A little bit of the old twinkle shimmered behind his half-moon glasses. "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. You may go now."

The Slytherin nodded and stood, heading for the door but was stopped by the Headmaster's voice as his fingers reached the door knob.

"And Draco... " The wizard's voice seemed to have regained some of it's air. "Just incase it had entered you're mind... Do not go after him yourself. Stay here. I fear.. This is a serious, perhaps dangerous situation."

Without turning around, Draco nodded and left. He wouldn't go, why would Dumbledore even think that? Harry was fine and would show up tomorrow. Stupid Golden Boy always got himself out of these damned pickles of his, why wouldn't he get out of this one? Draco growled quietly to himself as he made his way down to the empty Slytherin common rooms. Just once, he'd like to see Potter fail. Just once, he wanted everyone to be disappointed with the Boy Who Lived, not worship him for defeating the odds. However... Draco paused. If Harry didn't survive this time... Draco was to blame. And that sure wasn't going to look good just when he was trying to be recognized by Dumbledore and the Order as a wizard on their own side. If Harry didn't come back, he would have failed his first meaningful assignment, no matter how simple it had appeared to be before, and his chances with the Order would be ruined. He'd be left at the mercy of his father, and what would his deatheater father do with a son who had turned against the dark lord? Making an aggravated noise, Draco hurried down the steps to the dungeons and marched into the Slytherin commons. If Harry didn't return soon, he'd have to find a solution of his own after all.

- - - - -

Evening soon turned into night and the stars were visible through dark tangles of branches above. Harry was sitting cross-legged in the small clearing, head tilted back, taking in the vast pattern of black speckled with shimmering spots of gold above them. "It's so dark," He mused, and glanced over at the large serpent beside him in time to see his companion yawn. Harry smiled. "Tired?"

"Hmhm.. "Manyara chuckled and glanced back at the young wizard. "Quite. I am by nature nocturnal, as many creatures in the forest are. I'm afraid staying awake all day has worn me out."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Harry returned. After all, it was him being here that made the serpent stay awake.

"No, don't be sorry, Veneficus." Manyara smirked and let out another, smaller yawn. "You will be nocturnal soon enough, as well, if you stay here much longer."

Harry glanced a moment longer at the serpent, then tilted his head again towards the sky. "How long am I to stay here, Manyara?"

There was a pause from the snake, then Harry heard the quiet reply. "As long as you deem it wise, Amicus. As you may have noted, I am companionless, and I mind not your company."

The Gryffindor smiled and rubbed his arms lightly as a chill breeze found it's way through the branches. "Manyara, what are those words you keep using?" he questioned.

"Words?" The snake inquired.

"Yeah.. " Harry still glanced at the sky, having spotted a shooting star. "Veneficus."

"Ahh, Veneficus." Manyara smiled. "You are a wizard, that is simply what it means. I suppose it is more common among the creatures here than it is within your castle walls?"

"Yeah." Harry confirmed, having never heard the term before in school. "And what about the other one?" The young wizard glanced again at the serpent.

"Amicus." Manyara smiled, meeting Harry's gaze. "Are you not my friend?" His eyes twinkled again, and the mystery behind them reminded Harry much of Dumbledore's, though the serpent's seemed.. Darker somehow.

The Gryffindor returned the smile and nodded. "I am. Thank you, Manyara," He added sincerely.

Manyara smiled again and nodded, then stretched his wings. He noticed Harry gazing at them and chuckled. "Let's leave any more questions unto the morrow. There is plenty room enough for us both within in the cave, and I daresay we both need a rest." He smirked as it was Harry's turn to emit a yawn and with that, the large serpent slithered into the opening at the base of the rocks and disappeared into the darkness. Harry saw the flicker of a fire being lighted just inside and he made his way, crawling through the small opening, after his friend.

Inside, the cave was quite large, dagger-like shards of stalagmites decorating the monstrously high ceiling and uneven floor, illuminated by a bright fire hovering in the air beside the serpent. Standing up, Harry noted that the cave seemed to travel deeper into the rocky hill on a slight decline, but the light of the flame did not reach too much farther and he couldn't make out if there was a back of the cave in view. Manyara quickly made himself comfortable, coiled about a large stalagmite near the far left side of the cave and Harry followed suit, finding a heightened jut of rock on the right side of the cave that made for a bed of sorts. They both fell asleep soon enough and the small fire still hovering in the air eventually died out.

Harry slept pretty soundly, save waking a few times during the night with sore muscles and made a mental note to ask Manyara about a more suitable bed in the morning. His human body simply could not do with sleeping on this hard, uneven rock every night.

- - - - -

Elsewhere, the same night, a lone Slytherin lay awake, too worried to sleep. "Damn Potter and his trouble-prone self!"

End Chapter the Third

A/N: Yay, another chapter up and done. 'Hope I didn't rush through it too badly... Well, review if you like, if you don't like, if you're bored.. It's all good. Remember to look for the next chapter tomorrow, the next day, maybe even later tonight! Cheerio!