DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 9 – The Hogwarts Express
Harry's eyes slid open slowly, all of his panther senses working to find any possible threat in the dark corners of the room he was lying in. Shifting slightly he removed his head from where it was resting in Draco's lap. Glancing up, he noted that the other wizard was sleeping; head tipped to the side with his back resting against the pillows piled behind him. The moonlight seeping in between the blinds cast shadows upon his face, making him appear ghostly and angelic at the same time; his skin was so pale he glowed ethereally. Harry leapt off the bed, pausing by the window as Draco stirred in his sleep, hand patting the bed where Harry had been lying. Emerald eyes softened when Draco settled back into sleep, hands lying still on a pillow coated with small black hairs. Stretching his lithe body, the aches and pains of yesterday's assault had him curling his lip and hissing silently. Pushing past the blinds he found himself peering out a set of French doors, which had conveniently been left unlocked, a light paw on the handle allowed him to push through and limp into the awaiting darkness.
Perching haphazardly on the thick stone railing of the balcony, Harry stared at the full moon hanging in the sky. A beacon of hope in the night, it represented everything that Harry strived for. Pausing in his star gazing, his ears flattened to his head as memories of yesterday swept back, pounding him with images of swinging fists and feet. Ron, how could Ron do such a thing? And Hermione, he had expected so much more from her. She had always been kind and helpful, going through some of the roughest spots with him and not even raising an eyebrow at some of the stunts they had performed. Curling his lips in a sign of disgust, the conversation he had overheard was enough to have him ripping throats, well at least robes. He was not a murderer and he most definitely would not about to become one because his so called friends had stabbed him in the back.
Jumping from the second story balcony, he stalked into the darkness that surrounded the castle. Circling the first tree he came too, he stood up on his back legs and allowed his claws to rip through the bark, peeling chunks of wood from tree. Again and again he set his claws into the hard wood, sharpening them until they appeared needle thin. Harry stared up into the branches hanging above before he leapt into the tree settling himself on a low branch. The lonely wail of a wolf had him rising from his crouch, emerald eyes picking out the silhouette of a caped figure moving along the forest edge towards Malfoy Manor. Glowing eyes followed the figure and paused as small wisps of platinum blonde slipped free of the hood, Lucius Malfoy. Harry rumbled softly, jumping down carefully and gliding back to the balcony and through the French doors to where Draco slept peacefully. He began his first official night of guard duty, protecting the young wizard who had sworn to protect him.
Harry was lying stiffly upon his over-sized over-stuffed cushion, glaring at the massive steel cage that had appeared early this morning with a resounding thump. A letter addressed to Draco informed the pair that due to the possible danger that blood bonded familiars presented, they had to be caged and ride in a different car then their wizards. Both were angered over this, feeling that they wouldn't be able to protect the other should the need arise. Harry turned his gaze to Draco who was busy with last minute packing. His wizard was pitching clothing left and right, complaining about the inconvenience of having to leave so much at home; how was one to be expected for the unexpected if they had to leave certain things at home. Swirling around holding two sets of dress robes, his gaze fell upon Harry who was currently attempting to slink behind a large trunk in hopes of surviving the move.
"Well? Which one?" Draco demanded, the colour blind panther curled his lip before thumping his left paw down.
"Hm, I suppose you're right, the blue does make my eyes look gorgeous."
Harry attempted to roll his eyes, watching as Draco packed the robes before slamming the lid of the trunk down. Fingers tapping his chin, Draco cast his gaze around the room, trying to decide whether or not he was forgetting anything. As far as Harry was concerned, four trunks was a tiny bit overboard. Closing his eyes, he figured it was best to take a nap before they set off for the train station.
Draco flicked his wand at his trunks, which immediately leapt into the air, hovering above the wooden floor. Now for Damian, the panther was currently sleeping in the most undignified position Draco had ever witnessed. Sighing he cast a spell upon the cat, lifting him into the cage and making sure he was settled upon the large pillow within. Well he was off he thought, casting one last look around his room, he flicked the trunks and hovering cage through the door before softly closing it behind him.
Draco stood stiffly between Crabbe and Goyle. He was already missing the calming presence of Damian; who had been taken from him several minutes ago to be placed in the animal car with the other animals. Sniffing at the thought Draco headed towards the train, Damian was more refined and dignified then half the people climbing aboard the stupid train. Striding down the aisle he stopped to peer into the compartment that the Slytherins had claimed for themselves five years ago. A bob of his chin had his self appointed bodyguards, smashing into the compartment to relieve it of its occupants. Looking at his perfectly manicured nails, he ignored the whimpers and thumps as several first years were tossed bodily from the compartment. Stepping over them he entered the compartment and seated himself next to the window, glaring at all the parents who were manically waving at their children. He glanced up in time to witness the Weasel and Mudblod pause outside the compartment before moving on quickly. Shaking his head he pulled the book Severus had given him from his robes, titled 'Your Familiar and You', the book was surprisingly interesting and not as dry as he had originally believed it to be. A loud thud from the seat across from his had him raising his head and glaring at the individual who perched there staring at him.
"Blaise." Draco murmured, rising to hug his childhood friend.
"Draco." Releasing Draco from the hug, he reclaimed his seat before withdrawing a curled newspaper from his pocket and handing it to Draco.
"What do I want with a beat up old newspaper?" Draco said, before glancing at the headline, eyes widening as the title leapt out at him, 'Boy-Who-Lived Missing?'. How old is this?" Draco demanded, quickly looking up from the newspaper.
"Came out just yesterday, thought it would be of interest to you." Blaise muttered, leaning forward so he wouldn't be heard.
"Do you know what's going to happen? We're going to get blamed for this; Slytherin house will never rest. We're going to be hunted like wolves among lambs." Slamming the newspaper onto the floor of the train, Draco turned his icy gaze to the window, watching the scenery fly by.
"I know. We'll have to have a house meeting as soon as we can all gather, it's bad enough our fathers abuse us we don't need the rest of the school gunning for us." Blaise murmured, before glancing at the book Draco was clutching. "Hey! You too?" Exclaimed Blaise, poking the cover of Draco's book with a fine boned finger.
"Yes, why? Did your father suddenly get the urge to give you a familiar as well?"
"Yep, said it was for my birthday. Mom was none to impressed either, said I didn't need one when I would never be going into the service of the Dark Lord. Dad was horribly pissed but you know how Mum is." Blaise stated candidly, tracing a random pattern on the window.
"Yes, the same as mine. Neither of them want to see us cowering in the shadows like a pair of wild animals." Draco said, slipping a hand inside his shirt and pulling his silver bell free, the light tinkle calming him slightly.
"Well, what should we do about Potter? Speaking with him is impossible and he controls the rest of the houses. Without him on our side, everyone will go on assuming we're in service to Voldemort. We're damned unless he reappears." Blaise whispered into the stillness of the compartment, looking at the other three wizards seated before him.
"We wait and lay low; we act as Slytherins should." Draco hissed under his breath as the door to the compartment slid open. Pansy stood in the doorway, a seductive smile plastered on her face as she squealed in ecstasy.
"Draco!" Arms wrapping tightly around her preys neck, she immediately began to exclaim about how much she had missed him over the summer. Prying himself free, Draco pushed her into the seat across from him, almost flattening Blaise who scrambled out of the way.
"Good Lord woman, how many times must I tell you not to touch me?" Draco snarled, imagining Damian's reaction to Pansy's treatment of him, he couldn't help the malicious grin that escaped at the image of a frothing Damian perched atop a squealing Pansy. With the presence of Pansy inside the compartment, neither wizard felt the need to continue their discussion.
Harry sat unhappily within his cage, glaring at the many cats and owls perched around him. The compartment was horribly loud, filled with the shrieks and squeals of numerous animals all attempting to call their owners at the same time. Pinning his ears back, Harry loosed a snarling roar that echoed within the tight confines of the compartment. Silence hung over the animal car for a brief moment before a lone mew started the whole mass into vocal action again. Turning his back on the lot of them, he lay down and placed his paw on top of the box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans he'd swiped from Draco earlier. Carefully prying the box open he set into his feast, ignoring the cool air creeping up his sides and the bunch of wild animals screeching behind him.
Draco frowned unhappily as he glided down the steps of the train, still trying to remember where he'd put his box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, he looked down the train in hopes of catching a glimpse of the animal car being unloaded. Pushing through the pack of first years milling about in front of Hagrid, he ignored the various fingers pointing in the direction of the Slytherin group. Gracefully climbing into one of the awaiting carriages, Draco shivered at the cold that seemed to be seeping up his body before hugging his cloak tighter to him. He hoped that Damian was all right; the panther's coat was so thin he must have been freezing. Glaring out the window he looked at the castle perched upon the top of a cliff, brightly lit it looked welcoming to everyone.
The hall was filling with students slowly; hundreds of candles dancing merrily above their heads, making the immense hall seem small and cozy. Draco sat between Crabbe and Goyle with Blaise seated across from him; Pansy had grudgingly accepted the seat next to Blaise. Glancing about the hall, Draco noted the many students tossing looks towards the Slytherin table. Draco peered up at the Head Table, nodding to his godfather before staring at the Head Master who had just risen to give his speech.
"Greetings everyone, I would like to welcome you all to another year at Hogwarts. Before we can eat there are a several things I must inform you of. All of you should know that the third floor corridor that is taped off is out of bounds for all students. Consider the forbidden forest forbidden to all students, unless serving a detention with a professor then your presence within the forest is unacceptable. I also present you with some sad news; Harry Potter will not be joining us this year. It was decided that he could receive better training if he attended Durmstrang. Many of you will also note the newest animals among us, and I'm not speaking of the first years. Several members of the school have acquired blood-bonded familiars. Though these animals may look friendly, I ask that you not attempt to touch them or threaten their owners at any time. I believe that is all, enjoy your meal." With a light crack, food appeared on all of the tables and the excited hum of voices filled the hall.
"Durmstung?" Blaise murmured, acknowledging the lie as several others around him nodded in agreement. Harry Potter loved Hogwarts; the thought of him attending a different school was pure lunacy. Shaking his head, Draco shared a look with Blaise before setting into his meal.
A/N: I hope everyone is still enjoying this story. I've enjoyed reading your reviews and the suggestions you have to offer. I've also taken into consideration the cry for longer chapters and have begun to extend them as best as I can.