DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 21 – The Dore Mouse
Draco rolled over and slid a hand through his hair. The yawn he loosed was cut off as he inhaled a mouthful of black hair. Jerking back and gagging he ran a hand across his mouth and grimaced.
"That was revolting." He muttered, glaring accusingly at the back of Harry's head.
"I'm quite sure it was." Draco jumped at the sound of his godfather's voice. Turning slightly, he peered at Severus who was seated at his desk, potions book held loosely between bony fingers.
"Severus, what are you doing here?" Draco murmured, leaning up on one of his elbows so he could see over the still sleeping Harry.
"I came to check on you. You do recall being attacked in the hall by Mister Weasley yesterday?" Severus murmured, eyebrow rising as he carefully watched Draco.
"Vaguely." Draco grumbled, sitting up in the bed and placing his back to the headboard. Eyes resting on the form of Harry curled beneath the black and emerald blankets.
"Mister Weasley attacked you in one of the halls; Blaise found you and brought you back here. Once Potter saw what had happened he sought Mister Weasley out and challenged him to a duel." Severus stated standing and moving towards Draco. A pale hand was placed on Draco's forehead but quickly pushed away by a grim looking Draco.
"Well what happened then?" He demanded, voice rising in anger as he slid a hand into the dark hair resting against his side.
"Well, apparently Potter called Third Blood then proposed no magical healing. After your oversized tabby was done nibbling on Mister Weasley, he proceeded to hurl the contents of the staff table onto him." Severus mused with a small grin, eyes glowing fiercely as he looked at Harry. "Blaise said he handled it beautifully."
"You didn't watch?" Draco chuckled, fingers entwining with the dark locks of hair resting in his palm.
"No, unfortunately, the only duel ever allowed inside the school and I had to take care of you. It was too bad we both missed it; I've spent the earlier part of the morning assisting Madame Pomfrey in the hospital wing. I doubt Weasley will be limping anywhere within the next month." Grumbled Severus, sighing and running his fingers through the limp hair dangling in his eyes. "Potter did an excellent job on him. Damn near tore his leg off; we can safely assume he'll never attack you again. It's time I went to the Great Hall; I imagine I'll see the pair of you later." Gliding towards the door, Professor Snape stopped and turned to look at Draco, smiling slightly at the picture the pair made before leaving.
Harry groaned and rolled over, burying his face into Draco's thigh. Feeling the slim fingers return to their gentle petting.
"Did we wake you?" Draco murmured softly.
"Yes, what time is it?" Harry whispered, pressing the back of his head deeper into the caress. One hand rising to wipe the sleep out of his eyes, he gazed up into the icy orbs of Draco.
"Around ten," Draco said, tightening his grip on Harry's hair he pinned him to the pillow. Harry's eyes flashed in pain at the sudden pull, reaching to tug futilely at Draco's hand. "I swear if you ever do something so stupid again the wizarding world will be looking for a new saviour. Do I make myself clear?" Draco hissed, eyes locked with Harry's. Harry attempted to nod, but could only manage to bob his head slightly as Draco's hold increased. Suddenly the blonde's mouth clamped onto Harry's, tongue plunging past unprepared lips to duel angrily with the others. Harry's arms wrapped tightly around his neck, pulling Draco closer to him and exploring the blonde's mouth, battling for control. Drawing back he gasped for breath, fingers tracing the edge of the blonde's ear. Emerald eyes glowed, as Draco leaned back down and nipped at him playfully before smiling and giving him a shove. Harry slammed into the floor, hissing at the feel of the cold stone against his skin.
Draco grinned at the startled look on Harry's face. Flopping back onto the bed, he peered deeply into glowing eyes staring up at him from the floor.
"Do you promise?" He cooed, reaching out a hand and patting Harry on the head.
"No, I won't promise. If you are ever in trouble, no matter what the circumstances, I will come for you." Harry snarled, eyes glowing fiercely as his face hardened. Draco's eyes widened at Harry's words.
"No you won't! There will come a time when I have to do something dangerous and I won't have you killed for my sake." Draco hissed, climbing to his knees and planting his hands on his narrow hips. Harry rose quickly, towering over Draco. Flashing his teeth at Draco in a menacing way, Harry swirled around and marched to the door, tossing it open and not bothering to close it behind him. Draco sneered in the direction of the door but rolled off the bed and walked towards his wardrobe, pausing to pick up his silver cloak.
"The next time you borrow my clothes you had best return them to their proper place!" He bellowed into the common room, fingers running over the slippery fabric. He frowned as he felt a slight lump in the silk, dipping a hand into the pocket; he withdrew a piece of parchment bound with a ribbon of three colours.
Blaise sat at a table in the common room. His eyes were focused intently on Draco. Grinning, he turned and looked at the top of the bookshelf Draco was glaring at. The only sign that there was anything atop it was the black tail dangling over the edge, swinging steadily like the pendulum of a clock. Draco hissed angrily next to him and once again took up the History of Magic assignment he had been working on. The parchment was full of scribbled out words and little drawings of a panther.
Ever since the loud argument between the pair, the common room had been silent, all the Slytherins afraid to break the silence for fear that they'd get yelled at. Damian had yet to remove himself from the book case, going so far as to let Draco go to lunch on his own. Blaise could tell that the separation between the pair was finally getting to Draco. Oh well, they'd work it out eventually he thought, reaching over and snagging Draco's Ancient Runes assignment. Looking at his friend, he rolled his eyes before carefully copying down the first few answers. Draco's sudden yell had him jerking up, sending his inkpot tipping onto the transfiguration assignment he had just completed.
"Dammit Harry! I'm sorry!" Draco yelled, standing up so fast he sent his chair tumbling backwards. Threading his fingers threw his pale locks; the blonde pulled the hair away from his eyes as he watched the panther stubbornly sitting atop the bookshelf. The tail paused in mid flick. Standing slowly, the panther glared down at Draco, emerald eyes watching the blonde thoughtfully. Damian flattened his ears to his head and hissed softly.
I'm sorry Harry. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you. You just can't run off challenging people to duels. What if Weasley had managed to get the upper hand? Blaise says he only hit you with one spell but that means nothing. You could have been killed! Draco whispered, pushing his feelings through the bond. Giving Harry a small show of how he had felt when Severus had reminded him of the duel. Focusing on the panther he ignored everyone else in the common room.
I realize that Draco but he had it coming. There will be times in the future when I put myself in danger to protect others. You have to accept that. One of those people will be you; I will follow you everywhere and anywhere, no exceptions. You can't expect me to step back and watch you risk yourself for my sake, and then think you'll stop me from guarding your back. Accept the fact Draco; we're both going to be in a lot of danger when your father and Voldemort find out. We may as well get used to risking our lives for each other. Harry whispered, shaking his head and lashing his tail as he spoke passionately. Emerald eyes showing fear for a moment. Love came streaming down the bond, twining around the other and returning the feelings he had been sending. Draco sighed as the cat leapt off the book shelf, landing neatly on the desk before him. For one moment their eyes locked before the panther gave a fanged grin and ran his tongue the length of Draco's face. Sputtering, Draco stumbled back and tripped over his chair, frantically wiping his face on his sleeve.
"That was disgusting!" He hissed, still swiping at his face as he glared up at the leering panther. Standing quickly, he turned and marched back into his rooms.
"Where are you going Draco?" Blaise hollered, attempting to wipe as much ink off his assignment as he could.
"To brush my teeth!" Draco roared from inside his rooms. Blaise chuckled and looked at the panther staring in the direction of the bedroom.
"Excellent job Harry. I don't suppose you're any good at Ancient Runes?" Blaise asked, holding up his assignment paper. The panther grinned and jumped off the table.
Harry twirled a quill between his fingers as he looked at Blaise's completed homework. He thought he'd done a pretty good job, knowing nothing about ancient runes made it even more fun. He turned his head as he watched Draco stroll towards him. The blonde raised an eyebrow at him before smirking and picking up his own quill. The three had been working quietly for a few minutes when the entrance into the common room slid open revealing Professor Snape.
"Draco, Potter, the Head Master wants to see you two immediately." The older man stated, eyes narrowing at the work in front of Harry.
"Why?" Draco murmured, not even bothering to look up from the paper he was diligently writing.
"I was led to believe it concerns certain events that occurred yesterday evening." Snape grumbled, one pale hand shoving the dark hair off his face. "I suggest you both leave now."
"I'm going to guess that wasn't a suggestion." Harry murmured, ducking the light blow the potions professor aimed at him. "Well, I'm all done here anyway so we may as well go now." Harry said standing and stretching. His gaze fell on the wand held loosely between Snape's fingers.
"This is yours Potter." The slender piece of wood was held out to him. Harry looked into the older wizards eyes and recognized the offer for what it was. He nodded slightly as he reclaimed his wand and slid it into the pocket of his robe. Draco rose and glanced at the pair of them before straightening his robes and running a hand carefully over his hair. Once assured everything was in order and he resembled perfection, he turned his sights to Harry. A few quick movements and Harry had been straightened and put in order so he met Draco's standards.
Draco strolled down one of the halls with Harry at his side. Students gawked at the pair before moving quickly out of the way, none wanting to upset Harry into challenging them to a duel.
"I think you ruined your reputation." Draco mumbled, shooting a glare at several first year Ravenclaws. Grinning when they dashed out of the way with small squeaks and cries.
"Perhaps." Harry murmured, pausing before the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's office. "Sour Apple." He said, rolling his eyes at the head masters choice of passwords.
"Where that old fool gets his passwords I'll never know." Draco grumbled, following Harry up the stairs. Harry's chuckle echoed up the stairwell at his statement. Raising his hand he knocked politely on the door, before entering when Dumbledore invited them in. Draco sat down in one of the chairs before the desk, watching as Harry slowly walked towards Dumbledore's desk, making the old wizard wait until he was seated.
"Good Afternoon my boys, would either of you like a cup of tea?" Dumbledore asked, gesturing at the teapot and three cups resting on a tray hovering behind him.
"No thank you." Draco said, drawing himself up to his full height and putting his nose in the air. Harry merely shook his head and gripped the arms of the chair he was sitting in.
"Lemon drop then?" The old wizard asked, offering them a small dish. Draco curled a lip and waved the dish away, glaring at the old man sitting before them.
"Would you get to the point, I have work I need to finish for tomorrow." Draco hissed, reaching a hand over and resting it lightly on top of Harry's. Fingers caressing in a calming manner as he stared at Dumbledore.
"I was very disappointed in what happened yesterday. Never before have I seen such a display of anger Harry. You not only risked your safety but the safety of another student with your anger. I must say that I'm worried for your health. At this point in time, I believe that its best you return to Gryffindor House. The sorting hat placed you there and I'm afraid that you'll have to finish the duration of the year there." Dumbledore paused as he took in the looks on the faces of the younger wizards.
"Well that's quite fine," Draco purred. "Of course it will take me a few hours to pack my things, but I'm sure we can move to the Gryffindor Tower by this evening." Sitting there he watched confusion and wariness cross the older mans face. Draco tightened his grip on Harry, surprised when Harry switched his grip from the chair arm to his hand.
"Mister Malfoy, I'm afraid you misunderstood. Harry will be moving back to Gryffindor, you will stay in the dungeons with your fellow Slytherins."
"No, sir, I'm afraid you misunderstand. Harry won't be moving anywhere without me." Draco announced, glaring at the older man and clutching Harry's hand.
"That's unacceptable Mister Malfoy. While I understand the pair of you have gotten rather close over the past week, I cannot allow Harry to continue living among the Slytherins." Dumbledore stated evenly, blue eyes watching the interaction between the boys carefully.
"Why is that sir? Afraid they'll convert me." Harry growled, emerald eyes staring bitterly at the old man before them. "I'll give you several choices sir; I remain in the Slytherin dorms, Draco moves with me to the Gryffindor dorms, or you simply get us our own suite of rooms. Those are your only choices; you will not split us up nor try and turn either of us against the other." Harry stated, standing slowly and tugging on the hand that Draco held. The bonded pair stood there for a moment, eyes accusingly fastened onto the head master before swirling around in perfect unison. Black and silver cloaks slid together in mid air before settling softly about the heels of the two young wizards. Gliding from the room, neither looked back to see the confused look on Albus Dumbledore's face.
Albus Dumbledore sat back in his chair slowly, ears picking up the faint click as the entrance slid closed. Raising the cup slowly to his mouth, he sipped the cool tea as his eyes rested upon the exit of his chambers. Since being bound to Draco Malfoy, Harry had become strangely hard to control. Generally he would listen carefully and do as asked but after being bound he seemed to care less for what he was asked to do and more for the fates of the Slytherins. The story of the Slytherins guardian panther had been whispered about the halls, as well as the threat to the other houses should they injure a member of that house. It was also well known that the Slytherins had claimed Harry as one of their own. If he wasn't able to get Harry back under his control he would lose the most powerful tool he had.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who took the time to review. I've just started packing my stuff to move back home for the summer and I never realized how much I dragged over here with me. I'll be returning home and starting work soon which means that I won't be able to post as often. Also, my email isn't receiving any alerts so if any of you sent me a pm I never received it.
tati1 – I grudgingly apologize, I suppose it would help if I told you I'd attended an 8 hour make up session for my mediation class. By the time I made it back to my room I was ready to attack anything that offended me, which just happened to be you. The only other way that a duel could be stopped was if the individual being challenged declined the offer to duel. Generally it would only be finished when the challenger said they were satisfied.
kikasspunk93 – Pansy assisted Ron cause she figured she'd get the chance to help injure him, she's still evil. lol, thanks for the amazing compliment.
fourth-face-of-the-goddess – I'll try to lighten it up for you.
twistedlife3000 – Pansy shall be served and I felt that killing Ron would be too merciful.
Elentari – It would be a delight to have this translated into French as long as I get some credit for the story.
ToyoKadiyaMikayla – Happy?
Brody0113 – Thank you for the wonderful compliment.
dragonlores68 – I'm glad I've inspired you but could you change the name of your fic, how about 'The Love of A Panther'? I'm afraid I just don't want to look you up and find a redone version of A Panther's Heart.