DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Draco's leopard form shall be known as Dorian. I received many wonderful suggestions but unfortunately can only use one. Thanks to kozie, BloodyMarry, NinjaoftheDarkness, PlaceboLove, xXxEmileighxXx, Romilly McAran, anna, ToyoKadiyaMikayla, chosen-one4, kikasspunk93, The Insane Imortal Dragon, Dreaming Sensations, okychan, OrionLuckyStar, and Allie for offering me more names then I knew what to do with, lol.
Chapter 29 – The Love of A Panther
The pale leopard landed with a thud. Dropping into a crouch, ears and whiskers twitched as the large cat sought the scent of its mate. Crawling forward with his nose above the ground, Dorian sniffed delicately before shaking his head. Growling a low threat, the cat shifted and slid into the shadows, inhaling deeply as the scent of Damian and fresh blood filled his nostrils. Shifting uneasily the leopard glided towards the door, head low and tail held straight out behind him. Soft paws carried him quietly across the cell, disturbing not a particle of dust as he eased to a halt next to the heavily clawed wood.
The door rested open, allowing him to peer around and down the hall before slipping carefully from the cell, pausing only once to rub his cheek along the edge of the door. Prowling down the dark corridor, the leopard raised its muzzle and called softly. Tail flicking as he waited, he dropped his nose and sniffed deeply, ignoring the stale smells in favour of the fresh. His head jerked up and his ears cocked forward, all senses straining to hear the low cry reverberating down the hall.
With a snap the bond shimmered to life, all parts coming to the fore. Emotions and thoughts swam through his skull before his own magic caught them. Straining against the feelings, Dorian searched through his mind before finding the glowing ball that contained his magic. Inwardly concentrating, the leopard watched the magic surge and glide along the bond, every piece promising full power. Rumbling to himself, Dorian called out mentally but received a backwash of emotion rather then words. Pain, fear, hope, love, all calling and demanding he aid his bonded immediately. Shaking his head, the leopard curled his lips before throwing his muzzle back and yowling, the sound reverberating down the dark halls. Slinking into the darkness, Dorian began the hunt for his mate.
Professor Severus Snape crouched next to the writhing form of Pansy Parkinson. His hands trying to pin her still so Madame Pomfrey could administer potions and spells to stop the bleeding and repair damage. The tears and gashes were deep, a steady stream of blood soaking into the floor around them. Students cowered against the walls, some looking very green as they watched the professors try and heal the rogue Slytherin.
"Never in all my life…" Madame Pomfrey muttered. "Look at this, I mean even with the strongest of spells there is no way I can heal this completely. She'll have scars the rest of her life."
"Did you know he could do that?" Professor McGonagall demanded, wincing as Pansy squealed in pain as the professors hand slipped across a long cut.
"No, Draco has never achieved his animagus form." Severus growled, rising and wiping his blood-smeared hands on the dark cloak he wore. Striding away from the gathering of teachers he dropped down into a chair at the Head Table and conjured himself a glass of brandy. Swirling the amber liquid in its glass, he looked down at the book he had been reading before the leopard incident.
His finger traced the title before he flipped the book open and began turning the stained pages. Dark eyes narrowed as he slid a finger down a list of words. Each spell read off mentally before halting at the one he had been looking for. Chewing his lip, he flipped to the bond detection spell and traced his finger down the list of bonds and the colour they were represented by. Gold. He closed his eyes and sat back in the chair, hand tightening on the glass. Gold represented the very rare and almost impossible to achieve Shared Animagus Bond. Opening his eyes he flipped quickly to the index and then to the directed page. Three measly sentences. Slamming the book shut he raised his glass and took a long consoling sip. A pair of leopards he thought with a slight smile, Voldemort definitely wouldn't be expecting that.
Damian snarled weakly, forepaws braced on one of the steps the Death Eaters were trying to drag him up. His long tail lashed the air in fury and contempt as the collar cut into his throat. The distant roar had him fighting once again, hope rising with the call and the surge of magic riding the bond. Hissing, he swung a paw blindly. The Death Eater pulling on the chain before him started cursing and the cool rush of blood against his toes had him rumbling in satisfaction.
"Damn beast!" The Death Eater howled, dropping the chain and obviously clutching whatever body part Damian had managed to injure. The panther thrashed his head, the loose chain slamming into the ground and walls. A blow to the head had him stumbling into a wall. Sliding to the ground, the panther lay still. Blood dripped from numerous wounds scattered across his once velvety coat. In other spots his fur stood stiff, blood having dried already leaving the rich fur marred. Lying on the cool stone, his ears picked up the soft tread of another animal. Whiskers tried to assist in the search but the blanket cut off any vibrations or wind currents that would normally have assisted the panther. Damian tensed; tail drumming silently against the stone floor in fear.
"Did you hear something?" The second Death Eater whispered. The other ignored the question and continued to nurse the wound dealt to him by the panther. A low growl had both swearing softly and drawing their wands, eyes searching the darkness for whatever was stalking them. Damian called sharply, a deep huffing noise that echoed in the small area. The quiet surrounding them was broken by a low growl, shadows shifting slowly as if unprepared to give up their secrets.
Dorian stalked quietly through the shadows, his full concentration on tracking his mate. A sharp call had him responding and picking up speed, trotting quietly down halls. The darkness aided his cause, casting shadows along the walls just dark enough to conceal his movements. His pale blue eyes narrowed suddenly, body sliding into a hunting glide. Belly low to the ground; tail flicking gently as he stalked forward. Each paw was placed carefully as the leopard crept forward, eyes locked on the scene before him. He growled softly at the smell of fear and blood radiating from the three figures ahead of him.
Tensing suddenly he lunged. His movements were fast and precise, each claw piercing deep while fangs punctured without remorse. The second death eater lay silent on the ground, his spine snapped with a careful flick of the cat's head. The first struggled against the fangs locked around his throat. Hands pushing weakly against the cats pale chest, while his wand rolled to a stop next to the panther waiting patiently on the floor. The leopard's fierce eyes watched as the wizards jerking movements halted, hands sliding away from the animals fur and dropping lifelessly to the floor. Dorian loosed his prey and moved to the side of the Black Panther, ignoring the thud of the Death Eater's skull as it connected with the hard stone floor. Purring happily, his tongue gave a gash on the panther's side a few consolatory licks before moving to the blanket wrapped tightly around his mates head.
Damian lay still, waiting for his mate to free him. A sharp tearing sound had fresh air caressing his sore muzzle quickly followed by the brush of fur. At the first touch of his mate's muzzle, Damian broke into deep a deep rumbling purr. Rolling onto his back, he captured the leopard's head between gentle paws and began to clean the blood from the pale fur with long swipes of his tongue. Sniffing and rubbing muzzles, Damian and Dorian cuddled for a moment before the panther pulled away and struggled to his paws. The chains attached to his collar jangled loudly as he shifted, both cats froze at the sound, ears swiveling as they listened for approaching Death Eaters. Growling unhappily, he contemplated their current situation. Reaching out mentally, the bond snapped into place with a ripple of power. Humming with magic both large cats peered at each other before bringing their telepathic bond to life.
You're all right? Dorian demanded, ears and whiskers twitching constantly as his senses worked to prevent possible discovery.
Fine, just a little sore. Damian whispered, pushing his head against Dorian's. The sound of approaching voices had both freezing as they peered into the surrounding darkness.
Damn, come on. Dorian hissed, sliding into the shadows. The loud clinking of the chain had the leopard whirling. A rush of magic had the chains dissolving and vanishing with a whisper from Damian. Both cats dove into the darkness, soft paws allowing them to slide down the black hall without discovery. Damian rested his head along Dorian's flank, allowing the other cat to guide him through the dungeons. The shouts and pounding of feet sent the massive felines scurrying down a narrow hall, bodies low to the ground and ears flat to their heads. Pausing at an intersection between several halls, the leopard stopped and raised his head, nose delicately testing the dank air. Damian lowered himself to the floor, legs and head aching from the treatment he had received.
This way. Dorian growled, pacing down a short hall and peering anxiously up a set of twisting stairs. We should be able to find a way out once we get upstairs. His icy eyes fell upon Damian, taking in the panther's weakened state. Moving silently, he dropped down next to the panther and snuggled close, head resting on the dark fur. The panther lowered his own head to his forepaws, taking a few minutes to rest before they proceeded up into the heart of the castle.
Hermione sat silently at the Gryffindor table, surrounded by her fellow housemates. None of them could really comprehend what had just occurred. She loosed the breath she had been holding and glanced down the table. Dean and Seamus were staring into space, both of them ignoring the plates of food sitting before them. Her own plate was untouched, the memory and smell of blood lingering in the air around the hall. Hermione looked at the spot on the floor, blood slowly staining the light stone where Pansy had been lying up until a few minutes ago.
Not one spell the teachers had attempted to use would clean the stone. She had her own theories about its reluctance to be cleaned. The castle was displeased about what had occurred within its walls. Hogwarts was reputed for the safety it provided to its students, and yet several students had almost been killed in the great hall. Chances were the blood would remain there for the rest of the castles life if either Draco or Harry died. Silence blanketed the hall, all students pondering where Harry was and if they would ever see the bonded pair again.
Dorian stood slowly, blue eyes sliding over the sleeping panther resting at his paws. Rumbling softly, he lowered his muzzle and nipped Damian lightly on the side of the head. Emerald eyes slid open and the panther yawned widely, displaying sharp fangs as he rose stiffly. The leopard lashed his tail and prowled down the hall towards the stairs, the panther trailing closely. At the bottom of the stairs, they paused, eyes peering searchingly into the shadowed stairwell. Taking one last look down the hall, the pale cat shifted and began to climb up the stairs, each paw flexing slightly before it touched the stair.
Damian leapt and landed next to Dorian, ears cocked as he stared fiercely into the eyes of his mate. Bumping noses with the panther, the leopard continued the long climb, every noise freezing the pair in place. Pupils dilated as they grew closer to the dull light above them, ears and noses twitching at the scents overwhelming their senses. A sharp yell had both jerking their heads, peering down into the dark where a figure stood pointing up at them.
The leopard whirled about and lunged, yowling loudly as he drove his fangs into the wizard's jugular. Gurgling, the wizard fell backwards beneath the animal's weight. Releasing his grip, Dorian launched himself up the stairs, hindquarters powering him up with every stride. Damian was already standing at the top of the stairs, tail lashing and snarling at a pack of Death Eaters all brandishing wands. Panther and leopard stood side-by-side, ears tucked tight to their skulls as they curled their lips and snarled. Spittle flew and the cats swung large paws tipped with dagger like claws. Without further thought they sprang forward into battle.
Pansy sat in a chair in the office of the head master. Her throat was sore from where the massive leopard had torn into her flesh. She winced as she ran her fingers along the wound. Madame Pomfrey had been able to stop the bleeding and heal the cuts but her fingers could still trace where the skin was paler and raised. Pansy stood and limped slowly towards a mirror hanging on a crowded wall. Her eyes took in the scars where the leopard's jaws had closed.
"Ah, Miss Parkinson. If you would please have a seat?" The Head Master's voice filled the room as he entered quietly. His bright yellow robes contrasting with the deep Gryffindor red that swathed the chamber. Pansy moved slowed to the proffered chair, sitting down and folding her hands in her lap.
"After everything that has occurred here today, I'm afraid I can no longer allow you to remain in my school. I took the liberty of contacting your father; he'll be here to get you soon. Once you're off school property, the Aurors may arrest you if they see fit. For now you remain under my protection. I wish it had never come to this Miss Parkinson but we all make mistakes. I wish you good luck in all your future endeavors," The old wizard stated, blue eyes somber as he watched the witch before him.
"Thank you sir." Pansy murmured, eyes downcast. With a nod, Dumbledore stood and walked from the room, not bothering to glance back at the witch who may have assisted the dark lord in killing the boy-who-lived.
Severus scrambled down the stairs at the front of the castle, the black robes he wore billowing in the cold night wind. His destination was beyond the castle's wards, once there he would be able to apparate to Voldemort's headquarters. A long pale hand slid into a deep pocket on the robe, fingers wrapping around the small feather that would allow him to portkey back into Hogwarts. This was most likely the only way they would be able to retrieve the bonded pair. Panting from exertion, he pulled the mask over his face and gave one last look at the shining castle behind him before appararting away.
He was soaked in blood. It ran into his eyes, filled his mouth, and made his paws slick. Damian threw back his head and screeched loudly, eyes blazing as he dodged another spell before leaping at the individual who had cast it at him. His jaws closed tightly around the Death Eater's wrist. Claws buried themselves in the robes, seeking purchase amongst the layers of cloth. Growling low, he loosed his hold and leapt away from the injured man, paws sliding in a pool of blood. The shrieking rasp of the leopard had him snarling in response and jumping over a still body, nose seeking the scent of his mate. Blood clouded the air, the smell so strong it sent the panther into a frenzy, claws tearing anything that got in his way. A flash of pale fur had him rumbling a low greeting. The two cats stood back-to-back, heads low as they warned the remaining Death Eater's off with hisses and flexing claws.
What do we do? Harry whispered anxiously, lunging forward and sinking fangs into flesh before twisting his muzzle and loosing the bloody hand.
Run, it's the only way we'll get out of this alive. Dorian responded, hissing angrily as a spell ricocheted off the ground before him in a bright explosion.
Yes, which way? He asked, lowering his body to the ground as he batted at a wand pointed shakily in his general direction.
Follow me! Hissed Dorian, lunging forward and knocking a startled Death Eater aside. His paws slid on the wet bloody stones as he raced away from the pack of Death Eaters, the panther close behind him.
The panther and leopard ran down the dark halls, eyes and whiskers searching for a window or door that would allow them to escape outside. Spells flew and bounced around the narrow halls as the pursuing Death Eaters attempted to stop them. Claws skittered across hard wood and marble, both animals' bodies steaming in the cool air as they dodged poorly cast spells. An open door provided the bonded pair with a place to hide but they had stood panting for only a moment when the door slammed closed before them. Turning slowly, Dorian peered at the mass of Death Eater's standing in front of a large throne. The hall they were in was completely quiet, every eye in the room on them as they stood there.
"What a magnificent entrance, its too bad it will probably the last one you ever make." The voice was cold as a figure slowly walked around the shadowed throne, pausing before slowly seating himself. The Death Eater's fell to their knees and bowed to the Dark Lord. "I'm truly surprised at your stupidity young Malfoy. Lucius was unable to train you properly I see, but then again like father like son. I called tonight and all my minions showed up but one. Tell me Draco, where is your father this night?" The leopard snarled sharply in response, tail twitching at the inclination Voldemort was making.
"And you Harry Potter, are you truly so stupid as to give up the lives and hopes of every witch and wizard in this world for your own pleasure. Will you die tonight, not for them but for the love you have for this traitor?" Voldemort settled back in his throne as the panther roared in rage, emerald eyes glowing fiercely.
"Hm, since I can't speak cat, why don't we put my little theory to a test? McNabb, kill the leopard." A low hum rose in the air as the Death Eaters whispered among themselves. A dark figure moved forward and pointed a wand at Dorian. The leopard made to spring out of the way, but a blur of black fur flew by him and impacted with the robed figure, fangs tearing through cloth and into flesh without thought to safety.
Damian! Dorian screamed, eyes closing as muffled words were followed by an explosion of green. The panther's body flew through the air before slamming into the ground and rolling to a stop. The leopard yowled loudly, eyes focused on the limp panther lying lifeless in the center of the hall. With a roar of outrage, the pale cat whirled around and attacked.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review. Once again I thank those who made a contribution towards Leopard Draco. My choice was based on the simple elegance of the name as well as the fact I that I liked the way it sounded next to Damian. I know, kinda simple but oh well. I've also started considering some of the names I received for animagus forms in my next story. Thanks again!
RaineMaker16 – Harry's bell is only the receiving part of the silver bell connection. Draco controls the main bell, which only works when he speaks Harry's name.
ToyoKadiyaMikayla – Thanks for the name! I've been considering doing a sequel but can't think of anything that would do the original story justice.
karenelaine – Voldemort does die…that's all I'm saying.
Sweet-single – There's still time for her to die…
kikasspunk93 – lol, I would love to name him Spot just for the hell of it but couldn't do it. The decision was very hard to make due to the number of names I was given so I picked the one I thought would suit him, although Damian suits Draco better then Dorian.
I-Y-T-Y – Yep, Draco popped to Harry, and the bond is unbelievably strong.
Allie – I'm plum out of ideas for a sequel (unless I have them go on a Pansy hunt to retrieve Draco's necklace or a final hunt to kill the remaining Death Eaters or have Ron do something stupid and send the boys in after him) other then that I'll stick with an epilogue. If you've got any suggestion's I'd love to hear them.
happycabbage – Thanks for taking the time to PM your name suggestion to me when the reviewing system messed up.
TheSlytherinMuggle – No trouble at all, hopefully this chapter cleared a little up and the next will do the rest. Thanks for taking the time to PM me your review.
Eternal Rhapsody – Thank you for sending the PM in place of your review.
jean kitsune – lol, it's impossible to say something about everyone who reviews cause there's just to many people reviewing. Thanks for suggesting I try a baby-naming book.
sigi – Thanks for suggesting I try contrasting the names, I think Dorian fits perfectly with Damian.
okychan – lol, congratulations. I've done the same thing so I know where you're coming from. Glad I was able to give you just the story you needed and thanks for the cookie as well as the names.
fourth-face-of-the-goddess – The bond is the reason Draco's animagus form is a leopard. He finally transformed because the bond felt it was necessary for him to be able to find Harry and it was the first time he had transformed.