Chapter 7: Three Wizards, a Panther Cub and the Muggle World

Somewhere in America

A portkey activated and three wizards were suddenly whisked away from Great Britain in a flurry of trepidation (Ron), a smattering of resignation (Draco) and a whole lotta excitement (Harry).

The same three appeared moments later, Harry and Ron mastering the landing not long ago. Where they ended up was in front of a rather large three-storey neoclassical style mansion.

"Wow Harry, this is yours?" exclaims Ron in wonder.

"Yep, found this in the list of estates from the Black family" answers Harry.

Something seemed to click in Draco's mind after observing the entirely muggle neighborhood ("Really, Draco how do you tell if people are muggle or not?")

"Harrison?"

"Yes Draconis?"

Draco ignores the sass for now "You didn't exactly tell me what we are supposed to be doing here... and I assume we are consulting but who with?"

"Heehee about that"

"HARRISON"

"DRACONIS" Harry was amused to see a slight eye twitch.

"Okay, Okay. So I will be joining the FBI specifically the Behavioral Analysis Unit"

Another twitch of an eye. "And what will Ronald and I be doing?"

"You're my consultants! You'll be working with MACUSA, with their Aurors and also feeding information to me from their side. MACUSA are aware that they are gaining two new recruits, they actually requested help as they don't want to get too close to the muggle authorities unless they absolutely have to"

"So basically we help the magical side while you're on the muggle side? Thank Merlin, I thought you were gonna tell me I have to pose as a muggle "Draco says in relief.

"Except we do have to live as muggles so we don't blow my cover"

The eye twitch comes back full force "Fine"

Widewater, Stanford County, Virginia, USA

The mansion is truly a work of art. The Black family has many properties across the globe. Harry chose this one mostly due to it's proximity to the FBI branch the BAU is based in.

Somehow, the Black family managed to secure a decent amount of land in Widewater, Stanford county. Situated on the banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by thick forestry with no neighboring properties. All of this gives off some semblance of privacy except for those boating down the river. Harry suspects a ward may be in place to ward off unwanted eyes.

Tall stone fences border the property and the driveway is something to behold. Neatly trimmed hedges flank the gravel driveway leading to the forecourt which features a pool that reflects the mansions facade. A decent sized water feature finishes it off before you approach the ornate columns that sit either side of the front doors.

Inside is just as beautiful. The interiors feature contemporary white marble floors and decorative ceilings. At some point, previous families would have replaced all the candles with electrical lighting judging by the crystal chandeliers that hang up high.

From the entrance way, you look straight towards the first set of stairs. On the left you have the main sitting room and dining room which leads to a near full chef's kitchen. On the right, there is the guest powder room and bathroom along with a drawing room that has a fireplace. The drawing and sitting room all have plush carpet in a maroon colour, while the white Marble continues in all other rooms.

Just past the stairs, doors open out to the backyard and a modern looking entertaining area. Harry spies a grill and a seating area. The backyard consists of a large swimming pool complete with a diving board. Off to the side are the changing rooms and a shed that contains all the pool care items and toys. There's a decent amount of grass area that would be good if they ever had Teddy over for a visit. Plus there was a small pond that housed some koi fish and a nice little rock feature surrounding it. A park bench nearby if you wanted to sit and relax. Thick bush finishes off the property and Harry makes a mental note to see if there are any animals magic or otherwise calling it 'home.'

The second floor contains 4 large bedrooms each with an ensuite but nothing else. The top floor has the master bedroom and two other bedrooms also with their own bathrooms.

Checking the floor plans; Harry notes the large basement which the last owners turned into two separate rooms; a potions room and a dueling room that reminds him of the room they used in the DA days. All in all, the three of them were impressed with their new house.

The three of them decided to go for a run in their animals forms to stretch legs, get used to the property and to find out if there are any wild animals.

Harry starts the shift, feeling his bones change and in his place stands a magnificent black panther. His panther is almost cub size due to his small statured human form, green eyes stand out against the pitch black fur. Soon a Jack Russell Terrier (Ron) and a fennec fox (Draco) joins him. The fox lets off a yip and runs off into the forest, the other two hot on his heels.

After an hour of exploring, all they have come across are a couple of nesting shakes that Harry spoke to for a bit before moving on and two wild stallions.

But as they turn to head back to the mansion, They hear a small whine filled with pain. With Harry's sensitive hearing, they head towards to where they heard the sound.

Harry stops at a hollowed log and crouches to peer inside, what he finds tugs at his heart. Tiny yellow eyes peer back out at him, a stark contrast to the black fur peaking out. Harry meows at the little cub to try and entice it out of it's hiding place. It's a slow process, but the cub does end up crawling from the log and towards Harry.

Once out in the open, the three wizards are confronted with a small black panther not unlike Harry's animagus form. The cub lets out a pitiful mewl before winding around Harrys legs before settling down to lie at his front paws. The group couldn't see it's parent anywhere and they were sure to have come across it earlier. They deduce that the little one had been abandoned

Harry lets out a huff and picks up the little cub by its scruff using his mouth and begins the trek back home, his friends following behind. Once back to their backyard Harry shifts back and holds the panther carefully to settle it down. The little one starts to purr before biting down on Harry's hand.

"Ouch! Little bast-"

Harry calms after the cub licks the wound which he then notes that the punctured skin heals instantly. He can feel a bond snap in place and realises the panther must have completed a familial bond with him.

"Huh, well that happened".

And that was that! The cub now identified as female and now named Thea joins the make shift family and their adventures.