§parseltounge§

It was finally time to go back to Hogwarts!

Remus had left the day before, claiming that he had things to tend to back home, wherever that was.

The platform was crowded, as always. Parents were saying their final goodbyes to children, making them promise to write often. Friends were talking of their summers and plans for the school year. Older siblings were loading their things onto the train while the young ones took in the sight of the Hogwarts Express for the first time.

Harry quickly and quietly made his way onto the train, his trunk and other belongings shrunk to fit his pocket, Azula shrunk herself to fit his breast pocket. He chose an empty compartment towards the back of the train and sat, waiting for his friends to arrive.

About ten minutes later, three quick knocks sounded on the door. "It's open," said Harry, looking up from his book on birds, he could tell he was getting close to finding out his animagus form.

"Harry! It's so good to see you!" Artemis entered the compartment, heading straight to hug Harry tightly. Due to conflicting schedules, they could not find time to hang out over the summer break.

"Yes, Arte, it is. I missed you." Arte had grown over the summer. With his glamour on, his head was eye level for her. Sure, she was always tall but now his unglamoured self was about the same height as her.

The hug was one of the nicest things he ever felt. It reminded him of Perenell's hug from earlier in the summer. He never wanted it to end however, another knock sounded. They jolted away from each other touch in surprise.

"Heir Potter, Miss Delacroix. I hope you had an enjoyable summer." Draco arrived. This time without his usual goons. This time, a dark-skinned boy stood next to him.

"Greetings Heir Malfoy, I am truly sorry that we could not meet over the break. Perhaps another time? Will you let your companion introduce himself to us?"

Malfoy stepped out of the doorway and let the other boy move into the compartment. "Merry Meet Heir Potter. I am Blaise Zabini, Heir to the Noble House of Zabini. "

"Merry Meet Blaise Zabini. This is Miss Artemis Delacroix." After exchanging pleasantries, they all sat in the compartment just as the train began its journey.

About halfway through the ride, the door was opened roughly, to show Ron Weasley.

"Harry! What are you doing with a bunch of slimy snakes and a Hufflepuff? You should be with us Gryffindors or some Ravenclaws doing whatever the hell you do. The Savior shouldn't be consorting with the enemy and a dumb blonde."

Almost everyone in the carriage was ready to draw their wands and fight for their honor. Especially Artemis, who was ready to show that boy the spells her older brothers had taught her. But Harry called all three of them off, standing up and moving towards the redhead, Azula growing and curling around Harry's neck threateningly, plume flaring.

"Ronald Weasley. What makes you think I'd listen to a dolt like you? Have you any idea who you've insulted? Two heirs of Noble Houses, one of which you already have a Blood Feud with and the other can drown you in debt for the rest of your entire line's existence. The most Slytherin Hufflepuff I've ever met and me, The Saviour of Wizarding Britain, hell probably the entire Wizarding World who is also the Heir to an Ancient House and some others."

Ron paled and stepped back. "I'm… uh...bye." he shut the door quickly and ran off. Not hearing the whispers from the hallway that was filled with other Hogwarts students who just so happened to hear what Harry had said.

"Now that that's over with. There are a few more things I must deal with. Arte, you already know part of it and these two purebloods may quickly find out, depending on their education before Hogwarts. Part of the thing that I told you last year will be happening so, please tell me if I am acting differently."

"You mean?"

"Yes."

"Have you met?"

"Only slightly."

"No way! Really!?"

"Yes." The two Slytherins watched the conversation confusedly.

"Harry, is that an Occamy?"

"Yes Blaise, it is. Her name is Azula. She's my familiar."

"She's beautiful" Blaise's hand reached out slowly but stopped before it could reach her.

"It's alright, she'll let you pet her. Just not near the face." Azula preened under the attention and praise.

§Fishy, does that boy have any Ice Mice, you haven't given me any recently.§

§I don't think so. The trolley should be coming by soon though and he might be willing to buy you one.§

"She's full-grown right?"

"That's not a very accurate term to use when it comes to size-shifting creatures but yes, she has fully matured."

"If she's your familiar, that means you had her last year. Was she at school with you?"

"Yeah, she mainly stayed in my room but she did occasionally leave to explore and hunt."

"Amazing" Blaise whispered, reverently stroking Azula's scales.

Finally, they reached Hogwarts.

Together, the four of them headed for the carriages that would take them to the castle.

"You know, I wonder what spells are used to pull these."

"What do you mean Draco? There are horses right...there...oh." Harry's eyes widened as he realized what creature it was.

"Draco, they're thestrals. You can only see them if you've seen someone die," said Blaise quietly from Draco's side.

Harry was drawn out of his thoughts of Vivianna and Castiel when Arte spoke up.

"You know Blaise, you seem to know a lot about magical creatures," said Artemis.

"Yes well, one of my step-fathers was a magical breeder, and he taught me quite a lot."

The carriage came to a stop and they left it, heading for the Great Hall for the sorting.

After the sorting hat's song, Professor McGonagall started calling names for the sorting.

Alexander, Bella

HUFFLEPUFF

Bea, Alice

GRYFFINDOR

Creevy, Colin

GRYFFINDOR

Harry started to tune out the sorting, trying to find his Mate.

Lovegood, Luna

RAVENCLAW

Harry cheered the loudest for that one. As she came to sit at the table, she avoided eye contact with him. His inner siren was upset, 'was she rejecting him? What had he done wrong?' He just wanted to meet her.

Weasley, Ginny

GRYFFINDOR

A small piece of paper, folded to look like a butterfly floated onto his empty plate. 'My mate. Don't seek me out. I am not rejecting you. The fates claim it is not time for us to meet yet. You can still send letters through my father.'

Harry looked down the table towards his mate and smiled when she looked away and smiled slightly as almost being caught.

Dinner was amazing as always but he didn't feel as happy about being back at Hogwarts. Not when he couldn't meet his Mate.

Voting time!

who should Artemis be paired with?

Draco

Blaise

Neville

Ginny (after redemption arc)

other (please specify)