DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 6 - Enter the Forbidden Forest
Harry rolled over with a groan, flinging a hand over his eyes before easing them open. The streaks of light painting the dorm room had him sitting up and looking at the time, gasping and tearing the covers back; he paused before sinking back onto the blankets with a relieved huff. Saturday. It was Saturday. He looked at Ron's bed and saw that the red head was missing and the bed had already been made neatly. Raising an eyebrow, he allowed his eyes to travel around the room. Dean and Seamus were both snoring from their beds and Neville was leaning against his pillows reading.
"Where'd Ron go?" He asked softly, his eyes on the other wizard.
Neville glanced over the top of his book and frowned at Harry, lowering the text he was reading, he chewed his lip for a minute before pointing at Harry's desk. "He left a note for you. He didn't say where he was going, only to make sure you got it."
"Thanks Neville." Harry said, stretching and grabbing the sealed envelope from where it rested among his school notes. The parchment had his name scribbled across the front and had been sealed with a lump of red candle wax. Unfolding it, he glanced at Neville who was once again reading before allowing his eyes to travel over the contents.
Harry,
As penance for my insensitive behaviour (Hermione's words, not mine), I have to spend all day doing whatever she wants. While it seemed like a good idea at the time, I hadn't realized she'd expect me to get up at six o'clock in the bloody morning. Consider yourself lucky mate. I'll see you later.
Ron
Harry burst into loud laughter and dragged his blankets over his head in an attempt to keep from waking his dorm mates. A pillow struck his blanket-covered head, causing him to suck in a mouthful of velvet before locking his fingers in his own pillow and swinging it out above him. Hearing the startled yelp, he emerged whooping and laughed as Seamus mercilessly attacked Dean from behind. Neville was quick to join the fray and a few minutes later, they all lay huffing around the room, pillows clenched tightly as they sought to regain their breath.
"I'm hungry." Dean muttered, scooping up several of the books that had been knocked off his desk during the war. Grunts of agreement, had all of them climbing to their feet and organizing the room slightly before dressing and hurrying toward the Great Hall. Harry happily told them about Ron's letter, inciting the others into guffaws of laughter and disturbing the early morning breakfast.
It was shortly after breakfast when they began to drift in different directions, each off to do their own business and get work done. Harry plodded back upstairs and sat down at his desk, listening to the Stag's plaintive calls. Rolling his eyes, he pulled a piece of parchment from his desk and wrote a quick letter to Ron. Looking around the room, he tried to decide where to shove it before tucking it under his friend's pillow. Stepping back, he looked around the room and glanced back down at his hiding spot, trying to decide if it was good enough. Shrugging, he grabbed the cloak that had recently been returned to him and draped it over his head, grinning as he headed down the stairs. The Stag threw back its head and bellowed, adrenaline pumping through its veins as it realized it was to taste freedom for the first time in days.
Carefully he made his way down to the forbidden forest, sighing in relief when he made it into the thick woods without being caught. Pulling the cloak off, he held it in his hands while he considered the material. Clothes changed with the transformation but would the cloak? Biting his lip, he decided it was best not to take chances and folded it carefully, settling it in the branches of a particularly memorable tree. Stepping back, he nodded at his choice before focusing his mind and allowing the change to sweep over him.
The Stag stamped a sharp hoof and tossed its head, nostrils flaring as it sucked in deep breaths of air. The morning sun cast the forest in a dappled pattern, breaking through the thick overhanging branches of the tall trees. Leaves fluttered softly in the gentle breeze and birds flew from branch to branch, voices rising in greeting. Odin took the first gliding step before bursting into motion, legs acting as springs as he thundered through the forest. Bracken crunched beneath his hooves as he raced, leaves catching and ripping on the sharp crown he wore. Folding his legs, he flung himself over a log, experiencing the sensation of flight before landing neatly and dancing onwards. He had all day to play.
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Draco sat before the fire in the Slytherin Common Room. Books and several neat piles of parchment marked his current endeavor. He tossed his platinum blonde hair before sighing and leaning back in the cushy green chair he was draped across. His last assignment had been finished which meant he had the entire weekend to do whatever he wanted. The feeling was one of supreme relief, he glanced at the couch where Blaise and Pansy were cuddled. Both were still in their pajamas and curled beneath a thick throw, oblivious to the other students coming and going.
"Hey, Draco. Do you mind if Pansy and I go to Hogsmeade alone, we want to go to Madame Puddifoots?" Blaise asked, meeting the blonde's eyes and giving a quick wink.
Draco shivered before waving a delicate hand in dismissal, "By all means, do go." He purred, wondering if the other wizard had ever actually done more then glance in the window when he walked by.
"Thanks a lot Draco. What are you planning on doing today?" Pansy asked, her eyes wide as she reached over and fixed his hair, her fingers working quickly to straighten the damage done by an hour of work.
"Scare some first years, bother Severus on his day off. You know, the usual." He said with a smirk, glancing at the clock hanging above the mantle. Rising, he collected his papers, pausing when the Tiger growled unhappily. Rolling his eyes at the animals demand, he slid everything into his bag before heading toward the stairs. The Tiger snarled again, causing Draco to halt in the middle of the stairwell. The animal was usually more respectful of his wishes. The image of flashing fangs pierced his mind, quickly followed by a flood of forest scenes.
"Fine you stupid ball of fur. We'll go out but not until the young lovers leave." He whispered, jerking his head to glare at the second year standing behind him with raised eyebrows. "Do you want to die today?" He asked, the younger Slytherin fled back down the stairs. Snorting Draco continued on his way, depositing his bag on his desk. Looking himself over in the mirror, he leaned closer and narrowed his eyes, raising a hand and running it over the dull streak of black tracing its way through his pale hair. Beau, that damn cat! He quickly noted the appearance of several other dark streaks crisscrossing his hair.
Standing there, he knew he couldn't wait for Pansy and Blaise to leave, by then the Tiger would have taken over completely and he'd be prowling the bedroom just waiting to be released. Grabbing a cloak, he fled the room, pulling the hood up. He ignored the questioning calls from his friends as he stalked through the Common Room, picking up a light jog as he slipped out of the portal and slid around a corner only to bump into someone. The force of the collision sent him stumbling backwards, landing on his backside.
"Are you-Malfoy!" The voice growled. He raised his head and looked into the narrowed eyes of the Weasel, noting Granger standing to the left of him. He was about to reach for his wand but the feeling of hate was dull. He didn't want to attack the Gryffindors. Standing, he shook his cloak out before pushing between the pair and continuing on his path. The Forbidden Forest was calling him and the Tiger was answering.
Bursting out the doors, he flew into the shadows of the building and paused, shuddering as the Tiger struggled. He allowed the change to tear through him, dropping further into the concealing shadows. Beau raised his muzzle and dragged in a deep breath, ready to roar but stopped when he realized where he was. The sound of voices calling had him slinking into the concealing shadows, his striped coat hiding him in the darkened corner. His whiskers twitched and his tongue flicked over his nose as he listened to the fading voices. Grunting softly, he slid quickly across the grounds and into the Forbidden Forest. The low branches catching at his thick coat as he trekked deeper into the woods.
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Odin flicked his ear and lazily kicked at a bug zipping around his sides, muzzle buried in the lush green grass. The wind pulled lightly on the tree branches making the leaves whisper. Chewing contentedly on a mouthful of grass he raised his head and looked around, pausing to watch a pair of Thestrals glide into the clearing. The stench clinging to their coats had him snorting and rolling his eyes, stamping a dainty black hoof in distaste. Shaking his head, he broke into a light gait and slid back into the forest, his dark coat allowing him to vanish in the shadows cast by the tall trees.
He paused and playfully scored a tree with his antlers, the sharp prongs raking the bark from the tree and leaving gashes in the wood. He pranced around the tree, ducking and dodging an imaginary adversary. The sudden shriek of a raven had him halting and listening, his ears flicking as his nostrils drew in deep breaths of the fresh air. Muscles tensed in preparation of flight, coiled springs waiting to carry him to safety should he be attacked.
A sweet scent filled his nose and his ears laid themselves flat. He took several steps toward deeper brush before jerking suddenly and dropping his antlers. A pale shadow separated itself from the underbrush and ghosted into the clearing. Eyes the colour of ice were locked on him, following his every movement. Odin bellowed in warning, pointing his massive crown at the white tiger that had appeared from nowhere.
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Beau haunted the forest paths, his paws carrying him easily along the rough deer trails and dead trees. His ears were cocked as he hunted, seeking prey that would bring justice to his skills. He rumbled as his nose picked up the distinctive smell of Thestrals, their scent causing him to push his whiskers forward in a cattish grimace. Sniffling, he dropped into a crouch and eyed the marred footprints buried in the muck, inhaling deeply before rumbling happily.
He rose fluidly, eyes shining with the excitement brought on by the prospect of a good hunt. He stalked the beast he hunted, his paws seeming to hover above the earth. Dead leaves protested his path, their subtle crunch the only telling sign he was there. He paused at the edge of a clearing, gazing at the Thestrals starring in his direction, their eyes emotionless and empty. He circled them widely, before swinging back onto his quarry's path, the smell sweet and fresh in his nose.
The scrape and clang of bone on wood had him freezing, muscles appearing to lock him in position. Beau slid forward carefully, peering through the low bushes at the beast dancing around a thick trunked tree. Its coat was a thick black and its antlers were large and sharp, held in a kingly manner even as the animal played. He took a single step forward and hissed when a twig gave beneath a clawed paw, the sound stilling the stag. The beast was searching for him now, eyes and ears seeking where he hid.
The white tiger ghosted between the fallen branches and thick undergrowth, tail flicking gently as its eyes remained locked on the massive stag standing at alert next to the tall tree. Beau once again sought to hide, slipping easily into another position that would allow him to strike when he got the chance. Settling down, he locked his eyes on the dark king.
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Odin snorted loudly, the noise cracking in warning. One hoof scuffed at the earth, digging a hole in agitation. He tipped his head as he eyed the shadowed form lounging among the brush. A white tiger, its strange eyes locked on him. Taking a step back, he shook his head and roared in challenge, emerald eyes narrowing in anger. He was a king of the forest, to be respected by all others. His hooves flashed as he danced nimbly in place, his gesture clear to the animal hiding before him. The cat's first leap was expected, its claws raking at the thick vein running up his neck. Antlers flashed as he pushed the tiger back, its forelegs locked around the heavy crown he carried. His muscles flexed as he buried his head into the cat's underbelly and thrust, sending the animal flying backwards into the brush.
Odin rolled his bright eyes and snorted loudly, prancing a step before halting, head thrown back as his eyes searched the shadows. Shaking his sharp crown in threat, he took a charging leap forward and raked at the brush the cat was lying among. The pointed prongs ripped and shredded at the leaves, forcing the tiger to skitter backwards and dive for better cover. Bellowing in warning, the stag wheeled about and jumped over a rotting branch that lay across his path, forelegs tucked tightly to his chest. Slipping on the uneven footing, he sprang nimbly around the trees, ears tipped as he listened for his attacker.
An explosion to the right heralded the arrival of the white tiger, its eyes flashing mercilessly as it swiped a large paw at his face. Odin swerved and spun, lowering the rack of antlers and charging, his hooves burying themselves deeply in the ground with every stride. The tiger lowered itself and snarled, curling its lips back to reveal glistening fangs. Snorting in outrage, Odin slammed into the cat, feeling its fangs tear into his shoulder at the same time one sharp tine slid through thick fur and pierced flesh.
Shrieking, the white tiger loosed its grip and launched itself into the green foliage above them, claws hauling him to safety even as the stag rose on hind legs and swiped his antlers at the cat's unprotected side. Stomping, Odin tipped his head back and grunted, emerald eyes flashing slightly as he breathed heavily. His skin twitched at the blood running down his dark hide from the stinging bite. Swinging his head around, he eyed the mark before attempting to lick it clean, pausing when the branch above him creaked loudly. Lunging to the side, he dipped his head and sprang at the tiger crouched in the dirt.
Hind legs propelling him forward, he brought his forelegs to his chest and prepared to strike the cat with his full weight, unprepared for the tigers liquid leap. Growling in pleasure, the tiger ran claws along the stag's side, ripping through the black hair and caressing flesh. Odin stumbled at the cat's strike, crying out in pain even as he worked to recover his balance. Pain rushed up his spine as he tried to wheel around, straining one hock with the effort and leaving him standing on three legs.
Taking a hobbling step forward, he bellowed as the cat circled him carefully. He shivered as the blue eyes shone and a pink tongue laved blood from whiskers. Soft treading steps seemed to disappear, making him swing his head as he searched for the tiger, nose and ears working quickly. The tiger pounced suddenly, its full weight slamming onto Odin's back and sending him crashing to the ground, legs buckling under the force.
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Beau circled his prey, eyes ghosting over the heaving sides of the stag with pleasure. The animal heaved in a deep breath as it attempted to regain its hooves, back end crippled by a dangerous maneuver. Approaching the stag, he applied a taunting lick to its side, ducking the prong swung viciously at his head. Purring in amusement, he walked widely around the animal, watching as emerald eyes rolled and the animal struggled to stand.
The loud crack of a breaking branch had both animals pausing, senses working as they searched for the new threat. Beau caught the smell of unicorn on the wind and gave a toothy grin, returning his attention to his stag. Seeing the beast's preoccupation with the sound, he glided in for the strike, fangs locking within the thick hair of the stag's throat. Pinning the struggling animal still with a large paw on its neck, he tightened his grip and sank his teeth deeper into bloody flesh.
The jingling of metal on metal had him rolling an eye and peering at the leg lashing around dangerously above his head. Bright silver gleamed against black and his fangs loosened even as the sweet taste of chocolate and strawberries filled his muzzle. A memory of tanned skin and emerald eyes flashed through his mind. The stag was wheezing now, struggling for every breath, movements slowing steadily. Human memories assuaged him, messy dark hair and narrowed emeralds, stinging words and fists against flesh. He let go suddenly, taking a slinking step backwards as he watched the animal take a shuddering breath, sides heaving as it drew in much needed air.
Beau rumbled unhappily, tongue running along his lips and cleaning them of remaining blood. He watched with some concern as the stag shifted and tried to regain its hooves. His mind worked the problem over as he watched the animal collapse again, its eyes drifting closed in defeat. Yowling at the dark animal, he slunk closer and rumbled in question. The stag's nostrils worked quickly, deep sucking breaths that stirred the dirt beneath his nose. One eye slitted and the animal made a half-hearted attempt to strike at Beau.
Taking this as a good sign, Beau gave the animal's muzzle a tentative lap, before backing away and growling. The stag eyed him for a minute before trying to push himself up, tilting as his one back leg was unable to bear his weight. Before the massive animal could fall over, the tiger swooped in and leaned against him, using his own considerable bulk to hold the emerald eyed stag in place.
Scrambling, the stag straightened his forelegs and stood, weaving slightly as he shook his head. Backing away Beau slid into the underbrush, halting when the stag took its first staggering step. He followed the black stag's limping process all the way to where Hogwarts stood before the Forbidden Forest, its tall shadow stretching out to the Forbidden forest. Giving a rumbled goodbye, he veered off, pausing only once to see the stag moving further down the darkened tree line.
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Odin halted in a small clearing, his antlers catching in the dark green leaves of the drooping branches. He sighed softly and shook his head, the crown he bore weighing heavily upon him. He limped to a patch of deep grass and lipped at it before folding his legs and lowering himself gently to the ground, ignoring the stab of pain tracing its way up his side.
The white tiger's actions confused him, to first attack and then aid him was beyond belief. His mind worked slowly as it worked to recall where he had seen those pale eyes and that fluffy white fur. Memories whispered through his mind, images of a blonde wizard with flashing eyes of ice and robes of black marked with a snake. Closing his eyes, he rested his head on the ground and thought of his human body, heaving a last sigh as the change ripped through him. Harry Potter opened his eyes and rolled over, peering up at the clouds passing across the late afternoon sky.
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A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed! Um, trunked is now a word . . . in my personal dictionary. FYI, I broke a bottle of beer over my lap on Tuesday and had to walk around looking like I peed myself. Thanks again!
SouriMaxwellYuy068 – Draco's tiger is a lot closer to the surface then Blaise and Pansy's
animagus form. Thus, his senses were strong enough to make Harry smell good as well as pick him up at all. The same goes for the trio.
NinjaoftheDarkness – lol, I wish my brother wouldn't talk to me for two weeks… I wonder what that would be like? ;)
websurffer – That would be something to see, and your neighbours can't be near as nasty as mine our crazy! Bunch of weirdo's that they are…
BloodyMarry – yep, Draco's name is pronounced 'bow', it means beautiful or handsome.
Iredesent – lol, yeah Hufflepuffs…just no challenge there for the Gryffindors. Don't worry about Hermione, she has Ron to do her bidding and Blaise's actions shall become more apparent in future chapters.