DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter 12 - Swinging Tigers
Harry stared at his plate with sleepy eyes, groaning when Ron flopped onto the bench next to him. Mumbling something unintelligible, the red head began to fill his own plate. Leaning against each other slightly, they both stared at their plates in an uninterested fashion.
"Did either of you finish the Potion's assignment?" Hermione asked, eyebrow rising as she took a place on the bench across from them. Sighing heavily, she shook her head in disappointment when the two wizards shot her tired glares. "Did you at least try and start them?"
Harry blinked and reached for his bag, withdrawing his crumpled parchment and slapping it onto the table between them. Turning his attention back to the plate of cold food, he ignored Hermione's further attempts to quiz him.
"How was detention?" Ron asked around a fork full of scrambled eggs. Munching loudly, he slid a slice of toast off Harry's plate and onto his own. "You did all the work didn't you? Malfoy probably sat there and did his nails or something even less useful."
Harry snorted and pushed his plate away, reaching over Ron's food to grab a large bowl of fresh fruit. Picking through the sticky mess, he helped himself to several pieces of pineapple. "Actually, I sat there and did nothing and Draco did all the work." He corrected, his eyes traveling past Hermione to rest on the Slytherin table.
Ron choked on his mouthful, eyes wide as he stared at Harry. Clearing his throat, he glanced at Hermione who was watching the raven-haired wizard in interest. "You shouldn't joke about that mate. For a moment I thought you were serious."
Rolling emerald eyes, Harry turned his attention back to the fruit on his plate. Licking juice off his fingers, he shot an unobtrusive glance at the Slytherin table. He froze when his eyes locked with the pale orbs of Draco. "Who said I was joking?" He whispered as the blonde lowered his lashes to shield his eyes before dropping his gaze to the bowl before him.
"Harry," Hermione broke out. "The day a Slytherin does anything during one of Snape's detentions is the day Voldemort puts on a tutu and performs Swan Lake in Diagon Alley." The sudden flood of owls into the hall halted the conversation. Everyone pausing as the birds swept down to the tables and waited impatiently to be relieved of their burdens. Harry smiled as Hedwig dropped from the air and landed nimbly on his shoulder. Untying the rolled paper tied to her leg, he handed it to Ron before offering the white owl a small piece of sausage.
"'Death Eater Attack in Diagon Alley'." Ron read, hands smoothing the creases from the paper. He pushed the Daily Prophet towards Hermione and allowed her to take up reading, raising a hand and petting Hedwig.
"It says that they apparated into Diagon Alley during the middle of the afternoon. Three wizards were killed and two stores were completely destroyed. Auror's believe the attack was used to cover up a robbery that took place further down the alley at approximately the same time." Hermione glanced over the paper and looked at Harry, folding the paper and setting it back on the table.
Harry frowned and slid a hand under Hedwig's talons, lifting her up and tossing her lightly back into the air. With a hard flap of strong wings, she joined the procession of owls exiting the hall. "What do you think they were after?"
"Depends on what shop they broke into." Ron said quietly, placing his elbows on the table and leaning forward. "There are so many shops in Diagon Alley you'd have to narrow it down to the type of store before trying to guess what was taken."
Nodding in agreement, Hermione pulled a quill and a small piece of parchment from her bag. "Write a note to your dad, I'll owl it on my way down to the dungeons." She instructed, watching carefully as her boyfriend followed her orders. Grabbing her stuff, she accepted the note from Ron and turned to leave, stopping a few strides from the table. "Don't be late to Potions!"
"I hate Potions." Harry muttered, eyes locked on the now empty Slytherin table. Standing, he grabbed his crumpled half completed potion's assignment and trudged towards the door.
Ron scooped his bag from the floor and trailed after his friend, miserably muttering 'me too' before sighing and trotting to catch up with the other Gryffindor.
XxXxX
Draco curled a lip in disgust, eyes locked on the newspaper article Pansy had handed him. He flicked his gaze to the front of the class room, noting Snape's current position before beginning to read. Sighing, he sat back and rubbed a hand over his eyes.
"Well?" Pansy hissed, eyes darting around the room in a manner suspiciously like that of Gem.
Shaking his head, he pushed the paper back to her and straightened in his chair. Flipping open his text, he pretended to read while his mind ran over the facts. With an unhappy murmur, Beau floated into his mind. The tiger was bored which was never a good thing. Draco locked his fingers around the edge of the desk when his eyes traveled the room, managing to land on the door just as Potter and pals entered. "I have no idea what they may have been after."
"It's weird though," Blaise whispered, his own eyes following the trio as they made their way to an empty table. "Generally the Daily Prophet would have said which store was broken into." As Snape slammed his wand against the black board, a hush fell across the class. His dark eyes traversed the room, pausing on certain individuals who seemed oblivious to his presence.
"Are you up to going out tonight?" Pansy murmured, quill flying as she recorded the instructions from the board. Her mouth snapped shut when Snape's gaze flew towards their table.
Draco snorted but nodded, ignoring the narrow eyed look his godfather was shooting him. Beau flittered at the back of his mind, the tiger questioning the stags presence on tonight's outing. Shaking his head in annoyance, Draco pressed the animal down and concentrated on Snape's drawling voice. Heaven knows how he'd make it through the entire day if the tiger was already bothering him two hours into it.
XxXxX
Draco threw his head back and stretched slowly, feeling the pull on his muscles as he balanced on the balls of his feet. It was a great night to be out and it was really too bad the quidditch pitch was already booked. Sighing at the thought of Hufflepuffs practicing, he skirted along the edge of the lawn. The grass was cool between his toes as he stood in the shadows waiting for Pansy and Blaise to arrive. Pulling the watch from his pocket, he peered at the time before rolling his eyes and looking over his shoulder. They were ten minutes late and counting.
Looking up at the school, he tapped one foot before looking into the forest behind him. Shaking his head, he slipped into the welcoming arms of the forest and allowed the change to sweep over him. Blaise and Pansy would be able to find him in the forest, assuming they made it out.
Shaking his entire body, the tiger inhaled the cool evening air and stretched. Gliding deeper into the forest, Beau stalked along, his paws flexing neatly with every step he took. With the moon following its course across the dark sky, the white tiger began his hunt.
XxXxX
Beau hissed angrily and lashed his tail, pale eyes locked on the small creature growling at him. Snarling, he turned and glided into the concealing shadows, glancing back to eye the dangerous creature that he'd literally stumbled upon. Rumbling softly to himself, he yawned widely and paced further into the forest. The bracelet around his leg remained silent, telling him that neither Frost nor Gem had yet to make it into the forest.
The large white tiger paused suddenly, whiskers quivering as his nose picked up the faint smell of sweat. Lowering himself to a crouch, his nose hovered above the ground as he sorted through the smells. His pupils dilated in fear as his hackles rose slowly, the smell was scarily fresh. The scent of horse and men so close it could only mean one thing. Centaurs had passed this way. Growling softly, he stalked into some denser shrubbery. The sudden flow of magic through his body had the tiger heaving a sigh of relief. In the distance a wolf bayed loudly, its voice rising and falling away.
"You left without us!" The voice whispered through his mind, making him snort in amusement. A distant rumble had his ears swivelling and sent him slinking into deeper shadows. The sudden snap and whoosh had him roaring in surprise as a net closed around him and sent him shooting upwards. Swinging lightly back and forth, the tiger growled quietly and struggled against the rough ropes.
"I apologize, now if the two of you could find me and get me down it would be much appreciated." Beau growled over the telepathic link, paws scrabbling for purchase on the ropes. The tinkle of bells had him freezing, eyes searching the darkness above him for the source. Tied to the swinging rope were several little bells, jingling merrily as the net swung back and forth beneath the tigers weight.
"What happened?" Frost demanded, picking up the urgency straining the white tigers mind.
"Net." Beau rumbled angrily, lying perfectly still. The tinkling slowed as the rope net came to a stop, the tiger slumping uncomfortably against the trap.
"We're on our way." Gem yelped frantically, the worry in her voice causing the massive white tiger to rumble in agreement. The distant thunder grew closer, making the tigers ears flatten against his skull. Resting his head on his forepaws, he waited for the arrival of either his friends or the centaurs.
Harry rolled his eyes and trotted down the steps to Hagrid's hut. Ron and Hermione were following him slowly, holding hands as they whispered back and forth. Shaking his head, he paused on the step before Hargids and knocked loudly. Turning around he looked up at the night sky, admiring the moons pale crescent. He frowned when the small hut behind him remained dark.
"Hagrid!" He called, fist hammering on the door again. Sighing in irritation, he hopped off the step and looked over at the approaching forms of his best friends. "He's not here."
"That's strange." Ron said, wrapping an arm around Hermione's waist.
Hermione nodded and looked around. "He said he'd be here yesterday." She muttered, moving towards one of the dark windows. Raising a hand to block the reflection, she peered into the darkened interior. "I wonder where he could be."
"Oh well." Harry mumbled, running a hand through his hair he glanced around. Odin came whispering into his mind, the stags words causing a smirk to creep across his face. "You know. . . we are close to the Forbidden Forest." He hinted, gesturing at the shadowed trees behind him.
"Harry no." Hermione said. The witch frowned as Ron grinned and gave Harry a thumbs up. "Neither of you finished the potions assignment for this morning and you probably haven't even started todays. The least you can do is try."
"Come on, Hermione." Ron pleaded, pulling away to stand next to Harry. Pouting, he threw his arm around the other wizards shoulder and gave his saddest look. "We both promise to finish our assignments as soon as we get back. Just one quick run then we'll settle down to work."
Hermione shuffled in place, looking between the pair. She knew they wouldn't give up until she relented. "Fine but it had better be quick." She pushed, one finger shaking before her in admonishment. Chuckling happily, the wizards grabbed her hands and dragged her around the dark hut into the forest. Somewhere within the forest a wolf called, his voice a strong thread in the nights song.
XxXxX
Odin shook his head and grunted, pinning his ears back at the wolf dancing just beyond his reach. Tossing his antlers, he lipped at the green grass under his muzzle and stomped a hoof in agitation. A rumble in the distant had him raising his head and sniffing at the nights breeze.
Ears swivelled as the animal sought the sound, snorting unhappily at the smell creeping into the clearing. Dropping his head again, he ignored the wolf standing beyond him and took a mouthful of grass. A piercing wail had his head jerking up, eyes widening as the red wolf shot past him into the forest.
"Ember!" Odin bellowed, taking several dancing steps after his friend. Sighing, he looked down at the brown vixen lying in the grass. "I suppose I should go after him." He muttered, tossing his tined crown and sighing.
With an unhappy grunt, he charged after the wolf. The forest flew by him as he raced through the darkness, hooves pummeling the ground. Snorting heavily, he leapt over a log and strained against the branches raking at his heaving sides.
Beau snarled as he stared at the centaurs standing in the thickly treed area. Their coats glistened with sweat as they observed his writhing form. Hissing, he struggled against the net, ropes rubbing his sides raw as he tried to free himself. One of the centaurs hefted a long spear, moving lightly across the clearing to where he hung. A loud bark had the centaur prancing back, spear lowering as a white wolf erupted into the clearing. Snapping its jaws in warning, Frost peered up at the tiger, dark eyes searching for a way to free his friend.
"Strange." A pale coated centaur murmured, eyeing the interaction between the animals. The tiger growled again, bells jingling as he tried to push himself into a better position. Dark coat glittering, another centaur moved closer to the frothing wolf, spear held before him to ward the snarling animal off.
"Get me down!" Beau hissed, one paw sliding between the ropes causing him to slip deeper into the nets hold.
Frost growled and took a few bounding steps forward, saliva spraying the ground as he snapped air. His tongue hung from the corner of his mouth as he panted in desperation, eyes searching for a way to free the tiger. Raising his head he called, the howl loud in the silent clearing. Dropping his muzzle, he stalked a half circle before the thrashing tiger, ears pinned to his head. A centaur pranced forward and raised his spear, leveling it on the frothing wolf. Frost dodged the sharp tip and locked his fangs around the wooden shaft snarling as he shook his head.
The centaur reared up, hooves lashing the air above the wolf's head. A volley of sharp snarls heralded the arrival of another wolf. Ember bounced into the clearing and leapt at the rearing centaur without thought, fangs closing around a waving arm. The centaur let out a frightened yell, loosing the spear and grabbing the wolf by the ruff of the neck. With a sharp tug, the red wolf was pulled free and tossed across the clearing. Growling, both wolves circled under the swinging net, ears flattening and mouths hanging open to reveal sharp teeth.
"What the hell?" A centaur called out, skittering nervously as they all searched the darkness for the rest of the wolf pack. It was in an explosion of green leaves that the dark stag came into the small battle, antlers dragging at the offending trees above him. With an elegant snort, his graceful head was raised, ears swivelling delicately.
A thick coated centaur stepped forward gracefully, eyes resting on the stag. Shaking his head, the stag bellowed and danced forward, lowering the rack of prongs in silent threat. Holding his hands out, the centaur backed up and exchanged a look with several others. The wolves snarled angrily, prancing around the stag with light paws. In quiet agreement, the centaurs turned and melted back into the forest.
Heaving a sigh of relief, Frost glanced up at Beau. "Are you okay?" He asked, ears twitching at the sound of approaching hooves. The black stag tipped his head back and glared unhappily at the swinging tiger.
"Fine." Beau mumbled huffily, ignoring the look of concern on the dark animals face. The creak of the rope had all three animals leaping from beneath the net, watching in stunned fascination as the rope trap swung slowly before crashing to the ground.
With a twittered greeting, a mink popped into the clearing, hopping over to the still tiger. "So sorry." Gem mumbled, small paws patting at the large tigers head.
"Well what did you think was going to happen?" Beau grumbled as he freed himself from tangle of ropes. Shaking his head, he flexed his body and whimpered at the ache spreading slowly up his body. "I've been embarrassed for life."
"It really wasn't that bad." Frost mumbled, glancing at the red wolf sitting beside the black stag. Both stag and wolf seemed confused over the silent interaction but perfectly at ease standing so close to the group of Slytherins.
"For you." Snarled Beau, shaking his head he stalked past the stag and wolf, seeming unconcerned as both fell into step behind him. "I'll never live this down."
"It's not like they can tell anyone." Gem reminded them, bouncing along practically under the stag. Her small frame moved along close to the ground, concealed in the shadows from any owls out hunting.
The school came into view, glowing with the light of many burning candles. The small group stopped and peered up at the castle, all wondering who would be the first to change. A tingle of magic rushed past them all and had them glancing at the brown haired witch standing in the shadows, one foot tapping the ground angrily.
"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley." Hermione bit out, ignoring the stags annoyed grunt. Shaking his antlers, the stag made to protest but found one of his antlers caught in a tight grip and his head dragged down. "Do not argue with me."
"Hermione." Ron groaned as he brushed at his clothes. His face reddened as he glanced down at the three other animagi watching the exchange with interest. A finger was held up in warning as the Gryffindor witch tried to shake the stags head, managing only to annoy the dark animal.
"Always the spoilsport eh, Granger?" Draco purred, hands on his hips as he smirked at the Gryffindors. In a magical tingle, Blaise and Pansy rose to stand on either side of the blonde.
Hermione frowned and released the stags antler, turning to face the three Slytherins. "Perhaps you should mind your own business, Malfoy!" She snapped, whirling around when a hand was placed on her shoulder in warning.
Harry sighed and shook his head, raising a hand and brushing at his hair. "Can we not do this now?" He demanded on a tired exhalation. Holding up a hand to stop the immediate responses, he turned his gaze to Draco. "I would like to talk to you."
Draco tipped his head thoughtfully, eyeing the trio. Nodding his head slowly, he flicked his fingers for the other wizard to follow him and backed towards the forest. Halting within a small grove of trees, he folded his arms and waited expectantly for Harry to begin.
Glancing around the clearing, Harry nodded at the blonde choice and began to pace back and forth. He paused with his back to Draco, one hand fiddling with the leaves on the tree before him. "What do you know about the Death Eater attack?" He asked finally, fingers tightening at the Slytherins snort of amusement.
"I am not privy to such information." Draco muttered dryly, chuckling pleasantly at the thought. Shaking his head, he strode towards Harry. Stopping right behind the other wizard, he blew out and smirked when Harry yelped at the warm air on the nape of his neck. "None of us really know what's going on."
Sighing, Harry nodded stiffly and turned, eyes widening at how close Draco was. "Do you promise that you are in no way involved or connected with what happened in Diagon Alley?"
Draco's face turned serious, pale eyes glittering as he stared at the Gryffindor. Slowly nodding, Draco extended a hand and grabbed the raven-haired wizard, pulling him closer by the front of his shirt. "I promise that we are not connected with the Death Eaters." He breathed against Harry's face. Harry nodded shakily and gulped deeply, closing his eyes when Draco trailed a cool finger down his cheek. "In the future Potter, don't ever question me."
Harry jerked away and stared at the Slytherins back, watching as the blonde vanished beyond the tree line. He stood there staring after Draco until Hermione and Ron scurried into the clearing. Their faces softening with relief as soon as they saw him standing there.
"Are you okay, Harry?" Ron asked, hands balling into fists as he looked in the direction the Slytherins had vanished.
"He said they didn't know about the attack." He whispered, pushing Hermione's hand away from his forehead. A cool wind picked up, rustling the leaves of the trees and sending the grass straining against its pull.
The pair looked at each other with raised eyebrows. "Do you believe they didn't know about it?" Hermione questioned, eyes wide as she peered into the sightless green eyes.
"I don't know." Harry whispered, looking up into the sky where the moon glowed brightly. "I really don't know."
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review!
Lady Bit – lol, generally I end up dragging my stories out, even when I start with a chapter plan.
NinjaoftheDarkness – LOL! Let's see the last time the cops were at my house… ah yes, my brother and his buddies got caught by the crazy lady down the road illegally riding their dirt bikes on the road. But seriously, that was one of the most hilarious stories I've heard in while.