In the week that followed, there were a lot of changes made in Harry's life and his future plans. His need for the water was growing stronger. Dumbledore had taught him a few spells for conjuring water. It seemed that as long as his feet, at the very least, were wet he could attend classes without too many problems. They called in an expert on water creatures who said that by the end of the month, Harry probably wouldn't be able to leave the water at all. For Neville it was different, his creature was not as closely tied to the element. As long as he could breath, he had no problems leaving the water. Harry, however, needed the solitude and constant comfort the water provided and soon, he would be dependent on it.

It scared Harry, what kind of job could he have if he couldn't leave the water? Dumbledore came up with a solution, of course. He told Harry, "Study under a master of whatever subject you want. Once you have gained your own mastery, I will offer you the teaching position for it. Your class can be held at the shore of the Black Lake, or we can even set up a classroom with a pool in it."

Harry jumped on the idea at once. It was perfect. As long as he was in the water he could handle a group of students, especially as he got more accustomed to teaching. He was already planning to get his mastery in Defense Against the Dark Arts; it was his favorite subject and he knew he would love teaching it. Neville even mentioned that he planned on taking over Herbology for Professor Sprout, who had already agreed to take him on as an apprentice.

Harry and Neville were officially an item, which was wonderful. Though he no longer doubted Neville's feelings for him, he was still a little weary of completing the bond. Neville wasn't pressuring him and Dumbledore had assured him that they could cope for awhile and to just take his time. So he was trying not to worry about it. Instead he devoted his free time to learning all there was to know about Neville. His likes and dislikes, his good points and his bad. Harry found that they had more in common than he'd realized and every day fell just a little bit more in love with him. He didn't want to rush things anymore than he already had, but it was difficult. His every instinct screamed at him to complete the bond, which only made him more determined to take his time.

As for day to day life in the castle; everyone had been separated as much as possible. Most receiving their own individual rooms scattered about the castle and being separated into classes shared by the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, or individual classes if needed. It was a bit of an inconvenience, but nothing too strenuous.

Snape avoided him at all costs, refusing to look at, much less speak with him. In potions, which the rest of the creatures were now being taught by Dumbledore himself, he'd stopped making any and all comments on Harry's ineptitude. He didn't even take away points. All of which suited Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors just fine.

Crabbe and Goyle acted pretty much the same as usual; vacuous and quiet. Draco and Ron had managed to overcome some of their instincts and were now dating. It would be easier once Harry completed the bond and they didn't have the urge to kill each other. Draco bugged Harry about it at every opportunity but Ron was content just spending time with the petulant blond.

Dean had returned to human form and was back to normal for the most part. He could change into his wolf form at will, and for the most part was in complete control. When he became really agitated however, he couldn't help but change. He developed a fondness for raw meat and had the most unusual urge to chase down Professor McGonagall.

Zabini remained a jaguar. Hagrid was now responsible for his care for however long he needed it. Dean sometimes went out to run and play with him.

Life was good. There had been the occasional accident, like when Crabbe had been wandering around and run into Dean. Luckily, they hadn't hurt anyone but each other. Otherwise, they had no problems. Harry could relax, for awhile...

A/N: Two more chapters to go and all is right in Beazledorf.