A few notes before we begin, I hope I have warned you sufficiently enough already but in case I haven't I will warn you again, the next book is rated M for a reason. I know some of you are going 'but he's only twelve!' So I'll explain, in the next book there is sexual abuse, I tried to gloss over it as much as possible and the description is as vague as I think I could make it without losing the horror of it.
As for an update on the second book I am (cheers!) on the last chapter and should probably have it sent to my beta within the next few days, however I will still gave a weeks grace period between this book and the next once I upload the last chapter for this book. The reason being that as each book progresses it readily gets longer and therefor I need more time to write it, the fact that I have managed to nearly complete the second book is nothing short of miraculous.
Hope you enjoy!
Mistress Slytherin
There will eventually be homosexual situations:
consider this your warning,
If homosexual situations are not your cup of tea
Than I suggest you turn back now.
I don't want to hear people's biased opinions because honestly, I don't give a crap
Now, for some additional warnings:
ABUSE
VIOLENCE
BAD LANGUAGE
HOMOSEXUAL MALE/MALE RELATIONSHIPS IN FURTHER BOOKS
Mistress Slytherin
Chapter 8
In the Forbidden Forest
Harry smiled widely as he stared up at the sky. It turned out that there wasn't really much to do in raising a dragon, for the most part Ash ate, slept and entertained while Harry stayed close by reading his books. It was rather relaxing really. They had their own part of the forest that had been closed off for their use and the small cabin (which had been fireproofed quite extensively) suited Harry's needs just fine. During the day Harry was tutored privately by a man that worked exclusively for the Malfoy family. The man hadn't blinked twice at the sight of Ash who was growing steadily by the day and requiring larger animals to slake its hunger. Professor Gladys as he preferred to be called was just as enthusiastic about teaching as Harry was about learning and often times went far beyond the topic at hand. Harry was quickly realizing that he would be far ahead of the other students by the time Ash was old enough to move to his new home.
Rawwaaaah!
Panic jumped through Harry at Ash's distressed sound and suddenly he was on his feet running through the trees with ease. He gasped as something shadowed flashed through the air before him and paused turning around defensively his wand out until Ash let out another sound and he was running forwards again catching sight of Ash through a break in the trees. Quickly he rushed to the dragon's side first looking for injury on the frightened creature which pushed his head into Harry insistently. Harry looked around soothing the dragon as best as he could wondering what had terrified the usually fearless dragon. Ash, who was now tall enough to reach his hip warbled pitifully and Harry growled slightly in frustration before carefully leading the dragon back to the small clearing gasping at the sight laid before them. A unicorn whinnied weakly fallen on it's side as blood dripped from it's neck. Harry cursed softly and moved towards the creature partially in awe and partially worried for its sake.
"Hey now." He tried gently holding his hands up when the creature kicked at him. "I don't want to hurt you- that's it there we go." he whispered before settling his hand over the wound. He wasn't entirely proficient in healing charms yet but he'd been healing himself for years through wandless magic. Slowly he pushed his magic towards the wound and watched the tissue begin to knit together leaving behind a trail of silvery blood. The unicorn tossed its head for a moment before craning it's neck to see the spot where the wound had been.
"There you go." Harry said wiping the blood away while the unicorn watched. Ash curiously poked his head out and cocked it to the side seeming to communicate with the unicorn for a moment before huffing and moving closer. The Unicorn whinnied and tossed its head a bit before slowly trying to stand only to fall back down tiredly. Harry jumped in surprise when Ash suddenly flitted away into the trees only to return a moment later with several leafy flowers in his mouth which he settled in front of the unicorn. The unicorn snuffed at them a bit before hesitantly taking a bite chewing thoughtfully for a moment before slowly eating the rest. Harry sighed and summoned a bucket dipping it into the small stream that ran into the lake and catching some water before returning and settling it in front of the unicorn which drank greedily before settling down its head and simply resting. Harry could hardly believe his luck as he watched the unicorn sleep, of course he'd read about unicorns but he'd never dreamed that he would actually see one.
And what was it that had dared attack it? What creature could have frightened Ash and hurt the unicorn? Honestly there was no doubt in his mind that they were one and the same. Sighing he summoned his book and settled down letting ash settle his head against his thigh so that he could take a nap.
It was nearly two hours later that the unicorn finally stirred blinking up at him with dark knowing eyes that Harry almost found unsettling. The unicorn stood slowly testing its legs and neighed gently when it found its strength had returned to it before pattering towards where Harry was sitting. Harry swallowed suddenly very aware of how sharp it's horn was as the pointed bone came closer to him. He closed his eyes when a sudden bright light flashed from it and a thrill of magic raced through him before all at once it was gone. He cracked his eyes open slowly and blinked at how blurry everything was before pulling his glasses off intent to wipe them clean only to gasp as everything became sharper, clearer. Something thick sat in the back of his throat as he looked around and for the first time in his life saw everything clearly. He stared wide-eyed at the world around him until at last his gaze landed on the unicorn which was walking away.
"Thank you." He said breathlessly. The unicorn glanced back at him and tossed its head in a merry way before galloping away.
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The next few weeks were nothing short of bliss for Harry, he was free here in the forest, there was no one around except Ash, his tutor and occasionally Snape and Malfoy. For the first time in his life Harry was positively thrumming with happiness as he spent hours upon long happy hours buried in his studies or simply watching Ash grow and play. However, he was very aware of just how much Ash was growing. He had no doubt that very soon Lucius would be coming to take him away and Harry would have to return to Hogwarts in fact it could be any day now, after all Ash had begun to hunt for himself now and for Harry who had found the decapitated rabbit on his doorstep only slightly revolting. He still ate it though, after all food was food and there was no chance that he would turn that down even if the house elves were a bit squeamish at the sight of it. Harry sighed, he was going to miss this place but he knew it wasn't for him, he was destined for greater things and soon he would have to leave his blissful independence behind.
As if summoned by his thoughts the floo flared to life and out stepped Lucius Malfoy looking as immaculate as ever. Ash who had grown to tolerate the man sniffed at him before laying his head back down and going back to sleep- of course Ash now took up half the cabin so it was a rather impressive sight. Lucius Malfoy rose an eyebrow at the lack of fire.
"Potter, have you house trained him?" He said in shock. Harry frowned and Ash growled.
"No, but if he did breath fire he'd run the risk of hurting me." He said closing his text book. Lucius nodded and Harry frowned when the floo flared to life again and instead of Snape coming through as he had expected another man tall sandy haired and rugged stepped through. Ash lifted his head and growled warningly as Harry backed away from the stranger sending Malfoy a questioning glance.
"Ah, forgive me, this is Trevor Racy- he's one of the tamers in the reserve, he's come to check up on Ash and make sure he's healthy." He said as an explanation. Harry's heart fell but he nodded slowly and clicked his tongue at Ash in a way that they had come to mean that the stranger was safe. Ash grumbled but settled down as the man looked at him his brown eyes glittering.
"He is beautiful isn't he?" He said cocking his head to the side. Harry didn't really like the way the man was looking at Ash but didn't comment choosing instead to stand.
"Would you like something to drink?" He offered politely.
"No thank you Potter, we really do need to get this out of the way and as I'm certain you are aware we should probably go outside to do so. Harry nodded slowly before looking at
Ash and communicating silently causing the Dragon to stand and stretch before nosing his way out of the doorway (which was now double doors to accommodate his size).
Harry followed after him at a leisurely pace. The dragon tamer let out a low whistle as
Ash spread out his wings and stood on his hind legs, Harry smirked slightly. This was
Ash's way of showing off and warning away any guest that might think to hurt them.
"He can fly then?" The man said thoughtfully. Harry smiled thinly as Ash knelt closer to the ground preferring to have Harry up in the air with him when strangers were there.
Harry climbed on and settled himself flat against the hard scales.
"Show them what you've got Ash." He said softly. Seconds later they were soaring through the air at impressive speeds ducking and diving expertly. Harry's heart jumped and thudded in his chest as a feeling of utter freedom filled him. Ash though seemed to understand that they were only up for a short ride and carefully began to glide back down landing gently into the soft earth. Harry sighed quietly as he slid back down to the ground patting the scales around Ash's neck the way he knew the dragon enjoyed.
"Well that answers that question!" The dragon tamer said cheerfully his eyes alight. Harry smiled slightly feeling the weight on his chest lighten a bit. "How much does he eat now?" He said gazing expertly at Ash who preened silently. Harry hid his smirk.
"I'm not really sure any more, he hunts for himself now." He said knowing that this was it, Ash would be leaving him soon. The thought left an ache in his chest that Ash seemed to understand because immediately he was reaching down nuzzling him in comfort. This was what he would miss most he decided. He and Ash had developed a closeness that allowed them to speak without words, it was something he'd never before experienced in another person. Trevor seemed to understand and nodded slowly his eyes softening a bit.
"Well you've done an incredible job raising him Mister Potter." he said after a moment.
Harry nodded slowly in thanks.
"He's going to go soon though isn't he?" He said feeling suddenly fragile. Ash was the closest thing to family he'd ever known.
"I'm afraid so, though you'll always be a big part of his life. We will need to arrange frequent visits especially during the first five years of your separation. In the first year we recommend visits at least twice a month to keep the dragon from trying to escape." Harry nodded slowly. It was better than nothing but still...He sighed heavily.
"How long until you take him?" He asked as Ash settled down. Trevor cocked his head to the side thoughtfully.
"Well, all we have to do really is get him there but he wont go unless you are with him and we'll need a few riders to come along mainly to guide you two. And then once you are there it will be a few days before he settles in and another few days before you can safely leave him. You have a good two weeks before you have to separate from him mister Potter but don't worry, we all go through it. He's old enough to look out for himself and soon he'll want a mate to look out for too." he said with a fond smile. Something warmed inside Harry at the thought of Ash making a family for himself and Harry nodded feeling much better about the whole ordeal.
"Very good then, if that is all then we'd best be leaving Trevor." Malfoy said with a tilt of his head. Trevor nodded slightly in response and Harry walked the man to the floo. It was hard to believe that he 'd become so close to Ash in such a short time, it was even harder to believe that all too soon Ash would be discovering a new home. Harry sighed and shook his head at the depressing thoughts before settling down and returning to his studies.
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Harry shivered as the air whipped around him. The forest was dark and eerie the only light around a small sliver of the moon. Harry gasped as something white rushed forwards glancing back at him- the unicorn! He hissed as the black shadow rushed forward with an intent to kill. Suddenly he was awake panting heavily as the wind whistled around their cabin. He glanced at Ash who was watching him knowingly and rushed towards the door flinging it open ignoring the stinging pain in his bare feet as he raced across the forest paths in a blind panic. He needed to get to the unicorn, needed to find her- suddenly Ash was snatching him up and tossing him onto his back before swooping down low over the forest. In the distance Harry could hear a panicked neigh and Ash dodged down cutting through the branches powerfully. Harry let out a growl at the sight of the shadow leaning over the unicorn and the shadow turned it's head causing and overwhelming pain to pulse behind his scar sending him to his knees. The shadow cackled loudly and dove forwards placing his mouth over the wound and drinking the blood with sickening slurping sounds.
Harry groaned in agony and struggled to stand holding his hand out.
"Reducto." He hissed but was too weak to send anything strong enough. The shadow dodged the blast with a hiss and Harry teetered dizzily as something sticky began to slip down his face. The shadow rushed towards him and Ash roared before suddenly everything went black and Harry was falling numbly to the ground. He blinked slowly unable to comprehend what was happening for a moment as he stared blankly at the unicorn. He knew though without a doubt, that there would be no saving her this time.
Slowly the pounding in his head receded but when he lifted it he had to turn to the side to vomit as nausea rolled through him. Still he stumbled forwards crawling towards the fallen form. The Unicorn let out a pitiful sound and Harry understood it to mean that she too knew that this was the end. He couldn't help the tears that rolled down his cheeks though, not when such a beautiful being lay dieing in front of him. Weakly the unicorn tilted its head towards him and pressed her horn against his forehead. Harry's eyes widened as a bright light filled the air and suddenly he knew no more.
When he woke again Ash was curled around him and the sun was just beginning to cut through the trees. He winced slightly as he tried to sit up, his whole body ached. Slowly his memory returned to him and he looked desperately to where the unicorn had been only to find the spot bare except for a wide patch of flowers unlike anything he'd ever seen before except- yes he did remember seeing them, in Snape's ingredient storeroom.
The man had been devastated to see the only two left turn to dust the moment they opened the jar. He grinned slightly.
"Stay here, I'll be right back!" Harry said before taking off running. In the day time he could easily find his way through the forest after having traveled through it so many times with a curious Ash. In less than twenty minuets he was back at the cabin ducking his head into the fireplace.
"What on earth- Potter?" Harry smirked at the man's befuddled expression and nearly sniggered at the sight of the long old fashioned night shirt. Quickly he told the man his story and before he could finish found himself nearly shoved out of the fireplace as the man came through. By the time they made it back to the spot Ash was glaring at Harry in a disapproving way and Harry noted again that his feet were bare. Wincing he sat down and healed the wounds frowning when his magic pulsed brightly, it felt different somehow...he shook his head and transfigured a few leaves into a pair of shoes slipping them on.
Snape was gazing at the flowers in awe his expression more gentle than anything Harry had ever seen as he carefully, reverently clipped the flowers and let them fall into a new jar that would keep them fresh unlike the jar the others had been stored in. "Potter this is simply..." he trailed off and Harry grinned at Ash who huffed and settled his head back down.
"What are they exactly?" Harry asked quietly.
"These particular flowers are called Virgo Lucis, translated it means virgin light, they are incredibly rare and incredibly expensive but well worth the expense. They can be used in a variety of potions that can heal a person on the brink of death or as some rumors whisper, bring back the dead. Though those rumors are baseless." He said his eyes glittering. "But aside from healing they are also known to increase magical power and to extend a persons life." He said screwing on the lid of the last jar. Carefully the man settled the jars into a worn leather bag and handed it to Harry with a slight smirk. "There is a fortune in that bag Potter, and seeing as you were the one to see the unicorn in it's last moments by magical law it belongs to you." Harry blinked up at the man and then back down at the bag.
"But sir-" he said shaking his head. Snape snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Of course I being a potions master would know people who might be interested in buying them from you." He said pointedly. Harry smiled feeling like he was back in familiar territory.
"At what price professor?" He asked tilting his head to the side.
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Harry sighed as he glanced around the empty cabin one last time, Ash was waiting for him outside excited to meet new dragons as they began to fly in but Harry felt that he at least had to say good-bye to the small cabin. It had been nice living here in the forest and while he was eager to return to Hogwarts in time for exams he wasn't eager to say good bye to the first bit of peace he'd found here. Quietly though he smiled and closed the doors to the cabin knowing that while this part of his life was over there were parts that he had yet to see, better parts. He gasped slightly when yet another dragon swooped in this one much to Harry's utter surprise carrying Lucius Malfoy in it's back. Harry stared open mouthed at the impressive blue dragon as it settled and let Malfoy off with a graceful slide. Malfoy's eyes were positively alive as he pat the dragon's neck. Ash nudged his hand and Harry snorted at the jealousy he could see clearly in his eyes.
Petting him reassuringly Harry glanced at Malfoy who nodded in understanding.
"Her name is Iris." Malfoy said petting the dragon fondly. "My father took me to a clutch when I was seventeen and she imprinted on me." Malfoy added. Harry nodded and gazed at the impressive dragon for a moment longer before slipping onto Ash's back.
"Ready?" He asked looking at the others. Malfoy nodded and jumped back up onto his dragon.
"Off we go then!" he said patting Iris who took off with a woosh. Harry was startled at the man's suddenly unguarded expression and knew immediately that Malfoy understood the bond he and Ash shared. No wonder the man was so firm in his beliefs about dragons!
Ash, not to be out done took off next flying in several risky loops just to show off making
Harry laugh aloud as the others followed. If riding Ash wasn't exhilarating enough riding
Ash surrounded by other dragons was pure bliss. It was as if there was nothing but them in the air, nothing but the wind and the sky and the bond they shared as they soared freely.
Harry let out a breathless laugh as Ash tried to race one of the other dragons and felt his magic slip through him connecting to Ash's magic in a deeply personal way. Ever since the unicorn had died Harry's magic had been acting strangely, he found it connecting to things at an intimate level at odd times- to trees that seemed to want to share their wisdom with him or the water that simply wanted to play. Sometimes even rocks or animals would find themselves caught up in it, but Ash especially seemed attuned to it.
His magic was different from a wizards and Harry had known the moment he'd held Ash in his arms all those weeks ago that his magic was powerful. And it was, as he grew his magic grew and as their bond grew so did their deeper magical connections. Harry knew without a doubt that were he ever to need Ash no matter how far apart they were the dragon would come to him.
For a long while after the initial thrill of flying had worn off they simply soared through the air enjoying the smooth glide. Harry smiled sleepily as their magic thrummed together as one and leaned close to Ash dreading the moment they would have to part. He could see through the clouds where Malfoy was leaning into Iris his hair streaming behind him, Harry was startled to discover that he found the sight beautiful to behold. He had never seen such an unguarded expression on the man's face as if he was entirely safe and content being where he was. Ash snorted up at him slightly and he smiled sending waves of comfort towards his jealous friend.
Harry slid his fingers through his own hair thoughtfully and was surprised at how long it had gotten just in that year; it was almost to his shoulders now. Of course he had planned on letting it grow out, it was a sign of noble birth and despite his mother being a muggle his father had been head of the Potter family, a family older than the Malfoys. In order to honor his position as heir he would grow his hair out. Draco didn't have to because his father was still alive but it would be expected for him to grow it out after his seventeenth birthday. Harry however had no father and would inherit his position as head of the Potter family on his fifteenth birthday instead of his seventeenth. He almost couldn't wait, in just one year he had learned so much about the wizarding world, he'd learned how it began, he'd learned about the cruelty the muggles had dealt them with time and time again. He had learned about all sorts of mirrors and potions ingredients and ways to gain power. He had learned so much, and yet it was only just the beginning. There was an entire library worth of knowledge at Hogwarts and even more than that in his professors. He felt as if he was on the edge of a cliff ready to dive in not knowing where he would land. But he knew one thing for certain; he would be powerful, unstoppable, safe.
It was several hours before the dragons guiding them began to drop altitude and turn, Ash followed gracefully and Harry nearly felt dizzy as the ground grew closer and closer. His ears began to ring as they slowed and belatedly he realized that the ground was actually the top of a mountain. Even with his repaired vision he could hardly see the other dragons that weren't a part of their group, they were still so far away and Harry had to wonder just how high they had gone. Slowly though they swooped closer and Harry was amazed at the many dragons he could see soaring about some playfully, some in challenge. It was like a dragon's paradise here and somehow he felt that he too was coming home. Ash dived slightly as they got closer causing Harry to laugh at his excitement which he could feel flowing between them. Yes, Ash would find home here Harry decided smiling at the agreement he received through the link. He hadn't known just what he was expecting the reserve to be like but it was nothing like this, these dragons were free and happy, well fed and treated with care. Ash would be happier here than in their small nook at Hogwarts.
Slowly, gently they landed on a large flat area that had obviously been carved out of the mountain for landing purposes. Harry swayed as he slid off feeling the earth move beneath him and Ash silently laughed at him before catching him. Harry laughed though at the giddy feeling he could sense coming from his friend and knew that Ash was simply dieing to go.
"Alright, alright, go have your fun I can sit here for a few minuets." He said sliding to the ground in a graceful heap. Ash huffed warm air into his face before taking off like a curious child.
"Here Potter drink this it will help." Malfoy said leaning heavily on his own cane. Harry took the vial and gazed at it warily. "For Merlin's sake, you really are developing some of
Severus' quirks! Just drink it Potter, it will stabilize you enough to walk again." Malfoy said shaking his head slightly. Harry blushed slightly as he caught sight of the man's hair and remembered thinking that the man was beautiful. Quickly he turned his head to the side and tossed back the potion sighing when he did in fact begin to feel better. Malfoy snorted as Iris took flight leaving them behind in a gust of air.
"Ash will be happy here." Harry said after a moment. Malfoy hummed softly in response.
"Be careful though Potter, there are those who would do anything to get a bit of dragon for themselves." Malfoy said softly his lips twisting into a frown. Harry was reminded of the headmaster then.
"Did you ever find out how Hagrid got Ash's egg in the first place?" Harry asked curiously. Malfoy glanced at him before speaking.
"A trade apparently. He won the egg in a pub in a card game of all things, somehow I doubt that it was a coincidence. I have yet to discover it's purpose though, or just who it was that made the trade." Harry frowned suddenly his mind returned to the shadowed creature in the forest.
"While we were in the forest." Harry said after a mental debate. "There was something that was hunting unicorns, drinking their blood." He shuddered at the memory. "Hagrid is the keeper of the grounds at Hogwarts, could it be that he made a deal with that thing? To turn a blind eye to it?" Harry mused quietly. Malfoy was silent for a long time before speaking.
"Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime.
The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death, but at a terrible price. You have slain something pure and defenseless to save yourself and you will have but a half-life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips." He said quietly. "I doubt that even the half-giant would be willing to turn a blind eye to such a thing, however," he paused frowning slightly. "that tells me that Hogwarts is not entirely safe." he finished his eyes distant. Harry nodded and looked away knowing that the man was probably thinking about his son.
"Whatever it was it's been there for a few weeks and nothing has happened yet. It's almost like it's, looking for something." He said reaching up absently to rub at his scar.
"It wasn't very powerful though, even with the unicorn's blood it was weak hardly surviving really." he said dropping his hand before smirking slightly. "Don't worry about Draco though, he hasn't gotten into any more trouble since Ash hatched other than a few squabbles with the lions. He's just bored that's all." he said looking up at the man. Malfoy was smirking slightly his eyes distant with thought.
"Just make certain he stays out of trouble Mister Potter and I'll see to it that you continue to receive the perks that come with being a Malfoy's friend." He said tracing his lips with the head of his cane thoughtfully. Harry snorted and nodded.
"Of course Lord Malfoy." he said in agreement. If this year was anything to go by he was sure to need the man's help in the future, especially since it seemed that he was the only one willing and able to stand against the Headmaster.
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