Author's note:
This chapter has some Snape and Malfoy action;))) Poor Harri I'm so mean
Italics for Harri's thoughts
Chapter Four: Survival and The Search Begins
When Harri came to she was on the bank of the river hacking and coughing her lungs out. Her mind was buzzing, still unsure of what exactly had happened and how it had happened. How am I even alive? I should be dead at the bottom of that river. Harri shuddered thinking about what could have been. Maybe it was my accidental magic? Like when I ended up on the roof that one time Dudley and his gang were chasing me. Yes, that must be what happened. There's no other explanation. Harri let out a deep huff of air. Well, I'm alive. Now what do I do?
At first relief had been the only emotion she could feel, but now that she could think straight, fear and dread were sinking into her stomach. What am I going to do? I have nowhere to go. I'm not even in my own body, no one would even recognize me if I did find someone. Harri was starting to hyperventilate, panic setting in and chilling her to her bones. I don't even know where I am.
Harri looked around seeing that she recognized nothing around her. The bridge was gone, and she couldn't see any sign of civilization. Did the river sweep me down this far? Or did my magic take me to a completely different place. Whatever had happened she was far from home. And alone. And afraid. Harri took a deep breath and pushed herself onto her shaky legs. She walked, unsteady, towards the water. What do I look like? I never got the chance to actually see myself. I feel like some sort of feline. But I think I'm to large to just be a house cat. What am I? Harri felt nervousness wash over her when she finally reached the water. Looking down at her reflexion Harri was shocked. Looking back at her through the ripples of the water, was what looked like a panther cub. She was small, though larger than a house cat, and much sturdier. A black feline face was staring back at her, rounded ears, big black eyes, and after opening her mouth she discovered small fangs. Turning around she finally noticed her tail, and found herself chasing it trying to get a better look. This is so strange. Why am I like this? Could it have been some sort of fluke animagus transformation? I don't think that's even possible. What am I going to do.
Feeling exhaustion wash over her Harri decided there wasn't much she could do in her state and went to try and find somewhere to rest for the night. She walked towards the tree line, and stopped. She stared into the deep forest, fear flooding through her again. She didn't know what was in there, there could be creatures of any sort lurking around every corner, waiting to snatch up a small creature like herself for a snack. For all she knew there could be magical creatures in there, as well, like the forbidden forest. I'll just stay close by the water. I can try and follow the river tomorrow and see if I can find my way back to civilization. Harri was trying very hard not to think about if she was even close to where she was dropped or if she would ever find her way out. I will. Everything is going to be just fine. Tomorrow I'll find my way out of here and get to the wizarding world. Then everything will be okay. Harri picked her way along the tree line looking for some sort of hollow she could curl into for the night. With a spot of luck (finally) she found a small hollow in the base of a tree not too far from the water. It was just big enough for her to curl into and she was soon asleep, drifting away on thoughts of staying with Ron or Hermione for the remainder of the summer.
Malfoy Manor
"I can feel it Father, somethings wrong! I know it!" Draco exclaimed, agitated, to his father. "Well what would you have me do Draco? Where are we supposed to go? What is it that feels wrong?" Mr. Malfoy frustratedly told his son, "We don't know what it is or where it is. The rational thing to do here is wait and see if something else comes to you. That may help us get a better idea of what to do next."
A few feet away was Severus Snape, pacing the floor in an agitated manor quite similar to the youngest Malfoy. "But Father something is in danger! I know it! I'm not sure what or who it is but something is wrong and we need to help whatever it is. It's important, I know it is! I think we should at least go around and check our borders. I don't know why but I feel that whatever it is, is close. We just need to find it." Severus chose this moment to speak up. "I agree with Draco, Lucius. I don't know why but I feel it to. The feeling I have is similar to the bond I had with. . ." Severus shook his head as if shaking the thought away. "Nevermind that's impossible. But I agree that something should be done. I will go into the forest and check all the borders. It'll take me four to five days. If I'm not back by the morning of the sixth day something is wrong. I'll find whatever is wrong, and if I don't, we can search elsewhere."
Lucius nodded in agreement but Draco protested. "But I want to come too! I can feel it so I might be able to help! Please let me come!" Draco shrunk down at the growl from his father. "Draco we have discussed this before. You are not yet old enough to go on ventures such as this. Though you're human form has matured into a young man you're Other Half is but a cub. If you were to have to defend yourself you could not. You know this Draco." Draco shrunk down even more, if he had his feline ears they would be pressed flat to his head. "I know", he mumbled, "But I want to help find it. Something bad has happened and it's driving me crazy. I just want to help." Draco whispered, and Severus stepped towards him putting a hand on his shoulder. "And you will be helping. By staying here, safe. I won't have to worry about you and I'll be able to search quickly. You already have helped, checking the borders was your idea." Severus reached a hand out and affectionately ruffled Draco's hair. "Everything will be okay and I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone." Draco threw his arms around Severus's waist in a hug. Over Draco's shoulder he saw Lucius smirk at him, "You've gone soft in you're old age, my friend", Lucius snickered. Severus let out a low growl, "Maybe so, but my threat to skin you in your sleep and use your organs as potion ingredients still stands." Lucius gulped and help his hands up. Taking a few steps forward he engulfed his old friend in a hug of his own. "Stay safe and come back to us quick", he whispered. Stepping back he proclaimed, "Now best get going before Narcissa gets back. Then you'll never get out of here." With one last wave, Severus made his way towards the edge of the forest where he shifted into an enormous, obsidian black panther and made his way into the forest.