A/N: Hello darlings!
Thank you all for the support, patience, and the lack of decomposing projectiles!
We have only twenty-eight reviews until we hit the four hundred mark!
Kudos to Wynja, the six hundredth subscriber!
This story is rated M because of Slash, swear words, mature themes, bad grammar, Dom/Sub, child abuse, violence, magical creatures, original characters, and multiple sexual partners. Lemons will be found on my profiles on AO3 and HPFandom, links are to be found in my bio.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT THE INVENTOR OF HAPPINESS FOR MANY GENERATIONS! I am not J.K Rowling. I am merely playing in the sandbox of Potterworld with her characters. I do not own her characters. The plot, the original species, and the original characters are mine. That's all.
English: "Quack."
Parseltongue: "Quack."
All reviews, questions and constructive criticisms are welcome. Flames will be laughed at.
Chapter Three:
Tap.
Tap tap.
Tap tap tap.
Tap tap tap tap tap.
Tap!
Harry groaned in protest to being woken and snuggled into his warm covers, his ears flicking to catch the sounds.
Tap!
He mewled through a yawn and brought up a hand to scratch behind his ear.
Bang!
He jolted to sit up, and turned to the window to see an owl that looked dizzy from head-butting the glass. He slipped out of bed, his muscles and sensitive skin protesting the movement and the cold, and crossed the room to open the window. The scruffy looking barn owl sent Harry an annoyed glance and gave the owl equivalent of a disapproving sniff. Muttering apologies and greetings, Harry gently smoothed the ruffled feathers and walked back to his bed. The owl walked off his arm onto the covers when he sat down, and tiredly lifted a leg, her ire forgotten at the prospect of being relieved of her cargo. Harry cast a few diagnostic spells on the letter, mentally berating himself for foregoing caution in the face of a tired animal. Luckily, the letter was clean of any potions or hexes, and a bright smile lit his face when he identified the magical signature. The letter was from Remus! He opened it quickly, and he cut his finger on the sharp edge of the parchment in his hurry. Sucking on the wounded finger, his green eyes began to devour the words.
'Bambi,
I'm so sorry that it's been so long since we last talked. I never wanted to leave, but Bumblebee sent me off to the packs, and they were in trouble. I missed you every second, my cub, and I wish that I could have stayed or taken you with me.
Happy birthday, Bambi. I love you. Always.
I'll be with you soon. Please pack, and don't worry if anything changed in the night. You knew that it was a possibility, especially with your magic. Nothing will change the fact that you are my cub, Prongslet.
If the muggles haven't behaved, I'll start a case. You know that we should have built one a long time ago, cub. I wish that you would have let us.
We'll have a long talk when we're settled. You know how much we need to talk about.
I love you Bambi, my brilliant and vexing cub. I'll be there soon.
Moony.'
Harry's eyes welled up with grateful tears, and a hiccup shook his finger from his mouth. Feeling an odd tingling sensation, Harry looked down and examined the newly-healed finger, a rapidly fading pale scar the only sign of the wound. An incredulous and slightly hysterical giggle bubbled from his throat.
Apparently he could kiss things better.
..~*~..
Harry had spent the rest of the day packing, worrying about the reactions of… Well everyone, to his new… Cattiness, and practising his transitions into his Big Cat form, his true form, and his 'human' form. He had improved in skill so much that it took only a moment and a tingle of warmth for him to change forms.
It was now approaching six o'clock, and Harry was getting even more nervous and worried. Why hadn't Remus come yet?
As if in answer to his thoughts, the doorbell rang downstairs.
Harry stifled a flinch and tried to ignore the funeral march that had started to play in the back of his mind. Remus had said that nothing would change the fact that he was his cub. That he loved him.
He did flinch when a deep, rumbling growl sounded downstairs, followed by an angry yet scared shout of 'BOY!', and another growl. His breathing shallow, green eyes wide, hands clenching and unclenching, Harry stayed where he was, his feet seemingly glued to the floor as his brain screamed at him to move. There was a crash and a shout of pain, and Harry's eyes snapped shut, his body hunching down in a subconscious attempt to protect himself. His head started to swim as his slender chest rapidly rose and fell, his hands and feet tingled, his tail held low and puffed out, his ears flattened against his skull.
Warm, strong, comforting arms brought him back to consciousness, his head cradled against a muscled chest that rumbled soothingly as a gently hand stroked through his hair. A purr started in Harry's throat, and he sat up to rub his cheek against Remus', officially welcoming him to his Pride, before he snuggled into Remus, his nose full of the werewolf's scent. Remus chuckled softly, and pressed a kiss between his cub's feline ears, his arms tightening slightly to pull Harry closer into his embrace. They both needed the contact.
The past two weeks had been hell for Remus. Death had cruelly torn his mate from him and then Dumbledore had torn him from his cub. No matter how many cubs he had birthed, no matter how many disputes he had ended, his heart had wept and called out to have them both in his arms. Remus was a strong and powerful man, but he was a Submissive werewolf, and the days apart had plagued him with nightmares, cold sweats, phantom pains and sickness. He breathed in his cub's scent deeply, and absently noted the changes. The scent of what he could only describe as lightning was stronger, as was the scent of wildflowers. Harry smelled far more feline than human, and there was a sweet musk that confirmed that he was a Submissive. There was a faint smell of blood and fear that Remus didn't like, and his arms flexed protectively.
A small mewl of protest left Harry's lips as he was squeezed a little too tightly for his sore muscles, and the arms instantly relaxed and a kiss of apology was placed on his pale forehead. His purr started up again as a hand began to scratch behind his ear, and Remus chuckled again, causing Harry to blush self-consciously, but he didn't move away from the wonderful hand.
Minutes passed as they soaked up each other's scent, warmth and embrace, until Remus quietly cleared his throat and leant back, his hands gently stopping Harry's head from following his pillow's retreat. He then began to tell his cub about what had happened in the days he was away, and Harry explained in kind. He had to sit on Remus at one point to stop him from storming downstairs and fatally wounding the Dursleys, and it was only a distress call from a very ruffled cub, in his Big Cat form, that stopped him in the end. Remus had then spent the next few minutes examining his cub's forms and theorising what he could have inherited.
Eventually they broke apart and gathered Harry's bags and Hedwig's cage. Remus then explained that they would be staying at The Burrow, and it went unmentioned that it would have been too painful to stay at Sirius and Remus' home, The Den, so soon after the Veil. Harry shifted into his 'Human' form, and they port-keyed away.
..~*~..
They landed with a thump on the uneven path, and both Remus and Harry had to struggle to keep hold of their stomach contents. Both a little dizzy, they held onto each other as they walked their way up to The Burrow.
When the patchwork house came into view, a wave of nervousness and anxiety washed over Harry, and his hands reflexively clutched Remus close. What if the rest of his surrogate family didn't accept him for what he was? He hadn't even gathered the courage to tell them that he was gay yet, and now he had to tell them about, and most likely show them, his new forms? A voice in the back of his head laughed bitterly.
'Never a dull moment in your life, is there Potter?' It sounded suspiciously like Snape, but it was a really evil, bitter-old-man Snape. It probably wasn't the healthiest voice to hear in the back of your head. Harry just shushed the voice and went back to his worrying. He was soothed yet again by the soft rumble and embrace of Remus, and the soft kisses that were placed on his crown of ebony locks.
He felt a rush of the feeling of coming home as they walked through the front yard. The noises of the clucking chickens and the voices inside were comforting, and Harry let out a long breath. He could do this.
Remus knocked on the door, and it opened to a cautiously smiling Mr Weasley. Security questions were answered at wand point, before they were ushered into the warm house that smelled like freshly baked cookies and treacle tart. Harry's stomach rumbled at the scent, and his cheeks pinked slightly when Remus chuckled.
As Harry walked into the kitchen, the noise level dropped rapidly. Harry froze, his eyes wide and nervous as he looked around the now silent room. Everyone was staring at him. Only Remus' warm and comforting hand kept him from bolting out of the room.
Mrs Weasley was the first to recover. She walked to Harry, and brought him into one of her famous hugs. Harry sighed in relief, and hugged back his surrogate mother. After a few moments, Mrs Weasley pulled back from the hug, and looked Harry over with a motherly eye. She then smiled and patted his cheek.
"The Inheritance has done you well, Harry dear." She said. She meant it- The boy was still a little too slim for her liking, but he was practically glowing with health. Harry had frozen at the word 'Inheritance', but he relaxed as Mrs Weasley patted his cheek some more.
Hermione had unfrozen at the mention of an 'Inheritance'. Looking again at Harry, she noted the physical changes, and smiled. Harry looked very good- Her baby brother had grown up! She walked to Harry and pulled him into a hug, smiling to herself as she rested her head on his shoulder. The Inheritance had been just what Harry had needed, she thought. He looked so healthy!
Ron walked up to the hugging pair, and gave Harry a slightly harder than necessary slap on the back.
"Great to see you, mate." He said with a grin. His grin faded when Harry flinched at the word 'mate'. Stepping back with a hurt expression, Ron turned to give Hermione a questioning glance. She looked thoughtful for a second, and then realisation broke across her face. With a small gasp, she pulled out of the hug to look into Harry's eyes.
"Harry," She began hesitantly. "These aren't the only changes that came with your inheritance, are they?" She felt a sad tug in her chest as Harry sighed and shook he head, closing his eyes so that he didn't have to look into her's.
"Harry, it's okay." Remus said, coming forward to rest his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Remember, that it didn't change how I thought of you. It won't change how they think of you either. You'll still be Just Harry to them, cub. " He squeezed Harry's shoulder reassuringly when he gave a weak chuckled. Hermione nodded in agreement with Remus, her eyebrows creased in concern whilst her eyes were lit with curiosity and held-back excitement.
"Please show us, Harry."
Fred and George took this moment to join in.
"Go on Harry-" George started.
"It's not like you can surprise us-"
"We've seen it all before-"
"We know of your ways with the weird and wonderful-"
"And we really want to see!" They finished together. They wore matching grins, and their eyes glinted with mischievous glee.
"Harry dear, I think it would be best if you showed us." Mrs Weasley said.
Harry sighed, and after another reassuring squeeze from Remus, he nodded his head.
"Okay." He said, his voice quiet and nervous.
"Shall we move into the lounge? The seats there are far more comfortable, and there's a lot more open space." Mrs Weasley said, already moving to gather a pitcher of Lemonade and a plate of still-warm cookies to take with her into the lounge.
A couple of minutes later, everyone was settled into the comfortable seats in the lounge. Everyone but Harry, that is. He was standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, his back facing the window, and he was glancing nervously from face to face of the seven people who sat in front of him, returning to Remus' reassuring face more than any other. After a few moments of awkward silence, Hermione shifted in her seat.
"Go on Harry. Show us what your Inheritance gave you." She said, her excitement and anticipation evident in her voice.
Harry nodded his head, and then shifted his weight nervously. He then shut his eyes, bowed his head, and willed himself to change into his true form. There was a tingle of heat, and then a round of gasps could be heard from the people in the room, Remus being the only one to remain unfazed. Then there was a moment of silence, before Hermione broke it.
"Well, that's fascinating!" She exclaimed, her voice coloured with amazement and excitement.
Standing in front of her now was her best friend, her little brother, and he looked so… different.
His ebony-hued hair, once a short, scruffy mess, was a beautiful mane of shiny, silken curls that fell to his waist. Poking out of his hair above his temples were a pair of cat-like ears. They were pressed firmly again the sides of his head, and, Hermione thought back over the books she had read about animal behaviour, which meant that Harry was feeling 'defensive'. Harry had a tail too! It had ripped through the back of his jeans when he had changed, and now it was held low and its fur was puffed out. Harry was scared!
Wanting a closer look, Hermione stood up and walked over the few steps of space between the couch and where Harry was standing. Harry heard the movement, and he glanced up, his ears twitching to follow the sound. His eyes were wide, and his pupils were dilated.
Hermione stopped a few inches in front of Harry. She raised her hand, as if to touch one of Harry's ears, but stilled it when Harry shied away.
"Harry, please may I touch you?" She asked quietly, trying to understand why Harry was acting this way. 'He couldn't be scared that they would reject him, would he? Actually, yes he would.' She thought, and her heart bled a little for the teen that stood before her. Harry knew so little of love, and he craved it more than he would ever admit to himself.
Harry hesitated for a moment, and then nodded. Hermione lifted her hand, and gently stroked Harry's left cat-ear. Harry shuddered at the sensation, and moved his ear closer to her hand. Encouraged by this, Hermione stroked the ear again, and then moved her hand around the back of it to the base, and scratched a little, much like how she scratched Crookshanks' ears. To her surprise, Harry let out a purr, and leaned more weight onto her hand, his eyes half closed, a soft smile on his lips, and his tail de-puffed and perked up at the end. His purr started in his chest a travelled up his throat. It was a light, warm, sound, that made everyone in the room smile and relax. Harry was happy.
Hermione moved to the other ear, using the same technique as before. Harry's purr got louder. During this time the twins had gotten off the couch they had been sitting on, and had walked slowly towards the standing pair. George reached for Harry's ear, but stopped suddenly when Harry flinched back. Harry's eyes were fully opened, the pupils dilated, and his once perked-up ears swivelled and half-flattened against his head. Harry bared his sharp canines, and a growl grew in his throat. He backed away from the now stood still trio, his tail puffed up behind him.
Realising why Harry was reacting this way, Hermione turned to the twins, and pointed at the empty couch with her 'no nonsense' face on. The confused twins obeyed, wearing slightly hurt, slightly scared expressions. Why had Harry growled at them?
Hermione turned back to Harry, who was still in a defensive crouch, but he had relaxed slightly as the twins had moved away. Acting purely on instinct, Hermione kneeled down in front of Harry, and bowed her head, tilting it to the side to expose her throat. This calmed Harry completely, before his face creased with concern. After glancing at Remus he kneeled down in front of Hermione, and lifted her chin with a gentle hand. When Hermione met Harry's gaze, she gave him a small smile to reassure him that she was okay. After he saw the smile, Harry returned it, and he lent down to rub his cheek against Hermione's. Hermione smiled again, this time at herself. Harry's feline side was greeting her, and then it was claiming her as a member of his Pride. Hermione rubbed her cheek against Harry's too, and this elicited a purr from him.
Satisfied that Harry was calm and content, she turned back to the six people who had been watching them. Taking in the twins' hurt faces, Ron's shocked face, Remus' interested yet concerned face, Mrs Weasley's concerned and confused face, and Mr Weasley's just-plain-confused face, Hermione let out a sigh. Then she turned back to the twins.
"Harry reacted that way because you two are dominant males of another… Species, so to speak. Harry's feline instincts told him that if he allowed you to touch him, his Mate, or Mates, would be very angry. The fact that Harry doesn't have a Mate yet is irrelevant." She explained in her 'teacher' voice. "In the future, ask before you go to touch him, or only touch him when he is wearing his 'human' visage- Harry's instincts are far more dominant in his true form."
"So what… Species is he, Hermione?" Remus asked, as Hermione was likely to confirm his theory.
"I'm not sure, Professor Lupin. I need to consult the books first." She replied. Remus nodded in assent, as he knew that she was a very driven and talented researcher. After squeezing Harry's hand Hermione stood up, and, after grabbing Ron from the couch, she left the room with her boyfriend in tow.
Ron and Hermione had finally gotten together a week before the Department of Mysteries. They had all of the time since then together when they could, and had owled each other regularly through the time they were apart. Hermione had joined her boyfriend at The Burrow yesterday.
The Twins soon left the room, thinking over what Hermione had said, and thinking about Harry. He had always been good-looking, if a bit skinny, but now he was gorgeous! And those kitty-ears and tail were so cute! They made him look so adorable and… Cuddly. They were going to have to work hard to get Harry to accept them.
Both Mr and Mrs Weasley left soon too. The former went out to his shed to tinker with his latest muggle item, and the latter went to the kitchen to start cooking dinner.
This left Harry and Remus alone in the lounge.
Harry stood up and walked over to where Remus was sitting. He then perched on the edge of the seat for a moment, but then moved to sit next to Remus. Remus sat back against the back of the couch, and opened his arms for Harry. Harry gladly snuggled into his embrace, breathing in the musky scent that was so uniquely Remus. Then, after a few minutes of quiet contentment, Harry shifted his weight, and moved so that he could rub his cheek with Remus'. Remus, recognising the behaviour from earlier, and from his previous experience with cats, smiled and returned the gesture. Harry then smiled a beautiful smile, and snuggled back into Remus, resting his head in the hollow between Remus' neck and shoulder. He let out a gentle, contented purr, and went to sleep.
Today had been a very tiring experience. And it wasn't over yet.
..~*~..
Harry woke up slowly, listening to the slow thump-thump beneath his head, and snuggling into the warmth of the arms around him. He took in a deep breath through his nose. Remus, he thought, smiling to himself. There was a giggle from somewhere near-by, and a click. Harry sniffed. Hermione. Again, he smiled. He waited for the fuzzy blanket of sleep to clear his mind, and then he slowly opened a big, green eye. Hermione stood in front of the couch that he was laying on with Remus. In her hand was a camera, and she was giggling quietly, both with humour and excitement. In her other hand she held a sheaf of parchment.
"Great, you're awake!" She exclaimed, followed by another girlish giggle. "You were so cute together, I had to take a picture." She told Harry with an odd expression or her face- a mixture of 'Aww!' and an excited grin. Harry rolled his eyes, and snuggled into to Remus. He was just about to shut his eyes-
"No, Harry!" Hermione said sternly, and she bopped him lightly on the nose. "You can't go back to sleep! I found out what you are!" She giggled again, her stern expression melting into a self-congratulatory smile. Harry rolled his eyes again, and then stretched like the cat he was. This movement roused Remus, and he opened a bleary golden eye to look questioningly at Harry. Harry just shrugged at gestured to Hermione. She let out another giggle.
"She found out what I am, apparently." Harry told him. He felt a flutter of butterflies in his belly, and his tail puffed a bit, his ears alert and twitching. Remus, notice the change in his cub and reached up to rub Harry's ear instantly, and a soft purr started in Harry's throat. There was another click, this time accompanied by a flash that hurt his half-closed eyes. Both creatures turned to glare at Hermione. She just giggled and grinned unrepentantly.
"You two are just too cute!" They just rolled their eyes at her.
"Come on, come on!" Hermione said, reaching out to grasp Harry's hand. "Don't you want to know?" She asked, her brown eyes widening pleadingly. She wanted to share the information!
"Yes, of course I do." Harry said with a small scowl. Her high-pitched giggles were starting to hurt his sensitive ears. Hermione bopped him on the nose again, and then sat down cross-legged in front of the couch. She sat still and looked at Harry, waiting for something. A moment passed, and then another.
"So, what am I?" Harry asked, a little annoyed by her silence. Hermione grinned- that was what she had been waiting for. She handed him the piece of parchment.
"Read this." She urged.
Harry looked down at the parchment, his eyes scanning her rushed scrawl before reading the information.
'Katyarani are very elusive creatures. There are thought to be around a thousand Katyarani in the world today, but there is no way to verify that number.
Katyarani are either born in their 'true forms', or gain them by Inheritance upon their sixteenth birthday. A Katyarana has three forms- their 'true' form, their 'human' form, and their 'Big Cat' form. The Katyarani gene is passed on through the blood. The change of species from human into a Katyarana is biological, and it is common for the Katyarani gene to skip generations. There is no known reason why this happens, but the longest gap known between two Katyarani in a bloodline is four generations.
There are two kinds of Katyarani: a Dominant Katyarana, and Submissive Katyarana.
A Dominant Katyarana is most commonly male, but there have been reported cases of female Dominants. Dominant Katyarani are much larger and stronger than their Submissive counterparts. In their 'true' form they possess black 'tattoos' over their faces and some have them over their necks and backs too. They are referred to as 'tattoos' because they resemble patterns of black ink, but in truth they are patterns of self-pigmented skin. The patterns, sizes, and shades of the 'tattoos' are unique to each individual Dominant. The 'tattoos' are a way of attracting potential mates- similar to the plumage displays of a bird. Dominant Katyarani possess a tail that echoes the coat of their 'Big Cat' form, as well as cat-like ears that reside in the Dominant's hairline above his temples. They are said to be deaf in their human ears when in their 'true' forms, using their cat-like ears instead. Dominant Katyarani also possess sharp canines, retractable claws in their fingers and toes, and the slit-like pupils of a cat in their 'true' forms. Dominant Katyarani are said to be very aggressive to other species in their 'true' forms, and are fiercely protective of their mates and cubs. In their 'Big Cat' forms Dominant Katyarani are very large, very strong, and very deadly when aggravated.
A Submissive Katyarani is most commonly female, but, like female Dominants, there have been reported cases of male Submissives. Both male and female Submissives are capable of carrying and giving birth to cubs, but it is not reported how it is possible for the males. Submissive Katyarani are smaller and weaker than their Dominant counterparts, but they are still much stronger than a human of equal size. Submissive Katyarani do not possess 'tattoos', but they do possess the same tail, ears, eyes, claws, and teeth as the Dominants. . Submissives are said to develop 'powers', such as slight elemental control or the ability to change the colour of their fur, like a chameleon changes the colour of its scales. They are very beautiful in every one of their forms. Submissive Katyarani are in fewer numbers than their Dominant counterparts, with a reported fifteen to twenty unmated Dominants to every one unmated Submissive. Submissive Katyarani most commonly require one or two mates to conceive, but there have been reported cases of a single Submissive requiring three or more Dominants to conceive. Submissives go through periods of 'heat' to conceive- these periods are when they are at their most fertile. It is almost impossible to conceive outside of a 'heat' period. Submissive Katyarani commonly carry litters of one to four cubs, though there have been reports of more to a single litter. The cubs are not always Katyarani, with the gene skipping down their bloodline, but they are more likely to be so. The gestation period of a litter of Katyarani has been reported to be from six to eight months
Katyarani are highly driven by their instincts. They possess behaviours that are similar to both Big Cats and Domestic Cats. Katyarani saliva has healing properties that are similar to phoenix tears, and their fur can absorb most spells.
A Katyarana's 'Big Cat' form can be any species of Big Cat, or a much larger version of a species of smaller cats. They are much bigger than the species that their coats echo, with some Dominants being twice as large as the non-magical feline that they resemble.
The Katyarani are rumoured to have a feudal system, with a Queen that governs with a ring of powerful Alphas, and the Korvanach Guard is said to police the population, guard the Queen and her Royal Pride, and oversee school-like organisations.'
Harry read the parchment through once, twice, and then a third and final time.
He was a Submissive Katyarana.
He, Harry Potter, was a Submissive Katyarana.
Harry Potter was a magical creature.
The Chosen One wasn't even human.
Harry let out a semi-hysterical giggle, and handed the parchment to Remus. Before snuggling into the man's arms as he read the notes. Harry thought things over as Hermione babbled at him.
He could have babies! Cubs, he corrected himself. He could have the children he had always wanted, the family he had always craved. And he could do it safely. Voldemort was gone, killed by Harry's magic when he had possessed the teen at the ministry. Harry's magic had lashed out; protecting his mind and soul from the snake-faced bastard, and it had incinerated him in the process. The magical surge had wiped out evil snake-face, all of his horcruxes, half of his death-munchers, and a few hundred properties that were wrought with evil, dark magic. The ministry was still re-building the department of mysteries.
Harry had lost a lot that day. As had Remus.
He had the prospect of a family, of cubs and mates. Mates. Plural. Harry wasn't quite sure how he would deal with having more than one partner- hopefully he would only need one or two to get pregnant. Wow. Why was he thinking about getting pregnant already? He was sixteen! SIXTEEN! He did not need to become a teenage… mother? Father? What would his cubs call him? Merlin, there he was again! HE DID NOT NEED CUBS AT SIXTEEN!
He was startled out of his internal monologue by a pair of hands rubbing his ears. He relaxed a little, but he was still too anxious to melt under Remus' administrations.
"Well…?" Hermione asked, reaching out to pet at his tail. He flicked it away from her, baring his teeth for a second. He didn't like people touching his tail. He tucked the two-foot long appendage between the cushions, away from Hermione's reach.
"Well what?" He asked, trying to keep his irritation in check. The ear-rub helped.
"Will you show us your 'Big Cat' form? Please? I really want to see it!" She was practically buzzing with excitement. At the sight of the usually calm and mature girl acting so childish, Harry's irritation melted away.
"Umm… Okay, but let me change into a bathrobe or something- I don't want to rip these clothes any more than I already have." Harry replied. Hermione nodded, and Harry got up to go and change.
He came back a few minutes later, naked apart from the fluffy bathrobe he wore.
"Alright. Turn around for a few secs." Harry told them.
After they turned their backs to him, he dropped the robe and willed himself to change into his 'Big Cat' form. After a brief moment of warmth, he fell forward onto his paws, and silently padded up to Hermione. He was as tall as she was in this form! He lowered his head, and gave her back a playful nudge. She whirled around with a gasp, and then stood stock-still, her eyes wide with both amazement, and a little bit of fear. Remus turned with her, and smiled as he once again saw the giant Black Panther. He reached out a hand to pet his cub.
Harry sat down on his haunches before them, and head-butted Remus' out-stretched hand. He began to purr, deeper and louder than his purr in his 'true' form, when Remus began to scratch behind his ears. The sound of Harry's purr snapped Hermione out of her shock. She grinned widely, and then stepped forward a little to tend to Harry's other ear. His purr doubled in volume.
After a few minutes of rubbing Harry's ears and carding their hands through his fur, Hermione and Remus stopped. Harry cocked his head to one side in question, then head-butted Hermione's hand. He hadn't told them to stop! Hermione giggled at his actions, but shook her head.
"You need to change back, Harry." She told him. "I'm sure that dinner will be soon."
As if on cue, Mrs Weasley shouted out a five-minute warning for dinner. Hermione smiled in amusement, and Remus let out a chuckle. Harry gave a little sigh, but he nodded. He was very hungry, so the petting would have to wait for later. Harry stood up, and backed away to where his bathrobe was pooled on the floor. He stood there for a moment, looking at his two companions. They looked confused for a moment, but then they realised what he wanted. Hermione cheeks picked a little, before she turned her back on Harry, and joined Remus, who had already turned around.
Harry willed himself to change into his 'true' form, but then thought the better of it and changed into his 'human' form. It was less comfortable, but he didn't want to be stared at during dinner. He stood, picking up the robe, and wrapped it around his person. He then cleared his throat.
At the noise Hermione and Remus turned around, Hermione grinning, and Remus was softly smiling. Remus was mourning Sirius, and more than even Harry, because Sirius had been his mate. But the little things his cub did made his heavy heart lift a bit. Harry made him feel younger, and reminded him of happier times.
After hugging both Hermione and Remus, Harry went off to get dressed for dinner.
..~*~..
Dinner was a casual fair, with a round of off-key singing of 'Happy Birthday', and a delicious treacle tart as a birthday cake.
After everyone had finished eating, the party moved into the lounge, where a pile of presents was assembled in the middle of the room. Grinning, Harry sat down next to it. He had forgotten how much he loved presents.
"Umm, we'll go first shall we?" Ron asked, looking to his girlfriend for guidance. She nodded with an indulgent smile.
Ron handed Harry on of the packages. It was wrapped in red paper that had golden snitches flying across it. Harry ripped it open, and inside was a black box. Harry opened the box, and gasped when he saw the snitch inside. It was silver a delicate-looking, shiny and pretty, much unlike the banged-up golden snitched of Hogwarts. Lightning bolts had been engraved artfully along the surface, as had been his initials.
"Thank you, you two!" Harry said, grinning.
Harry also received a box of homemade treacle fudge from Mrs Weasley, a charmed muggle toy aeroplane from Mr Weasley, a jade scarab-beetle necklace from Bill ("He sent it from Egypt by owl. He said that it's got protection charms on it."), a Dragonhide jacket from Charlie ("He got stuck on the reserve, but he wanted to give you that, Harry dear."), a box of the latest Wheezes from Fred and George, and a Holyhead Harpies Jersey from Ginny (They were her favourite team).
Remus was the last to give a gift.
"Sirius and I thought for a long time about what we should get you, and we finally made a decision." Remus said, a ghost of a smile flittering across his lips as he remembered the long days of arguments and debates. And, of course, the making up afterwards.
He reached behind him, and bought out a silver-paper covered box. He flicked his wand, and then passed it carefully to Harry, as if the box held something fragile. It was quite heavy, and warm to the touch. Harry set it down in front of him, and with nimble fingers, he removed the paper. Beneath it was a 10-gallon tank. They had gotten him a snake!
It was beautiful. At about 21 inches in length, it had shiny, smooth-looking scales that made a pattern of patches of chocolate brown, bordered by a lighter tawny colour. The underbelly was paler than the rest of the body, and the head had an arrow-like shape of brown scales, that tapered off at the snakes' nose. It was curled up and asleep at the moment.
"It's beautiful!" Harry told Remus, tears of gratitude welling up in his eyes.
"She." Remus said with a smile at Harry's emotional state. But his eyes were sad. He wanted to be sharing this moment with Sirius. "She's a girl, Harry."
Harry looked down again at the snake. His precious, baby girl. Harry grinned again, wiping away the happy tears that had threatened to overflow.
"She's been hatched for five days, but all she's done so far is sleep and move around a bit." Remus told him. "She doesn't have a name yet. We thought that we should leave the naming to you."
"Thank you so much Remus!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes stinging a little. "I think I'll wake her up."
Harry reached down into the box, noting the change in the humidity and temperature of the air over his hand as he did so. As he tenderly stroked the little one's head to wake her up, Hermione opened her dam of information.
"She's a Burmese Python, isn't she? Remus, magical Burmese Pythons can grow up to thirty feet! And they are even venomous, unlike their muggle cousins! These snakes are highly dangerous!" She exclaimed, shooting a reproaching glance at Remus. But he was unrepentant.
"Magical Burmese Pythons are very loyal and protective creatures, Hermione. The only person who would be harmed by her is someone who tries to harm Harry. They are highly intelligent, and while they navigate by scent, they have both infra-red and human-like vision, depending on the set of eyelids they are using. Harry will come to no harm. And look how happy he is!" Remus explained quietly. They both turned back to look at Harry. The snake was now awake, and it was licking at Harry's fingers, tasting his scent, and adding it to memory.
"What is your name, little one?" Harry asked, hissing quietly.
"I have no name." She replied. Her voice was high-pitched and feminine, and her age was reflected in it. Her tone reminded Harry of a very intelligent three-year-old.
"Would you like one?" Harry inquired, smiling as the snake nodded her head a little.
"Yes please." She licked at his fingers again.
"Alright. How about… Beauty?"
"Thank you, but no."
"Sahanna?"
"No." She shook her little head.
"Monty?" He asked, smirking a little.
"No." She didn't get the joke.
"Alexandra?"
"No."
"Sir William SNakespeare?" He grinned at the awful name.
"I am female." Apparently she was too young to have a sense of humour.
"I know that, little one. Vanessa?"
"That is not my name."
"Rumplestiltskin!"
"No!"
"Okay, okay! I was only having fun. What about Bobbi?"
"Bobbi. Yes. That is my name." She nodded vigorously.
"Okay. I am Harry."
"Hello, Harry." Bobbi hissed. She then slithered up his hand, and wrapped herself around his wrist. She rested her head on the back of his hand; her body was a warm bracelet. The pet shop owner hand cast permanent warming and humidifying charms on Bobbi, so that she would never get too cold or dry.
Harry got up slowly, carefully, and turned to the others.
"I would like you to meet Bobbi, the Burmese Python." He said with a grin.
To be continued…
Post A/N: All questions and comments are welcome!