Hi everyone, I'm finally ready to post a chapter! I know it's been a while but I've been writing some fest pieces on the side of this and that takes quite a bit of time and energy. Please enjoy this chapter, I love you all!
******** ******** Chapter 41 ******** ********
Harry sat cross-legged in the back yard with his eyes closed. It was mid afternoon and he was alone for the first time all day because Draco had the twins with him as he accepted visiting friends. Pansy and Marcus were here now but Blaise and Luna had joined them earlier.
The two weeks that had passed since the new year had seen Harry grow steadily more restless but Luna – dear sweet 'head-in-the-clouds' Luna – seemed to think she could cure that edginess. During morning tea she'd suggested that he find some quiet time and use it to meditate or 'calm his savage beast' whatever that meant. So, here he sat…cross-legged and barefoot, wearing muggle sweatpants and no shirt in his climate controlled backyard…listening to the silence as he breathed slow and steady. He struggled to clear his mind because it was a jumbled mess.
After a few minutes, Harry felt a strange sensation that he couldn't identify but it was somewhere between floating and flying.
Suddenly his surroundings changed.
He started to see grass and trees… It was almost as if he was approaching a forest of sorts and he seemed to be soaring above the scene. Not long after the strange vision began, he saw a large clearing in the distance. It seemed to be centered on one young tree which had many branches that were low enough to accommodate what looked like a flock of birds.
Harry's consciousness seemed to focus on the clearing even as he began to notice that it wasn't just birds that were congregating around him. Animals of all shapes and sizes had gathered in the clearing and they seemed to look at him…not at him so much as through him…It was as if these creatures were somehow evaluating him for some reason.
Then it hit Harry like a lightning bolt. This was the level of calm he'd been searching for! This was the realm of consciousness where he could explore himself and figure out what form his soul would take as an animagus.
He didn't know how long it would take so he remained where he was as groups of animals came close to him. He became increasingly nervous as the animals looked him over and left. He was slightly disappointed when the jungle cats departed the clearing. Indeed, the more exotic animals left rather quickly but that was a comfort because Harry wasn't sure how he'd deal with things if he was too big to be near his amazing family. Soon all of the African animals had left except for one lion and it unnerved him a bit when the lion simply sat looking pleased instead of getting closer.
Then he noticed a stag and doe in the background of the crowd but put them out of his mind until they made an approach.
He noticed wolves and reindeer along with rabbits and foxes. There were ferrets and stoats as well as squirrels and chipmunks. Mice and rats were there too and he did see one rat approach him but it was snapped at by a large black dog. The dog only seemed to have come out of nowhere because there were suddenly an abundance of domestic animals getting closer to Harry. He looked around at all the different breeds of canines and felines. Many looked like they wanted to come closer but none made the move.
A large black wolf sat close to the stag and doe and after a while the black dog also joined them.
Housecats and lapdogs soon left along with the adorable Australian animals. The birds of the Amazon were next to size him up and while they were nice none of them came close enough. Soon even the birds began to leave… the last one to do so was a silver gyrfalcon and then only owls were left on the tree branch while the only land animals to remain were a lion, a stag, a doe, a wolf and a dog. The barn owl stood proudly and was joined by a screech owl and an eagle owl. Other types of owl looked down at him from higher branches including a Great Horned owl but the one that drew his eye looked so similar to Hedwig that he wanted to cry. One by one the owls took flight. The Snowy owl stayed where he was while the lion approached.
Harry met the lion's eyes as it congratulated him on finding his form. It spoke in feelings rather than words but Harry knew he had understood the large cat when it communicated its pride in him. Once his purpose had been fulfilled, the lion stood back to observe the rest. The stag and doe watched the dog and wolf come close to him and he might've been imagining it but Harry would swear on his magic that he felt his godfather's and Remus' presence as the two greeted him. He felt pride again when his eyes met the eyes of the animals before him. A tear came to his eye and blurred the vision slightly as they went to stand beside the lion. The doe came forward next with the stag just behind her. Harry was breathless as he let his eyes wander over her form. She was so lovely with her tanned hide moving over her elegantly muscled body. This was his mother. He had no doubt as she got to him first and seemed to smile but quickly became still waiting for her mate who stood nobly and bowed. The stag's many branched antlers brushed the ground as the Snowy owl came to land on Harry's shoulder and when he stood tall again Harry was already flying through the air on snow white wings.
Harry's eyes opened to find himself lower to the ground than he'd expected. He looked around and saw that the outside furniture was taller than him. Had he become Alice and been shrunk and transported to Wonderland?
The grass moved a small distance from him and he jumped but when he did so he caught sight of a flash of white. He turned to see what it was but ended up even more confused. As far as he knew, he'd never been able to see directly behind him without turning his body too.
You have finally done it, snake-speaker. You have taken your other form. Congratulations. Amice said from not too far away.
Harry had the strange urge to lean forward and pick up the adder with his mouth but he fought it. He must've changed to his animagus form. He decided to ignore the snake for now and see if it was true or just a tall tale from his little friend. White flashed again as he pushed off from the ground to try and take flight. The white was his wings! He knew the vision was real! His form was a Snowy owl! It must have something to do with his love of flying and Hedwig.
He ended up hopping across the lawn until he got to the steps that led into the house. Deciding he'd do better with a little bit of height, Harry hopped as high as he could, eventually reaching the top step. At that point he flapped his wings again.
A loud gasp sounded behind him this time and Harry would know that gasp anywhere.
"How on Earth?" Draco asked as he looked down at the snowy owl on his terrace. "Did you get lost, my feathery friend? Are you hurt?"
Harry didn't know how to control his instincts yet so he just stayed still as his unknowing husband lifted him up.
"You're quite a beauty aren't you? Almost like…" Draco asked, shaking his head as he settled the bird on his arm and stroked its feathers. "I came out here looking for my husband. Have you seen him? He'd love…" Harry turned his head to look at the blond which caused another gasp. "Harry?"
Overjoyed that Draco had recognized his eyes, Harry blinked slowly once. When Draco only continued to stroke his feathers, Harry tried to spread his wings. He wanted to signal Draco but would the blond understand him?
He did. Draco let Harry grip his arm and even gave him a boost into the air. Harry instantly caught on and flapped as if his life depended on it. The first try took him on a short circuit around the yard only to land on the back of a chair. From there he took off again and stayed aloft for quite a bit longer. Draco watched in wonder and when he saw Harry angle toward the owlry window, he hurried to meet him.
Draco brought his children upstairs telling them only that there was new owl he wanted them to meet.
Lyra looked at Harry through her big green eyes and then smiled brilliantly at him. Caelum's blue eyes were full of wonder at the pure white bird. "Pitty owl, Daddy!"
"Yes he is…" Draco grinned. "I wish your papa was here to see him…"
Harry hooted. He hadn't tried to change back yet so he hoped it wouldn't take long. He closed his wide owl eyes and seconds later stood in front of his family in human form.
The twins were wide-eyed and his son looked a little frightened but, when he held his arms out to the little boy, Harry was not denied.
Caelum clung to him tightly. "Papa Owl?"
"Yes, Caelum, I can change to be an owl." Harry cuddled his son close and accepted his daughter's hug on his leg.
"Papa Owl pitty." Lyra told him softly.
"Yes…congratulations are in order, Harry…Papa Owl was exquisite." Draco whispered as he wrapped his arms around his husband from the back.
Harry's face flushed pink. "Thanks. I'll need to register at the ministry soon…"
Draco nodded proudly and lifted their daughter into his arms as they made their way downstairs.
The next day, Harry sent a letter to Kingsley requesting a short meeting and was rewarded with a quick reply. The minister had ten minutes before his lunch meeting with the department heads.
"Draco!" Harry called out as he walked down the hall toward his husband's study. "I'm going to the Ministry to register my animagus form at eleven thirty."
The blond grinned up at him. "Alright. I'll be fine with the kids."
"I was going to ask if you'd like to come with me. Narcissa is always saying she wants to see the children more, so we could just give her a floo call." Harry wheedled pulling his husband up to stand in his arms.
Draco bit his lip hesitantly.
Harry smirked as an idea hit him. "I'll take you to lunch later…there's a new café that opened up in Diagon."
Draco moaned. "Yes, alright, I'll go call my mother."
Harry couldn't contain his happiness. He tipped Draco's head up and captured the pale pink lips in a deep kiss. "Thank you, love."
As Draco dazedly moved toward the fireplace to call his mother, Harry went to get the pictures they'd taken last night. When he got back, Narcissa was there already and she looked at him.
"Well? I want to see…" She had an excited twinkle in her eye.
Harry chuckled and placed one hand on the new silver perch they'd transfigured out of an old unmatched shoe before changing into the snowy owl.
Narcissa looked appropriately amazed. "Oh, my! Harry, you're lovely!"
Draco looked at him with pride. "You know where everything is, Mother. We won't be gone more than an hour or two."
They said goodbye to their children and hurried off through the floo at just eleven twenty-nine.
"Gentlemen! It's wonderful to see you." Kingsley grinned holding his hand out for a shake.
The Malfoy-Potters greeted their friend but got right to the point because of the time constraints.
"So Kings, what I wanted to talk about this time is…" Harry paused for dramatic effect and placed a hand on the back of a chair as he changed.
The minister gasped in delight at the lovely white bird.
"Animagi." Harry finished when he'd turned back.
Draco shook his head and admonished his husband for his theatrics.
Kingsley shook his hand again with congratulatory words on his lips. "You've achieved it! Magnificent, Harry!"
"Thanks, Kings. Anyway, I'm here to register but I wanted you to know first." Harry's green eyes glittered.
"I'm honored..." Kingsley was grinning as he rummaged through his desk and finally handed him a stamp with a crown symbol. "Ah, here it is…This is called a 'Minister's seal'. It guarantees confidentiality to whatever form it's attached to and once it is applied to your registry paperwork the only people able to find out about it will be the people you tell personally. It should - I hope - keep gossip to a minimum."
With that, Harry and Draco left the room in search of the correct department. The Animagus registry office was busy when they arrived.
"Hello, Harry." A pretty young blonde woman that Harry vaguely recognized as Susan Bones was sitting at the desk. "Are you here to take the class on meditation so you can try becoming an Animagus?"
"Bones, right? Susan Bones?" Harry grinned. "I'm actually here to register my form. I just completed my transformation yesterday afternoon."
"Actually it's Susan Morgan, Harry – the marriage law – remember? But – wow, that's great! What is it?" She asked.
Harry gently tugged Draco forward and smiled to distract her. "Who could forget the marriage law? I'm sure you know my husband. Do I know yours?"
"Oh, I doubt it. He's from America – his name is Christopher Morgan. He'd just moved here the summer after the final battle of the war. His dad started working under my aunt and somehow we got thrown together." Susan shrugged. "I had a boy. His name is Jackson Pace Morgan…we're happy."
Harry grinned. "That's great! I'm happy for you and Christopher."
"Now can we have the forms we need, please?" Draco snapped at the flirtatious woman. "I'm sorry…It's just…I'm pregnant again and it's nearly the time Harry promised to take me for lunch."
"Of course." Susan blushed and dug into one of the drawers in her desk. "I'm sorry to be such a chatterbox! I just haven't heard from many people in the last year or so because I've been in America getting to know his family."
"Well, I'll tell our circle that you're home. I'm sure some of them were friends of yours." Harry took the papers and smiled. "I'll just fill these out so we can go."
She nodded and pointed toward the sofa in the corner. "You might be comfortable over there."
Harry steered Draco in that direction after plucking a quill from the desk. He filled out the papers and applied the 'Minister's seal' before walking back up to the desk.
"Oh, wow! You rate the Minister's seal? Very neat, Harry." Susan's smile seemed to get wider. "As the authorizing ministry agent, I'll need to see you change and then I'll need to examine and photograph your markings before observing the process of changing back. After that, I'll be able to sign and file the forms."
Draco was allowed to join Harry in the room as he followed through with the procedure. He grinned as he watched Harry change and then spread his wings while Susan walked around him in a tight circle. She took detailed notes as well as a picture when she passed each angle of view and it didn't take long before Harry and Draco were walking out of the ministry building.
The café served some wonderful food and Draco was happy as a niffler in a leprechaun's pocket as he opened the menu. Harry was just as happy to simply be there with the blond. They ate in comfortable silence – not including the lovely moans of enjoyment the Draco would make as he consumed his meal. He was driving Harry mad with those alluring noises and the brunette planned a quiet seduction for later that evening.
As the couple stood to leave, they heard an owl call and looked up to see Altaira angle towards them. Harry lifted his arm and allowed her to perch while Draco took the letter from her talon. The blond read the letter and showed it to Harry who felt dread gather in the pit of his stomach. "C'mon…" He whispered as he led his husband to the nearest store which happened to be Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.
He entered the store and sent off a locator spell to find George. "There's no time to explain, George. I'm sorry, but I need your floo."
"Of course, Harry." George was alarmed but knew when to joke and when not to. "You know where it is, mate."
Harry and Draco hurried up a set of stairs and through the office. Harry lit the fire and sent Draco on first.
"St. Mungo's." Draco called as he threw the powder. He disappeared in a puff of green fire and Harry only waited thirty seconds to follow him.
Narcissa met them as Harry was exiting the floo. "Boys, I'm so sorry to ruin your little outing!"
"Nonsense." Harry shrugged it off. "What happened?"
"Andromeda's healer floo-called your address just a little while ago. She was here for an appointment and the healer thinks she's at risk for a stroke." Narcissa told them solemnly as they walked down the hallway. "The healer also said that someone needed to come take her home. So I left the twins with Dinki and sent you the note before coming through."
"I'll take it from here, Mrs. Malfoy." A woman in pale blue robes met the group at the door to an examining room and motioned for them to join her. She locked the door and waited for them to sit. "Now, I don't want to worry you all unnecessarily. Mrs. Tonks hasn't had a stroke, or even a mini-stroke. Her blood pressure is simply high enough that I – and my team – feel that it's a risk."
"She's been watching her diet and taking the prescribed potions." Harry protested.
"She also has a young child to raise and worry over, Mr. Potter. She's not as fit as she acts and she's getting on in years." The healer spoke gently but matter-of-factly.
"What can we do?" Harry gripped his husband's hand.
"Well, perhaps you can lighten her load…" She suggested. "Teddy is quite rambunctious and mischievous, I hear…"
"Well, we can't just conspire to take him from her, Harry…But we do have extra suites at our estate." Draco was calm in the face of this worrisome news and it helped Harry come to terms with reality.
"Ok…I'll talk her into moving into Nettlestone with us." Harry kissed Draco's cheek and let his mother-in-law take the pregnant blond home with a request to write to the Weasleys and explain.
"Andy, I know you don't want to leave the home you lived in with your husband, but you need help with Teddy." Harry looked at her earnestly. "Now, I can't move in with you, so you'll have to give in here. I'll redecorate the suite to look like your room at home if you'd like."
She sighed. "It's not just that I shared it with Ted…I willfully left my family to make my own way with Ted. He and Nymphadora were my life and my freedom from the Blacks. I feel like leaving that home is the equivalent of giving up that freedom."
"Andy, you'll have more freedom – not less – if you move into Nettlestone!" Harry protested. "You'll have me and Draco to help you take care of Teddy. He'll have my children to play with. You'll have elves to clean up for you, but I know you enjoy cooking sometimes so I promise to convince Kreacher to let you in the kitchen."
Andromeda bit her lip and sighed. "Well, I suppose I'll get to see you and Draco…and Narcissa more often if I do…"
"The Malfoys do visit often to see Draco and the twins…" Harry interjected hopefully.
The older woman gave a sigh of resignation. "Alright. I'll move us in tomorrow."
Harry smiled and gave the woman a hug. "Thank you, Andy. I'll get Dinki and Kreacher set to their tasks tonight and we'll be ready to help come morning."
By the end of the night, Kreacher knew to cook with little to no salt and let Andy cook if she was of a mind. Dinki was told she'd have a new charge but her primary duty was to Draco, Harry and the twins and she was quite happy to do anything she could for all the occupants of Nettlestone Estate. Both elves helped to redecorate the guest suite to Andromeda's preferences and they were finished by the time Harry went to retrieve his godson and honorary aunt. Draco had promised to brew what potions she needed but some weren't safe for a pregnant person, so Harry asked Al to do the honors if Draco couldn't. Teddy was excited to be sharing the nursery with the twins but he tired out near the same time as they did so there wasn't much fuss as they integrated the two households. Even with the worry over Andromeda's condition, the rest of January passed without incident.
Susan's married name, as well as her son's first name are inspired by a friend of mine from FB. She takes care of an adorable little boy and betas my fest pieces. Love you Britt!
Lori