Puck walked beside Harry as they followed the floating sea turtle. They had been walking for almost an hour already through the short grass at the base of the mountain. They could still see the desert about a mile away where it had ended abruptly. Hulk bounded along side them occasionally running and snapping at the turtle, which just swam through the not-wolf. Max the pygmy puff was riding on Finn's head while the small sandy creature was still following along at Mikes heel and the teen occasionally reached down to pat the animal's head, earning himself a coo or giggle.
Layla was still curled up in her pouch on his chest. Puck was looking forward to when she was feeling well enough to ride on his shoulders instead. He had been amused at Harry's stricken face when he told Puck that the couatl thought he was also her daddy. It sounded an awful lot like the baby thought Puck was her mother, but he decided to ignore it and never speak of it as long as Harry didn't either. If he was being honest at the moment he was far more capable of taking care of and providing loves than healing or protecting anyway.
"I still have one question left," Puck blurted suddenly.
Harry snorted at the statement. "What?"
"A question about your animal form. I've still got another one."
"You're right. Have you thought of one yet," Harry asked smiling at the mohawked teen.
"As a matter of fact I have. I already know you are bigger than a person, don't have paws or stripes and you're a magical animal. You're not a stag, panther, bird, snake or llama. So my question is this: Is there any chance that I will ever guess the right animal?"
Harry looked at him for a moment. "Sorry, but no. I tried to tell you."
Puck slumped his shoulders in defeat. "Really?"
"Really. I don't even know much about it, basically only the name. We've been searching for information ever since I first transformed but only found a brief description of my appearance and a name. We are pretty sure the creature is Japanese in origin because that is what the book where we found the name was written in."
"Will you show me?" Puck asked. He was really curious now.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'll show you tonight after we meet up with the others."
"Hey, guys. Look, it's doing it again," Mike called from behind the pair. They both turned to see where Mike was pointing. In the distance where the desert was the landscape abruptly turned into a swamp. Except for the mile radius around the mountain where it remained the same grassy area.
"That is so weird. I wonder why that keeps happening," Mike said.
"At least we don't have to walk through that," Finn reasoned.
The boys continued their walking until suddenly Prongs appeared in front of Titan, the two swirled around each other before they disappeared completely. Beside Puck, Harry gasped and grinned widely.
"Nev? Luna?" Harry yelled out.
"Where are they? I don't see them!" Finn said.
Mike pointed in the distance. "There they are!"
Sure enough little figures could bee seen coming from around a curve of the mountain base about a mile away. There were five of them walking towards their group. Mike and Finn let out a loud whoop and with huge smiles took off at a run towards their friends. Puck shared a smile with Harry at their enthusiasm and took off at a jog to try and keep up with the other two.
Mike and Finn reached them first. Mike swept a tired but happy looking Tina off her feet and twirled her around while the sand creature waddled faster trying to reach Mike. Finn scooped up Kurt in a huge hug, the boy's feet dangling in the air as he yelped.
"Finn! You giant, put me down!"
Puck snickered and got a good look at Harry's friends as the boy went over to greet two of them. The boy, Neville he assumed as his voice was the same as the sea turtle, was a tall handsome boy their age and he pulled Harry into a tight hug. Puck fought down a flare of jealousy and looked at the small blonde girl next to Neville which had to be Luna. The whole group looked exhausted but happy. Puck stood to the side and let the friends greet each other and noticed another blonde preppy looking boy watching the group with a sneer on his face.
"Harry! Where did you find a Cù-Sìth?" Neville's voice broke through Puck's observing and he looked at the boy who was watching Hulk in awe as the not-wolf collapsed in the grass from the running.
"A what?" Harry asked sounding bewildered.
"You don't even know? That's a Cù-Sìth, Harry. We went over them in Care of Magical Creatures in sixth year," Neville told him.
"What's a Cù-Sìth," Puck asked curiously. The others around looked to Neville at Puck's question. Tina and Kurt looked warily at the huge green not-wolf while Mike and Finn just looked curious. The blonde boy just sneered some more.
"Oh! Sorry guys. Puck this is Neville and Luna. They are some of my oldest friends. Neville and Luna, this is Puck. He's my...er..." Harry looked confused so Puck helped him out.
"Boyfriend," Puck supplied wrapping an arm around the teen's shoulders and was almost blinded by the smile Harry shot him. Hell, if Puck was willing to run in and fight a monster for the guy of course he was going to claim him for his own.
"Yes. That," Harry finished with a slight blush.
"Wow. You move quick, mate," Neville said with a smile at Harry followed up with a calculating glance at Puck.
Kurt snorted. "Only you could get in a plane crash, land on a deserted island and still hook up, Noah."
"Chill, Princess. Harry's not a hook-up," Puck replied rolling his eyes. "Honestly, you sleep with half the town and no one lets you forget it."
Harry chuckled beside him. "Noah?"
Puck mock glared at the green eyed boy. "Keep it up, Chos-"
"Shutting up," Harry cut him off quickly.
"So Scarhead got himself a muggle boy toy. The Prophet is going to love this one," the blonde broke into the light conversation.
Harry's grin fell off his face as he faced the pale boy. "Malfoy, I really can't see even you giving Skeeter the scoop from here."
"We're not going to be in this thrice-damned place forever, Potty," Malfoy smirked. Puck was beginning to dislike this boy.
"Well, I will worry about that later, Ferret. I have better things to think about like oh, I don't know, getting off the island."
The blonde sneered but didn't respond. Puck saw Malfoy look him up and down with disgusted expression that disappeared instantly to be replaced by fury when he took in what was on Puck's arm.
"You gave a muggle a wand! Are you really that daft, Potter?"
"No, I didn't," Harry replied, but didn't expand.
"I can see it! Give it here," the boy demanded and reached for the sheath on Puck's arm.
"Fuck no. It's mine." Puck glared at the annoying teen who dared try and take his wand.
"Listen up, muggle. You can play wizard later. My wand was lost in the crash so. Give. It. Here," Malfoy growled.
Puck crossed his arms over his chest, just under Layla's pouch, and glared at the blonde. "No," he repeated firmly.
"Noah, just give the guy the wand," Kurt sighed.
"No," Harry said, tightening his arm around Puck's waist with a glare at both Malfoy and Kurt. "It's his. I gave it to him and it's staying where it is. Get over it, Malfoy. Next time don't be a daddy look alike and turn your wand into a cane. Can't loose it if it's strapped to your arm," Harry told him smugly. Puck was getting to see a whole new side to Harry, interesting.
"Look," Neville broke into the glaring competition, "we've just met up after a week apart. Obviously stuff has happened here that we don't know about. Why don't we make camp here for now until we know what we will be dong."
"Shut it, Fat-bottom," Malfoy snarled. "That wand is mine." The boy made to grab at Puck's arm but Harry was in between them with his own wand drawn and in the blonde's pointed face before the boy could get any closer.
"Come near him again and you'll see exactly what I'm capable of, Malfoy. I mean it. Back off," Harry hissed.
The blonde paled and stepped back. "Fine. Set up your stupid camp."
Puck kept an eye on Malfoy while the other three wizards began to transfigure seats. The camp was more elaborate that they usually made. It looked like the girl, Luna, was really good at this type of magic. When they were finished the camp, if it could even be called that, looked more like a living room with couches arranged in a square facing each other on a lush blue carpet. Harry and Puck set on a love seat directly across from Neville, Luna, and Kurt. Mike and Tina curled up together next to Finn on the couch parallel to the one Malfoy was sitting sullenly on.
Once everyone was comfortable, Neville started. "First, I would love to know where these...creatures came from, Harry. Only you would be found in the company of a Cù-Sìth."
Harry grinned unrepentantly. "They sort of just attached themselves to us. Hulk here," Harry patted the large head that rested on the arm of the couch where the not-wolf was laying beside it, "he saved my life from some huge tree monster. If it wasn't for him, none of us would have made it here."
"Cù-Sìth are faery dogs, Harry. They protect and guard faeries," Neville revealed, causing confusion.
Harry turned to the Cu-Sith. "Then why did you help me?" Hulk rolled his eyes without lifting his head up then chuffed. "Right, Can't speak." Hulk lifted his head and shook it then raised a massive paw to poke at Harry's leg. "I...don't know what that means."
"Wait. He can actually understand you," Tina asked quietly.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, so far."
"Cù-Sìth can understand all languages, they just can't speak," Neville confirmed. "So how did you get a pygmy puff?" Neville asked pointing to the pink puff still on top of Finn's head.
"I don't know, man. I was in the jungle looking for food and he was just sitting on the ground," Finn told him taking the puff off his head and letting it roll around in his palm.
Luna cooed and reached over to the other couch to pet the pink ball. "You are so cute, Barbie!"
"HA!" Puck shouted, startling Harry beside him. "Told you!"
"His name is Max, NOT Barbie," Finn told Luna.
"Well, that's just silly. She looks more like a Barbie to me."
"Told ya so, Frankenteen," Puck gloated. He liked this girl.
"Ok, Ok. Pink cotton ball aside, what in Gaga's name is that," Kurt asked pointing to the sandy creature sitting by Mike and Tina's feet.
Mike reached a hand down to pet the creature who closed his almond shaped eyes and squealed in delight making Tina 'aww'. "We don't know. Finn almost squished him, and when I helped him out he kind just stuck to me. He's friendly though, obviously," Mike finished with a fond look at the creature. They all looked at Neville hoping for an answer.
"Don't look at me. I have no clue what that is," the boy declared, holding his hands up in defense.
"I do," Luna said dreamily. They all waited for her to expand, but when she stayed silent Harry prompted her.
"What is it, Luna?"
"Sandshrew."
"Sandshrew? What is that?" Mike asked.
"They live in sandy areas and can curl in into tiny balls. They absolutely hate water, so no bubble baths for him," Luna told Mike seriously, shaking her head for extra emphasis.
"Luna? That isn't a made up creature, is it?"
"Harry," Luna stated with a pitying look, "how can he be imaginary if Tina is petting him right now?"
Puck looked at the wizard cuddled up under his arm. "She does have have a point."
"True. Alright then. A sandshrew it is," Harry agreed.
"Can we please address why you gave a muggle a wand, Potter. Or what you were doing with an extra wand anyway," Malfoy interrupted.
"It's not my wand, Malfoy. When I woke up on the beach lots of people were hurt so I used the training we got during the war to help where I could. One of the Hufflepuffs didn't make it," he told them sadly. "There was an Auror on the plane who lost his wand, so I told him that he might find one with the student. Mike, Finn, Puck and I went to send a message for help. They had already found out about magic and wanted to see more so they came with me further down the beach to watch me send Prongs. That's how we found out nothing could leave the island. When we made our way back to camp not even an hour later all the muggles and the Auror were gone.
"We searched for any sign of them but found nothing, not even those who didn't survive the crash. The only thing I did find was that wand. I pocketed it just in case. Later that night it fell out of my pocket and Puck picked it up. We were all shocked to see sparks shoot out of the tip. Somehow Puck has magic, he's a wizard not a muggle. I've been teaching him what I can, mostly charms and defense. So, no, Malfoy, you cannot have the wand. It has bonded to Puck, it belongs to him now," Harry informed the sulking boy much to Puck's delight.
"Then why did you dress the mudblood up as a Slytherin," Malfoy sneered. "Magic or not he'd never be worthy of the noble Slytherin house."
"Malfoy, stop," Neville said and surprisingly the blonde did. "Really, Harry, he hasn't been too bad the last week. I honestly think you bring it out in him."
"Probably," Harry conceded. "I don't know if you guys have noticed, but there is something really off about this island," Harry said addressing Neville and Luna mostly, not so subtly shifting the conversation.
Neville nodded at the black haired boy. "We've noticed. I woke up still half in the ocean. I saw Luna and Malfoy fighting with some people. The muggles were crowding up on them, shouting at them. Malfoy had pushed Luna behind him and was yelling right back, so I knew something had to be wrong. I made my way out of the water and when I got close enough I was able to hear what they were saying. Luna had used her magic to save Kurt and Tina from drowning but someone else saw her and called her a demon. Luna was frightened and stunned the man before he could reach her, and that just brought more attention. At first when I got to the group the muggles thought I was one of them, but when Luna ran to me they started yelling at me too. They were getting really aggressive and I didn't want to have to attack so we backed off and went further down the beach without them.
"The next day Tina and Kurt came running up to us. The muggles had all disappeared while they slept leaving only the two of them. They said they knew we weren't bad since we helped them so they joined us. I sent a message off to Snape and Luna sent one to you. After we started making our way here we ended up going through a rock quarry and a plain. Just last night we got caught in an arctic tundra, that's why we were late. We had to keep casting and recasting warming charms."
"We went though a jungle, grassy hills and a desert. Did you guys run into any monsters or anything," Puck asked.
"No, we saw some really odd creatures but no monsters," Kurt told them. "We saw a abominable snowman. It kind of just saw us and then wondered away, no monster like behavior."
"In the hills we were attacked by tree monsters that tried to AK us. We came across a selkie and Finn almost got eaten by horse fish."
"Tree monsters?" Neville asked looking excited.
"Yeah, man. They were fricking huge! They kept shooting at us with this green light. It was scary. Then Harry killed it and it like screamed. It was horrible. But we're really glad he didn't die," Finn rushed out.
Neville looked a bit sick. "Harry. These tree monsters, were they sort of glowing yellow?" Harry slowly nodded looking scared. Neville dropped his head into his hands at the confirmation. "Harry, you killed a spriggan?" Neville moaned in despair.
"Hey, man. They were trying to kill us. They attacked first, Harry was just protecting us," Puck defended. He didn't want Harry to feel guilty for saving his life.
"What's a spriggan?" Mike asked.
"Nature guardian. Protector of the land of Faery. The horse fish you said attacked Finn was probably a kelpie. Selkies, kelpies, spriggans and a Cù-Sìth. I hate to say it, but I think you guys walked right through faerie land."
"Fairy land. You know, it sounds a lot less dangerous than it actually was when you say it like that," Puck pointed out.
"So how are we going to get off this island," Kurt asked.
"You all noticed the barrier keeping everything in," Harry asked. The rest nodded. "I don't know. Nothing I sent could get out. I tried calling house-elves even, but nothing. For right now, until we come up with something, we are just going to have to find a way to survive here. Now it looks like there are a number of different 'biomes' on the island, each one equip with it's own specific creatures. I know they can cross over, since we brought our companions with us. There doesn't seem to be any here in this section though, it looks like this mountain is the center. All the biomes stop about a mile out, so I think we should stay around the base of the mountain."
"Shouldn't we wait on the beach? I thought we were only coming inland to meet up, then making out way back out," Kurt told them.
"If we stay here we can reach all the different environments quicker, though," Mike pointed out.
"Why would we need to do that?" Finn asked.
"Food and stuff. On the beach we only have the fish and whatever biome we have at our backs."
"But anyone looking for us wouldn't see us here," Tina pointed out.
"We can climb the mountain, set a fire up top. That would be out best bet at being seen," Neville suggested.
"Who would climb it though? That mountain is really steep," Puck asked looking up at the towering black mountain.
They were all silent for a moment, before Malfoy sighed and spoke up. "I can do it," he told them resignedly.
All the teens turned to look at the posh boy in disbelief. Malfoy rolled his eyes and then began to shift. Light gray fur with dark spots rolled over the boy as his body shrank and reformed. After a moment instead of the pointy faced aristocrat was a large cat. Bright eyes watched in amusement as the muggles gaped. A long thick tail curled around short stocky legs and huge furry paws as the cat settled down into the sofa. If a cat could smirk, Puck was pretty sure that's what this one was doing.
"A snow leopard. You're a snow leopard. Harry, he's a snow leopard," Puck repeated dumbly.
"Yes, Puck. I can see that. You knew what an animagus was."
"Yeah, but I hadn't seen it yet! That was crazy."
Neville snickered. "Wait until you see Harry change."
Puck turned away from the cat to look at his boyfriend. "Yours is even cooler than that?"
Harry shrugged. "I've never seen me change, have I? I've heard it's neat though."
"Neat? No, Harry. Me growing a mane and turning into a lion is neat. Luna turning into a Capuchin monkey is neat. Your transformation is... breath taking," Neville said with a large amount of awe.
"Ok. Now, you gotta show me," Puck told Harry.
Harry grabbed Pucks head and pulled him down until the wizard was speaking into his ear. "I said I'd show you later. It's kinda private."
Even though he was confused, Puck nodded in agreement and lifted his head back up to look at the others. "So if Malfoy can climb the mountain, what kind of signal is he going to use?"
"Flashing enchantment," Luna spoke up. "We can enchant something for him to take up that will flash on and off so someone can see it."
Malfoy shifted back to human. "It can't be too heavy or it will throw off my balance," he told the group. "This mountain is too steep to take the chance."
"We need to use something permanent too. If we transfigure something it will stop flashing once the transfiguration runs out," Luna reminded.
We can find something, I'm sure. I don't we should try until tomorrow though. It's already starting to get late and Malfoy is going to need hours to get up and back," Neville said.
"Neville's right, we should probably start thinking about setting up tents and finding dinner," Kurt told the group.
"We've still got some fruit and fish," Finn told his brother. "But only enough for probably today and tomorrow.
"We have some fish too. Neville's been picking up edible plants along the way so we have those but we are going to need something more," said Tina.
"Let's worry about all that tomorrow. We didn't get much sleep last night. We got attacked by a fire shooting scorpion thanks to someone's big mouth," Harry said with a halfhearted glare at Finn.
"It was huge! What was I supposed to do?"
"Not scream like a five year old girl," Puck stated.
"Whatever, Puck. Like you were any better when you saw the tree monsters," Finn retorted.
"Guys, it's done now. Let's just relax, okay? We all got our friends back at least," Mike placated.
"You're right, Mike. Luna, do you think you could do our tents too?" Harry asked sheepishly. "I never got the hang of wizard tents."
"Of course, Harry. How many do we need?"
Harry looked up at Puck, the question written across his face. "Oh, were still sharing, babe. I can't let you go without your cuddles," Puck told him matter of factly.
Harry blushed then flipped the bird to Neville who was snickering. They ended up needing 5 tents. Neville and Luna got a two room tent and so did Finn and Kurt. Mike and Tina shared a single room tent like Puck and Harry. Malfoy of course got his own. While the small blonde girl started making the tents, Harry and Neville changed the living room like camp to more of camp site that they had been using with a fire and chairs. The rest unpacked the food from the bags to be cooked.
When everything was set up they sat around telling stories of their travel to the mountain. Luna and Neville offered to help Puck learn the things Harry wasn't able to teach while they were stuck on the island. Luna would be teaching him transfiguration and Neville Herbology. Puck was excited, a little over whelmed, but in a good way. He was looking forward to learning all he could about magic since he didn't know what would happen when they left the island.
Harry and Neville set up strong wards around the campsite. Harry told Puck that with the two of them it would take less time to build the semi permanent wards. If they decided to stay in one place they would make permanent ones that would last a long time and would be keyed so that only certain people could cross in.
By mutual agreement they all ended up heading to bed early that day. The rush to meet up had drained them all and they needed sleep. When Puck walked into the tent Luna set up for him and Harry he stopped at the opening and just stared until a laughing Harry pushed him further in. It was huge! From the outside it had looked just like tent Harry had set up. On the inside however, was a completely different story. There was a small living room with a couch and recliner. Behind that was a kitchen with a table and two chairs. On the opposite side of the tent was a giant rectangular cushion, which confused Puck until Hulk wondered in behind Harry and collapsed onto the cushion.
Puck wondered around their tent, finding not only a bedroom with a queen size mattress, but a working bathroom. He stared longingly at that room for a moment before venturing back out into the rest of the house. Harry was watching his movements with a fond smile.
"I felt the same way the first time I was in a wizarding tent," Harry told him.
Puck smiled at the grinning boy and walked up and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, pulling his against chest, careful not to squish Layla. Harry tilted his smiling face up and Puck captured those tempting lips with his own. After a moment the tanned boy drew back, still smiling down at Harry.
"I love magic."
AN: Sorry for the delay. I hate trouble coming up with the motivation for this, but it stuck me this morning in the shower. All the needed clues are there so I think some of you will be able to guess Harry's animagus form now, and if not it will be revealed in the next chapter. If you hate what I have chosen, I'm sorry, but I've had it planned since like chapter 2 and it's important to the story. Also some of the bits about the creatures have been altered to fit the story but there all real with the exception of the scorpion from the last chapter. Do you know how hard it is to find a desert monster?
AN2: When I first started writing this story there was a small prologue like chapter that began it. I later deemed it entirely superfluous and deleted it. Turns out it was not because I had my warnings written on that chapter. I'm going to go back and replace them, but in case you don't see it: I haven't watched Glee past about season 2. I have read a lot of the fanfiction. There is a gigantic chance of OOC and nothing after season 2 applies. As for the Harry Potter side of things, its AU after OOTP. Also a chance of OOC there too. Additionally I have altered both timelines so they are all around 17 years old in 2014 because reasons.
AN3: I do not exaggerate when I say reviews give me the will to write. Please give me some feed back so I know if I'm on the right track or I should alter it a bit. A huge thanks to everyone who has reviewed.