Disclaimer: I DO NOT own the Harry Potter Series. That right belongs solely to the amazing J.K. Rowling. I DO, however, own the plot, Oura (not her last name, again the literary goddess Rowling) and my favorite cat, Sterling.
Chapter 19
Draco only saw Oura once before meeting in the Room the next day, and even then, it was simply from across the grounds on the way to the edge of the Forbidden Forest for his weekly dose of dangerous beasts. Trudging through the snow to get to and from Care of Magical Creatures had him soaked to the bones, leaving him in such a sour mood so that even provoking Potter had lost its shine. He was only going through the motions as he insulted their half-giant professor under his breath. His mind was definitely elsewhere, specifically what would happen that evening. Could he put up giant curtains on the windows to prevent the light from getting through, or would that not work? If she stayed in the shadows, would that help? Could he just ask the room for now windows? He was sure that Oura had probably already thought of all that, and they must not have. Maybe clouds were the only thing that could block the moonlight effectively. Maybe he should look up the way werewolves avoided the transformation, the same principles should apply, shouldn't it? Was there even a way that werewolves avoided transformation? He would have to discuss it with Oura.
He shook his head and focused on the Teumessian foxes that they were trying to lure out of the Forbidden Forest. Their professor almost certainly had something exponentially more dangerous to show them, but when the skulk was spotted, the oaf had said that it would be a fantastic "learning experience". Draco, on the other hand, felt it was a complete waste of time. The foxes, named after their legendary Greek ancestor, were gigantic, the size of large horses, and yet were rather skittish as well. Not even the Granger girl had managed to tempt the nervous animals. Then again, it was doubtful that anyone would be able to. Like their namesake, it was impossible to capture one, due to the magic that was infused in its coat and paws. They were all squatting in the grass, and many from the red and gold house were beckoning and whispering what Draco supposed what the Gryffindorks were soothing and friendly words of encouragement. In reality, they were simply rather annoying. He wondered absently if the animals would approach if they didn't want to put them in the hastily-constructed fences that the lions helped to set up. His legs began to cramp. Standing up and stretching them earned him whispered reprimands from those around him. He simply ignored them, rolling his eyes, and walked to sit by Blaise, who was closer to the edge of the Forest, and, by default, the foxes. Annoyed by the loss of ability to speak without a multitude of people glaring daggers into his back, he turned to whisper to his dark skinned friend about whether they were going to the Hogsmeade trip the following week, when something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. One of the younger foxes, the rest of whom were rough-housing in the shelter of the shade provided by a small grove of evergreens, started to creep forward curiously towards the group of students. Nearly everyone held their breath as the kit, which was the size of a large hunting dog, inched his way closer until all Draco had to do was reach his hand out to touch him. Slowly, as though transfixed, he did so, unconsciously holding his breath as the cub sniffed his fingers.
Draco, who was absolutely astonished that the fox would approach him of all people, smiled softly as the kit bumped its head against his hand, before realizing that there were others around, who were definitely watching the exchange. The class looked about as stunned as he felt, and he scowled at them, though his look lost some of it's normal bite as the whined, causing the blonde to subconsciously scratch behind the pup's ear. Blaise snorted next to him and the Malfoy heir turned his aggravated gaze towards his friend. The chocolate skinned boy simply rolled his eyes, unaffected as usual. The half-giant oaf also seemed unmoved by the hostile stare, his eyes alight with both enthusiasm and a dash of confusion.
"Very good, Malfoy. Now, jus' put 'im righ' in here..."
The kit's head snapped up and started to slowly back away from the group as though it understood what their idiotic professor was saying. A sudden anger and protectiveness washed over Draco and his eyes narrowed. The summer away from Hogwarts had treated the blonde well, and when he pulled himself to his full height, he towered over most. Now, even though he was much shorter than the half giant, he made a rather imposing figure, steel eyes displaying his animosity.
"No one will be putting him anywhere." His voice was cold and hard, daring someone to object. None seemed willing to do so, and, satisfied, he turned back to the kit, who knocked his head against the Slytherin's knee, almost in thanks. Draco smiled again, squatting down quickly to ruffle the pup's fur before it scampered back toward it's skulk. The still-stunned class watched as the foxes disappeared as quietly as they had appeared, melting into the shadows without a trace.
Draco gathered his things as the bell tower shook his classmates out of their dazed expressions and began to lead trudge back up through the deep snow drifts attempting to get to DADA on time for once. Merlin knew that Umbridge hated when he was late to her class. If only he could slow time down, maybe he would actually be on time for once. Whoever thought it was a good idea to put DADA after Care of Magical Creatures was a downright moron. The blonde shook his head, turning his thoughts toward tonight. He only had one class and dinner to think of anything else he wanted to ask Oura. He contemplated this as he walked, not looking forward to the reprimands that Umbridge was sure to give him as the second bell went off. He was only halfway there. Truly, he thought to himself, they are all idiots.
xXx Hello my little Owlettes! First of all, big shout out to the 3 people that reviewed lou lou.b, aquafortistheta, and my sister from another mister introvertqueen! Love you guys! Anyways... I definitely did not forget to update. Okay, so maybe I did, but my muse decided to take a vacation without my permission. I think it's back now, so if you'll guys just hang tight, I swear I'll do my best to update as fast as possible. So what did you think of my second attempt at writing from Draco's perspective? Let me know! Also, as I no longer have a Beta, let me know if you spot any errors in this chapter, and I'll try to fix them asap. As usual, favorite, follow and review. It means a lot to me! Lots of Love, Rose xXx