A/N: Before we start, this chapter will contain a bunch of stuff about animagi and because JK Rowling has never spoken much about how they work except that they are our spirit animal, there's a lot of really fascinating grey area to work with and I decided to do something really interesting here. I have a feeling some readers might find this little bit conflicting or problematic, but I really love the idea and a lot of it was inspired by some of my favourite fanfiction stories, and I couldn't help but explore it a bit myself. And also because I had a really hard time making a choice.
Chapter 45: Animagi
It all started in the forest. He was surrounded by thick trees. There was white everywhere. He was steady and balanced on the uneven ground. He could feel the cold snow underneath him. Every single sound from the rustle of a tree branch to the whistle of a bird met his ears. He was everywhere at once. He was the guardian of this land. Its protector and leader. A sudden unknown sound came to him. A stranger. He charged. No one would cross into his land without permission. The wind rushed past him as he sped like a bullet in between tress, turning everything into a blur. He was like a shadow gliding through the thick of the forest. His chase led him to a river. The waves were calm as they slowly clashed against rock. He looked down into the blue and saw himself.
Then it shifted. He was still surrounded by trees. But the air got warmer and thicker. It was hot. He could feel the heat radiating off his coat. He walked proudly amongst the green trees of the jungle. He was the lord of this kingdom. His senses weren't as strong. But he could feel raw strength surging through his muscles as he proudly galloped through the trees. He was stronger, but slower, and heavier. There were birds everywhere. The jungle was alive and it feared him. He was no guardian here, he was king. The path led him to a small pond. It was full of fish. He looked into the murky water and saw himself again. Identical green pair of eyes looking at him.
Harry woke abruptly. He turned, wanting to tell Hermione everything. But she wasn't there.
"I'm other here." She called.
He looked over to the window and saw her sitting on a chair nearby. The moonlight illuminating her face.
"What did you dream?" She asked. She looked anxious.
"I was in a forest… and then I was in a jungle."
"Me too! I was in the jungle, and I was chasing prey. I think I was a lion!"
"You have to be joking! I had the exact same dream! I was running through the forest, and then I turned and became something else and I was in the jungle."
Hermione held her hands to her mouth. "That's so amazing! Harry, do you know what this means? Our animagi are awaking. We are bonding with them! I didn't think it would happen this fast!"
"But how come I was in two places and not just one? And are you seriously telling me you might be a big cat!"
Hermione grabbed the large Animagi book and lifted it from her lap, "don't worry, I've already read all about it." She stood up and sat with him on the bed.
"Okay so if I read it correctly…" she said as she flipped through the pages, "What you experienced was a personality clash. Basically, these dreams are hints at what our inner animals might be. Nothing is really certain, everything could change. We could have completely different dreams later on, but based on our personalities right now, our inner animals naturally live in the places we dreamt."
"But do I have two?"
"I'm really not sure. It says that personality clashes are rare and they can mean many things. You might not be able to find your true inner animal or maybe you might need to choose one."
"How do I do that?" Asked Harry.
"A wizard must accept their inner animal into their soul during the turning point, failure to do so will result in rejection and the ritual will fail." Hermione quoted.
"So I have to choose between a forest or jungle?" Harry asked.
"I really don't know. It doesn't say anything about more than one animal. There are only things about personality clashes and the animal having trouble waking due to a wizard's constant change in beliefs or characteristics. Two different animagi are unheard of." Hermione bit her lip, "McGonagall might know something, but we're supposed to be leaving in a couple of hours. We should get to the Potter manor before sunrise to complete the final morning incantation there."
"It doesn't matter. As long as it works, I guess."
"Well, personally, I think you should envision what kind of animal you feel it might be. A Panther is brave and strong. Stealthy too. But it could also be a Lion as It's the animal of Gryffindor. They can definitely be found in jungles. A Stag is considered the prince of the forest, whereas a wolf is considered the king. So it could be one of those. But I really don't see how you've dreamed of being both."
"Why do I always get the weird and unheard of stuff happen to me?" Harry moaned.
Hermione laughed, "Well it's because you're special. Everyone knows that. Besides, imagine if you get the ability to be both? I mean that should literally be impossible but just imagine! Being able to choose between one form and another at will."
"Do you think it could be because of Voldemort? Because his soul was part of me?"
"I really have no idea, Harry. I think we should go through the ritual first, then we'll see what happens."
There it was. The smell. The first thing that told him he was home. Home always had its own distinctive smell. And he loved the idea of having his own. He would never be able to quite describe it, but it was great.
He let go of Hermione's arms, only to feel incredible pressure on his legs. He looked down and saw Beamey the elf hugging his knees.
"You're back! Mater Harry is back!" Beamey turned to Hermione who went down on one knee to hug her.
"Mistress Hermione!"
"Hey, Beamey! I thought you weren't supposed to call us that anymore?" Hermione chuckled.
"Beamey is sorry. Old habits take long to go away. Maybe if you were around more, Beamey would remember." The elf argued.
"Yeah sorry about that. We'll make sure to visit more." Harry promised.
Eventually, they settled in the living room and Harry was grateful to discover that his couch remained as comfy as he remembered.
"Don't get too comfy, we need to do the incantation soon." Hermione laughed.
That was when Beamey rushed into the living room with tea. "Beamey missed doing this so much."
"I swear I'll never get used to the fact that there are creatures on this earth who literally love doing chores." Harry chuckled.
"Chores make Beamey happy. Beamey can't wait to help with chores when Harry and Hermione have babies."
A second of silence passed after which Harry choked on his tea and Hermione burst out laughing.
Eventually, sunrise was starting to creep up over the horizon and Harry followed Hermione out into the garden. Beamy followed them.
"Beamey, do you know anything about Animagi?"
"Oh yes. Beamey studied Animagi many decades ago when the Great Charles Potter himself became an owl. Master James also became a stag. And Beamey senses that Master Harry is very closely bonded to two different forms. Very profound animals, common patronuses in the Potter generation."
Harry and Hermione both froze.
"I swear Elf magic is the most powerful thing I've ever experienced."
"One day everyone will find out just how superior these creatures are," Hermione added. "Beamey do you know why Harry has more than one inner animal? And most importantly what animals they are?"
Beamey nodded, "It is a very uncommon trait, there are legends that great Merlin himself had three different forms. One of a dragon, one was a Hawk and another was a Grizzly Bear. Master Harry has not yet bonded and chosen his forms, therefore Beamey cannot know for sure which one it is out of the hundreds."
"Merlin! How comes I've never read about this anywhere?"
"Over the years, the history of animagi has been lost and forgotten. Only some remember its true roots. However, one thing is known for certain. Only the most powerful wizards can wield more than one form, and Beamey is honoured to have her master wield such power."
"Is it certain that Harry will have both? Can you tell?" Hermione asked.
The elf shook her head, "Nothing is certain in animagi bonding. Could have one form. Could have two. Could have none."
"That's insane," Harry muttered. "Did any other Potter have this before?"
Beamey shook her head, "Beamey doesn't know. Such history is deeply embedded into the roots of the Potter family tree. There are certain ties which connect Harry to the great Gordic Gryffindor, who possessed the form of a lion, however, there are rumours within wizard lore that he also possessed another inner animal. Aside from Gryffindor, there have been only a couple wizards to have gained such powers."
"That's amazing!" Hermione marvelled as she looked back at the horizon to see the sun climbing up towards the sky, "Beamey we are definitely going to continue this conversation. But first, the incantation."
It was almost sunset when they found themselves in the kitchen. Harry was preparing sandwiches with Beamey while Hermione made tea.
"I don't see myself being hungry after this happens," Harry muttered as he sliced the bread.
Hermione was closely watching the sky through the window, "You never know. I read that after the turning process, we might develop certain characteristics from our animagi. You might be in the mood for a rare steak. But a ham sandwich will have to do."
Harry chuckled, "Yeah. I can already imagine it. Might wake up one night and be in the mood to chew a boot."
Hermione giggled, "I'm sure it won't be that bad. Fleas could be a bigger problem if you get fur."
And then all light faded from the sky, as a deep loud thunder clashed through the air, sending lightning across the grey clouds.
"Do you reckon we can just do it on the veranda? I'd hate to go out into that cold rain." Harry protested.
Hermione shooked her head as she grabbed his hand, "No, Harry. We need to do it properly. Wet clothes are a small sacrifice. Besides…" She smiled at him, "I love the rain."
She led him out into the garden. Beamey decided to not follow them this time, perhaps she decided that finishing the sandwiches would be a more enjoyable task.
As they neared the centre of the garden, Hermione turned back to Harry. And then she kissed him as thunder howled across the sky. The tiny drops of rain felt nice as they landed on his head and face.
"There's something I forgot to mention," Hermione informed.
"Hmm?"
"We have to be naked."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "You won't hear me complain."
And then she gave him that seductive smile as she removed her hoodie. Or rather his hoodie that she claimed many months ago. Harry followed her mark and started removing his clothes too. Eventually, there was just the underwear left. She was wearing a matching bra and knickers.
"Okay, I think we can have the potions now." She reached into her handbag, which now rested on their pile of clothes and took out two dark blue flasks labelled HP and HG.
Harry took his flask and uncorked it.
"Alright put this leaf into your mouth and let it soften up a bit. Then swallow it down with the potion." Hermione instructed.
Harry did as told and placed the leaf on his tongue. It didn't really taste like anything, and it became soft way faster than he expected. He closed his eyes and downed the flask, trying his best to get the entire thing down in one gulp.
Luckily, it worked, but the aftertaste was terrible. It was a mix between very old seaweed and partially blood. Harry figured the seaweed came from the leaf whereas the blood taste came from the actual potion. It had the same metallic tone to it. Harry wasn't very enthusiastic about knowing the taste of blood so well.
But then the tension in his stomach started. As if something within him was stirred. And then just like that, it stopped.
"That was a lot better than I expected." Hermione shrugged.
"Yeah, at least we didn't throw up."
"Don't say that too early." She added as she reached for her wand. "All right. Do you want to go first?"
"Hardly a gentleman if I do," Harry smirked.
"No. You're not getting off that easy. Common, get your boxers off."
"Wow. Could take me out to dinner first." He laughed.
"We'll have sandwiches and tea later." She snickered, then composed herself again. It was time to be serious.
Harry removed his boxers and took off his glasses. He couldn't help feel slightly cold as the raindrops landed on places they shouldn't…
Hermione seemed to have lost all that composure very quickly.
"Ugh? What now? I'm kneeling."
She shook herself back into focus and pointed the wand at his chest, towards his heart. "Alright. I'm going to recite the spell now, just as we practised. Make sure to focus and meditate. You know what to do." She smiled at him, "Good luck."
"See you on the other side, I guess." Harry smiled back and closed his eyes.
At first, it was incredibly difficult to focus. He felt nervous. But then he started to listen in more. He could make out every drop as it fell around him. And when the lightning struck, he could feel the vibrations through the earth and his entire body.
"BESTIA DIMITTERE!" He heard, as Hermione's spell connected with his chest.
"Harry?" Came a voice from the corner of his senses.
Things felt different. Sounds around him were amplified, and he could smell everything so well. The scent of ham came from the Potter manor and Harry could feel his hunger screaming at him.
"Harry?" Came the voice again.
He focused on it and opened his eyes. And then he saw her. She looked worried and excited at the same time.
"Are you okay?" She asked, slowly reaching a hand towards him.
Harry looked around carefully, trying to make sense of everything. At first, he believed something must have gone wrong, but then he felt how weird it was to stand. How oddly comfortable it was to have both his legs and hands on the floor. And then he realised they were paws. Black paws. He could see his silver claws slightly sticking out. That was when he felt an odd feeling on his lower back. As if he grew a brand new muscle. He turned and saw the long silky tail wagging behind him. Now that was a strange feeling.
Hermione's hand gently brushed against his neck. He turned back to her and tried to smile. He wondered what that looked like.
"Harry you're a wolf. And a huge one too." She laughed as she petted him. "Give me a sign you can hear me."
He tried to speak, but then he lungs released a much different sound. A rather excited bark. The kind a dog would do when a guest enters the house.
Hermione giggled, "I can't understand you, sadly."
He wanted to do more now. He could feel the strength in his legs and desire to run through the fields of the garden. Especially now that the rain stopped. But he figured he should take it slow. Besides, Hermione needed to change too while the thunder remained.
"Alright. I'm sure you're probably eager to experiment more. But the most important thing right now is to make sure you can turn back into your normal form. So I'm gonna need you to lay down and focus again. There's no spell for turning you back, you just need to use your will."
Sitting down was a challenge as using his legs and muscles properly was still very shaky. But he managed after a little while. And then he closed his eyes again. Focusing was so much easier now. His senses were going crazy as they picked up every little detail. It was just like meditating, but amplified a hundred times over.
He was trying to think about turning back. About becoming human again. But then memories from his dream started to arise. He envisioned the jungle. The exotic birds, the vines on the trees and his reflection in the jungle pond. His green eyes and that giant black jet black mane.
Suddenly, his legs started to grow, he could feel his muscles thickening. His hair growing around his head. His teeth extended. And his vision changed. Things became brighter and so full of colour. Sounds and smells muted out just slightly, but still amplified like before.
"Oh my god!" Hermione cried.
Harry stood up again, and knew straight away that he didn't change back because he could feel the ground on all fours. He looked up at Hermione in worry and panic.
"Harry! You're a lion now!" She cheered as she dug her hands in his mane. Her touch felt so soft. It was very pleasant.
"You're coat is so silky…" She muttered. She looked like she couldn't stop herself and hugged him. "You're like a huge fluffy bear."
Harry laughed but instead of an actual laugh, a loud chuff rose from his chest.
"And you can purr too." Hermione laughed.
They spent a while just sitting there, trying to get Harry to adjust with his second form. Harry knew in his human form he'd be freaking out. But for some reason, as a huge cat, it all seemed like minor details. He also realised what a weird image this would be for someone. A half-naked woman hugging a huge black lion. It seemed overly hilarious in his head.
"Alright. I'm getting a bit cold so let's try to change you back now. Think of your human self. Think of walking normally and talking." Hermione suggested.
Harry agreed and sat back down, closing his eyes. This time, everything seemed much more clear. He was now bonded with both of his animals and knew exactly what to do. Nothing seemed complicated anymore. He focused on his senses and how it felt to be a human. How it felt to walk on two legs. And after a couple of seconds, he opened his eyes again.
"That was… INCREDIBLE!" He cried as he stood up and hugged Hermione.
"I'm so proud of you!" She cheered, "I knew you could do it. And oh my god, Harry! You have TWO different animagi! Do you have any idea how amazing that is?"
"I can't wrap my head around it." He answered as he put his boxers back on. Everything felt so quiet. So muted and dulled out. He also couldn't even see properly until he put his glasses back on. "Alright. I think it's your turn now. Before the potion wears off."
Hermione looked worried, "Harry, I'm not sure."
"No. You are definitely no backing out. Listen. You can do it. I know you can." He grabbed his wand.
Hermione took a couple of deep breaths.
"Look. I really want to go back inside and have a proper conversation about everything. I can't wait to tell you how weird everything felt. But we're not doing anything until you become an animagus too."
She nodded, "Okay. I'll try. The cleansing potion is in my bag."
"We won't be needing it. Now let's go. It's time for you to meet your inner animal." He smiled.
Hermione took a couple of breaths before turning around. "Can you help me with my bra?"
Harry approached her and slowly undid her bra strap. He also felt very grateful to be wearing boxers again. She was now fully naked. And so beautiful. As always.
She turned back to face him, her cheeks flushed. "Can you not stare?" She was trying to be serious but a small smile crept up on her mouth.
"Well, I can't help it. It's impossible to not appreciate such beauty."
"Okay stop." She smiled as she knelt down in the same spot he did. She looked up at him. "Remember the spell?"
"Of course." He answered as he pointed his wand at her chest. "Focus, Hermione."
She closed her eyes. Harry waited for two minutes. He could see her relaxed expression. He waited for the thunder and as it struck, he cast the spell.
"BESTIA DIMITTERE!"
And right in front of him, Hermione fell to the ground. When ten seconds passed he started to panic. He knelt beside her to look at her face. She looked unconscious. He placed his finger to her neck, but no pulse came.
"No no no no." He called as he rushed to the handbag and grabbed a silver flask labelled 'cleansing potion'.
As he turned back to Hermione, he realised she was no longer there. Instead, a beautiful, huge brown lioness lied on the grass.
"Woah." Harry marvelled as he slowly approached the cat.
And then its eyes snapped open as it shot to its feet, looking around everywhere.
"Hermione?" Harry called.
The lion's eyes snapped towards him. It looked kind of scary. And then it launched at Harry.
"Oh shit!" Harry screamed as they stumbled to the ground. He was sure that was it. He was about to be mauled by a huge lioness in the middle of his garden. But then instead of biting off his face off, the lion licked it instead.
"Hermione? Is that you?" He asked, still uncertain.
The lion licked him again, as her tail wagged left and right.
"You're not a dog, Hermione. What's with the tail?" He laughed.
She growled playfully and jumped off as she returned to scouting the area.
Harry knew she probably wanted to run around a bit, but just like she was before, he had to be the responsible one here. Being in the form might amplify one's senses, but it also dulls responsibility and awareness.
"Alright, Hermione. I knew you'd love to run around a bit. But remember what you said to me. You have to return to human form now." Harry instructed.
The lion looked back at him and Harry could almost see a nod from the cat. She paced back towards him and sat down, quietly. And then the lioness closed her eyes.
Seconds later, the figure in front of him started changing, and his beautiful girlfriend was back. She stood up slowly.
"Everything okay?" Harry called.
"That was…"
"Brilliant right?"
She looked up at him. "No. That was amazing. But what's coming now will be brilliant." She answered as she launched at him, this time naked and in human form. And he really couldn't complain.
A/N/2: Alright. I wanted to continue but I didn't want to make the chapter too long and it's already been packed with so much. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. I'm keen to see what everyone thinks of the animagi forms. I know that 2 forms are a bit random. But like I said, I really wanted to go for something interesting and unique. The actual forms are inspired from past stories I've read for those wondering where the idea came from.
