Chapter 1: Of diapers and sun-burnt Somalians
A/N: AU fic, no voldy, no death eaters, no Draco and his father being death eaters and no Harry/Ginny.
"Mr Potter and Mr Weasley! Pay attention! If I have to make another remark on either of you, you will both have your tongues stuck to your pallet until the end of the month!"
The current date being the 3rd of October, they didn't want to spend 4 weeks with that punishment and took Professor McGonagall's threat to heart and stared at her in the best look of interest they could muster. They ignored Malfoy who was sniggering somewhere to their right.
"As I was saying. You were all introduced to Human Transfiguration in sixth year, and this year we will delve ever deeper into its murky waters. Today we will be studying Animagic"
As she pronounced the last word, every student seemed to sit up a bit straighter and there was no mistaking the dead silence that had spread: everyone thought being able to turn into an animal at will was the epitome of cool magic.
"It is one of the most dangerous forms of Transfiguration, in that it could result in permanent mutation for example, like a lion's tail or donkey ears staying on in human form." A few sniggered at the 'ears' comment. "Animagi are very rare, and all those with such a magical capability are carefully logged into the ministry files."
At that Harry and Ron shared a knowing look, fully knowing of 4 Animagi who were not listed. Normally Harry would have glanced at Hermione to share a look to remember her capture of the beetle in 4th year, but he knew she wouldn't respond, no way would she be interrupted in Transfiguration class. He did notice though that she had scribbled the name Ernie on the edge of her long notes parchment. They had been going out for a week now, their both being Head Prefects having brought them together. It disgusted Harry to no end, yet he couldn't figure out why, except maybe that it was just over-protectiveness.
"Only powerful minded wizards or witches are able to transfigure themselves successfully into animals as it needs for the most part a strength of will and concentration" she looked pointedly at Ron and Harry "and then a simple accompaniment of a good understanding of the Transfiguration principles involved."
She then demonstrated a quick morphing into her cat form and back, then proceeded to explain the principles that she had made sound so simple. The class droned on, everyone's attention porously giving way and they all fell into a silent stupor, except of course for Hermione.
Malfoy kept turning to look at Harry, trying to catch his eye to taunt him some more, but he never managed to time it right. Finally the bell rang and all the students quickly folded their things away and got up to leave the class.
Just as Harry was about to pass into the corridor the professor called his name, an unhappy tone audible in her voice. He groaned and turned around, walking over to her desk. Ron turned as well, and followed Harry, figuring it was because of their lapse in attention. At the desk, Malfoy was waiting, a bored look on his face, and the two other boys wondered what he was doing there. Did he find out that it had been them who tie-dyed Filch's robes with some Earnest's Wacky Indelible Paint and then told McGonagall about it?
"Mr Weasley you may leave, this only concerns Mr Malfoy and Mr Potter." Though her choice of words suggested there was a choice, there certainly was none, and Ron silently left, without even so much as a backwards glance at Harry.
Harry's worry washed away to be replaced by intrigue. What did she want with them both? He threw Malfoy a disgusted look before returning his attention to the Transfiguration teacher.
"I trust you both listened closely to the lesson." They both looked down, betraying their actions.
"I presumed as much. Then, as you both would have known if you had listened, Animagic is an extremely difficult branch of Transfiguration. But" she paused for effect, successfully ensnaring their attention "the process may be easier with certain circumstances. Very few know that the skill of Animagic, though not exclusively, is hereditary, meaning if a parent is an Animagus, then the child will already have a head start in that branch."
Harry felt a strong excitement grow inside of him. His father had been an Animagus, so maybe he could become one too!
"Both of you having an Animagus parent, I will tutor you two separately from the class, since you are already advanced biologically."
"So we're getting extra classes and work?!" exclaimed Draco disgustedly.
"It is not compulsory. It is only if you choose to try to become an Animagus." She answered calmly, probably expecting the question. "But I warn both of you, I will not stand for laziness, this is an extremely difficult course, there is a reason so few become Animagi."
"Um…Miss, will we be together during these extra classes?" asked Harry, already knowing the answer but hoping he might be wrong.
"Of course Mr. Potter, will that pose a problem?" she fixed them both with a daring glare, and they both shook their heads 'no'.
"Good, then I will be waiting for you in this class tomorrow evening at 7 a-clock should you choose to follow the course. Your peers must not know of this, lest they consider it as special treatment. So no boasting or anything of the sort. Is that clear Mr Malfoy? You will tell them you are having detention for having tie-dyed Mr. Filch's robes."
Oh crap.
"But we didn't do it, miss!" They said in unison. Harry took the usual road when in trouble. Denial, Denial, and yeah, Denial.
"That remains to be seen," replied McGonagall "but since the culprits have not been caught, we shall let the school believe it was you two. Neither of you have a, how should I say this, exemplary record so it should come to no surprise to your classmates. You may leave."
The two teens exited the class with a low "Goodbye Professor" and as soon as they were out of ear-shot expressed their displeasure at being put together.
"I can't believe I'm going to have to see your face even more now, with these extra lessons and all." shot Draco as they walked down to lunch.
"I'm looking as forward to it as you are, snake-breath." Harry shot back.
"I don't see why she's bothering with you Pot-head, there's no way you'll become a successful Animagus."
"Well maybe they wanted to train one who wouldn't become a tiny bouncing white ferret."
The memory of fourth year shut him up and he clenched his fists. They reached the five-tabled room and parted ways, insults serving as their goodbyes.
They met up in front of McGonagall's office at the appointed time and entered with nothing but glares exchanged. They found their teacher sitting at her desk, scribbling something on a sheet of parchment. She pointed to the two sole chairs in the room in front of her desk and as they sat down their jaws fell slack.
The board was filled with writing, and there were underlined incantations with diagrams on the sides illustrating some transformations. This is going to be a long night. Harry sighed inwardly.
"Welcome. I am pleased to see that the both of you have decided to make the best of your genetic advantage and follow the course." She stood up. "Now then, as is always the case in Transfiguration, we will first study the theoretical side, as in the methods and principles of becoming an Animagus."
"I will expect nothing short of your undivided attention. There will not be any tests, but at the end of every lesson I will expect a written summary of what we have studied. Any considerable fault or omission will be punished by a week's detention."
"I would take notes if I were you." She added menacingly.
"Now then, let us begin…" And ensued a long and boring, however educational, tirade on the physical principles of Animagic, the methods, what one must think, the concentration needed etc…
After an hour and three quarters, McGonagall waved her wand, the board going blank, and ordered them to write out their summaries.
They both scribbled furiously, trying to get as much out while it was still fresh.
An Animagus is a wizard capable of turning into an animal at will. The process requires an unwavering concentration for the wizard must picture his body morphing into the animal and must imagine his physical status while he is in said form. For this reason, it is necessary for the wizard to know his form before any possible attempt at a transformation. The Freulodorus Ritual must be performed for one to discover his inner animal. The first Animagi were African and Amazonian Tribal Shamans who would enter a drug induced slumber and awaken with the image of their forms. Freulodorus, a Renaissance wizard who never achieved his goal of becoming an Animagus, dedicated his whole life to studying the arcane branch of Transfiguration. His studies on dreams and their meanings helped him create a ritual where one would see their animal form without the need of drugs, but with the need of a magical aid.
Harry reread his summary, making sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Though it seemed terribly short for an hour and three quarters worth of lecturing, it was a summary, and he didn't bother to write down the life of Freulodorus or describe what happened to the arrogant wizards who tried to transform spontaneously without the right visualizations.
When they gave Professor McGonagall their summaries, she pointed her wand at them and they instantly duplicated themselves. Another intricate wand movement and the copies momentarily flashed purple. She handed the copies back.
"I will consider these to be known perfectly by the lesson next week. They are enchanted to look like copies of page 274 of your Transfiguration manuals. Only you are able to read the actual contents, others will only see what you will tell them is your detention assignments. Once more, I remind you that no one must know of these lessons. If I hear that one of you has told anyone, I will make sure the person will wish that all they had gotten was pages to copy. Goodnight boys."
They left in silence, both boys still amazed that they were getting this chance to learn how to change into animals and imagining which animal they would turn into. Professor McGonagall hadn't explained how the ritual was done, so all the two boys could do was guess and dream about turning into dragons and lions.
The first few lessons were completely dedicated to the theoretical portion of Animagic, which the Transfiguration Professor maintained was a crucial step to becoming an Animagus. It was incredibly draining in itself, but both managed to never forget anything at the end of each lesson in their summaries.
They were spurred on by McGonagall's promise that they would be performing the Freulodorus ritual soon. Soon they would know what their respective forms were.
Harry's conversations with Draco grew less saturated with insults, and they were more friendly towards each other, since they couldn't talk about the lessons with anyone else. One night in particular brought them closer together than they had ever thought they would get.
They had just exited the classroom, as always at nine o' clock, and Professor McGonagall had just informed them that next lesson they would finally be performing the Ritual. The excitement they felt overruled their contempt for each other and they openly guessed what they would turn into.
"Next week Potter, you will be seeing me turn into a dragon right in front of your eyes." Malfoy said, more hopeful than arrogant.
"Sure Malfoy, and the Merlin wore diapers to sleep." Harry replied ironically.
"Hey! Though I wouldn't put it past an old man like that. I bet Dumbledore wears diapers."
"Now that's something I would pay to see!" They both laughed.
It was strange how in just a month and a half they had gone from arch-enemies who practically spat at each other to joking with each other. Harry was seeing a different side of Malfoy. Did he dare say a fun side?
Harry learned that Malfoy, who had always hated him and vice-versa, had quite a sarcastic edge to him and was surprisingly funny when not directing his irony at Harry or his friends.
But these friendly exchanges were restricted to the moments where they walked back from their secret lessons. During the day, they reverted to their 'normal' behavior of insulting each other. But even those were growing fewer and less intense.
Could we possibly be becoming friends? was a thought that disgusted them less and less as the lessons passed.
Just as they were rounding the corridor to the staircases, they heard voices and Malfoy pushed Harry into a pitch black alcove. They weren't past curfew, but Malfoy was a Slytherin. Full stop.
He held his hand over Harry's mouth and whispered "Shut up Potter, let's see who it is, maybe we'll learn something interesting tonight after all." And though Harry glared daggers at him, he did stop struggling, and trained his ear to the conversation approaching them.
"You didn't have to patrol with me you know, I'm a big girl."
"You haven't stopped saying that since we left our quarters, has it never occurred to you that maybe I like patrolling with you?" This one was a male voice.
Malfoy rolled his eyes and grimaced, but did not utter a sound.
"Thank you"
And then a sort of commotion could be heard, followed by a gasp, a sound like a whip cracking, an outraged cry of "Ernie!" from the female voice and then running, with Ernie shouting apologies after the girl.
It didn't take a genius to figure out what had transpired, and even though Harry had recognized the voice, it wouldn't have taken a genius either to figure out who it had happened to.
Harry's face was progressing to a shade resembling that of a sun burnt Somalian when Malfoy released him, though the blond kept his eyes on the corridor the scene had taken place in.
"Okay I think it's clear we can -" and then he caught sight of Harry's murderous demeanour. Malfoy looked like Christmas had come early.
"Oh this…this is just too perfect!" His grin was that of a seven year old unwrapping a full set of Power Rangers for Christmas.
Harry was fuming. That…that scumbag, that shit-eating donkey humping bastard, he tried to…to molest Hermione! Ok that might be a bit strong, they are going out but…I am going to kill that horny Head Boy.
His thoughts grew darker and he never paused to question why he was having such a deep-set rage-filled reaction. He only stopped his blood-shedding thoughts when Malfoy's laughter echoed through the corridors.
"What!?" Harry seethed.
"You…you…" he just couldn't get it out through his laughter.
Harry patiently waited, thoughts of ripping Ernie limb from limb still occupying the forefront of his mind.
Finally, Malfoy calmed down. "Whew, that felt nice. So, it seems our favourite Golden Boy has fallen for the not-so-favourite know-it-all." His grin was still plastered across his face.
Halfway through thoughts of dancing on top of Ernie's spilt guts Harry registered what Malfoy had said.
"Are you completely incompetent Malfoy or did you not notice that it was Macmillian out there with Hermione, and not me?"
But his grin was still set. "Oh I noticed that, and I know you noticed it too, but it affected you much much more than it should have my poor Potter."
"He forced himself on her!" He reasoned, but a part of him acknowledged the statement.
"Aye, he did, but she gave him a good wallop and I'm sure an earful once she stopped running, and that's all personal relationship stuff for them, nothing for you to meddle in. And yet, here you are, seething as if MacPompous there raped your own girlfriend."
"I don't expect you to understand the depth of my relationship with Hermione."
"Oh trust me, I know of the 'depth' of your 'relationship' with her, it's you that is deluding yourself into thinking that you're in a right pissed mood just over a platonic friendship."
Harry was speechless. Could it be true? Could he have feelings for Hermione? Could he possibly be falling for his best-friend? Worse yet, could it be thanks to Malfoy that he was actually realizing it?
"Maybe…maybe you're right.." Was it true? Hermione, the only one to have always stood by him, always there with a helping hand, insufferably and perpetually right, caring, wise, the list goes on and on…and now, would "my heart's desire' be added to that list?
Malfoy was slightly taken aback. "Wow, you sure took it better than me." He stated off-handedly, not really realizing what he was saying. One second…two second….
Click!
Deer caught in headlights look! Oh shit! Tell me he didn't hear that…
"What!?"
Oh fuuuuuuck. "Um…well…" Malfoy just couldn't find the words to explain away his blunder. How could he? He had barely understood what he was feeling the day before.
"You're telling me that you, Slytherin King of Full-Blood Supporters is in love with a Muggle-Born?"
The relief that washed over Malfoy was almost palpable. He almost laughed at how dense the saviour of the world could sometimes be. "No you twat, I don't fancy her!"
Blunder number two by King Slytherin. Too much emphasis on the pronoun.
Shiiiiiiiiiiiit.
"Then who are you in love with?" Harry was utterly confused. He just found out he was in love with his not-single female best-friend and he was chatting with Malfoy of all people of their hearts' desires. Somewhere someone was really screwing with him.
"Alright Potter, I'll admit it, I have feelings" he grimaced "for someone, and what I said before was that I didn't want to admit to myself that I actually did have these feelings. And it's not Granger." For some reason, Malfoy actually felt relieved. Like a slight weight had been lifted from his chest. Maybe this 'sharing' thing wasn't so bad after all.
"Malfoy! Who.Is.It?" Harry articulated.
"I swear Potter, if you laugh, I will kick your ass so badly you'll be vomiting your own excrement." He paused. Was he really going to tell Potter one of his deepest secrest? Oh fuck it, he'll be unbearable if I don't tell him.
He mumbled something nearly incomprehensible but Harry caught it. He didn't laugh, he didn't even say anything, he just stared in awe.
"But…" he gushed "but she's like…the anti-you, how can you fancy her?" Malfoy simply shrugged.
"It's not as if I chose to fall for her. I guess her spunk caught my eye…"
"Yeah, spunky is the perfect word I would use to describe her actions towards you." Harry replied sarcastically.
"Watch it Lightning-boy, I can do a Bat-Bogey hex just as good as her."
Both boys leaned against the wall, contemplating the predicament they were faced with.
"Damn it Potter, we are the two most wanted boys in this school, and we fall for the ones that are actually taken. By the way I can't even imagine what the Weaslette sees in Neville of all people."
Harry laughed then stated simply. "He genuinely and sincerely cares for her."
Malfoy mockingly imitated him. "Because all girls find that dashingly sexy!" He sighed.
"Malfoy?"
"Yeah"
"I never thought I'd say this, but we're going to have to work together."
"You think Merlin really did wear diapers?"
"Maybe…"
"Well then I guess we could work together in a world where that exists."
And since that night, a friendship was formed, based on secrets they dared not tell anyone else. And a promise was made, a promise to help the other get his heart's desire, and so they would.
Eventually.
To be continued…
[A/N: This was ages in coming, and it was an answer to a challenge posted back in September that I only managed to get satisfactory now. Just a few things to get cleared, McGonagall knew that Harry's dad was an animagus coz Remus told Dumbledore in Harry's third year, and Dumbly told McG. I don't know if Dumbly or Merlin wore diapers. Any other questions, ask in a review. Thx for reading!
Challenge restrictions follow:
Plot:
* For reasons that you may or not want to produce, Harry and Draco are trained together on how to become Animagi by
Professor McGonagall. Their training is complete, and they are a ***** and a ***** (surprise, surprise!).
* Hermione and Ginny are dating some two people (could be Krum and Neville or whoever else you want to put them
with).
* On a particularly sulky moment, Draco and Harry realize their problems are similar and decide to team up to break the two (seemingly) happy couples apart.
Here are some musts:
* No one knows about their training, except for the professors.
* Whatever they decide to do to break the couples, they must be in their animal forms (and avoid teachers, of
course!).
* Should finish in, at least, with HHr. Bonus is DG.
Some musts were omitted for the sake of the suspense of the fic.
Finally, I'm ashamed to say I didn't keep the name of the person who posted this challenge, and though I searched like hell, I couldn't find it again since it was so many months ago. Thank you very much for the inspiration and I hope you like my rendition..]