Het Fic : Of Lynxes and Wolves - or how cat and dog types don't mix.
I'd forgotten I still had this one lying around. It was originally written for hdinspired Animagus Challenge, but it was already late and was sent back to me with a request to change it which I couldn't do because of RL reasons. (I do not hold any grudges because it was sent back to me.) And it didn't get edited later on either...
So feel free to skip. Please read the warning in bold carefully.
Title: Of Lynxes and Wolves - or how cat and dog types don't mix.
Author : draco_crescendo
Pairing(s): implied Harry/Ginny & Draco/Astoria
Rating: G - maybe PG for mentioning Draco's bits.
Word count: ~6000
Summary: With the help of Draco and Harry, Teddy has to learn to control his spontaneous Animagus changes. Of course, all goes smoothly. not.
Warnings (if any): own interpretation of James' and Scorpius' birthdates (2004) - so slightly AU I'd say, some angst, some humour.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters belong to JK Rowling. I do not make any profit out of this. I merely use them for my own pleasure and return them later, mostly in one piece.
Author notes: The bunny didn't really came out the way I had originally planned it to. Special thanks goes to B. who helped me a great deal when I was stuck and C.A., my wonderful beta.
Of Lynxes and Wolves - or how cat and dog types don't mix
“You nearly knocked me off my broom on purpose, Potter!”
“Did not! You suddenly flew too close, Malfoy!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!” Scorpius snarled as he forcefully shoved James’ shoulder.
James stumbled back a few steps, trying to regain his balance. His bright brown eyes narrowed and he balled his hands into fists. “Oh, is that the way we’re going to play this game, Malfoy?” He growled. Scorpius wasn’t really impressed with James’ attitude and threat, so he simply straightened his back and crossed his arms in front of his chest, his upper lip curling into a sneer, a perfect copy of his father’s. Something flashed in James’ eyes and Scorpius had barely time to open his mouth and spew some kind of insult, before the dark haired boy had tackled him to the ground.
Scorpius yelped as his back hit the grass, trying to dodge James’ fists as they were aimed at his face. They struggled for a while, James managing to get a few blows in to Scorpius’ gut and sides. Somehow, Scorpius succeeded in kneeing James in the side, flipping the both of them over so Scorpius was on top. “Not bad, Potter,” he snarled, “but you don’t have what it takes to fight me.”
Being taller than James, the blond used his weight to pin him to the ground, grasping the front of James’ robes before pulling him up and slamming him back into the ground. James let out a shout, his fingers gripping the arms that kept him down, trying to force Scorpius to loosen his grip, while his legs kicked aimlessly in the air. “Now let me give you something to remember.” Scorpius sneered, drawing his fist back while the other hand kept James firmly down.
“Hey!” A voice yelled. “Stop that, both of you!” There was a rustling sound from footsteps running through the grass of the Hogwarts grounds. Both of the first years looked up, only to see Teddy Lupin running over to him, his face contorted into a scowl. “Malfoy, get off him!”
But Scorpius didn’t move, his fist dropped a little and the grasp on James’ robes loosened ever so slightly. For James, however, this was the perfect opportunity to get the blond off him. Letting go of Scorpius’ arm, he slammed in the blond’s gut with all his force. Scorpius doubled over and James saw the chance to push the taller boy off him, scrambling to his feet.
Teddy was by his side in an instant, gripping his shoulder. “You know better than to get into a fist fight with Malfoy.” Teddy reprimanded him.
“He started it!” James protested.
“You lying little shit!” Scorpius yelled back. He was slowly getting up, his hand pressed against his gut.
“Stop it! Now.” Teddy snapped, whirling James around and pushing him in the direction of the castle. “What would your father say if he heard about this?” James scowled and muttered something under his breath, but didn’t move further towards Hogwarts castle. Teddy heaved a sigh and started heading back, pushing James forward in front of him. “Come on, James.”
“Cry baby!” Scorpius shouted after him.
Teddy’s head whirled around. “Stop it, Malfoy. Go back to your common room. Dinner will be served in the Great Hall soon.” Scorpius remained silent for a few minutes, while Teddy turned around again.
“You’re just as much of a cry baby he is!” Scorpius shouted at Teddy. This made the purple haired youth stop dead in his tracks, slowly turning around to look at the arrogant blond. “Yeah, that’s right.” Scorpius continued with a sneer, his arms coming up to cross in front of his chest. “But what can you expect with freak of a dead mother and a dead werewolf father?”
Teddy let go of James’ shoulder now, pulling himself to his full height, his eyes gleaming with anger. Teddy had only turned eighteen last month, but having inherited his father’s height and actually using it, he could look quite impressive. “Don’t you dare say anything about my parents.” He spoke in a low hiss. “I don’t have to take any of this from a brat like you.”
“And your grandmother,” The blond ignored. “A blood traitor who married a muggle-born. Blasted of the family tapestry. What a pity.”
“Malfoy, I’m warning you.” Teddy snapped.
“Nobody wanted to take you in, did they?” Scorpius sneered. “Not even his parents.” He jerked his chin in the direction of James, who had now also turned around, but kept to the background. “They’re too busy to deal with you. Or so they say. You’re a waste of magic, Lupin. A bloody waste who was lucky to be born.”
That did it. Teddy’s eyes suddenly flashed amber, his lip curling to show his teeth in a feral grin. Suddenly, Scorpius stopped talking, sensing he had crossed the line. As Teddy began to advance on him, the outlines of his body seeming to flicker, seeming to prepare to change, Scorpius gulped and began to scramble backwards. In a flash, it happened. In the blink of an eye, Teddy Lupin was gone and a very angry, snarling wolf stood in its place.
James’ eyes widened, and so did Scorpius’. It took a moment for the sudden shift to register in his mind, but then he whirled around and made a run for it. “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Werewolf!” He screamed from the top of his lungs. For the wolf this was the ‘go’-sign, claws digging into the ground as he chased the blond down the hill.
Of course, Scorpius couldn’t outrun the Animagus for long, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try. After what seemed an eternity, he could hear the growled breathing of the wolf in his ears and it took only another moment before he was crushed to the ground. He barely had the time to roll onto his back, before a heavy hairy paw pressed down on his chest. Scorpius winced as he felt the air being pushed out of his lungs, but then his expression turned into a scowl.
“Get off me!” He yelled, trying to force the animal off with his elbows. But the wolf didn’t budge, instead it brought its muzzle closer to Scorpius’ face, teeth bared and growling dangerously. When Scorpius continued to struggle, the weight on his chest only became heavier, the wolf’s growling changing into a sharp snarl. With all the coloured drained from his face, the blond ceased fighting. Trembling all over, there was nothing he could do but stare into the wolf’s amber eyes that gleamed in anger.
~*~*~
“I cannot believe that godson of yours is allowed at Hogwarts! He is a danger to any student in this very school. He must be removed at once.” Draco Malfoy snarled at Harry, gesturing at a quiet Teddy Lupin who was sitting in one of the chairs in McGonagall’s Headmaster office. The youth’s hair was an unhappy mousy brown now, as he stared at his hands that were lying in his lap.
“Now you just wait a bloody minute, Malfoy.” Harry shot back. “Nothing would even have happened if that little copy of yours hadn’t attacked my son in the first place. Teddy has never done any harm to a student or teacher, so I don’t see why...”
“Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, you will stop this childish bickering at once. Or I will put you two in detention.” McGonagall slammed her book down on her desk with a loud ‘wham’. Draco and Harry both looked at her, blinking when the Headmistress pointed a bony finger at them. “And don’t you believe I won’t. Just because you two left Hogwarts years ago doesn’t mean I have to tolerate a shouting match between the two of you in myoffice.”
While both of them had long left Hogwarts, they didn’t doubt that McGonagall would actually force them to sit through a detention if she wanted to. Harry and Draco risked a glance at each other. “Now, sit down.” She gestured at the chairs in front of her desk, giving the both of them a pointed look, before looking back and forth between Scorpius, James who sat on the far left and Teddy who sat on the far right.
“I can understand your concerns, Mr. Malfoy.” She nodded in Draco’s direction, before looking at Harry. “And while I can also see your arguments, Mr. Potter, I’m afraid Mr. Malfoy is right. I suspect this might have something to do with dear Nymphadora being... having been,” she corrected herself. “a Metamorphmagus and Remus having been a werewolf. But this doesn’t change our current problem. We cannot risk Mr. Lupin to undergo another one of his spontaneous Animagus changes without being able to control it.” While adults and students remained silent, Minerva McGonagall heaved a sigh. “Mr. Lupin’s N.E.W.T.s are only a few weeks away, so he has quite some studying to do.”
She sat down in her chair, placing her elbows on the desk and pressing her fingertips together. “I do not want to expel him. In little over a month, he will have taken his exams and he will no longer be a student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” She continued. “But as I said before, we cannot take the risk of an incident like this happening again. Which is why I want to suggest we suspend him from his remaining classes.”
When Teddy looked up and opened his mouth to protest, Harry pressed a hand down on his shoulder and shook his head. Teddy abruptly looked at the floor again. “What about his N.E.W.T.s?” Harry asked.
“Yes, that was my next point. If I may continue, Mr. Potter?” McGonagall gave him a sharp look over the rim of her glasses. Harry shrank back in his chair. “Good. What I was to propose is that you take him home, where he can study for his N.E.W.T.s - Mr. Lupin is aware of what he’s supposed to study for each of his classes - and where you, Mr. Potter, can teach him how to control his spontaneous Animagus changes.”
“How am I supposed to do that?” Harry frowned. “I mean, wouldn’t you be more suited for that kind of education, Headmistress? You are an Animagus.”
“I suppose I would be, Mr. Potter.” McGonagall pursed her lips. “But unfortunately, I have a school to run. I do not have the time to teach Mr. Lupin.” She paused for a moment before looking at Draco and then back at Harry, an amused smiling around her lips. “Maybe Mr. Malfoy could be of some help, Mr. Potter. He’s an Animagus, too.”
Five pairs of eyes landed on Draco Malfoy, who was now looking quite uncomfortable. In all honesty, Draco didn’t feel much for spending his time with Potter and his godson, teaching the bloody lad to control his Animagus form. “I don’t have the time to do it either.” He replied in a huff. “My time is valuable.”
“No time?” McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Mr. Malfoy, but I do not remember you being employed at some point.”
Draco’s cheeks flushed. “What does not working have to do with having time to spare?” He retorted, but he realised it was a weak argument. At McGonagall’s glare, he looked away with a mutter.
“That is settled then.” The Headmistress. “Mr. Potter, you will take Mr. Lupin home with you where you and Mr. Malfoy can work with him to his Animagus changes under control.” When Draco opened his mouth to protest, McGonagall cut in before he even had the chance to say anything. “We do not want incidents like this happening again, do we, Mr. Malfoy? Or was your concern only about your son and not about the rest of my students?” There was a sharp tone in her voice and at that moment, Draco Malfoy knew better than to argue with her and simply remained quiet.
~*~*~
Harry paced up and down the length of the sitting room of his and Ginny’s house. Ginny and Teddy quietly watched him from the sofa, while Albus Severus and Lily were sitting at the table, playing a game of Wizarding Chess. There was an excited cry from Lily when she took her older brother’s bishop, Albus Severus only grumbled in response. The game of chess went unnoticed by Harry, who kept glancing at the clock. It was nearing two-thirty.
“Malfoy said he’d be here by two.” Harry growled. “Should’ve known that git was going to be late.” He hated being dependent on anyone to solve a problem for him, but Malfoy was an Animagus while Harry was not. Harry realised that there was little chance he would be able to teach Teddy how to control his changes.
At the whooshing sound coming from the Floo network, five heads turned around to watch Draco Malfoy step out of the fireplace, coughing slightly and wiping the grime off his robes. “Merlin, Potter, don’t you ever clean this thing?”
“Do you ever stop complaining, Malfoy?” Harry sharply retorted. “You’re not here to inspect our fireplace. You’re here to help Teddy.”
“Something I was burdened with without a choice, may I remind you.” Draco rolled his eyes, before looking around the room. “Hmm... It seems you and your wife actually had the money to afford yourself a place that doesn’t force all of you to live in one room. At least I won’t have to worry about breaking anything expensive while teaching your godson.” He sneered at Ginny. “This must be quite an improvement for you considering the family you were raised in.”
Ginny shot up from her seat. “If you came here to insult us, then I suggest you get that ugly face of yours back into that fireplace and leave.” She coolly said, walking around the sofa to stand by her husband.
Draco smirked and held up his hands in defence. “I am merely stating the facts. After all, it is the truth, isn’t it?” Harry was about to open his mouth, but before he could say anything a sharp slap resounded through the room. Albus Severus and Lily jerked their heads around to look at them, trying not to snicker as Draco pressed against his red print on his cheek where their mother had slapped him.
“You are in my house.” Ginny said in a dangerously soft tone. “I expect you to keep your rude comments to yourself and treat me and my family with some respect or I will demonstrate to my children the Bat-Bogey Hex that had you running away screaming, Malfoy.” She jabbed him in the chest with her finger. “Do we understand each other?”
Draco didn’t reply, but simply stared at her while his cheek stung from Ginny’s slap. Harry figured this was the best moment to step in. Placing a hand on his wife’s shoulder, he muttered something in her ear. Ginny gave him a short nod and Malfoy a foul glare, before going back to the sofa. “Come on, Teddy.” Harry called. “We’re going outside.”
~*~*~
Standing in the backyard, Teddy looked a little bit nervous. He had no idea what to expect of these training sessions, if they could even be labelled as such. Harry had taken a spot by the fence, leaning against it with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He had promised himself he wouldn’t interfere unless absolutely necessary, preferring to let Malfoy do the teaching. After all, there wasn’t much Harry could do anyway besides making sure this thing didn’t get out of hand.
“Alright,” Draco heaved a bored sigh. He looked around for anything that could mess up his robes, finding nothing, he sat himself down on the grass, gesturing for Teddy to do the same. When Teddy sat down, Draco started talking. “The basic of becoming an Animagus is being able to control your magical core. You need to be able to visualise yourself becoming your Animagus form. Usually, this happens step by step. First you can only visualise a glimpse, but the more you do it, you’ll be able to see yourself as your animal form clearer and more complete. Becoming an Animagus takes time, and a lot of practice.”
“You don’t need to lecture him on the theory, Malfoy.” Harry cut in from his spot by the fence. “Teddy has already changed into his Animagus form. He simply lacks the control.”
“Yes, I know that, Potter.” Draco snapped. “But the theory is important for him to understand the process.”
“I’m just saying that in the few weeks we have, we should concentrate on teaching Teddy control.” Harry barked, pushing himself away from the wood.
“Why don’t you just stay right where you are and let me do the teaching?” Draco sneered. “I can understand theory means nothing for a brash action-first-think-later type like you, but Animagus transformations are more complex than that. Not that you and your walnut-sized brain could understand.”
“What was that?” Harry’s eyes narrowed as he began to stalk over where Teddy and Malfoy were sitting on grass, already starting to reach for his wand. Draco started to get up, his fingers already twitching for his own wand. The lead-up to their little show down was rudely interrupted by Teddy.
“Could you two just stop talking like I’m not here!” Teddy shouted, his hair a bright purple instead of the earlier mousy brown. Both men stopped and looked down at the youth with a frown. Teddy slammed his fist into the ground. “I can ask my own questions and give my own comments.” He glared at Harry, before turning his gaze to Malfoy. “You don’t need to lecture me on the theory. We already covered this in class. I know what it takes to become an Animagus.”
Teddy’s anger surfaced and realising the possible consequences of his outburst, Harry took a step back. “Alright, alright.” He softly said. “Just calm down, Teddy.”
But Teddy pushed himself to his feet and stalked back in the direction of the house. “Where are you going?” Harry called.
“Inside. Study on my N.E.W.T.s!” The lad called back, giving a wild dismissive gesture with his hand. Harry and Draco looked after him, before looking at each other. “Oh, nice work, Potter.” Draco snorted.
“Me? You should’ve heard yourself lecturing him! He’s a fine student, he’s not stupid.” Harry growled.
“Unlike you.” Malfoy smirked.
“You better take that back or I’ll send Ginny to teach you a lesson.”
“Oh, ickly little Potter going to hide behind his wife?” The blond sneered.
“No,” Harry smiled maliciously. “But I know she’s gain more pleasure from it than I would. After all, you were nagging about her household. And I’m sure my children would love to see you face her when she’s in a down right snit.” At that, Draco decided it was wise to shut up. He didn’t really want to be facing an angry Weasley woman.
~*~*~
Harry decided it was better to leave Teddy to his studying for a few days. The boy would have his hands full with that for a while. They weren’t called Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests for nothing. So when Draco came around for the next lesson, it had been nearly a week since he had lectured Harry’s godson on the theory about Animagi. Apparently, today there would be no theory lessons.
“Today, I want you to focus on actually becoming your Animagus form.” Draco stood in the middle of the backyard, his arms crossing in front of his chest. “Like I said before, you have to see yourself becoming the animal.” He paused. “I’ve often found that it’s easier to maintain your form when another transformed Animagus is present. It’s how I learnt to keep my own.” He gestured at Teddy, who stood opposite from him. “Now then. Give it a try. Close your eyes and see yourself becoming the wolf.” As preparation, Draco shifted into his own Animagus form. A white lynx.
Harry couldn’t help but snicker, which gained him a foul glare from the lynx. “It’s so typical for you to have an Animagus form like that.” He laughed. “I mean, nothing better to show off an arrogant, cocky attitude than a cat-type.” In his lynx form, Draco bared his fangs at Harry in a snarl. Harry wasn’t threatened in the least, instead he only laughed harder.
Teddy simply looked between the two of them, feeling slightly helpless. He had no idea how he was actually supposed to see himself becoming the animal. It just didn’t feel right to him to try something that wasn’t likely to succeed anyway. The last time he had changed into his wolf form, it had been triggered by his anger. But he wasn’t angry now. Not the slightest bit. He heaved a sigh and closed his eyes, concentrating on the image of a wolf.
He didn’t really know how long he stood there, but he didn’t feel anything happening. Cracking one eye open and looking down at himself, his shoulders gave a desperate shrug and he looked at Harry and Malfoy in his Animagus form, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t think this is going to work.” He bitterly said.
Draco shifted back into his human self and frowned. “Lupin, you’re not trying hard enough. You have to want it, too. You can’t just expect it to happen like that.” He snapped his fingers. “It took me years of practice. But you don’t have years. Your exams are in less than a month. Try again. And try harder this time.” Draco’s voice took a sharp and harsh tone and Teddy’s gaze immediately hardened.
Couldn’t they understand that he just couldn’t change in two seconds? Of course he knew that Animagi needed time to master the change, but it was time he didn’t have. He huffed slightly, before closing his eyes again, starting to concentrate. In the mean while, Draco shifted back into his lynx form. Harry watched the two of them closely, but most of his attention was on Teddy. He realised how important these lessons were to his godson. If he didn’t manage to get his change under control, there was no way McGonagall would allow him to come back to take his N.E.W.T.s. And in his last year of Hogwarts, that would really be a shame.
This time, Harry could notice a slight change in Teddy. It was almost as if he shimmered for a moment, but then... nothing. But Teddy didn’t give up. He focused harder and tried again. The same thing occurred. A brief shimmer, but nothing more. Frustrated, the lad opened his eyes again and kicked the grass. Draco became Draco again and heaved a sigh. “You really have to try harder.” He mocked.
“I am trying.” Teddy snapped. “This is hard, you know. Last time I became a wolf, I was angry. Now I am just frustrated because I can’t do it!”
“Anger, you say?” Draco smirked. Harry’s gaze flicked back and forth between the blond and his godson. He recognised that smirk and the gleam in Draco’s eyes. That never meant anything good was about to happen, more like the opposite. Realising Draco’s new plan, Harry’s eyes widened. Uh oh.
“Malfoy, I really think you shouldn’t...” He began.
“Potter, not now.” Draco snarled. “This boy is going to change into his animal form today or we could just as well call the lessons to an end right now.” He turned to look back at Teddy. “Come on then. Or are you just as weak as your father? Your father, the cursed werewolf, who took nothing but pity on himself.” The blond spat. “Or are you more like your mother? You are, aren’t you? Purple-haired freak.”
Teddy’s eyes narrowed and his hands balled into fists. Harry groaned and ran a hand over his face. This was not going to end well. Even if he couldn’t stand the very sight of Malfoy, he didn’t fancy anyone getting hurt. But Malfoy simply didn’t know where to stop. “Oh, I know!” Draco sneered. “You’re probably more like your grandmother. A singed spot on the Black family tree. She was weak, a shame to the pureblood family for marrying a lousy Muggle-born.”
Teddy was shaking now, attempting to keep his fury under control. His control started to slip and it showed. And it was exactly what Draco was aiming at. With that sneer still plastered on his face, he shifted back into the white lynx, barely moments, before Teddy changed into his own Animagus form of a large, black wolf.
‘There’s a good boy.’ Draco smugly thought to himself. He didn’t know whether the smugness showed in his Animagus form, but if it did, it was soon wiped away by the nasty snarl the wolf was giving him. Lowering its head, the wolf growled ferociously, teeth bared. Okay, now that was definitely not a good sign. The white lynx laid itself down on its stomach, laying its head on his paws, assuming a submissive position. But that didn’t change much.
In a flash, the wolf stormed forward and the lynx barely had the time to scramble away before wolf teeth clamped down on its tail. They started on a chase around the yard, Harry fisting a hand in his hair, wishing Malfoy hadn’t taken it upon himself to provoke Teddy.
Draco’s lynx form was more lean and swift, easier for quick turns and fast getaways, but Teddy’s wolf was stronger and had a longer pace with which he easily gained on the lithe white form. Draco managed to avoid the wolf jaws a few times, but he would run out of luck soon. And it seemed his luck had run out at that exact moment when the wolf managed to butt its head into the lynx’ side, sending it tumbling across the grass with a yowl.
Dazed from the impact, the lynx shook its head, trying to get rid of the temporary disorientation, but before it could succeed, the wolf clamped down on one of the lynx’ hind legs, right at the junction with the hip. This drew a sharp shriek from the cat-like creature, but the screeching became even louder when the wolf started to shake it, swinging the entire creature left and right.
Harry grimaced and pulled out his wand, rushing towards them. He knew that when wolves had a firm grip on their prey, they wouldn’t let easily go. And Harry couldn’t wait until the wolf got a hold of the lynx’ neck and bit it to death. He briefly wondered why Teddy couldn’t control himself, but figured that had something to do with the anger and the wolf part taking over. “Teddy!” Harry shouted. “Let go of him. You’ll kill him for Godric’s sake!”
But Teddy didn’t listen, simply continuing to shake his prey. The lynx dug its claws into the ground, trying to get a grip and get away from the painful death grip on his hip. Harry cursed under his breath and pointed his wand at the dark fur. He had to do something. “I’m sorry, mate,” he mumbled. “Stupefy!” A red bolt shot from the tip of his wand and hit the wolf, causing it to drop unconscious on top of the lynx, which wined pitifully. Once unconscious, the wolf fur disappeared as Teddy changed back to his human self.
Harry pulled him off Draco, who had shifted back, too. The blond had a hand pressed to his thigh, letting out a long hiss. Where the fabric of the trousers was torn, blood flowed from deep gashes in the pale skin. Harry grimaced and kneeled down by his side. “Malfoy, you alright?”
“Does it look like I’m alright to you, Potter?!” Draco spat, his eyes scrunched shut in pain. “Well, fuck this.”
Harry resisted the urge to snap at him, and heaved a sigh, looking over to his stunned godson. Waving his wand at the youth, he muttered a quick “Ennervate.” Teddy stirred and pushed himself into a sitting position with a groan. “What happened?” He mumbled, looking around the yard in a daze.
“You bit Malfoy.” Harry curtly said, beckoning him over. “Come on, Teddy. Help me get him up.”
Together they lifted the cursing blond off the ground, Harry getting an arm around his waist to keep Draco’s weight off his wounded leg. He nodded at Teddy. “Go back to the house. Tell Ginny to get the supplies out.” The boy simply nodded before running off into the direction of the house, while Harry started to half-drag-half-carry Malfoy back.
~*~*~
“I’m fine.” Draco snapped for what seemed the tenth time since Harry and Ginny had forced him to lie down on his back on the kitchen table, so Ginny could take a look at the damage. Noticing Ginny’s fingers even hint at going to touch his trousers, he already winced.
Harry rolled his eyes, and gestured for Teddy to pour the blond a glass of water. “You’re such a bloody priss, Malfoy.”
“It wasn’t my godson who tried to tear your leg off!” The blond growled, lifting his head up to level Potter with a nasty glare. While Harry annoyed Malfoy for a while, Ginny seized the opportunity to tear the trousers a little further so she could take a look at the gashes. She grimaced, then snickered.
“What is so funny?” Draco growled when he noticed her looking at the place where the trousers had been torn.
“A little more to the right and...” She couldn’t hold back her laughter, and quickly turned to the counter to get the disinfectant and some clean bandages. When she thought she could control herself again, she turned back to the table, biting her lip to keep from bursting out in a new laughing fit, tears starting to form in her eyes. Never in her entire life would she have thought to have Malfoy lying on her kitchen table with bite marks on his thigh, a little too close to his groin for comfort. “Alright, Malfoy.” She said in a voice as serious as she could manage. “You’re going to take off your trousers. And possibly your underwear, too.”
Harry fought back a snicker and quickly took the glass of water from Teddy, who had just joined his side, and holding it out for Malfoy to take, hoping he wasn’t grinning too much. Draco slowly sat up on the table with a grimace, looking at the glass of water before turning his head to stare at Ginny. “You cannot expect me to...” But at Ginny’s stern look, he simply grumbled and started to undo his trousers, hopping off the table on his good leg, before letting them and his underwear slide down his hips.
“Harry, close the kitchen door, could you?” Ginny lightly said. “I don’t think Albus and Lily should be scarred for life this early.”
Harry snickered again, but closed the door. Draco simply glared at the three of them, before sitting himself down on the edge of the table. Ginny tried to keep a straight face, but tears of laughter slowly rolled down her cheeks as she reached for the disinfectant, before starting to tend to Draco’s thigh and... bits. Draco pointedly looked the other way, trying to keep the blood from creeping to his cheeks at the idea of Ginny Weasley fondling (at the lack of a better word) him. Ginny glanced up at him and smirked.
“Not so shy, Malfoy.” She grinned. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
“Keep your bloody comments to yourself and get your ruddy hands off me.” Draco glared, his voice sharp. Ginny’s grin quickly faded and she squirted some more disinfectant on the gashes. Draco hissed. “That stings, you know!”
“Oh, I know.” Ginny coolly said, before picking up one of the bandages.
“Could you at least be a bit more careful down there?” Draco growled.
“Why should she?” Harry gave him a smug grin. “You don’t need those anymore after all. You’ve already reproduced and one more copy of you is more than enough for the Wizarding World.” He purposely ignored Draco’s snarl and turned to Teddy, patting him on the shoulder. “Tell me, mate, how does the git taste?”
Teddy who had been keeping rather quiet had been more pre-occupied pulling stray white hairs from his mouth, the last remains of his attack on the other Animagus. At Harry’s question, he looked up with a frown. “Fluffy.” He made a face. “Ferrety.” At that, both Harry and Ginny burst out laughing again and from the other side of the door, Teddy could’ve sworn he had heard another pair snickering, but that didn’t make him feel less confused. “What’s so funny about that?” He asked. Draco groaned and buried his face in his hands, but Harry and Ginny couldn’t stop their snickers long enough to even begin to explain it to him.
~*~*~
Draco had limped for the next few days, but apparently he had learnt his lesson about angering Teddy to get him to change into his wolf form. The lessons continued in a calmer way, where Teddy would have to see the process of himself shifting into his Animagus form. Of course, triggering his anger was a lot easier to get the boy to succeed, but after the last time, everyone figured it was better not to.
Naturally, that didn’t keep Draco from snapping and shouting at him whenever he thought Teddy wasn’t trying hard enough, but slowly, Teddy stopped paying attention to the insults thrown his way, simply trying to concentrate harder. After several days, that was starting to pay off. And after another week, he succeeded changing into his animal form for the first time. No anger, but only concentration and practice.
They had issued a few days as some sort of break so Teddy could keep up with his studying for his N.E.W.T.s. The training sessions that followed went smoother every time, now that the boy was able to shift into the wolf and back at will, the period of time spent in his Animagus form becoming longer with each time. Harry couldn’t help but breathe in relief. There would be enough time left for Teddy to finish the training and his study sessions before going back to Hogwarts. Teddy shared Harry’s relief and Malfoy... Well, of course, he pretended not to care.
Now all that was left for Teddy was to return to Hogwarts, take his N.E.W.T.s, stay out of trouble and be done with his seventh year and school forever. For Teddy, of course, that was only a word.
~*~*~
Teddy, James and Scorpius were seated in front of McGonagall’s office, fidgeting slightly in their chairs. Headmistress McGonagall gave each of them a stern look over the rim of her glasses. There was a very uncomfortable silence in the air for several minutes, before the old witch finally began to speak.
“Mr. Malfoy, have you and Mr. Potter been fighting again?” She asked with a sharp voice.
“No, Headmistress.” Scorpius looked down at his shoes.
“Liar.” James snorted.
“Mr. Potter, I advise you to be quiet while I address Mr. Malfoy.” McGonagall snapped, then looked back at the Slytherin boy. She looked him over, but with the stray leaves stuck in his hair and his robes all wrinkled and dirty, there was no doubt about what had actually occurred. “Well, Mr. Malfoy, tell me what happened.”
“Potter was calling me names.”
“You started it!” James protested.
“Enough, both of you.” McGonagall slammed her hand on the desk. “Mr. Malfoy, what happened then?”
“He,” he pointed at Teddy. “turned into a werewolf again and attacked me.”
“I’m not a werewolf.” Teddy snarled.
“Mr. Lupin, keep your comments to yourself. You will get your say in a minute.” The Headmistress pinched the bridge of her nose. “Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Lupin is a wolf Animagus, not a werewolf.”
“Same thing.” Scorpius muttered, sinking further into his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
The witch heaved a deep sigh, before looking at the three students again. “Mr. Lupin,” she sternly said. “I thought your godfather and Mr. Malfoy had taught you to keep your Animagus changes under control. Isn’t that so?”
“It is.” Teddy sat up a bit straighter now, nodding.
“Did you let your control slip again then?”
“No, Professor.”
McGonagall stared at him. “Mr. Lupin, you are leaving Hogwarts for good tomorrow. You have finished taking your N.E.W.T.s, but you insist on lying to me about being able to keep your changes under control?” She asked in disbelief.
“I am not lying, Professor.” Teddy calmly replied, although a grin was starting to make his lips twitch.
“Are you saying that you deliberately...?” She narrowed her eyes, leaving the sentence trail off.
“Yes, Professor.” Teddy couldn’t fight back his grin now.
McGonagall shook her head, muttering something under her breath as she rubbed her eyes underneath her glasses. “That’s it.” She barked. “I’ve had it with the three of you. Detention!”
FIN.
Feedback is appreciated, but not an obligation. ♥
So feel free to skip. Please read the warning in bold carefully.
Title: Of Lynxes and Wolves - or how cat and dog types don't mix.
Author : draco_crescendo
Pairing(s): implied Harry/Ginny & Draco/Astoria
Rating: G - maybe PG for mentioning Draco's bits.
Word count: ~6000
Summary: With the help of Draco and Harry, Teddy has to learn to control his spontaneous Animagus changes. Of course, all goes smoothly. not.
Warnings (if any): own interpretation of James' and Scorpius' birthdates (2004) - so slightly AU I'd say, some angst, some humour.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters belong to JK Rowling. I do not make any profit out of this. I merely use them for my own pleasure and return them later, mostly in one piece.
Author notes: The bunny didn't really came out the way I had originally planned it to. Special thanks goes to B. who helped me a great deal when I was stuck and C.A., my wonderful beta.
Of Lynxes and Wolves - or how cat and dog types don't mix
“You nearly knocked me off my broom on purpose, Potter!”
“Did not! You suddenly flew too close, Malfoy!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!” Scorpius snarled as he forcefully shoved James’ shoulder.
James stumbled back a few steps, trying to regain his balance. His bright brown eyes narrowed and he balled his hands into fists. “Oh, is that the way we’re going to play this game, Malfoy?” He growled. Scorpius wasn’t really impressed with James’ attitude and threat, so he simply straightened his back and crossed his arms in front of his chest, his upper lip curling into a sneer, a perfect copy of his father’s. Something flashed in James’ eyes and Scorpius had barely time to open his mouth and spew some kind of insult, before the dark haired boy had tackled him to the ground.
Scorpius yelped as his back hit the grass, trying to dodge James’ fists as they were aimed at his face. They struggled for a while, James managing to get a few blows in to Scorpius’ gut and sides. Somehow, Scorpius succeeded in kneeing James in the side, flipping the both of them over so Scorpius was on top. “Not bad, Potter,” he snarled, “but you don’t have what it takes to fight me.”
Being taller than James, the blond used his weight to pin him to the ground, grasping the front of James’ robes before pulling him up and slamming him back into the ground. James let out a shout, his fingers gripping the arms that kept him down, trying to force Scorpius to loosen his grip, while his legs kicked aimlessly in the air. “Now let me give you something to remember.” Scorpius sneered, drawing his fist back while the other hand kept James firmly down.
“Hey!” A voice yelled. “Stop that, both of you!” There was a rustling sound from footsteps running through the grass of the Hogwarts grounds. Both of the first years looked up, only to see Teddy Lupin running over to him, his face contorted into a scowl. “Malfoy, get off him!”
But Scorpius didn’t move, his fist dropped a little and the grasp on James’ robes loosened ever so slightly. For James, however, this was the perfect opportunity to get the blond off him. Letting go of Scorpius’ arm, he slammed in the blond’s gut with all his force. Scorpius doubled over and James saw the chance to push the taller boy off him, scrambling to his feet.
Teddy was by his side in an instant, gripping his shoulder. “You know better than to get into a fist fight with Malfoy.” Teddy reprimanded him.
“He started it!” James protested.
“You lying little shit!” Scorpius yelled back. He was slowly getting up, his hand pressed against his gut.
“Stop it! Now.” Teddy snapped, whirling James around and pushing him in the direction of the castle. “What would your father say if he heard about this?” James scowled and muttered something under his breath, but didn’t move further towards Hogwarts castle. Teddy heaved a sigh and started heading back, pushing James forward in front of him. “Come on, James.”
“Cry baby!” Scorpius shouted after him.
Teddy’s head whirled around. “Stop it, Malfoy. Go back to your common room. Dinner will be served in the Great Hall soon.” Scorpius remained silent for a few minutes, while Teddy turned around again.
“You’re just as much of a cry baby he is!” Scorpius shouted at Teddy. This made the purple haired youth stop dead in his tracks, slowly turning around to look at the arrogant blond. “Yeah, that’s right.” Scorpius continued with a sneer, his arms coming up to cross in front of his chest. “But what can you expect with freak of a dead mother and a dead werewolf father?”
Teddy let go of James’ shoulder now, pulling himself to his full height, his eyes gleaming with anger. Teddy had only turned eighteen last month, but having inherited his father’s height and actually using it, he could look quite impressive. “Don’t you dare say anything about my parents.” He spoke in a low hiss. “I don’t have to take any of this from a brat like you.”
“And your grandmother,” The blond ignored. “A blood traitor who married a muggle-born. Blasted of the family tapestry. What a pity.”
“Malfoy, I’m warning you.” Teddy snapped.
“Nobody wanted to take you in, did they?” Scorpius sneered. “Not even his parents.” He jerked his chin in the direction of James, who had now also turned around, but kept to the background. “They’re too busy to deal with you. Or so they say. You’re a waste of magic, Lupin. A bloody waste who was lucky to be born.”
That did it. Teddy’s eyes suddenly flashed amber, his lip curling to show his teeth in a feral grin. Suddenly, Scorpius stopped talking, sensing he had crossed the line. As Teddy began to advance on him, the outlines of his body seeming to flicker, seeming to prepare to change, Scorpius gulped and began to scramble backwards. In a flash, it happened. In the blink of an eye, Teddy Lupin was gone and a very angry, snarling wolf stood in its place.
James’ eyes widened, and so did Scorpius’. It took a moment for the sudden shift to register in his mind, but then he whirled around and made a run for it. “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Werewolf!” He screamed from the top of his lungs. For the wolf this was the ‘go’-sign, claws digging into the ground as he chased the blond down the hill.
Of course, Scorpius couldn’t outrun the Animagus for long, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try. After what seemed an eternity, he could hear the growled breathing of the wolf in his ears and it took only another moment before he was crushed to the ground. He barely had the time to roll onto his back, before a heavy hairy paw pressed down on his chest. Scorpius winced as he felt the air being pushed out of his lungs, but then his expression turned into a scowl.
“Get off me!” He yelled, trying to force the animal off with his elbows. But the wolf didn’t budge, instead it brought its muzzle closer to Scorpius’ face, teeth bared and growling dangerously. When Scorpius continued to struggle, the weight on his chest only became heavier, the wolf’s growling changing into a sharp snarl. With all the coloured drained from his face, the blond ceased fighting. Trembling all over, there was nothing he could do but stare into the wolf’s amber eyes that gleamed in anger.
~*~*~
“I cannot believe that godson of yours is allowed at Hogwarts! He is a danger to any student in this very school. He must be removed at once.” Draco Malfoy snarled at Harry, gesturing at a quiet Teddy Lupin who was sitting in one of the chairs in McGonagall’s Headmaster office. The youth’s hair was an unhappy mousy brown now, as he stared at his hands that were lying in his lap.
“Now you just wait a bloody minute, Malfoy.” Harry shot back. “Nothing would even have happened if that little copy of yours hadn’t attacked my son in the first place. Teddy has never done any harm to a student or teacher, so I don’t see why...”
“Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, you will stop this childish bickering at once. Or I will put you two in detention.” McGonagall slammed her book down on her desk with a loud ‘wham’. Draco and Harry both looked at her, blinking when the Headmistress pointed a bony finger at them. “And don’t you believe I won’t. Just because you two left Hogwarts years ago doesn’t mean I have to tolerate a shouting match between the two of you in myoffice.”
While both of them had long left Hogwarts, they didn’t doubt that McGonagall would actually force them to sit through a detention if she wanted to. Harry and Draco risked a glance at each other. “Now, sit down.” She gestured at the chairs in front of her desk, giving the both of them a pointed look, before looking back and forth between Scorpius, James who sat on the far left and Teddy who sat on the far right.
“I can understand your concerns, Mr. Malfoy.” She nodded in Draco’s direction, before looking at Harry. “And while I can also see your arguments, Mr. Potter, I’m afraid Mr. Malfoy is right. I suspect this might have something to do with dear Nymphadora being... having been,” she corrected herself. “a Metamorphmagus and Remus having been a werewolf. But this doesn’t change our current problem. We cannot risk Mr. Lupin to undergo another one of his spontaneous Animagus changes without being able to control it.” While adults and students remained silent, Minerva McGonagall heaved a sigh. “Mr. Lupin’s N.E.W.T.s are only a few weeks away, so he has quite some studying to do.”
She sat down in her chair, placing her elbows on the desk and pressing her fingertips together. “I do not want to expel him. In little over a month, he will have taken his exams and he will no longer be a student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” She continued. “But as I said before, we cannot take the risk of an incident like this happening again. Which is why I want to suggest we suspend him from his remaining classes.”
When Teddy looked up and opened his mouth to protest, Harry pressed a hand down on his shoulder and shook his head. Teddy abruptly looked at the floor again. “What about his N.E.W.T.s?” Harry asked.
“Yes, that was my next point. If I may continue, Mr. Potter?” McGonagall gave him a sharp look over the rim of her glasses. Harry shrank back in his chair. “Good. What I was to propose is that you take him home, where he can study for his N.E.W.T.s - Mr. Lupin is aware of what he’s supposed to study for each of his classes - and where you, Mr. Potter, can teach him how to control his spontaneous Animagus changes.”
“How am I supposed to do that?” Harry frowned. “I mean, wouldn’t you be more suited for that kind of education, Headmistress? You are an Animagus.”
“I suppose I would be, Mr. Potter.” McGonagall pursed her lips. “But unfortunately, I have a school to run. I do not have the time to teach Mr. Lupin.” She paused for a moment before looking at Draco and then back at Harry, an amused smiling around her lips. “Maybe Mr. Malfoy could be of some help, Mr. Potter. He’s an Animagus, too.”
Five pairs of eyes landed on Draco Malfoy, who was now looking quite uncomfortable. In all honesty, Draco didn’t feel much for spending his time with Potter and his godson, teaching the bloody lad to control his Animagus form. “I don’t have the time to do it either.” He replied in a huff. “My time is valuable.”
“No time?” McGonagall raised an eyebrow at him. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Mr. Malfoy, but I do not remember you being employed at some point.”
Draco’s cheeks flushed. “What does not working have to do with having time to spare?” He retorted, but he realised it was a weak argument. At McGonagall’s glare, he looked away with a mutter.
“That is settled then.” The Headmistress. “Mr. Potter, you will take Mr. Lupin home with you where you and Mr. Malfoy can work with him to his Animagus changes under control.” When Draco opened his mouth to protest, McGonagall cut in before he even had the chance to say anything. “We do not want incidents like this happening again, do we, Mr. Malfoy? Or was your concern only about your son and not about the rest of my students?” There was a sharp tone in her voice and at that moment, Draco Malfoy knew better than to argue with her and simply remained quiet.
~*~*~
Harry paced up and down the length of the sitting room of his and Ginny’s house. Ginny and Teddy quietly watched him from the sofa, while Albus Severus and Lily were sitting at the table, playing a game of Wizarding Chess. There was an excited cry from Lily when she took her older brother’s bishop, Albus Severus only grumbled in response. The game of chess went unnoticed by Harry, who kept glancing at the clock. It was nearing two-thirty.
“Malfoy said he’d be here by two.” Harry growled. “Should’ve known that git was going to be late.” He hated being dependent on anyone to solve a problem for him, but Malfoy was an Animagus while Harry was not. Harry realised that there was little chance he would be able to teach Teddy how to control his changes.
At the whooshing sound coming from the Floo network, five heads turned around to watch Draco Malfoy step out of the fireplace, coughing slightly and wiping the grime off his robes. “Merlin, Potter, don’t you ever clean this thing?”
“Do you ever stop complaining, Malfoy?” Harry sharply retorted. “You’re not here to inspect our fireplace. You’re here to help Teddy.”
“Something I was burdened with without a choice, may I remind you.” Draco rolled his eyes, before looking around the room. “Hmm... It seems you and your wife actually had the money to afford yourself a place that doesn’t force all of you to live in one room. At least I won’t have to worry about breaking anything expensive while teaching your godson.” He sneered at Ginny. “This must be quite an improvement for you considering the family you were raised in.”
Ginny shot up from her seat. “If you came here to insult us, then I suggest you get that ugly face of yours back into that fireplace and leave.” She coolly said, walking around the sofa to stand by her husband.
Draco smirked and held up his hands in defence. “I am merely stating the facts. After all, it is the truth, isn’t it?” Harry was about to open his mouth, but before he could say anything a sharp slap resounded through the room. Albus Severus and Lily jerked their heads around to look at them, trying not to snicker as Draco pressed against his red print on his cheek where their mother had slapped him.
“You are in my house.” Ginny said in a dangerously soft tone. “I expect you to keep your rude comments to yourself and treat me and my family with some respect or I will demonstrate to my children the Bat-Bogey Hex that had you running away screaming, Malfoy.” She jabbed him in the chest with her finger. “Do we understand each other?”
Draco didn’t reply, but simply stared at her while his cheek stung from Ginny’s slap. Harry figured this was the best moment to step in. Placing a hand on his wife’s shoulder, he muttered something in her ear. Ginny gave him a short nod and Malfoy a foul glare, before going back to the sofa. “Come on, Teddy.” Harry called. “We’re going outside.”
~*~*~
Standing in the backyard, Teddy looked a little bit nervous. He had no idea what to expect of these training sessions, if they could even be labelled as such. Harry had taken a spot by the fence, leaning against it with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He had promised himself he wouldn’t interfere unless absolutely necessary, preferring to let Malfoy do the teaching. After all, there wasn’t much Harry could do anyway besides making sure this thing didn’t get out of hand.
“Alright,” Draco heaved a bored sigh. He looked around for anything that could mess up his robes, finding nothing, he sat himself down on the grass, gesturing for Teddy to do the same. When Teddy sat down, Draco started talking. “The basic of becoming an Animagus is being able to control your magical core. You need to be able to visualise yourself becoming your Animagus form. Usually, this happens step by step. First you can only visualise a glimpse, but the more you do it, you’ll be able to see yourself as your animal form clearer and more complete. Becoming an Animagus takes time, and a lot of practice.”
“You don’t need to lecture him on the theory, Malfoy.” Harry cut in from his spot by the fence. “Teddy has already changed into his Animagus form. He simply lacks the control.”
“Yes, I know that, Potter.” Draco snapped. “But the theory is important for him to understand the process.”
“I’m just saying that in the few weeks we have, we should concentrate on teaching Teddy control.” Harry barked, pushing himself away from the wood.
“Why don’t you just stay right where you are and let me do the teaching?” Draco sneered. “I can understand theory means nothing for a brash action-first-think-later type like you, but Animagus transformations are more complex than that. Not that you and your walnut-sized brain could understand.”
“What was that?” Harry’s eyes narrowed as he began to stalk over where Teddy and Malfoy were sitting on grass, already starting to reach for his wand. Draco started to get up, his fingers already twitching for his own wand. The lead-up to their little show down was rudely interrupted by Teddy.
“Could you two just stop talking like I’m not here!” Teddy shouted, his hair a bright purple instead of the earlier mousy brown. Both men stopped and looked down at the youth with a frown. Teddy slammed his fist into the ground. “I can ask my own questions and give my own comments.” He glared at Harry, before turning his gaze to Malfoy. “You don’t need to lecture me on the theory. We already covered this in class. I know what it takes to become an Animagus.”
Teddy’s anger surfaced and realising the possible consequences of his outburst, Harry took a step back. “Alright, alright.” He softly said. “Just calm down, Teddy.”
But Teddy pushed himself to his feet and stalked back in the direction of the house. “Where are you going?” Harry called.
“Inside. Study on my N.E.W.T.s!” The lad called back, giving a wild dismissive gesture with his hand. Harry and Draco looked after him, before looking at each other. “Oh, nice work, Potter.” Draco snorted.
“Me? You should’ve heard yourself lecturing him! He’s a fine student, he’s not stupid.” Harry growled.
“Unlike you.” Malfoy smirked.
“You better take that back or I’ll send Ginny to teach you a lesson.”
“Oh, ickly little Potter going to hide behind his wife?” The blond sneered.
“No,” Harry smiled maliciously. “But I know she’s gain more pleasure from it than I would. After all, you were nagging about her household. And I’m sure my children would love to see you face her when she’s in a down right snit.” At that, Draco decided it was wise to shut up. He didn’t really want to be facing an angry Weasley woman.
~*~*~
Harry decided it was better to leave Teddy to his studying for a few days. The boy would have his hands full with that for a while. They weren’t called Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests for nothing. So when Draco came around for the next lesson, it had been nearly a week since he had lectured Harry’s godson on the theory about Animagi. Apparently, today there would be no theory lessons.
“Today, I want you to focus on actually becoming your Animagus form.” Draco stood in the middle of the backyard, his arms crossing in front of his chest. “Like I said before, you have to see yourself becoming the animal.” He paused. “I’ve often found that it’s easier to maintain your form when another transformed Animagus is present. It’s how I learnt to keep my own.” He gestured at Teddy, who stood opposite from him. “Now then. Give it a try. Close your eyes and see yourself becoming the wolf.” As preparation, Draco shifted into his own Animagus form. A white lynx.
Harry couldn’t help but snicker, which gained him a foul glare from the lynx. “It’s so typical for you to have an Animagus form like that.” He laughed. “I mean, nothing better to show off an arrogant, cocky attitude than a cat-type.” In his lynx form, Draco bared his fangs at Harry in a snarl. Harry wasn’t threatened in the least, instead he only laughed harder.
Teddy simply looked between the two of them, feeling slightly helpless. He had no idea how he was actually supposed to see himself becoming the animal. It just didn’t feel right to him to try something that wasn’t likely to succeed anyway. The last time he had changed into his wolf form, it had been triggered by his anger. But he wasn’t angry now. Not the slightest bit. He heaved a sigh and closed his eyes, concentrating on the image of a wolf.
He didn’t really know how long he stood there, but he didn’t feel anything happening. Cracking one eye open and looking down at himself, his shoulders gave a desperate shrug and he looked at Harry and Malfoy in his Animagus form, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t think this is going to work.” He bitterly said.
Draco shifted back into his human self and frowned. “Lupin, you’re not trying hard enough. You have to want it, too. You can’t just expect it to happen like that.” He snapped his fingers. “It took me years of practice. But you don’t have years. Your exams are in less than a month. Try again. And try harder this time.” Draco’s voice took a sharp and harsh tone and Teddy’s gaze immediately hardened.
Couldn’t they understand that he just couldn’t change in two seconds? Of course he knew that Animagi needed time to master the change, but it was time he didn’t have. He huffed slightly, before closing his eyes again, starting to concentrate. In the mean while, Draco shifted back into his lynx form. Harry watched the two of them closely, but most of his attention was on Teddy. He realised how important these lessons were to his godson. If he didn’t manage to get his change under control, there was no way McGonagall would allow him to come back to take his N.E.W.T.s. And in his last year of Hogwarts, that would really be a shame.
This time, Harry could notice a slight change in Teddy. It was almost as if he shimmered for a moment, but then... nothing. But Teddy didn’t give up. He focused harder and tried again. The same thing occurred. A brief shimmer, but nothing more. Frustrated, the lad opened his eyes again and kicked the grass. Draco became Draco again and heaved a sigh. “You really have to try harder.” He mocked.
“I am trying.” Teddy snapped. “This is hard, you know. Last time I became a wolf, I was angry. Now I am just frustrated because I can’t do it!”
“Anger, you say?” Draco smirked. Harry’s gaze flicked back and forth between the blond and his godson. He recognised that smirk and the gleam in Draco’s eyes. That never meant anything good was about to happen, more like the opposite. Realising Draco’s new plan, Harry’s eyes widened. Uh oh.
“Malfoy, I really think you shouldn’t...” He began.
“Potter, not now.” Draco snarled. “This boy is going to change into his animal form today or we could just as well call the lessons to an end right now.” He turned to look back at Teddy. “Come on then. Or are you just as weak as your father? Your father, the cursed werewolf, who took nothing but pity on himself.” The blond spat. “Or are you more like your mother? You are, aren’t you? Purple-haired freak.”
Teddy’s eyes narrowed and his hands balled into fists. Harry groaned and ran a hand over his face. This was not going to end well. Even if he couldn’t stand the very sight of Malfoy, he didn’t fancy anyone getting hurt. But Malfoy simply didn’t know where to stop. “Oh, I know!” Draco sneered. “You’re probably more like your grandmother. A singed spot on the Black family tree. She was weak, a shame to the pureblood family for marrying a lousy Muggle-born.”
Teddy was shaking now, attempting to keep his fury under control. His control started to slip and it showed. And it was exactly what Draco was aiming at. With that sneer still plastered on his face, he shifted back into the white lynx, barely moments, before Teddy changed into his own Animagus form of a large, black wolf.
‘There’s a good boy.’ Draco smugly thought to himself. He didn’t know whether the smugness showed in his Animagus form, but if it did, it was soon wiped away by the nasty snarl the wolf was giving him. Lowering its head, the wolf growled ferociously, teeth bared. Okay, now that was definitely not a good sign. The white lynx laid itself down on its stomach, laying its head on his paws, assuming a submissive position. But that didn’t change much.
In a flash, the wolf stormed forward and the lynx barely had the time to scramble away before wolf teeth clamped down on its tail. They started on a chase around the yard, Harry fisting a hand in his hair, wishing Malfoy hadn’t taken it upon himself to provoke Teddy.
Draco’s lynx form was more lean and swift, easier for quick turns and fast getaways, but Teddy’s wolf was stronger and had a longer pace with which he easily gained on the lithe white form. Draco managed to avoid the wolf jaws a few times, but he would run out of luck soon. And it seemed his luck had run out at that exact moment when the wolf managed to butt its head into the lynx’ side, sending it tumbling across the grass with a yowl.
Dazed from the impact, the lynx shook its head, trying to get rid of the temporary disorientation, but before it could succeed, the wolf clamped down on one of the lynx’ hind legs, right at the junction with the hip. This drew a sharp shriek from the cat-like creature, but the screeching became even louder when the wolf started to shake it, swinging the entire creature left and right.
Harry grimaced and pulled out his wand, rushing towards them. He knew that when wolves had a firm grip on their prey, they wouldn’t let easily go. And Harry couldn’t wait until the wolf got a hold of the lynx’ neck and bit it to death. He briefly wondered why Teddy couldn’t control himself, but figured that had something to do with the anger and the wolf part taking over. “Teddy!” Harry shouted. “Let go of him. You’ll kill him for Godric’s sake!”
But Teddy didn’t listen, simply continuing to shake his prey. The lynx dug its claws into the ground, trying to get a grip and get away from the painful death grip on his hip. Harry cursed under his breath and pointed his wand at the dark fur. He had to do something. “I’m sorry, mate,” he mumbled. “Stupefy!” A red bolt shot from the tip of his wand and hit the wolf, causing it to drop unconscious on top of the lynx, which wined pitifully. Once unconscious, the wolf fur disappeared as Teddy changed back to his human self.
Harry pulled him off Draco, who had shifted back, too. The blond had a hand pressed to his thigh, letting out a long hiss. Where the fabric of the trousers was torn, blood flowed from deep gashes in the pale skin. Harry grimaced and kneeled down by his side. “Malfoy, you alright?”
“Does it look like I’m alright to you, Potter?!” Draco spat, his eyes scrunched shut in pain. “Well, fuck this.”
Harry resisted the urge to snap at him, and heaved a sigh, looking over to his stunned godson. Waving his wand at the youth, he muttered a quick “Ennervate.” Teddy stirred and pushed himself into a sitting position with a groan. “What happened?” He mumbled, looking around the yard in a daze.
“You bit Malfoy.” Harry curtly said, beckoning him over. “Come on, Teddy. Help me get him up.”
Together they lifted the cursing blond off the ground, Harry getting an arm around his waist to keep Draco’s weight off his wounded leg. He nodded at Teddy. “Go back to the house. Tell Ginny to get the supplies out.” The boy simply nodded before running off into the direction of the house, while Harry started to half-drag-half-carry Malfoy back.
~*~*~
“I’m fine.” Draco snapped for what seemed the tenth time since Harry and Ginny had forced him to lie down on his back on the kitchen table, so Ginny could take a look at the damage. Noticing Ginny’s fingers even hint at going to touch his trousers, he already winced.
Harry rolled his eyes, and gestured for Teddy to pour the blond a glass of water. “You’re such a bloody priss, Malfoy.”
“It wasn’t my godson who tried to tear your leg off!” The blond growled, lifting his head up to level Potter with a nasty glare. While Harry annoyed Malfoy for a while, Ginny seized the opportunity to tear the trousers a little further so she could take a look at the gashes. She grimaced, then snickered.
“What is so funny?” Draco growled when he noticed her looking at the place where the trousers had been torn.
“A little more to the right and...” She couldn’t hold back her laughter, and quickly turned to the counter to get the disinfectant and some clean bandages. When she thought she could control herself again, she turned back to the table, biting her lip to keep from bursting out in a new laughing fit, tears starting to form in her eyes. Never in her entire life would she have thought to have Malfoy lying on her kitchen table with bite marks on his thigh, a little too close to his groin for comfort. “Alright, Malfoy.” She said in a voice as serious as she could manage. “You’re going to take off your trousers. And possibly your underwear, too.”
Harry fought back a snicker and quickly took the glass of water from Teddy, who had just joined his side, and holding it out for Malfoy to take, hoping he wasn’t grinning too much. Draco slowly sat up on the table with a grimace, looking at the glass of water before turning his head to stare at Ginny. “You cannot expect me to...” But at Ginny’s stern look, he simply grumbled and started to undo his trousers, hopping off the table on his good leg, before letting them and his underwear slide down his hips.
“Harry, close the kitchen door, could you?” Ginny lightly said. “I don’t think Albus and Lily should be scarred for life this early.”
Harry snickered again, but closed the door. Draco simply glared at the three of them, before sitting himself down on the edge of the table. Ginny tried to keep a straight face, but tears of laughter slowly rolled down her cheeks as she reached for the disinfectant, before starting to tend to Draco’s thigh and... bits. Draco pointedly looked the other way, trying to keep the blood from creeping to his cheeks at the idea of Ginny Weasley fondling (at the lack of a better word) him. Ginny glanced up at him and smirked.
“Not so shy, Malfoy.” She grinned. “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”
“Keep your bloody comments to yourself and get your ruddy hands off me.” Draco glared, his voice sharp. Ginny’s grin quickly faded and she squirted some more disinfectant on the gashes. Draco hissed. “That stings, you know!”
“Oh, I know.” Ginny coolly said, before picking up one of the bandages.
“Could you at least be a bit more careful down there?” Draco growled.
“Why should she?” Harry gave him a smug grin. “You don’t need those anymore after all. You’ve already reproduced and one more copy of you is more than enough for the Wizarding World.” He purposely ignored Draco’s snarl and turned to Teddy, patting him on the shoulder. “Tell me, mate, how does the git taste?”
Teddy who had been keeping rather quiet had been more pre-occupied pulling stray white hairs from his mouth, the last remains of his attack on the other Animagus. At Harry’s question, he looked up with a frown. “Fluffy.” He made a face. “Ferrety.” At that, both Harry and Ginny burst out laughing again and from the other side of the door, Teddy could’ve sworn he had heard another pair snickering, but that didn’t make him feel less confused. “What’s so funny about that?” He asked. Draco groaned and buried his face in his hands, but Harry and Ginny couldn’t stop their snickers long enough to even begin to explain it to him.
~*~*~
Draco had limped for the next few days, but apparently he had learnt his lesson about angering Teddy to get him to change into his wolf form. The lessons continued in a calmer way, where Teddy would have to see the process of himself shifting into his Animagus form. Of course, triggering his anger was a lot easier to get the boy to succeed, but after the last time, everyone figured it was better not to.
Naturally, that didn’t keep Draco from snapping and shouting at him whenever he thought Teddy wasn’t trying hard enough, but slowly, Teddy stopped paying attention to the insults thrown his way, simply trying to concentrate harder. After several days, that was starting to pay off. And after another week, he succeeded changing into his animal form for the first time. No anger, but only concentration and practice.
They had issued a few days as some sort of break so Teddy could keep up with his studying for his N.E.W.T.s. The training sessions that followed went smoother every time, now that the boy was able to shift into the wolf and back at will, the period of time spent in his Animagus form becoming longer with each time. Harry couldn’t help but breathe in relief. There would be enough time left for Teddy to finish the training and his study sessions before going back to Hogwarts. Teddy shared Harry’s relief and Malfoy... Well, of course, he pretended not to care.
Now all that was left for Teddy was to return to Hogwarts, take his N.E.W.T.s, stay out of trouble and be done with his seventh year and school forever. For Teddy, of course, that was only a word.
~*~*~
Teddy, James and Scorpius were seated in front of McGonagall’s office, fidgeting slightly in their chairs. Headmistress McGonagall gave each of them a stern look over the rim of her glasses. There was a very uncomfortable silence in the air for several minutes, before the old witch finally began to speak.
“Mr. Malfoy, have you and Mr. Potter been fighting again?” She asked with a sharp voice.
“No, Headmistress.” Scorpius looked down at his shoes.
“Liar.” James snorted.
“Mr. Potter, I advise you to be quiet while I address Mr. Malfoy.” McGonagall snapped, then looked back at the Slytherin boy. She looked him over, but with the stray leaves stuck in his hair and his robes all wrinkled and dirty, there was no doubt about what had actually occurred. “Well, Mr. Malfoy, tell me what happened.”
“Potter was calling me names.”
“You started it!” James protested.
“Enough, both of you.” McGonagall slammed her hand on the desk. “Mr. Malfoy, what happened then?”
“He,” he pointed at Teddy. “turned into a werewolf again and attacked me.”
“I’m not a werewolf.” Teddy snarled.
“Mr. Lupin, keep your comments to yourself. You will get your say in a minute.” The Headmistress pinched the bridge of her nose. “Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Lupin is a wolf Animagus, not a werewolf.”
“Same thing.” Scorpius muttered, sinking further into his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
The witch heaved a deep sigh, before looking at the three students again. “Mr. Lupin,” she sternly said. “I thought your godfather and Mr. Malfoy had taught you to keep your Animagus changes under control. Isn’t that so?”
“It is.” Teddy sat up a bit straighter now, nodding.
“Did you let your control slip again then?”
“No, Professor.”
McGonagall stared at him. “Mr. Lupin, you are leaving Hogwarts for good tomorrow. You have finished taking your N.E.W.T.s, but you insist on lying to me about being able to keep your changes under control?” She asked in disbelief.
“I am not lying, Professor.” Teddy calmly replied, although a grin was starting to make his lips twitch.
“Are you saying that you deliberately...?” She narrowed her eyes, leaving the sentence trail off.
“Yes, Professor.” Teddy couldn’t fight back his grin now.
McGonagall shook her head, muttering something under her breath as she rubbed her eyes underneath her glasses. “That’s it.” She barked. “I’ve had it with the three of you. Detention!”
FIN.
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