Fest Fic: Freaky Lynx

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Title: Freaky Lynx
Author: enchanted_jae
Prompt: #207
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Summary: To avoid ridicule and join his fellow students in advanced Animagus training, Draco lies about his sexual experience. What difference does it make? It's not as if he's an Animagus...
Rating: NC17
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Warning(s): (highlight to read)*Explicit sex, dub-con, semi-bestiality, violence*
Word Count: 6800
Author's Notes: Many thanks to my wonderful beta, sesheta_66!



As Draco was enduring yet another Welcoming Feast, he glanced to the Gryffindor table and saw that only the Golden Trio had returned to repeat their Seventh Year. Their classmates had stayed last year and, bolstered by Longbottom, had all passed their NEWTs successfully. Draco glanced up, saddened to see that the Great Hall's repaired ceiling was no longer enchanted. The Final Battle had cost the castle some of its magic, and it would take time before it returned.

Draco hadn't wanted to come back to Hogwarts, but his mother had insisted he needed to complete his Seventh Year so that he could make something of himself and restore honor to the Malfoy name. Narcissa had gone so far as to point out that even Harry Potter would be retaking his Seventh Year.

Draco wasn't looking forward to it. Of his original Housemates, only Blaise, Pansy, and Theodore would be returning to Hogwarts as well. Daphne had managed to pass her exams, while Gregory and Milicent had gotten married in July. Despite having so few friends at school, however, Draco would not go against his mother's wishes. He would attend classes and study judiciously, and he would not draw any undue attention to himself in the meantime.

***

Despite her promotion to Headmistress, Professor McGonagall still taught Transfiguration. In addition, she had added a new class for Sixth and Seventh Years to the curriculum. The class was designed to teach students how to recognize Animagi and to assume their own Animagus forms if they had the innate ability to transform themselves.

Draco found the class mildly interesting, if only because he perceived the usefulness of being able to detect an Animagus. He found it amusing that the Weasleys had lived with an Animagus in their midst for years and not known it. Draco also held a grudging admiration for Pettigrew's ability to hide himself for so long while awaiting the return of the Dark Lord. It was a wonder Pettigrew hadn't been sorted into Slytherin.

Draco harbored no illusions that he, himself, was an Animagus, even though his mother's cousin had been one. The Malfoys had never had an Animagus in their line, and Draco was more Malfoy than Black, after all. Nevertheless, he sat through class with the same attention he paid to his other lessons. When McGonagall began the segment designed to coach the students through their own transformations, Draco straightened in his chair when his professor mentioned sex.

"...have discovered that transformation cannot be completed, and should not be attempted, until one has achieved sexual maturity," McGonagall was saying. Her statement was met with a few titters from embarrassed students, but McGonagall's expression remained stern. "For this reason, only Seventh Year students will be allowed to try."

Several hands shot up, and the professor raised her own hand to calm the class. "If any Sixth Year students are no longer virgins, I do not care to hear of it," she admonished. "Seventh Year students are of an age to be engaging in such behavior, although we at Hogwarts do not condone it by any means. Nevertheless, none of you will be judged for your experience or lack thereof. Sixth Years, you may report to the Great Hall for a study period."

McGonagall waited while the younger students gathered their things and filed out. "Now then, I will divide the rest of you into two groups. One for those who are, er, experienced, and the other for those of you who are not. I expect you all to behave in a mature fashion," she announced. "If I hear any taunts, mocking or crass humor, the perpetrators will be serving detention with Mr. Filch. Is that clear?"

The students nodded and murmured assent.

"Very well," McGonagall continued. "Those of you who are ready to attempt transformation, please seat yourselves around the table at the back of the room. The rest of you may use this time to work on your essays, which are due at the end of the week."

Draco was horrified. He didn't want it to be known that he was a bloody virgin! Still, if the majority of the students remained seated, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. Draco's heart sank as he realized most of them were gathering their books and quills in preparation for moving. Draco felt his face flush, and he quickly made the decision to join them. After all, he harbored no illusions that he was an Animagus; therefore, it wouldn't hurt to join the others.

Confidence restored, Draco stuffed his things in his bag and sauntered to the back of the room. He sat beside Pansy and glanced around. Potter was seated next to Weasley, who was studiously ignoring Granger. Apparently, the insufferable know it all didn't know it all; Granger had remained seated with the virgins. Draco smirked to himself as he sensed trouble in Gryffindor. His glee increased tenfold when he saw Weasley glare at his sister across the table.

McGonagall bustled over and sat at the head of the table. "Before we begin," she said, looking at the gathered students, "I must impress upon you again the dangers of attempting transformation before you are sexually mature. Youngsters have tried it in the past, and some of the results were nothing less than horrific."

Draco winced, but so did a few of the others.

"If any of you thought to join this group to save face, this is your chance to reconsider," lectured McGonagall. "I know that boys especially have a competitive streak and don't want to let their peers think they have a leg up on them, but this is not a contest. Far better to endure a little embarrassment now than to suffer a tragic fate."

Silence fell over the table, only to be broken when Theodore Nott pushed his chair back and stood. His face was red, but he held his head high, as befitted a Slytherin. Theo rejoined the others, and Draco felt himself waver. However, once he saw the malicious look Blaise directed at their Housemate, Draco firmed his resolve to see this charade through. He was distracted when McGonagall began passing around some small booklets.

"In order to get this part of the curriculum accepted, the staff and I agreed that the topic of sexual health would also be covered," McGonagall was saying.

Draco took a booklet off the stack and passed the others to his left. He read the title on the cover: Sexual Health and Contraceptive Practices for Young Witches and Wizards. Draco opened the book and glanced at the chapter index. He was pleasantly surprised to see that there were sections for both straight students and those who preferred the company of their own gender. Draco had known for some time he was gay, but few people outside of his House and Year were aware of it; thus, his current state of virginity.

"I want each of you to read these books cover to cover," McGonagall said. "Class does not meet again until Wednesday, and there will be an exam on the contents at that time. Anyone who does not achieve a passing grade will not be allowed to continue with Animagus training."

***

Draco had retreated to his dorm room early. The Common Room was too noisy with boisterous students, and he wanted to begin reading his book on sexual health. Draco had just finished the second chapter when the door to the dorm burst open and Theo came storming in. Blaise was dogging Theodore's heels and taunting him.

"Wouldn't have figured you'd still be a virgin," he goaded.

"Mind your own business, Zabini," growled Theo.

Their argument reinforced Draco's belief that he had made the right decision in joining his sexually experienced peers in McGonagall's class.

"What's wrong?" mocked Blaise, still harassing his Housemate. "Can't get it up for the girls?"

"Shut the fuck up!" yelled Theo.

Blaise opened his mouth to continue his harangue, but Draco intervened. "Blaise, McGonagall was quite clear when she warned us not to tease one another."

Blaise left off his attack on Theodore and turned his attention to Draco. "Since when are you in agreement with McGonagall?" he sneered.

"Perhaps since I've grown up," Draco retorted with the icy glare he'd learned from his father.

Blaise made a crude gesture, but otherwise didn't respond. He selected a book from the shelf over his bed and stalked out of the dorm room.

Theo sat on his bed and released a pent-up breath. "Thank you, Draco," he said curtly. "You know what a twat Zabini can be."

"Yeah, I do know," Draco replied with a tight smile. That's why I didn't admit I'm a virgin.

***

"Each student will be tested on questions that are specifically geared to his or her own sexual preferences," McGonagall said as she handed her advanced Animagus students their exams on sexual health. "Simply place your right hand on the cover and hold it there until the seal breaks, and then you may proceed."

Draco did as instructed, and when he flipped open the top piece of parchment, a quick scan of the questions revealed that they were intended for a gay male. Heat crept up his neck and into his face, but he dutifully picked up his quill and began.

***

On Friday, Draco filed into Transfiguration and joined the group of students at the table in back. McGonagall got them started on a discussion of the merits of being able to transform themselves before she went to work with the other students on regular Transfiguration.

"A large, fierce animal would be a definite advantage in a fight," Weasley was saying.

Draco leaned forward. "Ah, but something small and unobtrusive can also be advantageous," he countered. "Look at Pettigrew, for example."

Weasley turned a murderous glare on Draco. "How dare you-"

"He has a point," Fawcett cut in smoothly. She was a Seventh Year Ravenclaw and had been assigned the task of moderating their discussion. After quelling Weasley's bluster, she turned her attention to Draco. "Your point is valid, Malfoy; however, I must ask you to stick to generalities and not reference particular instances."

Draco nodded, gracious in accepting her censure. After all, he had succeeded in riling Weasley. Potter, too, from the look on his face. With Fawcett's guidance, the discussion proceeded in a civil manner as the students discussed the relative merits of various forms of animals. Draco found himself enjoying the lively discourse, and he was almost disappointed when McGonagall returned to take over.

***

For the next several classes, McGonagall covered the informational side of Animagi transformations. Finally, however, she declared it was time for her students to attempt transforming themselves. Leaving one of the Prefects in charge of the others, McGonagall took Draco's group outside on the off chance one of them might transform into something large. They went to one of the courtyards and sat on stone benches around the perimeter.

"Not everyone has the ability to become an Animagus," McGonagall said as she stood in the center of the courtyard and looked at each student in turn. "Everyone, however, will be given the opportunity to try. I must caution you all to remain seated and still during another student's attempt to transform. We don't want anyone to get stepped on, do we?"

There were some nervous giggles from the students.

"Who would like to try first?" asked McGonagall. A few students raised their hands. "Miss Lovegood, if you please," McGonagall said, inviting Loony to the center. Lovegood squealed in delight and skipped up to the professor. "Miss Lovegood, please seat yourself right here on the flagstones. That's right. Take a moment to steady your breathing and calm yourself. Very good. Now, empty your mind of all thoughts and distractions."

"That shouldn't be too difficult for her," Pansy whispered near Draco's ear. The notion amused Draco, and his attention wandered. The other students gasped, and Draco's gaze snapped back to Lovegood. She wasn't there. In her place was a brightly colored butterfly, slowly fanning its wings in the warm sunshine.

"Excellent, Miss Lovegood!" praised McGonagall. "Would you please fly to my hand?" She extended her hand, palm down, and the butterfly rose in the air. It listed a bit at first but was able to make its unsteady way to McGonagall and alight on the back of her hand.

McGonagall held her hand up and turned in a slow circle, allowing the other students to gape at their classmate. "You must keep in mind, that this is still Miss Lovegood," McGonagall said. "She has merely assumed the form of a butterfly. However, she retains all of her memories, thoughts and emotions; she has not truly become a butterfly. This is the advantage of being an Animagus." The professor set Lovegood gently on an empty bench and stood back. "Miss Lovegood, if you would please change back."

Long moments passed. The butterfly's wings fluttered in seeming agitation.

"Take a moment to calm and center yourself," McGonagall said in a soothing voice.

Suddenly, Loony was seated on the bench and blinking in a daze. "That was certainly enlightening," she beamed.

A couple other students attempted transformation after that, but neither was successful.

"We have time for one more person to try," announced McGonagall. "Mr. Zabini, would you please step forward?"

Blaise stood up and strode to the center of the small courtyard. He sat on the ground as the others had and closed his eyes.

Draco found himself hoping Blaise would transform into a slug or a toad. His Housemate's bragging and condescending attitude were already insufferable. Should Blaise transform into a majestic eagle or a magnificent stallion, he would be unbearable. Draco's eyes widened in shock when Blaise seemed to blur in front of him, leaving a sleek, spotted leopard in his place.

The other students reacted with gasps of wonder, and a couple of the girls shrieked in fright.

"Very good, Mr. Zabini." McGonagall seemed impressed in spite of herself.

Blaise rose to sit on his haunches, and McGonagall bade him to be still as she addressed the class and spoke of the merits of Blaise's form.

As for Draco, he couldn't take his eyes off of Blaise. He couldn't stand the arrogant git, but there was something about Blaise in this form that almost called to Draco. It wasn't until Blaise turned back that Draco shook himself from his daze. He was semi-aroused and both embarrassed and mortified. Draco tried to convince himself that he was simply envious of Blaise's form, rather than attracted to it.

The students stood and gathered their books, discussing the results of today's class in excited whispers.

"I must caution all of you once again not to practice assuming your Animagus forms without supervision," McGonagall said, raising her voice to be heard. "One successful transformation does not an expert make," she added. Her stern gaze was fixed on Blaise Zabini.

***

Of course, Blaise didn't obey McGonagall's orders. As soon as the Seventh Year Slytherin boys settled into their dorm that night, Blaise shifted into leopard form on his bed.

"I'm surprised you didn't turn into something slimy," sniped Theo. He was propped up against his pillows and reading a book.

Blaise snarled, and Draco shivered in reaction. He found himself the subject of Blaise's intent, feline regard. Once more, Draco's cock responded in an inappropriate fashion.

Blaise resumed his human form and smirked at Draco. "Malfoy, does my feline sense of smell deceive me, or are you...aroused?"

Draco felt heat suffuse his face, and he struggled to keep his answer nonchalant. "I'm eighteen years old, Zabini. I spend most of my day with a hard on."

Harper snickered, but was silenced by a glare from Blaise. "I think you fancy my Animagus form," mused Blaise, eyes sharp on Draco again.

"Were that the case, I dare say I would have buggered Mrs. Norris by now," drawled Draco.

Theodore laughed, and Blaise swore beneath his breath before extinguishing the lamps with an angry flick of his wand.

***

Over the course of the next few Transfiguration classes, some students were able to successfully achieve their Animagus forms while others failed in the attempt. Of those who hadn't managed it, McGonagall advised them not to give up and that they would be allowed to try again under supervision.

Draco was wondering when he would be summoned. There were only half a dozen students, including himself, who had yet to try a transformation. When Potter's name was called, Draco sat up straighter. It would be interesting to see what form Potter took. Draco had no doubt he would manage it; after all, Potter's father had been an Animagus. Potter himself never failed at anything, with the exception of Potions class with Professor Snape.

Potter sat in the middle of the courtyard as the others had done and closed his eyes. McGonagall spoke softly and gently, coaching him through the relaxation techniques she had taught them.

Draco leaned forward, barely breathing. Would Potter be a proud stag, as his father had been, or would he turn into something worthy of ridicule, like a warthog? Draco didn't have to wait long. Potter shifted in front of his eyes and reformed into something breathtaking. Literally. Draco's breath stalled, and even his heart skipped a beat.

Potter rose to his legs, all four of them. Muscles shifted beneath his tawny, speckled coat, and his long tail flicked back and forth. He had transformed into a cheetah.

Draco's blood rushed south, leaving him dizzy with desire. As if sensing his arousal, Potter turned to fasten green-gold eyes on Draco. He ruined the moment, however, when he opened his mouth and emitted a chirp. Draco was on the verge of laughing at the unexpected sound when a ferocious roar raised the hair on his nape.

Students screamed and overturned benches in their haste to flee as a leopard bounded into the center of the courtyard. It appeared that Blaise's animal instincts had gotten the better of him, and he was clearly challenging Potter.

Potter answered with a menacing growl of his own, and the two large cats stalked toward one another on stiffened legs. Draco wasn't certain Potter would be a match for Blaise in their Animagus forms. Blaise was clearly the larger of the two, his body thick and heavily muscled. Potter was taller at the shoulder, but he was built for speed, and it showed. His body was lithe and slender, although he sported the same fearsome weaponry as Blaise did.

"Immobulus!"

McGonagall's spell froze both cats in place, and another incantation from her caused them both to revert to their human forms. They remained crouched upon the flagstones, still glaring at one another.

"Mr. Zabini, your behavior is reprehensible!" fumed McGonagall. "Twenty-five points from Slytherin." As she spoke, she waved her wand, and Blaise and Potter both rose to their feet. "Report to my office, Mr. Zabini, and expect a detention when I join you."

"Yes, professor," Blaise muttered sullenly. He turned and stalked away.

McGonagall's attention centered on Potter. "Mr. Potter, I am disappointed in you, as well. Ten points from Gryffindor."

Potter's jaw dropped, and Draco could see a protest forming there. However, Potter got control of himself and mumbled only, "Yes, ma'am."

McGonagall wasn't through with him yet. "Until you learn to control yourself in Animagus form, I expect you to avoid Mr. Zabini, is that understood?" Potter nodded. "Mr. Weasley, see that he does."

"Y-yes, professor," stuttered Weasley.

"Should I learn that anyone has been fighting in Animagus form, the consequences will be severe. Have I made myself clear?" McGonagall's stern gaze pinned each student in turn, and all of them nodded solemnly. "Very good. Please straighten these benches and return to the classroom. You may use the remainder of the period to study." With that, McGonagall swept away in a move that was eerily reminiscent of Snape.

Draco joined the others in setting the benches upright and pushing them back into place. As he did so, his eyes strayed to Potter once more, and Draco became aroused all over again.

***

"You attacked Potter?!" Harper was clearly impressed.

"I would have, but I was thwarted by McGonagall," Blaise replied in bored tones.

"You're lucky that she did," opined Theo. "You might have been expelled, otherwise."

Blaise shrugged. "It might have been worth it," he said. "I'm confident I could have wiped up the courtyard with Potter. A cheetah," he snorted.

"Why did you challenge him?" Draco asked. He'd been wondering about that all day. Blaise's dark eyes fastened on Draco, sending a shiver through him. It wasn't fear, however, and Draco didn't know which was worse: fearing Blaise or desiring him.

"I was feeling...territorial," Blaise answered.

The intensity of his gaze gave Draco no doubt that Blaise was referring to him. He had no idea why his Housemate would try to stake a claim on him now. Blaise was well aware that Draco was bent, whereas Blaise himself was bi. He had flirted with Draco in the past, but he'd never pushed matters when Draco indicated he wasn't interested.

Draco wondered what he would do should Blaise try to force the issue.

***

Draco made his way to the center of the courtyard, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. I have nothing to worry about, he told himself. I'm not an Animagus. Nevertheless, he had to at least give the impression that he was trying to transform. He sat down, grateful for the drying charm McGonagall had used after an early morning rain had left the courtyard damp.

Draco closed his eyes as he'd been instructed to do and concentrated on taking slow, cleansing breaths. McGonagall's soothing voice came to him and helped to relax him further. An acute awareness of himself washed over Draco and raised the fine hairs on his body. He felt a tingle that he recognized as magic, and it jarred him from his introspection. Draco opened his eyes, wondering if one of the other students had managed to hex him under McGonagall's watchful regard.

His vision seemed off. It was sharper and more focused, and what Draco focused on was the stunned expressions on the faces of his classmates. A thrill sizzled along Draco's nerves. Had he done it? Was he an Animagus?

"Dear Merlin," Pansy whispered, hand over her mouth.

Draco's ears perked in her direction, enabling him to clearly hear her.

"Mr. Malfoy, don't move," McGonagall ordered. "The rest of you, return to the castle at once."

Draco watched the others scramble to obey. Something wasn't right. "What's wrong?" Draco asked, surprised to hear his own voice. He was sure he'd transformed; thus, he should have been incapable of speech.

McGonagall's expression was one of anger and concern. "Mr. Malfoy, come with me."

***

"How was I supposed to know this would happen?!" Draco cried. He slumped back in his chair in front of McGonagall's desk while Slughorn looked on anxiously.

"Mr. Malfoy, you were warned of the dangers of attempting transformation without...experience," McGonagall reminded him. Her lips were thinned and her entire face was pinched.

Draco had been given a mirror to see the results of his "foolhardy decision", and he couldn't blame the Headmistress for looking at him that way. Draco had achieved a partial transformation. He was still largely human, but his features had taken on a subtle feline appearance. Draco's nose had flattened, his canines had lengthened, and his pupils were now slitted. The blond hair at his temples had grown down to the point of his jaw and stuck out from his face. Worst of all, Draco's ears had grown. They now protruded from his hair, and they were furry, pointed and had long, dark tufts on the end. They swiveled, perked, and flicked back without any conscious direction from Draco. There was also something at the base of his spine that made sitting uncomfortable. Draco was afraid to look for fear he'd see a tail.

"How was I to know I was a bloody Animagus?!" Draco wailed.

"Language, Mr. Malfoy," scolded McGonagall. "Why did you assume you were not an Animagus?"

"No Malfoy has ever been an Animagus!"

"Your mother is a Black," said the Headmistress, "and her cousin Sirius Black was an accomplished Animagus."

"But I'm a Malfoy!" Draco repeated.

"You are half Malfoy," McGonagall corrected. "And now, it would seem you are half...lynx, if I'm not mistaken."

Draco groaned in despair. "Isn't there anything to be done to fix this?"

"Not that I am aware of," sighed McGonagall. "I shall ask Madame Pomfrey, of course, and I will request Madame Pince do some research in the library. In the meantime, you may wish to report to the Infirmary."

"I'd rather return to Slytherin, please," Draco replied in a dispirited voice.

"Are you certain, Mr. Malfoy?" pressed McGonagall. "Boys can be cruel, as you well know."

Draco nodded glumly. "I'll take my chances."

"Very well, Mr. Malfoy. Let me know if anyone gives you trouble."

***

Draco had the dorms to himself while the other students were attending classes. He had stripped off his clothing and was horrified to discover that not only did he have a short, mobile tail, but that his back was covered with fine, downy fur. It was longer and darker along his spine and shortened outward until it disappeared at his sides. Draco had been relieved to see that his cock and balls remained unchanged, as did his limbs and torso. His mum would faint dead away, were she to see him now. Draco didn't even want to consider what his father's reaction might be.

Draco donned his school robe again, but shunned trousers and pants. He didn't like how confined his tail felt. With his shoes and socks on, no one would know he was starkers beneath his robe.

Draco was reclining on his side in bed and studying for an exam when his dorm mates returned. Theo came in first and winced at the sight of Draco. Blaise strutted in next, and the look he gave Draco made Draco's ears flatten and the skin on his back twitch.

"Malfoy," Blaise smirked, "I'm not at all surprised to learn you're half pussy."

Draco literally felt his hackles rise, but before he could defend himself, Theo spoke up.

"You're a complete pussy, Zabini, so you may wish to keep your mouth shut."

Blaise rounded on his classmate. "If I want any lip out of you, Nott, I'll open my zip," he sneered. "Oh dear, did I offend your virginal sensibilities?"

Theo didn't back down. "In this dorm room, virgins are in the majority," he pointed out. "You may wish to keep that in mind, you slag."

"Are you trying to start something, Nott?!"

Draco's eyes darted between the two of them. Blaise was taller, but he was lanky and had lived a sheltered life. Theodore was more solidly built, and Draco knew he was capable of scrapping. However, Draco didn't want to see a fight erupt in the dorm room. He cleared his throat. "Don't you have detention to serve, Zabini?"

Blaise turned to Draco, presenting his back to Theodore dismissively. "I don't have to report to Filch until after dinner," he said in answer to Draco's question. His voice dropped to a seductive purr. "What are you doing later tonight, Malfoy? I can help rid you of that taint of virginity."

Draco was mortified when his cock responded to Blaise's suggestion. Zabini was one of the last blokes Draco would consider bedding down with, yet his body was reacting with a surge of heat and lust.

Blaise licked his lips and took a step closer.

There was a perfunctory knock at the door, and Professor Slughorn peered within. "Mr. Malfoy, please come with me to the Infirmary."

***

Draco left the Infirmary with his shoulders drooping in disappointment. Pomfrey had been unable to fix the results of his partial transformation, Slughorn could recommend no potion to help, and Pince hadn't been able to find anything useful in the library. McGonagall had alternately fussed and blustered, and it was she who suggested that Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy be summoned to Hogwarts in the morning. Draco just wanted to hide from everyone and everything so as not to face the shock and disappointment on his parents' faces.

As he turned to head to the dungeons, Draco hesitated. Feeling in need of fresh air, he began the tedious climb to the Astronomy Tower instead. Once he reached the top, Draco moved to the wall and gazed out over the grounds. He took a deep breath of the cool night air and was surprised at how acute his sense of smell had become. Draco lifted his eyes and tried to make out familiar constellations through the clouds. He wasn't ready to return to Slytherin yet.

Draco was still grappling with his odd reactions to Blaise. He had had a similar response to Potter. Draco gasped when he made the connection. Of course! His Animagus form was feline, as were the Animagi of both Blaise and Potter. That would certainly explain his sudden attraction to Blaise, as well as his renewed attraction to Potter. Thinking about Potter sent a predictable rush of heat to Draco's loins, and he reached down and palmed himself through his robe.

The scrape of a shoe on stone alerted Draco that he was no longer alone. He whirled to confront the intruder, hand going automatically to the sleeve where he kept his wand.

"A bit tetchy, are we?" taunted Blaise. He halted a safe distance from Draco and flicked his own wand about, casting a Muffliato.

Draco's hackles rose again, but he forced himself to project an air of calm. "Is there something you wished to discuss, Blaise?" He wondered how Zabini had known he was up here. This trip to the Astronomy Tower had been a spontaneous decision on Draco's part.

"There is something I wished to speak to you about, as a matter of fact," grinned Blaise. "While sweeping the library this evening, I overheard an interesting conversation between Granger and Potter." He paused, as if expecting Draco to prompt him for more. When Draco remained silent, Blaise continued. "It seems Miss Know It All was doing some research on your...unfortunate condition."

Draco's ears perked up. "Did she learn anything useful?" he asked.

"Indeed, she did," Blaise nodded, taking two steps nearer. Despite the charm he'd cast, he lowered his voice to a conspiratorial level. "It seems that in order for you to complete your transformation, you need to surrender your virginity."

"I don't believe you," Draco spat, ears laying back. "What do you take me for? A Hufflepuff?!"

"I'm telling the truth," insisted Blaise. "However, there's more."

"Out with it, then," sighed Draco. He resisted the urge to take a step back, not wanting to show any hint of nervousness to his Housemate.

Blaise's grin was supremely Slytherin as he replied, "If you do succeed in achieving a complete transformation, it will happen mid-shag. Or, as Granger put it, during copulation."

Draco was horrified. "Who would even want to have sex with me?!" he blurted.

"Oh, I would," purred Blaise. His body blurred, and a leopard stood in his place. The large cat licked his muzzle and tensed as if about to spring.

Draco's mind was overcome with blind panic, but at the same time, his body surged with lust and arousal. He opened his mouth to yell or curse, but what came out was a strange, inhuman cry.

Blaise pounced. His impetus knocked Draco to the cold stone floor of the Tower. He pawed at Draco, who rolled over and covered his head. Blaise began nosing Draco's robe up, and Draco raised his arse without conscious thought. His feline instincts were clamoring for this mating, but Draco's human intellect rebelled. "No!" he yelled. "Wait!"

Blaise's body was abruptly removed, and Draco turned and sat up to see a roiling ball of tawny, spotted fur rolling across the floor accompanied by ear-splitting shrieks of rage. The combatants crashed into the wall and sprang apart.

Potter!

Draco didn't know how Potter had discovered them on the Tower, nor was he sure if he was relieved or irritated at Potter's interference. Part of Draco had wanted to submit to Blaise. Even as he acknowledged it, however, Draco shuddered in disgust.

The two big cats circled one another warily. Their heads were low, their ears were flat, and their tails lashed side to side. Low growls emanated from their throats, and Draco shivered again. Blaise roared and sprang at Potter, who leaped nimbly away from the charge and raked his claws down Blaise's flank. Potter pressed the attack, head darting in as he tried to hamstring the heavier cat. A swipe of Blaise's paw knocked Potter aside, and he fell upon his rival.

Once more, Blaise and Potter rolled across the stones, claws flashing and teeth gnashing as they sought to inflict damage on one another. Tufts of fur fluttered in the air and littered the floor. They separated again, and this time, Draco could see that each of them had sustained injuries. Potter's shoulder was bleeding, as well as one of his ears. Blaise bore claw marks on his flank, and blood was trickling down his face from a wound above one eye.

Draco reached for his wand with trembling fingers. He had to summon help before they killed one another. He withdrew his wand, but his hand was shaking so badly he dropped the length of hawthorn. It landed with a clatter and bounced away. Blaise's head swiveled in Draco's direction, and Potter took advantage of his rival's momentary lapse to finish him off. He sprang forward and lashed out with both front paws, tearing at Blaise's face. Blaise screamed and tried to escape, but Potter pressed the attack. He used his speed and agility to avoid Blaise's clumsy blows as he continued to feint out of reach and beleaguer the larger cat with rapid, slashing strikes. Blaise ducked his head and ran for the stairs, crashing into the doorway as he did so.

Potter watched him go, body tense and ears up, alert for any sign that Blaise would return.

Long moments passed, and Draco felt the fearful tension leave his body, only to be replaced by a different kind of tension.

Potter turned his head and emitted a stuttering sort of bark. It might have been amusing, if Draco hadn't been shaking with adrenaline and arousal. Potter approached, his intent clear in every line of his body. Draco quivered with awareness and rolled to crouch on the cold stone floor. He reached back and dragged his robe up, exposing himself. Better Potter than Zabini, Draco rationalized. The more primitive part of him was only concerned with mating.

Draco felt Potter, still in cheetah form, move behind him and mount him. An instant later, Draco cried out in pain as Potter penetrated him with a rough thrust. Potter seized Draco's nape, but he was careful not to bite down. Draco responded with a yowl that was more feline than human. Potter's haunches pumped rapidly, and Draco screamed again as his vision blurred at the edges and his body shifted.

Draco felt Potter ejaculate before springing away, and Draco reacted with another loud wail. As Potter watched him intently, Draco dashed to the base of the far wall where he sat and began washing his paws.

Draco halted in his ablutions and stared at his paw. He had done it! He had successfully transformed. Now he needed to change back, but he lacked McGonagall's instructive coaxing. Draco closed his eyes and called to mind his lessons. He could almost hear McGonagall telling him to calm and center himself. Draco felt a tingle and blinked his eyes open. He raised his hand and wiggled his fingers before his eyes. Next, Draco felt his face and ears, encouraged to find everything had returned to normal. He reached back and breathed a sigh of relief when his hand did not encounter a stubby tail.

"I did it, Potter!" he whooped, rising to his feet and causing his robe to fall back into place. "I did it!"

Potter chirped at him.

"I hope you don't expect me to thank you for forcing yourself on me," Draco huffed. His arse still stung and was sticky with Potter's release.

Potter chirped again.

"I don't speak cheetah, Potter," drawled Draco.

Potter growled and turned to lick his injured shoulder.

Realization dawned, and Draco located his wand and approached Potter. He chanted Episkey several times, healing Potter's ear and shoulder and the various other injuries he could see. When Draco finished, Potter transformed and stood before him in human form once more.

"I apologize for my behavior and for what transpired, Malfoy, although I don't believe I forced myself on you," Potter insisted. "You did offer yourself up willingly."

Draco scowled at him until a sudden thought occurred to him. "What made you come up here?" he asked. He'd been wondering if Potter knew he and Blaise had been on top of the Tower, and if so, how he'd known. Blaise had cast a Muffliato, after all.

"Your scent drew me here, Malfoy," Potter shrugged. "Hormones, pheromones, whatever you want to call it, but I knew you were ready and anxious for sex. However, you didn't seem too willing where Zabini was concerned, unless I was mistaken," he added.

"No, you weren't mistaken," Draco said. "I wasn't too keen on Blaise being my first." His pheromones must have also drawn Blaise to him, which would explain how his Housemate had known where to find him.

Potter nodded and said, "Come on, I'll walk you to your Common Room."

***

As soon as they descended to the dungeons, Potter turned to Draco. "Will Zabini give you any more trouble?"

"No, I don't believe so," replied Draco. "He's always been a big talker but too much of a coward to follow through. I think he was feeling overconfident until you thrashed him."

Potter eyes dropped to the floor, and he shuffled his feet. "Sorry for being so rough with you. Up on the Tower, I mean. I'm not like that under normal circumstances."

"Yeah? Maybe next time you can be a little less animal." Draco wasn't usually so bold and forthright, but after tonight's harrowing events, he felt he could conquer anything. Or anyone.

Potter's head snapped up. "Next time?" His tone sounded hopeful.

Encouraged, Draco replied, "That is, unless you're dating someone else?"

"No," Potter shook his head, "I'm not seeing anyone." He squared his shoulders. "Would you like to meet me in the library after classes tomorrow?" Potter invited. "We could study together."

Draco grinned. Most relationships at Hogwarts began as study dates. "That will be acceptable, Potter," he replied, "as long as we study anything but Transfiguration."