Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

All is fair in the game called love	By : Sasunarufan13 Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 29070 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter nor profit from it. J.K. Rowling owns everything.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Author's note: Normally I should be studying but I decided to keep my updating schedule, so here we are with the next chapter LOL

Thanks to the following reviewers: Anon and kayla

I hope you like this chapter!

Chapter 10: Harry's birthday

Two days later, Snape informed Draco that the ritual would be used on the first day of school. Draco was so happy that he hadn't minded it when Weasley and Granger wanted to do something with Harry alone. Well, he hadn't minded it until one hour later. Then he felt the urge to see Harry again. He had searched until he found Harry sitting in the Black's library, playing a game of chess against Weasley, while Granger was reading a book. Seeing Harry smiling at him, Draco took that as an invitation to sit down next to him, where he proceeded to help Harry with the game.

With Draco's help, Harry managed to win for the first time against Ron, for which Draco received a hug. Both boys had been surprised at the action and Harry had blushed, but both didn't seem to mind it. In fact, when Harry had hugged him, Draco had felt extremely happy and a warm feeling had spread through his chest. It was pathetic, really, how happy he could get when Harry paid attention to him – which was almost all the time.

Sometimes, Draco felt as if he was a Veela and Harry was his mate; Draco always felt the urge to be near Harry. Every time Harry wasn't there, Draco became restless and the need to see the raven haired boy grew bigger until he saw Harry again. Just to be sure, he had done research to see if he had some Veela blood. He discovered that one of his ancestors had been married to a Veela, but it had been a very long time ago, so the Veela blood wasn't present in his blood anymore. The only thing he did inherit from the Veela was his light hair and eyes and pale skin. Draco had been slightly disappointed that he wasn't a Veela. He was sure that if he had been a Veela, Harry would definitely have been his mate. It would have made everything easier, that was for sure.

A week before Harry's birthday, Draco decided to look for a present. He wanted to find the perfect present for the boy, so he decided to go to Diagon Alley. His father and Snape accompanied him.

When Draco had told his father that he wanted to buy a present, his father insisted he would buy one too, to show he only meant well for the boy. Snape had been forced to come too, because he was one of Harry's guardians. Draco suspected his father had blackmailed Snape too, because he only grumbled sometimes and scowled, but he still accompanied the two Malfoys on their trip.

A few ideas for presents Draco ruled out on sight. He wouldn't buy a book (Granger would probably do that) or sweets (he suspected that the Weasleys would buy that). Clothes were also not suited as a present. He couldn't see Harry wearing jewelry. Draco wanted to find something that suited Harry's personality.

Lost in thought, he passed a pet store when an idea suddenly struck him. He turned towards the magical pet store and stared at it. Wait a minute. A pet. That would be a perfect idea. Harry loved animals.

Just a few days ago, Draco had found Harry in the backyard petting a stray cat and cooing at it. The cat had soaked in the attention and had purred like a maniac. This resulted in Harry picking up the cat and going inside to find his godfather to ask if he could keep the cat. Sirius, who wasn't fond of cats, had melted when he met the huge puppy – eyes of his godson and had given him permission to keep the cat. Harry named the cat Sapphire because of the cat's blue eyes. Since that moment, Sapphire followed her new master everywhere. At dinner, she sat on his lap while he fed her. At night, she slept in his bed. The funny thing was that the cat hissed every time Mrs. Weasley, Weasley, the Weaselette or Granger came near Harry. With Draco, Lucius, Snape, Sirius or Remus, the cat didn't have a problem.

Draco smirked; yes, another pet to guard Harry wouldn't hurt.

"I think I can find a present in here." Draco said and turned to the two adults.

"A pet, hmm." Lucius mused. "Yes, I think it's perfect."

Snape snorted lightly, but didn't comment on it.

Draco opened the door and a bell announced their presence. Everywhere Draco looked, he saw all sorts of animals: cats, dogs, fish, various types of birds, rats, snakes, other reptiles… There were also many crossbreeds. Most of the animals were magical, but there were a few normal animals too.

Leaving his father and godfather behind to look at the crossbreeds, Draco wandered around, looking in each cage to see if he found the perfect animal. He almost gave up when he suddenly saw something faintly glowing in the back of the shop. He looked towards his father and Snape, saw that they were now discussing something and decided to check what he glowing was.

Curiously, he walked towards the glowing identity and discovered that it came from two cages. One was glowing red and the other was glowing green.

His curiosity piqued more and Draco looked into the cages. He gasped when he saw the content of it.

The cage with the red glow contained the cub of a lion. Except it didn't came from a normal lion. His whole body was glowing faintly red and his eyes were a fiery red. The tail and mane of the cub consisted of fire. The cub was as big as Draco's arm. His ruby like eyes fixated themselves of Draco and seemed to study him, as if to check if Draco was worthy enough to be in the lion's presence.

Draco, who was slightly freaked out by the cub's staring, looked into the second cage. Not that this content was any better. The green glowing cage contained a small curled up snake. The scales on the snake were glowing softly green, although Draco could clearly see that the skin was white. The snake could not be longer than Draco's arm. Apparently feeling Draco's stare, the snake opened his eyes slowly and looked at Draco. The eyes, strangely enough, were a light purple.

Draco looked around to see how many of these creatures were in the story, but there were no other cages. In fact, these two cages were located far away from the other cages, as if to protect the other animals against these two. Draco didn't understand it; if these two animals were so dangerous, then why were they for sale?

Draco shook his head. It didn't matter. He had wanted to find a special present for Harry and now he had found it. Clearly, these animals were the most special.

Draco decided to buy the lion cub. It would suit his Gryffindor fine. He smiled. Yes, Harry would have his own lion protector now. After all, one feisty cat wasn't enough protection.

"Draco?" He heard his father ask, apparently searching him.

He walked to the front of the store.

"There you are. Did you find an animal?" Lucius asked.

Draco nodded. "Yes, follow me, please."

Lucius beckoned the store manager – an old grey man – to follow them. However, the further they walked to the back of the store, the more nervous the man seemed to be.

Draco stopped in front of the cage with the lion cub. "I like to buy this lion."

Lucius chuckled. "It'll fit his personality, that's for sure."

"Are you sure you want to buy this animal? If you're searching for a lion, I can provide you with better ones." The store manager said nervously, but hopefully.

Draco narrowed his eyes. "Why would I want another one? I want this cub and no other lion will do."

"But this one is very vicious. Other candidate buyers have been burned and bitten by this animal." The man tried to persuade Draco.

Draco rolled his eyes, unlocked the door of the cage and let the lion sniff at his hand, ignoring the outraged gasp 'But sir!' and let Snape hold back the store manager.

The cub sniffed curiously at his hand and looked uncertainly at the boy.

"What do you say of going to live with a nice black haired boy, hmm?" Draco whispered to the cub. Seeing how special it was, Draco figured the lion cub could maybe understand him.

The little lion looked thoughtful, as if he understood Draco's question and slowly, very slowly, he opened his mouth and… gave Draco a lick on his hand.

"I take that as a yes then." Draco smirked smugly at the store manager and scratched the lion behind his ear. A deep rumble rose from the cub's throat and he closed his eyes, enjoying the scratching movement.

"I thought that this cub was a vicious beast that wounded everyone?" Lucius asked and raised an eyebrow.

"I – I've never… in my life… This is the first time that the lion didn't bite. I don't understand it." The old man stammered stunned.

"I don't particularly care if you understand it or not, my son wants to buy this lion cub. How much do you ask?" Lucius asked.

"Well," the man licked his lips, getting nervous again, "this lion has been in this store for as long as I can remember and he never grew. My research didn't tell me much; except that it can only bond with one wizard and that it's an extremely rare species. It said that this lion will place some mark on his bonded wizard and that it will protect him or her with his life. The only other thing I found was that it is called a Nemean. Because a Nemean is extremely rare, the value is considered enormously high, so I don't… think your son will be able to pay." At the end of his speech, the man was sweating.

"Are you suggesting that we, Malfoys, won't be able to pay for this lion? Let me assure you, sir, that the Malfoys are a family of wealth and that we'll be able to afford this Nemean. Now, I ask you once again: how much do you ask?" Lucius questioned, his grey eyes cold.

"90 000 Galleons, sir." The man squeaked scared.

"Now that wasn't so hard, right?" Lucius said affably. "Are you going to pay, Draco, or should I?"

"I will. After all, it's my gift." Draco answered.

Lucius nodded. "Very well." Interested, he looked at the small snake who was staring at the group. "I think I will buy this snake. If he truly belongs in Slytherin, he might as well own Slytherin's symbol."

The store manager gaped. Who was the person they bought these expensive and rare animals for?

"Tell me, what kind of species is this snake?" Lucius asked.

"Well, euhm …"

"I've read about this snake." Snape suddenly spoke. He was staring intently at the snake. "It's called Akeyra, I believe. It came originally from the Amazon forest. It's an endangered species, so I assume it has been illegally imported." The store manager spluttered and went red, but Snape continued, "The book didn't say much about it, except that his poison could be used in some potions. How interesting. I never thought I would see an Akeyra here in England."

"How much?" Lucius asked.

"65 970 Galleons." The store manager squeaked again.

"Very well. Now for the arrangements: I will come back on the thirty – first of July, to pick these animals up. I expect them to be in their transport boxes and they had better look as good as now. We're ready to pay now." Lucius smiled coldly. "Unless you want to buy an animal too, Severus?"

Snape scoffed. "No, thank you. I don't fancy seeing a zoo around that boy."

"Maybe, but I would like you to buy a gift too." Lucius said seriously.

Snape smiled sourly. "Don't worry, Lucius, I have something in mind to buy."

"I don't think something related to potions would be a good gift for him, uncle Severus." Draco said hesitatingly. He couldn't imagine Harry being happy with a potions book. Oh, he would pretend to be happy about it, but Draco was sure Harry wouldn't throw another glance at it afterwards.

"As if I would waste money on buying something with potions for that brat. No, that would be pretty useless. However, I think he will appreciate my idea." Snape replied.

The three men followed the store manager and paid for the animals. Draco was glad that the etiquette forbade the gift purchasers to tell the price to the receiver of the gift. He had a feeling Harry would freak out if he found out how much exactly they had paid for his gifts.

The moment the three men walked outside, Snape immediately strode into a bookstore. When the two Malfoys walked into the store, Snape had already bought something which was wrapped in dark blue paper. When they inquired to what the gift was, Snape remained tightlipped and he refused to even give them a clue. After a while, Lucius and Draco gave up and they decided to wander in Diagon Alley, looking in other stores, happy with their chosen gifts.

One man, however, wasn't happy. It was the store manager of the magical pet store. When the Malfoys had finally left, he had wiped the sweat of his forehead and had sat down to calm his trembling legs. He couldn't believe he had just sold two animals for 155 970 Galleons. He was ecstatic he had earned so much, but … On the other hand, even that much money wasn't worth the pain he would endure when he had to put the animals in their boxes. Why did those blasted Malfoys have to choose the two most dangerous animals he had in his store? The man shuddered and made the mistake of looking at the two cages. The lion cub was staring with a look of pure evil in his red eyes and showed his teeth while his claws scratched at the glass which produced a horrible screeching sound. The snake bared his teeth and hissed. The store manager cringed and hastily turned away.

Dear Merlin, why couldn't they have taken the animals with them?

The roar of the lion cub scared him so much that he fainted and stayed unconscious for three hours.

Meanwhile, in Grimmauld Place.

Remus took his chosen book out of the Black library and walked to his room, deciding to enjoy his peace. Well, that was what he intended to do until he caught Sirius coming out of a room snickering. Oh dear, this doesn't bode well, Remus thought.

"Sirius, what in Merlin's name are you doing?" Remus asked sighing.

Sirius jumped up and brought his hand to his heart. "Fuck, Remus, you scared the hell out of me! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"I didn't sneak up on you. Now what were you doing in there?" Remus inquired, dreading the answer. If something got Sirius snickering like that, it was usually something that wasn't allowed.

Sirius grinned. "I was preparing Harry's gift."

Remus stared at the grin. "If Lily was still alive, are the chances big she would kill you for it?"

"Probably." Sirius laughed.

"Would James reprimand you in Lily's sight, but congratulate you afterwards?"

"Oh yes."

Remus sighed. "I don't want to know it."

"Then don't ask." Was Sirius' simple advice.

Both men jumped lightly when Harry's voice suddenly spoke, "I'm bored."

They turned around and saw Harry standing with his hands in his pockets and a bored look on his face. Since Snape had been forcing nutrition potions and potions for gaining weight down Harry's throat, the boy looked a lot better. He would still be smaller than most boys of his year, but at least he didn't look starved anymore. Thanks to the potions, his body had filled nicely and he could now wear his clothes without looking as if he drowned in it – which made him look more handsome. The fact that he was actually very hot hadn't escaped others' attention and even Tonks blushed slightly every time Harry looked in her direction. A fact that hadn't escaped Sirius' attention and he used this opportunity to tease Tonks each time they were in the same room. To Sirius' aggravation Ginny had apparently decided she wanted Harry as her next boyfriend (*cough – victim – cough*) and she used every opportunity she got to flirt with Harry. Unfortunately for her, Sirius, Remus or the Malfoys made sure Harry couldn't be find alone (and to be extra sure, they all inspected Harry's food in case Ginny decided to use a love potion on Harry). Even Snape took care to always be around if the others couldn't accompany Harry (of course he took this opportunity to teach Harry more about Potions. If he had to let that brat in his lessons, he would make sure they at least survived the class. At least, that was his excuse.). So far, Ginny hadn't had a chance to properly flirt with Harry and that had made her a little annoyed (and now she even had to get around a stubborn feisty cat who didn't like her).

"Have you done all your homework?" Remus asked.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, I've finished that a week ago."

"Even your Potions?" Sirius asked surprised.

"Yes, Draco helped me with it." Harry smiled.

"Well, why don't you find Draco to do something?" Sirius suggested.

Harry pouted. "Can't. He went shopping with Lucius and Snape."

"Ah. Well, what about Ron and Hermione?" Remus asked.

"Can't do that either."

"Why not?"

"Well, they are both cleaning and for some reason, every time they go near me, Sapphire hisses. Yesterday, she even bit Ron." Harry answered. As if on cue, Sapphire came from behind Harry and meowed innocently.

Sirius suddenly snapped his fingers. "Wait, I know what we can do." He said enthusiastically.

Harry perked up and looked expectantly at Sirius while Remus began to feel wary.

"You said Snivellus is gone, right?" Sirius asked for confirmation.

Harry nodded.

Sirius rubbed his hands in glee. "Then I think it's time for revenge."

"What revenge?" Remus asked confused.

"A couple of weeks ago, when we were at the Leaky Cauldron. Harry stopped me from retaliating, but he promised me we would take revenge." Sirius grinned.

Remus looked at Harry reprimanding, but Harry shrugged as if to say 'What did I have to do otherwise?'

"What is your plan?" Harry asked. He didn't hate Snape anymore, not since he had decided to help Harry – even if this help wasn't necessary – and since he acted a bit friendlier. It was scary to think of a friendly Snape, but Harry suspected that it was all the doing of Draco. Since the blond boy had become his friend, he had reprimanded Snape every time he was nasty to Harry.

"I was thinking of using a potion to change Snivellus' greasy hair into something more… colorful." Sirius grinned with shining eyes.

"Oh god, you mean the potion we used in our sixth year on Dumbledore?" Remus smiled faintly.

Harry gaped. "You played a prank on Dumbledore?"

"Yeah. For a full day, he had to walk with bright orange hair." Sirius shuddered. "His hair clashed horribly with that purple robe he wore."

Remus rolled his eyes. Trust Sirius to be horrified with clashing colors.

"Can we do the prank today?" Harry asked eagerly. No, he didn't hate Snape anymore, but he didn't refuse a chance to play a prank on the man.

"Of course, I have the ingredients laying in the room next to mine. Come on." Sirius smiled and grabbed Remus' arm to prevent him from escaping.

One hour later, the potion for the prank was ready. It was purple from color and was odourless.

"Moony, you'll stand at the beginning of the hallway to look out for Snivellus. Harry, you're going with me into the git's room. I need your help with spreading the potion." Sirius ordered.

In a flash, Harry was in the doorway with Sapphire on his shoulder. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go." He said impatiently and was already walking towards the stairs.

"We'll make a true Marauder out of him." Sirius smiled satisfied and followed his godson.

Remus sighed, but couldn't stop the smile breaking out on his face, nor the excitement bubbling up in his chest. It was the same he always felt when he was about to play a prank. He hadn't felt like this in years. It was almost as if the Marauders were back in the game. Remus chuckled; there was even a Potter again.

Still chuckling, he went after Sirius and Harry and stationed himself at the beginning of the hallway.

"All right, Harry, you take the potion and go to the bed. When I let the pillow and sheets flow, you let a few drops of the potion fall on the bed. When he goes to sleep, his skin will absorb the potion and will turn his hair into another colour." Sirius explained.

Harry grinned, took the vial and positioned himself at the headboard of Snape's bed.

"Ready?" Sirius asked and raised his wand. Harry nodded and uncapped the cork from the vial. "Levitate." Immediately the pillow and the sheets floated above their heads in exactly the same way as they had lain on the bed. Carefully, Harry let a few drops fall in a straight line.

"Done?"

Harry nodded and closed the vial.

"All right." Sirius mumbled something under his breath and the sheets and pillow floated back into their rightful place on the bed.

"Snape is back." They heard Remus saying softly and they hurried out of the room.

"Wipe those smug smirks of your faces, you two, before you betray our plan." Remus admonished them, but smiled too.

"Wait, Snape's back?" Harry asked. Remus nodded. Sirius could just grab the neck of Harry's T – shirt when he made a dash to the staircase.

"What was that for?" Harry complained.

"Since when are you in a hurry to see Snivellus?" Sirius asked suspiciously.

"Why on earth would I want to see Snape? I just want to see Draco. If Snape's back here, then so is Draco." Harry hurriedly explained, eager to go to the blond boy.

"Then who am I to stop you?" Sirius said bemused and let Harry go. He blinked when Harry was gone in a flash, with Sapphire on his shoulder. "If someone had told me my godson would one day be eager to see a Malfoy, I would have let them committed to Saint Mungos."

Remus chuckled. "Come, let's go downstairs too."

Draco had just cleaned his clothes from the dust that came with Flooing, when he heard someone stopping behind him. He turned around and smiled upon seeing Harry.

"Hey Harry, Sapphire." He said and scratched behind Sapphire's ear which caused him to slightly brush against Harry's cheek. Sapphire purred and Harry blushed slightly, but seeing as he didn't push the hand away, Draco figured Harry didn't mind the close contact.

"I thought you went shopping? Hello Lucius, professor Snape." Harry added when he saw the two men.

Lucius smiled, while Snape nodded.

"Oh, we went shopping. But we didn't found anything interesting, although I've got something for you." Draco grinned when he saw Harry perking up.

"What is it?"

Draco produced a bag from behind his back and gave it to the boy standing in front of him. Harry opened the bag and grinned widely when he saw the boxes with Chocolate Frogs in it; his favorite candy.

"Thank you!" Harry said happily and gave Draco a hug before he opened a box with the chocolate.

Draco blushed very slightly, but smiled at the happy sight Harry presented, while ignoring his father's and godfather's raised eyebrows.

Harry had just ate his first Chocolate Frog, when a loud BANG could be heard, the yelling of Mrs. Black ("FILTHY MUDBLOODS! HOW DARE YOU STEP IN THIS PURE HOUSE?") followed by the apologies of Tonks. Apparently she had – once again – tripped over something.

"This is getting annoying." Harry mumbled irritated. He went to a drawer and searched through it until he found a knife.

"Here, hold this for a moment, will you?" Harry said and pushed the bag with chocolates into Draco's hands.

"Harry, what are you going to do with that knife?" Draco asked bewildered.

"You'll see." Harry said mysteriously, grabbed a chair and dragged it to the hallway.

Draco raised an eyebrow, but followed Harry; curious as to what Harry was planning to do with a knife and a chair.

When Harry arrived, he saw Remus and Sirius trying to close the curtains around the portrait of Mrs. Black, who was screaming more profanities.

"Sirius, would you mind it if I destroyed your mother's painting? It's giving me a headache." Harry winced when Mrs. Black let out a particularly loud scream.

"We've already tried everything, pup. We're still trying to find the counterspell to whatever spell she used on her damn portrait." Sirius growled, still struggling with the curtains that wouldn't budge.

"Ever tried it the Muggle way?" Harry asked nonchalantly and showed the knife.

"No, we didn't try that. But you can have the honour of doing that." Sirius smirked, rather sadistically.

"As long as you don't hurt yourself." Remus added concerned.

Harry grinned and placed the chair right in front of the portrait, because he couldn't reach the top of the portrait. He climbed on the chair, but had to grab the back rest because the chair wobbled. "Damn." He muttered.

Draco shoved the bag in Snape's hands – who looked disgusted at it, but otherwise held it – and grabbed the back rest, so that Harry could stand steady.

Harry chuckled. "I take it you won't miss your great aunt, seeing as you're assisting me."

"I'm not exactly fond of mad screaming portraits." Draco said lightly. Besides, this way, I can admire your ass without it being too striking, he added in his thoughts.

Mrs. Black had become silent when she saw Harry standing before her with a knife in his hand.

"What are you trying to do, you miserable lowlife?" She asked suspiciously, throwing in the insult almost carelessly. It was always fun to see the insulted people trying to retaliate.

Harry rolled his eyes. "If you want to insult me, try to be a little more creative. As for what I'll do: I'm going to destroy you, doing it the Muggle way."

"Ha! As if you could manage that! You're just as pathetic as that Muggle whore that you call your mother." Mrs. Black sneered.

Instantly, everyone tensed. Mrs. Black had just made a major mistake. Harry stood perfectly still and everyone – even Snape – looked at him worried. If there was one thing, you really shouldn't do when you were in the proximity of Harry, it was insulting his family.

A strange mad gleam appeared in Harry's eyes and he raised his knife. "For a Pureblood, you're really stupid. Only an idiot would defy someone, who's holding a knife. You made a real mistake." Harry said, his voice so cold that it chilled everyone. Even Snape had to repress a shudder.

Quick as a snake, Harry stabbed the knife into the top right corner and ripped the paper all the way down. And just like Harry had suspected, Mrs. Black was able to be removed, only using a knife. All the while when Harry was cutting the painting out of the portrait, Mrs. Black was screaming bloody murder, but wasn't able to stop the boy.

That was how Mrs. Black was destroyed: using a tool that only the sort of people she despised – Muggles – used commonly.

When Harry was done with the cutting, he rolled the painting up and asked, "Can someone burn this?"

Perplexed, Remus waved his wand and said, "Incendio."

The painting was attacked by the flames until it was reduced to ashes. With another wave of Remus' wand, the ashes disappeared and Harry jumped off the chair.

"That felt good." He said satisfied. "I've wanted to do that for a long time."

"Apparently." Draco said carefully. He noticed even Sapphire looked satisfied.

"Are you okay, Harry?" Sirius asked carefully.

"Of course." Harry answered surprised. Then he turned to Draco. "What do you think of playing Exploding Snap?"

"Sure, why not?" Draco complied smiling and followed Harry to their room, after retrieving the bag with Chocolate Frogs from Snape.

"You have a scary godson, Black." Snape remarked casually. "I think it would be wise for the Dark Lord to feel afraid when he'll fight against Potter. Especially if He decides to insult that boy. Imagine what that boy can do with a wand when he's insulted." With that said, he went upstairs.

Sirius scratched his head and shrugged. "Well, at least that awful hag is gone."

Remus shook his head and slapped Sirius on the head. "You can be such an idiot, sometimes."

"What? Why? What did I do now?" Sirius pouted and rubbed the sore spot on his head.

Remus just sighed and walked into the kitchen, a muttering Sirius following him.

The following morning, Sirius, Remus, Harry and Draco were eating their breakfast when a sudden yell startled them all.

"BLACK, POTTER, LUPIN! YOU SONS OF BITCHES! I'LL MURDER YOU!" Snape screamed and stormed into the kitchen;

All the occupants (including Mister and Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Hermione and Ginny) gaped when they saw how Snape looked like. His hair was no longer black; instead his hair was divided into two colors: gold and red.

"I always knew you loved us, Gryffindors, Snivellus." Sirius said and he and Harry burst out in laughter. Remus tried to hold his laughter back, but failed. Soon he was laughing hard too. Even Draco chuckled.

"When I've done the countercurse, there will be hell to pay." Snape hissed and stormed out of the kitchen.

Sirius wiped the tears of laughter out of his eyes. "Ahh, it's like a déjà vu. Good old Snivellus threatening us; I missed that."

"Should we tell him that it was a potion?" Harry asked, still chuckling.

"Nah." Remus said. "He will know it when none of his spells will work."

"So this is what you did yesterday when I wasn't here." Draco chuckled.

"Yeah, I was bored, so I figured I had to do something when you were gone." Harry grinned.

"So what you're saying is that I'm your entertainment?" Draco said dryly.

"Yes, and you're good at it. If I had known you were that good at entertaining me, I would have called a truce, years ago." Harry teased.

"Glad to know that." Draco snorted lightly.

Their playful banter was interrupted by Hermione. "Harry, you shouldn't have done that." She said disapprovingly. "He's still your professor; you should show him more respect."

Why is it that when I amuse myself, she always finds it disrespectful and disapproves of it?, Harry thought annoyed. "'Mione, it was just a prank. His hair will be back to normal tomorrow. It's completely harmless." Harry tried to explain.

"I don't care, Harry. It was immature of you." Hermione said stubbornly.

"Hermione, it's vacation. We're not at school! If Harry wants to play a prank, then let him. It's not as if the potion harmed the greasy git; it just changed his hair color. Personally, I found it great!" Ron said, after gulping down some of his scrambled eggs.

"Thanks Ron." Harry said gratefully.

"No, Ron, Hermione is right. Harry, you just can't go playing pranks if you're bored." Mrs. Weasley said sternly.

Sapphire hissed and stood in front of Harry, as if she wanted to protect him.

"Molly, it was I who came up with the prank." Sirius said annoyed. Why did that woman always have to nag at his godson?

"How irresponsible can you be? What were you trying to do? Harry isn't James; you can't bring your friend back by trying to change Harry into him." Mrs. Weasley scolded.

Furious, Sirius shot up and banged his hands on the table. "I'M NOT TRYING TO CHANGE HARRY INTO JAMES! I KNOW WHO HARRY IS! FOR FUCK'S SAKE, WE WERE JUST ENTERTAINING OURSELVES! WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO NAG AND RUIN OUR GOOD MOOD?" He yelled, his eyes burning.

"Excuse me? I…" Mrs. Weasley began angrily.

"Molly, don't start." Mister Weasley interjected, sounding tired.

"Come on, Harry, Moony. Let's get out of here, before I kill someone." Sirius growled.

Remus nodded and stood up. Harry, who had tensed up when Sirius had begun yelling, yanked softly on Draco's sleeve, confining his need to have the blond with him. He knew that Sirius would never hurt him, but well… Just to be on the safe side.

Draco casted one glance at the nervous face of Harry and followed him out the kitchen. The two boys followed Sirius and Remus to a room upstairs where they sat down on the surprisingly comfy sofas. They decided to play some Exploding Snap to calm Sirius down.

After a while, Harry had to go to the bathroom. When he came out of it, he bumped into something black.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't…" Harry broke his sentence off and gulped when he saw that he had bumped into Snape. Still with red and gold hair.

"It appears that I have somehow consumed a potion that transformed my hair into these ghastly colors." Snape said, his voice smooth, but dangerous. "Care to explain why you used a potion, Mister Potter?"

Oh shit, quick, think of something that won't get you killed, Harry thought frantically. "Well, you know… I thought I would practice Potions and this seemed an easy one. I mean, it's better to start easy and then work your way up to more difficult ones, right?" Harry laughed nervously.

Snape crossed his arms. "And why did you decide to use the potion on me?"

"I wanted to see if the potion worked and if there were mistakes, you could help me correct them, since you're a Potions Master." Harry answered. Heh, this is the first time I try to use flattery on Snape. I wonder if it works, he thought.

Snape smirked. "Using flattery, very Slytherin of you, Mister Potter. As for the potion, it worked. Maybe you are not so hopeless after all. However, I would prefer it if you didn't use me as your guinea pig. Have a nice day, Potter and stay away from the kitchen for a few hours. I reckon it wouldn't be very healthy for you or that mutt." He said and disappeared behind a corner.

For a moment, Harry stood there bewildered, but then shook his head smiling. He hadn't known Snape could be friendly – in his own way, of course.

A few days later, it was finally Harry's birthday.

Lucius had taken the day off and went to Diagon Alley to pick up the animals (he didn't pay attention to the many bite - , scratch - , and burn marks on the store manager's face and arms). Mrs. Weasley had decided to forget her fight with Sirius and had made Harry's favorite dinner and a huge chocolate cake that had three layers and strawberries and whipped cream on top. Snape had been forced to stay and was sitting in a chair in the living room with a scowl on his face. Draco spent his time in bed, watching Harry sleep. And Sirius… Well, he decided to wake Harry up in his own special way.

Draco looked up when the door opened. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Remus standing in the doorway with a resigned look on his face. Draco opened his mouth to ask what was going on, when suddenly a huge black dog stormed into the room and jumped on Harry's bed where he proceeded to lick Harry's face. At the feeling of a large wet tongue sweeping over his face, Harry woke up and stared right into Padfoot's face.

"EEW! Padfoot, that's just gross! Get off me!" Harry complained and pushed the dog away, who transformed back into a grinning Sirius.

"Happy birthday, pup!" He laughed.

Harry cleaned his face with his sheet. "Thanks, but why did you lick my face?"

"That's the Marauder way of wishing someone a happy birthday." Remus chuckled. "Be glad it was only Padfoot. If James was still alive, he would've licked you too – and trust me when I say, you don't want to wake up to a gigantic antler standing on your bed."

"Now, go dressed! You have cake to eat and presents to open!" Sirius exclaimed excitedly and almost bounced out of the room.

Remus smiled. "Happy birthday, cub. I'll see you downstairs."

"If I were you, I would shower first, before you reek like a dog." Draco smirked.

"Don't worry, I don't want to smell like a dog." Harry laughed and stood up. He stretched and Draco admired the way his T – shirt ride up to show his abs. Harry yawned, grabbed a jeans and a green T – shirt and went to the bathroom.

Draco grinned; he couldn't wait to see Harry's face when he saw his new pets.

A few hours later (and several attempts of Ginny to kiss Harry in which she didn't succeed), everyone was joined together in the living room. Harry was sitting at the top of the table with Sirius on his right, Draco on his left and Remus standing behind him. It was present time.

First, Harry received Hermione's gift. As expected, she gave Harry a book: 'Dark Curses And How To Recognize Them'.

Harry gave her a hug. "Thanks 'Mione."

"Preparation for you future career." She winked.

Next, it was Ron's gift. It also contained a book: 'Seekers And Their Tactics'.

"I know you're a good enough Seeker without it, but I thought it would be fun to try them out." Ron explained.

"Thanks Ron." Harry grinned.

From Mister and Mrs. Weasley he received the usual candy (although now there wasn't any cake included, because he didn't live with the Dursleys anymore); from the twins he got a variety of their new pranks (including the bombs they'd inflicted on Ron's and Hermione's room). Hagrid had sent him his usual can of fudge which he wouldn't eat because it would destroy his teeth. Bill gave him a book about the breaking of curses and Charlie gave him a book about dragons and … a statue of the Hungarian Horntail. Mrs. Weasley huffed and said she couldn't believe how insensitive her son had been, for the dragon part of the Tournament had been traumatizing for Harry. Harry himself could laugh with it.

Then it was time for Remus' present. At the feeling of it, it appeared to be a book too, but when Harry opened it, he saw that it was a photo album of the Marauders when they were at school.

Harry stood up and gave Remus a hug. "Thank you." He whispered in Remus' ear, touched by the gift.

"It's nothing." Remus smiled and hugged him back.

"Just a question, though: why was Sirius' hair blue in that one photo?" Harry asked curiously, but amused.

"Just a stupid prank some idiots played on me. Now, it's time for my gift." Sirius answered hastily.

Chuckling, Harry opened the small box. His eyebrows furrowed when he dangled a pair of keys in the air. Confused, he asked, "Euhm, Sirius, not that I complain, but why did you give me keys?" Then his face became horror struck. "You're not giving me a diary, are you?"

Sirius laughed and ruffled through Harry's hair. "No, of course not! No, I decided it was time to teach you other means of transport besides your broom. It's something I bought for my fifteenth birthday."

"Oh my god! Sirius, Lily will kill you!" Remus hissed, having finally figured out what Sirius' gift exactly was.

"What? Why would my mother kill him?" Harry asked confused.

"Because those are the keys of my motorcycle. I'm going to teach you how to ride it." Sirius grinned.

Harry's eyes lit up; he couldn't believe he would get to ride on a flying motorcycle!

"Thank you!" Harry flew out of his chair right into Sirius' lap and hugged him.

"No problem, pup." Sirius laughed.

Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth – presumably to protest – but Mister Weasley shook his head and she closed her mouth.

"Now, it's time to open my present." Draco announced and shoved the big box with holes in it carefully to Harry.

Sapphire jumped on Harry's shoulder and cocked her head, waiting for the box to open. Maybe afterwards, her master would let her play in it. She narrowed her blue eyes when her sensitive nose piqued up a peculiar scent.

"You didn't have to buy me a present, Draco." Harry said, a little overwhelmed to receive so many presents.

"Harry, shut up and open the present." Draco said plainly.

Harry grinned and ripped the paper of the box. His mouth fell open when a little lion cub stared at him.

"Oh my god. Is this … a real lion?" Harry asked awed.

"Yes. It's a Nemean. Because you're a Gryffindor, I thought it would suit you. I warn you, though, there is not much known about it because it's so rare." Draco answered, pleased with the delighted look on Harry's face.

The little Nemean sniffed at the hand Harry offered and purred to let his new master know he had been accepted. Harry tilted the cub up and hold it in his arms. At first, he had been apprehensive about the flames, but to his surprise, he could touch them without hurting himself. In fact, the flames were comfortably warm.

"You're a cute one, aren't you?" Harry cooed softly and stroked the cub over his head. The Nemean purred.

"And, do you like your present?" Draco inquired, already knowing the answer.

"Of course I do! It's the coolest present I got! Well, except for the driving lessons." Harry added as an afterthought and hugged Draco. This hug lasted a bit longer, even if there was a lion cub between them.

"I think I will call him Ruby, because of his red eyes." Harry mused. Ruby butted his head against Harry's chin and purred even louder in approval.

Then Hermione came over. "I've never read about this creature before. It's fascinating. I have to look it up." Just when she reached out her hand to touch the cub, both Sapphire and Ruby extended their claws and swiped at her hand. Hermione yelped and sprang out of the way.

"Sapphire! Ruby!" Harry said shocked. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I guess they don't like to be touched."

Sapphire and Ruby pulled their claws back, looked at each other and nodded slightly, confirming something only they understood.

"Those cats are dangerous, Harry. Are you sure you want to keep them?" Ron asked, his face flushed and he clasped an arm around Hermione's shoulder.

"Of course! They just have to adapt to their new environment." Harry defended his new pets.

"If you say so, mate." Ron said hesitatingly.

Draco hid a smirk. Yes, it had been a good idea to buy that lion cub.

"You still have to open two presents, Harry." Lucius smiled. "This one is from me."

"You shouldn't have." Harry said, feeling flustered to have even received a gift from the older Malfoy.

"Nonsense. I'm glad to have found a gift."

Harry placed Ruby on the table next to the box and removed the paper from this box. His eyes widened when he heard something hissing.

"Finally, I'm glad I can get out of this hideous box. I should have bitten that idiot harder for forcing me into this box." A white snake raised his head and fixated his purple eyes on Harry.

"Hello, I'm Harry." Harry said, automatically speaking in Parseltongue.

"You speak my language?" The snake asked surprised.

"Yes. What's your name?"

"My name is Garin. I'm an Akeyra." The snake answered.

"That's a beautiful name; it fits you." Harry praised.

"Thank you, master Harry. Can I rest in your neck? I'm tired and we, Akeyras, need a warm place to rest. I promise I won't bite." Garin hissed.

"Of course. Rest as long as you like." Harry hissed and extended his arm. Garin slithered his way up to Harry's neck and curled around Harry's neck as if he was a scarf. Garin's skin was cool and soaked up Harry's body heat.

"I take it you approve of the snake?" Lucius asked.

Harry nodded, careful to avoid jostling Garin. "Oh yes. Thank you, Garin is perfect."

"Garin?" Remus asked.

"That's his name."

Damn, Harry looks unbelievably hot with that snake around his neck. I wonder how he would look like if his shirt disappeared… No, focus! You can't get all excited in front of all these people, Draco chastised himself.

"Harry, are you going to let that – that thing sleep in your neck? That's gross!" Ron said horrified.

Harry frowned. "Ron, Garin can sleep where he wants. He says he needs heat to rest."

Ron looked even more disturbed, but didn't comment.

"Open your last present, Harry." Remus smiled, but silently wondered from who the present was.

Harry's last present was a book. "Snakes And Their Environment. How To Recognize Them." Harry read out loud.

"So that's what you bought in that shop!" Draco said to Snape.

Harry looked up surprised. "You bought a present for me, professor?" He said shocked.

"Yes, I bought you something. I didn't fancy being bothered by two obnoxiously annoying Malfoys. So there you have it." Snape answered brusquely, ignoring the shocked faces and the two huffs of the insulted Malfoys.

Harry smiled. "Thank you, professor." He said softly.

Snape nodded and ignored the warm feeling in his heart at the sight of Harry's grateful smile. He wasn't going soft and he definitely wouldn't buy that brat a present again, even if he had to put up with those Malfoys.

The rest of the day flew by, even with Ron ignoring Harry because of all his expensive gifts – not that Harry noticed that, being occupied with his pets, Draco, Sirius and Remus.

That night, Harry slept in bed with Garin curled up on his chest, Sapphire sleeping next to his head and Ruby sleeping next to Harry's legs.

AN2: So Harry has now three pets ^^

Please leave your thoughts behind in a review! See you all next Tuesday again

Love and cuddles

Melissa
- 9
- 10
- 11
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

All is fair in the game called love