Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Chameleon's Song	By : SomethingElse Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 132344 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 16
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
AN: that last chapter took a lot out of me, so I hope this isn’t a disappointment. Thanks to the reviewer, and I’ve decided on my final choices for Harry and Severus. Oh, how I wish I could decide who to mate with one of Harry’s sibs. I’ll just have to tell you about this, at the end of this chapter. No, it’s not a Poll! It’s just a teaser, just a teaser.

SilverLion: This may be a bad story for you, if you have a problem with that. Did I forget to put that into the description? I’ll post warnings at the beginning of chapter that have it, so you can avoid that part, if you like.

Yes, Harry and Blaise, and any other mates he takes, will spend lots of quality, human time together.

Jordan C: Yep, and Heeerree’s Shea!

Unneeded: Susan is definitely in the running, but the others, well let’s just see. Theodore I have some other plans for, and Eloise was a reviewer request that I haven’t yet figured out more than her creature. No rush, but some action is necessary to keep the rating up, right?

Lady lizzy: I heard that coo. Wondered what it was.

A: Okay, now I’m getting reviews from letters. At least, it’s the first letter, not like if Z were to review. Glad you like Susan, she’s a big part of this. Just wait till you see how she deals with the Malfoys and Dumbledore.

Anon: Glad you approved. So, if Harry mates with the Twins, that only counts as one? Wow, déjà vu. How did you guess that one? (eerie music)

Hazel: Welcome. Haven’t seen you here before. Have you been lurking? Just kidding. Glad to have you. Actually, that should have been two chapters, but again I had that issue with the book entry. I checked out your page, I’m a big Pern fan, too. My favorites are the prequels and the off-shoots, like Moreta.

ashes: Sorry, I thought one lemon per chapter was enough. Was I wrong?

jujukitty: Oh, I haven’t forgotten that meeting. I just have to keep it secret for a bit. Yeah, I want to make sure that all of the mates are set up right. That was my biggest complaint about the series. Jo didn’t seem to plan out the Harry/Ginny thing. It was like she said, “Oops, Harry needs to have a love life too. Well, just throw him in with Ginny.” On a side note, I just read what you have written – Generans Purus. I liked it, but didn’t review cause I was in the middle of writing a chap for this and had to keep my muse happy. Bad enough I was reading when I should have been working, huh?

riyirowe: Thanks. I’m bustin’ them out once a week, if I can. Glad you joined us.

Chapter 14: The Business of Mates

Peryton: Horns and Hooves, Wings and Feathers, No Flight or Even Want of Tethers

Often depicted as a winged deer, the Peryton is said to have the head, neck, forelegs and antlers of a stag, combined with the plumage, wings and hindquarters of a large bird, although some interpretations portray the Peryton as a deer in all but coloration and bird's wings.

Though not well known, Perytons are not exactly rare and are not considered protected. They are useful to the world of magic and often work with teams of Aurors in high risk mission that require stealth and agility. A Peryton can scale a mountain or run down a suspect like no mere mortal can and they are difficult to hit with most debilitating spells. The tough hyde they sport is thought to be the reason for this.

Most Perytons are capable of reproducing with Unicorn crosses or Equine breeds. They could possibly mate with Centaurs, though it is believed that these creatures disdain the unions. Peryton females have single births and only breed once every six or seven years. This does not inhibit the race, except for the females, as the males are not as infertile and can breed with an equine partner as often as it takes to bear a young.

            Harry peeled away the covers and looked down at the blushing Irishman. His lust was not overwhelming, but he knew that he wanted Seamus as much as the other wanted him. His only inhibition was that he wasn’t sure that Blaise and Shea would get along and he wouldn’t want to make either too uncomfortable. But, he wanted this mate and tonight was the night to claim him.

            “Harry, I don’t want to talk about that.” Seamus said and Harry shushed him.

            “The future is important, Shea. I want you to be my mate, but that means you have to know that I already have Blaise. I’m not going to choose between you, and I won’t be pleased if you argue a lot. I want you, Shea. But, I want Blaise, too.”

            “Tha’s okay, Harry. I don’ mind. You and Blaise, tha’s fine.” Seamus said sounding breathy.

            “And there may be others. I can’t be monogamous, Shea. It’s part of my creature line. I’m Chameleonis, you know.” Harry said.

            “So, if you decided to bed Wood, as well, I’d have to be okay wit it?” Seamus asked.

            “Oliver? I suppose so. Is Oliver a creature?” Harry mused softly, nipping at the other’s jaw with his teeth, but not breaking the skin. “I just want you to understand. I can want you, love you, and still have others. Do you accept that?” he asked.

            “Yeah, Harry. I can do that.” Seamus was starting to wiggle as Harry’s fingers traced his cheeks and neck, mapping him out with soft glances and light touches. The soft feelings became rougher as Harry pulled him up, to sit on his knees in front of him.

            “Then, be my mate, Shea. Be with me now.” Harry said, kissing Seamus hard on the lips, his hands firmly taking hold of the Irishman’s neck and back, pulling Seamus onto his lap, straddling Harry’s thighs. “Do you love me, Shea?” Harry asked.

            “Yes, Harry. I love you.” Seamus cried, his lips breaking free of Harry’s only long enough to shout this out, then diving back into bliss. Taking it deeper, Harry’s tongue thrust inside of Seamus’ mouth and danced with its mate. The passion driving them closer till not a centimeter of flesh between them could feel the air.

            Harry worked his way down Seamus’ neck, licking biting kissing, until he found the other’s collar bone and nipped at it firmly. Seamus cried out, and clutched at the Chameleonis, and Harry sucked determinedly at the skin where he had paused. It tasted honey sweet, like ambrosia in his mouth, and he tortured it mildly before releasing it and licking at it in apology.

            The bed rocked under them as Harry lay Seamus back onto his pillows and crawled over him. He was too far gone to worry out niceties and as he captured the faun’s mouth in another searing kiss, his hands worked its body. Seamus cooperated without question, spreading his legs and wrapping them around Harry’s hips, as those hands found his cock and the waiting hole that longed for fulfillment. Harry was quick and by the time he was prepared, Seamus was panting and quivering with arousal.

            Harry cast his spells, for lubrication and contraception, and was soon entering his second mate, his body fevered and his mind with no inhibitions. He felt free, like he could stay here and do nothing but make love to this boy for all his days. Seamus was perfect, his body tuned to Harry’s like a bow to an arrow, and they moved in a semblance of a dance that left them both quivering on the precipice of their finish. Harry went first, plowing into the smaller boy like a man possessed, and Seamus soon followed, screaming out his release, even as his cock shot out his seed.

            They lay panting, drawing in breath as they regained their strength, and holding each other so that they could be sure that they had actually experienced the dream they felt like they had just had. Seamus fell asleep in Harry’s arms, whispering “love ya, Arry. Ay’m yer mate, now.” And Harry smiled as he squeezed his mate tighter.

            “Yeah, Shea. You’re mine. All mine.” He was glad he’d cast the privacy spell before he had climbed into the bed, and they wouldn’t have to deal with a dorm full of teasing seventh year boys in the morning.

*****

            Oliver sat near the bank of the lake, an ancient oak behind his back and a forgotten book open on his lap. His eyes were closed and his breathing was deep, though he was not asleep. The pages of his book turned in the breeze. From a distance, he seemed calm and serene.

            Approaching him carefully, Harry avoided thick patches of snow that might crunch loudly and startle the peaceful man. When he neared, Oliver spoke, though he did not move from his pose, his eyes still closed and his back to Harry. “You’ve taken a mate, then?”

            Harry stopped, frozen in his tracks and feeling guilty for some reason. He bent his head and replied, “yes.”

            “What do you want?” Oliver added closing his book and looking at its cover.

            Harry looked back up then stepped closer. He stopped in front of the other Gryffindor and planted his feet firmly. “Why did you really come here, Oliver? I know you didn’t come to help with charms. Tell me the truth.” The words were more insistent than Harry felt.

            Oliver’s eyes rolled up to him faster than his face and when he was leaning against the tree again, he spoke. “I came to find you. My uncle heard the rumor of a Chameleonis and dragged me here.”

            Harry sighed and turned away, his thoughts in turmoil. Oliver was on his feet in seconds, his book dropped to lay open and flail in the light wind. Harry shook a weary head and waited for the other to speak. Oliver seemed smaller, as he searched for his words.

            “I didn’t want to come, that’ll admit. But, I was not displeased to find it were you that we sought. I fear we hesitated too long, though.” He spoke sadly and Harry took hold of his arm.

            “Not so, Oliver.” He pulled the bigger Gryffindor closer and held him by the wrist. “I took a mate, actually two, but that is only so far. I plan to follow my instincts on this, I just hate how the adults all seem to be treating me. This uncle of yours, has he considered your feelings, at all?”

            Oliver shrugged the answer and Harry sighed once more. “Harry, Uncle Conifer was looking to continue our line. It is a natural response. It isn’t like the pure-blood supremacists, but has a similar base. There are so few of us left.” He explained.

            “What is your line, Oliver? I can’t tell, and it seems fair, since you already know mine.” Harry asked and the other blushed, tanning his features with a pink backdrop.

            “Dryad.” Oliver whispered, “this is my tree, an oak. We have an entire grove of them, back home.” He patted the ancient tree as he spoke and Harry stared up into its branches. It looked regal and powerful, even in its dormant state. He nodded in understanding. Oliver smiled at him.

            “And your uncle is a conifer?” Harry asked wondering about the name.

            “Cypress Conifer Broadleaf, tha’s his given name. My aunt, his wife, is Willow.” Oliver said, “Her birth name was Angiosperie Willow Wood. Her tree is the river willow, tha’s the same as the whomping willow on the grounds. She was the one to teach it to relax when the knot on its base was tapped. She tamed it, ya see?”

            Harry winced. “That tree and I have a history.” He apologized.

            “I have one with it as well. Aunt Willow was intent that I bond with it in firs’ year. It gave me this scar.” He said exposing a slash of shiny white skin across his belly.

            “Hermione and I ended up riding one of its branches through the sky. It was frightening.” Harry admitted with a smile.

            “I’d keep me distance if I were you. It doesn’t usually let anyone off easy on a second visit.” Oliver said with a return smile. Harry indicated the castle and he nodded. “Best be going in, I suppose. It’s near to a storm. I can feel it.” And they began their trek back.

*****

            Dinner in the great hall was even more rambunctious with the returning alumni present. Each house boasted at least two. Harry’s table had three, Oliver and the two Weasley’s, though they had not actually graduated, and the Slytherin table had Marcus Flint, Adrian Pucey and Lon Derrick. The conversations were jolly and companionable. From the staff table, Dumbledore looked on with pleasure and Snape sneered a little less ferociously. Though they had been on campus for more than a week, he felt as if they were just returned children to his bosom.

            At the Ravenclaw table, Isabel and Padma were talking with Cho and Penelope Clearwater, while Terry was eyeing the far table with interest. Harry followed his line of sight with a wince as he realized that his brother was staring blatantly at the Slytherin table.

            The headmaster stood before dinner was served and the hall went slowly silent. “I wish to extend the welcome to all of our visiting former students, and remind everyone that though there are special circumstances, the rules of the school have not changed. There will be no more traipsing through the halls after curfew, and even those of age must remember that the forbidden forest is named for a reason. Now, on to the feasting.”

            “Oliver? You were in the same class as Flint. What would you say if I told you he was a Wulver?” Harry whispered. Oliver looked up and smirked across the room.

            “I would have bet troll, and technically he was a year ahead of me, but something to do with his family, he was taken out and held back after missing a year. So, he’s not in my class, but we did attend together for two years.”

            “Do you think that all of the alumni were called back for the same reason you were?” Harry asked this time in a more normal tone.

            “Most likely. I don’t know what the two Ravenclaws or the Hufflepuffs are, but Derrick and Bole were both rumored to be creatures. Derrick was a snake cross, to be sure. But Pucey, I don’t know that one.” Oliver seemed to be searching his thoughts as he picked at his food. Harry noted that he seemed partial to a vegetarian fare, with salads and rice as his main staples. Across from him, the Weasley twins were plunging through shepherd’s pie with fervor.

            “Are you talking about creature inheritances?” Fred asked between forkfuls.

            “Pucey is a rare beast, to be sure.” George supplied. “Not many of em left, there ain’t”

            “You know what he is?” Harry asked.

            “Sure. Caught him out at the edge of the forest, just last night. That’s what’s got ol’Dumbles’ panties in a twist. He was communing with the centaurs. If you know what I mean.” Fred chimed in.

            “He’s a Pegasus.” George whispered and Harry turned to look harder.

            “Can’t be.” Oliver crowed. “Old Pucey?”

            “Aren’t they supposed to be pure, or something?” Harry said with a suggestive edge to his voice.

            “Naw, that’s unicorn. Pegasus was a randy old buck, if you go for that Greek history and mythology stuff.” Fred said.

            “Well, then. Tha’s more like Pucey, in my mind. Best stay clear of him, Harry.” Oliver said with a wink. Harry shuddered at the thought and gave the Slytherin table another look over. His eyes caught those of the recently returned Malfoy, who nodded to him. He returned this just before noticing that Marcus Flint was eyeing him and had noted the exchange. He glared at Draco malevolently and Harry ground his teeth in annoyance. He would have to warn the blond of the older Slytherin’s motives.

            “What’s up, Harry?” Oliver asked noticing Harry’s shift in countenance. “Don’t worry, we’ll protect you from horny flying horses.”

            “Not worried about that.” Harry responded shooting a reproachful glance at the three Gryffindor alumni. “I don’t like the way that Flint is acting.   He’s the dangerous one, I think.”

            “Marcus? I suppose. He was dangerous before, when he was a student. I was surprised he managed to even pass his NEWTs, but I was shocked when he managed to exceed in two of them. Wulver, you say?”

            “Yes. He told me so. Can you help keep an eye on him, for me?” Harry asked the three who nodded curiously. “Thanks. Not much we can do while he’s in the dorms, but out in the open, he’s still likely to cause a problem. I wish he would just go back under whatever rock he crawled from beneath.”

            “That’d be quite a rock, Harry. Hey, did ya hear that Ron and Hermione split up?” Fred asked.

            “What?” Harry spurted, just realizing that neither of his best friends was at the table.

            “Yeah,” George added. “They ain’t here. Hermione went home to see her parents that’s just come back from Australia. The Ministry managed to undo her spell, and she’s gone to reacquaint. Ron’s back at the burrow for a few. Said he needed to think. I didn’t know he ever spent much time doing that.”

            “Mostly, he just plays chess with Bill and floo’s with Charlie. They been thick as thieves lately. Anyway, Ron broke it off with Hermione, and he won’t tell anyone what it’s all about.”

            “I admit, I haven’t been as close with them as before, but they didn’t say anything to me. I wonder what it’s all about.” Harry said and the twins shrugged in unison. Harry returned to his dinner and the conversation turned to quidditch around him.

*****

            Isabel seethed as she returned from the owlry, the letter from her parents clutched tightly in her hands. Her path led her straight past the stairs that led up to the fifth floor and she decided to take a detour. She reached the hallway and noticed the door already visible in the normally vacant wall. She tip-toed to it and slowly peeked inside. There were table and chairs, like a classroom only the chairs didn’t have that ‘sit up straight and be uncomfortable while you learn’ quality to them.

In one chair, a student already sat reading over the largest book she’d ever seen and his messy head of dark locks made his identity no secret. She silently entered and sauntered over to him.

            Harry had requested a room where he could study and secretly hoped he would be able to share it with some of his friends that needed to study, as well, or just to have somewhere quiet that was not overwhelmed by the excitement of visiting elder students. The room had interpreted his request in two ways. The room was silent, almost eerily so and it was left open to those who wished a place just like this. That was how Isabel had managed to find it.

            She pulled out a chair opposite him, and smiled when he looked up to find her there. “Hi. I was hoping for some company. This text is killing me. What do you know about Pegasus crosses?” he asked.

            “Not much, why?” she returned.

            “My book doesn’t have much, just vague references and connections to other beasts. I wondered if they were dangerous, or just rare. The author had no trouble mentioning other crosses that are rare, but nothing on this one.” Harry sounded frustrated and Isabel worried for him.

            “Got mate problems, Harry?” she asked and he glared half-heartedly. “Okay, no. So, what does this little paperback say?” she teased. He pushed the book her way and she sat down.

            After reading the captioned section, she looked back at the green-eyed savior. This was when she noticed he no longer wore the round frames. “Where are your glasses, Harry?” she asked.

            “One of the perks of my inheritance. Apparently, I am very adaptable. My eyes are fine and I only wear the frames, with plano lenses, when I’m around anyone that might notice. I don’t want anyone to find out. So, like I think that my father did, I’ll continue to wear them on pretense.”

            “Oh. Okay, so the Pegasus, a cross that is considered part of the equis family, is not a real creature, in that it is just a one-off centaur. Its dominant features are the wings and horse body, but it can display a full human torso or just the head. It’s protected by the rest of the herd vehemently, and is the only centaur that can revert to full human if born in that form. Fascinating, isn’t it?” she said. “Do we know a Pegasus, Harry?”

            “Adrian Pucey, I think. Isabel, the returning Alumni were not called to help with lessons. That is the excuse Dumbledore is giving to the fact that creature crosses are coming to find me. Adrian is here because there is a Chameleonis on the premises.” Harry confessed. “I don’t want to be found by the likes of him. I mean, I’ve never had any dealings with him, but . . .”

            “But, what? Harry, are you going to reduce this to a house competition? If so, then you aren’t the man I thought you were.” She rose swiftly and rushed out of the door. Harry followed, but she was too fast and he was left standing in the doorway. He returned to the table to find a crumpled piece of parchment where she had been sitting.

*****

            Harry sat in the library, reading through the book that Professor McGonagall had insisted he be well-versed in by start of class on Monday. He wasn’t watching the other students and he hadn’t noticed when Isabel entered the area and stepped up to his table. She cleared her throat and he looked up. “I wanted to apologize, for running out on you yesterday.” She began but he had risen and was pulling out the chair in front of her for her to sit down.

            “You were right, though. I don’t deserve any apology. I was being a real prat, wasn’t I?” he said. He pulled the smoothed out piece of parchment from his pocket and passed it across the table to her. It was the letter she’d gotten from her parents, informing her that if she wasn’t careful to avoid the beast that was a threat to her purity, they’d be forced to bring her home. Harry smiled lightly and said. “I hope I’m not causing you a problem. I’ll keep my distance if it’d help.”

            “Don’t you dare. How would I face you if I let them bully me that way? We’re friends, right? And friends don’t treat each other that way. So, how are you dealing with the Chameleonis hunters?” she asked.

            “Oh, I’ve managed to keep a low profile and most of them don’t know it’s me. The ones that do aren’t going to share the information on the chance that the competition is too much for them. My one problem is figuring out what their creatures are, without outright asking them. Like Penelope. She dated Percy when I first started here, and I would never have guessed that she wasn’t human.” Harry smiled as he leaned back. He was afraid that Isabel would be a lost friend after reading her letter and now he was relieved that she had chosen to keep his friendship.

            “I confess I don’t know, but I think I could find out for you. She is a Ravenclaw, so someone is likely to know. I’ll look into it and tell you. Have you guessed Cho, yet?” she asked.

            “No. Do you know?”

            “I do, but I think I’ll keep it a secret. I know that you had a crush on her back in fourth year, so I think you should work it out for yourself. It will be fun, right?” she teased.

*****

            Even if he had wanted to ask Cho about her heritage, he couldn’t get close enough, what with Cedric continually running interference. It irritated him that the older Hufflepuff said he had no interest in her, but couldn’t seem to let him have a chance. He finally got so frustrated that he asked Cedric to meet him and have it out. They were to meet in the Three Broomsticks on Saturday afternoon, and Harry was on his way to the gate when he was hailed by Terry and he stopped to let his brother catch up.

            “You going into Hogsmeade?” Terry asked.

            “Yeah. I’ve got an appointment.” Harry told him.

            “You mean a date, right?” Terry suggested and Harry rolled his eyes at the smaller boy.

            “I mean an appointment. Where are you headed?” Harry asked.

           “I don’t know. I just thought I’d go and spend some time away from school. It’s getting closer to the full moon, so I’ll be stuck in the shack again, and I want to get out a little before that.”

           Harry remembered that Terry and Remus had to do as the marauders had when Remus was young, until Terry was old enough for the wolfsbane potion. Snape said he would have to be at least twenty before he could take it. Harry nodded absentmindedly as they walked and Terry followed quietly.

           Before they reached the gates, Harry heard a sound from near the forest, just behind Hagrid’s cabin and he stopped. Terry stopped with him and they both detoured toward it. “What do you think it is?” Terry asked.

           “Trouble. You should go back.” Harry suggested but Terry scoffed. They rounded some big boulders and found a scene that had Harry’s neck hairs standing on end. There, up against the bark of a large pine, was Draco Malfoy, his nose bleeding and his face bruised and swollen. He looked like he’d been hit with a sectumsempra across his cheek and the blood was dripping onto his collar as he was held immobile against the tree. In front of him, holding him at wand point, was Marcus Flint, his left hand swollen at the knuckles and blood smeared all over it. Harry rushed forward. “What the fuck is going on here?” he called out.

           Marcus glared at him and reared back to punch Malfoy again, striking him directly on the nose and breaking it by the sounds of it. Harry had to give the blond credit, he took it without even a whimper, unlike fourth year when Hermione had punched him. Harry swung his wand up and threw his spell without thinking. “Petrificus Totalus!” and Marcus fell to the ground.

           Terry rushed ahead and stopped just short of the fallen Slytherin, his mouth forming a half-breathed “Wow.” Draco slid down the trunk, landing on his arse and cradling his nose in his hand. Harry caught him before he fainted and lifted the blond into his arms, carrying him away from the other boys and up to the castle. He headed straight for the infirmary without a backwards glance.

            Under the tree, Terry dropped to his knees and tilted his head to look at the frozen Slytherin. He smiled wickedly and took out his wand. “Incarcerous.” He chanted watching as thick ropes curled around the prone young man. “Petrificus finite.” He added and now Marcus squirmed in his rope bindings. “Settle down, Wolf. I know what you are. I could turn you in for assaulting a student, or we could have a little talk. What kind of wolf are you, anyway? You don’t smell like a werewolf.” Terry leaned back as Marcus shifted up to sit against a rock, the bindings keeping him from moving more than this.

            He smiled at Terry, his teeth showing the effects of his inheritance, having improved his overbite, “I’m a Wulver. That’s not a werewolf, but it’s close. How did you know?” he asked.

           “Cause I can tell. There’s an old muggle saying. It takes one to know one. Have you ever heard it?” Terry said with a smirk. Marcus leaned his head to the side and smirked in return. “Let’s talk about what you were beating Harry’s possible mate for, shall we?” Terry said while he got more comfortable. Marcus growled but didn’t try to get free.

            Madame Pomfrey was efficient and in no time Malfoy’s face showed no sign of the beating he’d just received. She dowsed him with blood replenishing potion and insisted that he lie down until it had its intended effect. She left him in Harry’s care as she moved away to clean up the various bits of cloth that had been spattered with the red drops while her spells had sealed the gash on his cheek and the vessels of his nose. Harry sat nearby and watched as Draco leaned back and let out a tired sigh. “What did he do that for?” Draco asked, not looking Harry’s way.

           “I suppose it was to clear the field. Marcus is a creature, he’s here to find a Chameleonis and he doesn’t want competition.” Harry suggested.

           “That was his playing strategy in Quidditch. I suppose it would work for other games as well. I’d rather you didn’t turn him in for this, Potter. House unity and all. Now that I know what to watch for I can hold my own. Will you agree?” Draco said with a sigh.

            “If you’d like. I think he should be kicked off the school grounds, but if you think it’s safe, I’ll go along. Will you guarantee he won’t hurt Seamus or Blaise or any of the others?”

            “I can. I’ll tell him how it is, and if he wants to keep in the running, he’ll have to follow those rules. He won’t hurt anyone if he realizes that it puts him out of the game. You can’t make it seem that he already is, or it will lose its effect.” Draco suggested.

            “I doubt I can lie that well. I’ve already told him I’m not interested.”

            “And he didn’t believe you? So, it won’t matter that you can’t lie, now. Just leave it to me.” Draco sat up and Harry stood to help him to his feet. He shook loose of the Gryffindor’s hold and stood on his own. “I’m fine. The potion is doing its job and I am fine. I’ve got to go and I assume you were headed somewhere, too.”

            “Shit! Cedric. Gotta go, Malfoy. Take it easy, okay?” Harry said as he dashed out of the hospital and toward the path to Hogsmeade.

             Cedric was nursing a butterbeer when Harry entered the Three Broomsticks and found him at the table near the wall. He sat down and ordered one from the girl that appeared beside him. The room was crowded and Harry was worried he would have to shout to be heard. “Maybe this wasn’t the best place to meet.” He suggested.

            “It’ll do.” Cedric said, putting down his bottle. “So, I think I know why you wanted to talk. You figured it out, did you?”

             “Well, it didn’t take much. The way you kept horning in whenever I tried to talk to her, I had to assume you were interested.” Harry said with a smile.

             “Yes. I am. But, I didn’t want to appear pushy. I know you don’t like that.” Cedric said.

             “What does it matter what I like or don’t like. We’re talking about someone’s feelings and that is what matters.” Harry bustled.

             Cedric looked at him quizzically and shook his head. “But, that’s why it matters what you like. Harry, are we talking about the same thing here?”

            “Cho.” Harry said definitively. “What are you talking about?”

            “You.” Cedric stated. “I’m not interested in Cho, other than as a rival. But, I don’t think that she’s figured it out just yet. Besides, she’s too dangerous for you. You don’t seem like the type to go for that kind.”

            “Cedric, I don’t know what you’re . . . OH! I forgot. You’d be here for that, too.” Harry gasped. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t even think of you as a creature. I thought you were a pure-bred family.”

            “Most creatures are. Don’t let them fool you. I happen to be from a very good creature line, as they go. Just dangerous enough, while quite cuddly to the right mate.” Cedric nearly purred as he spoke and Harry was finding himself lured closer. “I can show you, but not here.”

           “Wow. I’ll have to think about this. I had no idea. Let’s leave that for another time, shall we. I’ve just had quite a run in with Marcus Flint and I’m all in. I can’t think straight and I won’t make any decisions like this. How about we just move on to small talk and relax, huh?”

           “Sounds fine. No more talk about the Chinese Dragon Lady, though, okay?” Cedric’s description was too funny not to, so Harry laughed at it.

            “Agreed. So, what have you been doing since you left school?” Harry asked.

            “Oh, I’ve got a job at the Ministry. I work in the Department of Internal Agendas. It’s where we work out all the ways that we can muck things up with red tape and delays. Quite a fun job actually. I have Percy Weasley running in circles most weeks.” Cedric said with a smirk.

*****

            Ronald Bilius Weasley sat at the edge of the fire, next to Bill, staring at the image of his other older brother in the flames. Charlie was talking and the other two were digesting his words. “So, best I can figure, we have a fifty percent chance if we mate with faerie, Veela or Unicorn. Percy says that the stronger the display the better the chances. I’ve looked into it and I think that Fleur is more than part Veela. And there’s a girl here who is Aerie, at least part and displays very well. I like her, so I’m going to talk to her about it. What do you have, Ron?”

           “Don’t know any Veela, other than Fleur and her little sister, and since Bill is engaged to her, that’s that. I know that there are a few faerie crosses at school, but it’s hard to be sure. Did Percy find out about Penelope?” Ron asked.

           “He’s pretty sure she’s Unicorn.” Bill offered, “But she’s gone to Hogwarts to help with the charms experiment and he can’t ask her. I think you should consider Gabrielle, or her twin, Ron. They aren’t that young, you know.”

            “Don’t think so. I want to find someone my age, and compatible. I’m not whoring myself out, Bill. I just want to try to find someone that will be able to bear a changeling. We can do it, and just like Aunt Tessie says, it’s our duty. She was trying to tell us that when we were kids. We just didn’t listen.”

            “Yeah. It’s hard to do this without being able to speak about it openly. Have you talked to the twins? Fred and George should be trying to find a proper mate, too.” Charlie asked through the flames.

           “Can’t. They are at the school, too.” Bill said.

“Then Ronnikins should get his arse back there. Talk to them, Ron. Tell them that we know and are going to try help but we need all of us to work toward the same goal.” Charlie goaded and Ron winced. How was he going to say all of that without using the forbidden words?

*****

           Fred and George were running back through the doors of the Great Hall when Harry returned from Hogsmeade. He followed them and caught up as they dropped onto the benches next to Hermione. She had just returned from her home and was trying to catch up on the work that she had missed while away. “So, how are the dentists?” Fred asked and she glared at him.

           “My parents are fine. They were a little upset with me for casting that spell, but all is forgiven now that they know why I did it. They liked Australia, too.” She said with a half-hearted smile.

           “And now that you’re back, tell us what happened between you and our little brother?” George begged but she just glared at him.

           “Leave her alone, guys. She deserves her privacy.” Harry said as he sat across from her and smiled understandingly. “What have you two been up to so early? I saw you sneaking in to the school just now.”

           “Us?” Fred said.

           “Up to something?” George echoed.

           “Yes. You two. Up to no good, I’m sure. Now fess up or I’ll go straight to Dumbledore and have you sent packing.” Harry threatened good-naturedly. “If you tell, and it’s funny enough, I’ll keep it a secret, too.”

           “Fred?”

           “Yes, George?”

           “Should we?”

           “I do believe we’ll have to.”

           “Then, you do the honors.”

           Fred sat up straighter and his smile went wide. He looked around and then lifted his eyebrows in a very suggestive way. “Remember our swamp?” he said and Harry and Hermione both nodded. “We’ve outdone it. We’ve created a snowy blizzard in the astronomy tower.”

          “A blizzard?” Harry asked astonished.

         “In a tower that we’ll need to go into whenever we have class? At night? When it’s dark?” Hermione added.

           “I told you they wouldn’t understand.” George said to his brother.

           “That you did. And I agreed.” Fred returned.

           “Guys, how are we going to get to class through a blizzard?” Harry reasoned.

           “It’s easy. It only storms during the day. No classes then. At night, it’s calm and serene. A winter wonderland. Perfect for snowboarding during the day.” George told him.

           “How do you know about snowboarding?” Hermione asked, changing the subject.

           “Watched a muggle show about the Oh-Limb-picks. It was amazing. We went out and tried it, and it’s so much fun. We’re considering making some wizard versions and having our own competitions. It’ll be great!” Fred informed them.

           “You two are incorrigible. I have to finish this, if you’ll excuse me. Oh, and Harry, Isabel and I can still tutor you in that etiquette if you like. I spoke with her this morning. She’s agreeable for later this evening. Before dinner, perhaps?” Hermione said and Harry nodded.

           “Isabel? Now, Harry. What’s this about? We told you.” Fred said as they followed him out of the doors. Harry led them down the corridor and up the stairs to the fat lady’s portrait.

           “She’s a Ravenclaw that has been helping me with my studies. Don’t read things into it, okay?” Harry said.

           Fred smiled at his brother, who smiled back at the same time. “So, there’s nothing to it? Okay.”

           “Now, about this whole creature business?” they said in unison.

           Harry froze and allowed them to guide him into the common room.

*****

            Zylotha Bole stepped off of the carriage and onto the grounds of the school with an air of dignified royalty. She was not pleased to be back, after five years, but the prospect of meeting with the young Chameleonis made it worth the trip from Romania and the time off her work at Durmstrang.

            Her mate, Dierdre Montague was not pleased with her, but that was not Zylotha’s problem. She marched directly toward the school, her bags in the hands of her very capable companion, a dwarf named Roderic.

AN: okay, managed to get this one done. I’m taking liberties with names when I can’t find a first name for a former student. I hope you like this last one. She’s a pip! This one is over 6,000 words. Hope you like it.
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Chameleon's Song