Draco's POV
The next day came, as always, Potter arrived to have his blood taken.
This time, however, he seemed to be looking at me more. Usually he'd never look at me, trying to forget that I existed, and that he was giving me his blood. Now, however, he's staring at me. His eyes don't seem focused, as though he's staring off into space, deep in thought. Madam Pomfrey needs to remind him that he can leave, for he's so lost in his own head.
When Madam Pomfrey gives me the blood, as promised, there are two pieces of parchment, and a small bag. The healer gives me a small smile, before walking away.
Draco,
Here you will find the instructions on how to become an animagus, as well as some of the needed materials.
It seems as though with will take quite a long time, so I hope that you'll be alright.
- Hermione
I stare at the note, silently thanking whoever is listening that Hermione and her friends care enough, and Pansy. Picking the other note, I scan the instructions.
How To Become An Animagus:
1. Must be skilled in Transfiguration and Potions.
2. Carry a single Mandrake leaf in one's mouth for a month (from full moon to full moon). If you take the leaf out, the month restarts. Then find a small crystal phial that receives the pure rays of the moon, and put your saliva-filled leaf inside, as well as adding one of your own hairs.
3. Add a silver teaspoon of dew from a place that neither sunlight nor human feet have touched for a full seven days. Then add the chrysalis of a Death's-head Hawk Moth to the crystal phial. Then put this mixture in a quiet, dark place, and leave it alone until the next electrical storm. Don't look at it, don't even think about looking at it.
4. While waiting for the storm, you must place your wand tip over your heart every, sunrise and sunset, and speak the following incantation: 'Amato Animo Animato Animagus'. If you keep repeating your incantation, there will come a time when, with the touch of the wand-tip to the chest, a second heartbeat may be sensed. When this happens, don't change anything! Don't stop, keep waiting for the storm.
5. As soon as lightning appears in the sky, go to the place where you've hidden your crystal phial. If you've done everything correctly then you will discover a mouthful of blood-red potion inside it. Then move somewhere where you aren't going to alarm anyone, or place yourself in physical danger during your transformation.
6. Place your wand-tip against your heart and speak the incantation 'Amato Animo Animato Animagus' and drink the potion. You will then feel fiery pain, as well as an intense double heartbeat.
7. The shape of the creature into which you will shortly transform will appear in your mind. You must show no fear, it is too late now to escape the change you have willed.
8. When your transformation is complete you are strongly advised to pick up your wand and hide it somewhere safe, so you can find it post-transformation. To return to human form, visualize your human self as clearly as you can. Don't worry if you don't change back immediately, with practice, you will be able to slip in and out of your animal form at will, simply by visualizing the creature. Once you're an advanced Animagus, you should be able to transform without your wand.
The Things To Be Wary Of:
- When the process of becoming an Animagus goes wrong, it often goes seriously wrong. (Horrible half-human, half-animal mutations here, with no known cure)
- The first transformation is usually uncomfortable and frightening. Clothing and items such as glasses or jewelry meld to the skin and become one with fur, scales or spikes.
- When you first transform, try to avoid panicking otherwise the animal mind may gain the ascendancy, and you could do something stupid or dangerous.
- Generally, wizards prefer to have their clothes Transfigure with them, to escape the embarrassment of reappearing naked.
- Log your personal details and Animagus appearance on the Animagus Registry. Failure to do this may land you in Azkaban.
After reading the last sentence, I lean back with a sigh. Does Hermione really think that I can do this in a cage. Without my wand too!
Peaking inside the small bag, I see the Mandrake leaf. Swallowing the cup of blood in one swig, I place the leaf in my mouth, pushing it to the back of my mouth. I tuck it between my teeth and my cheek, and try to get used to the feeling of it being there.
Merlin, this is mental.
Harry's POV
It's Lunch when Hermione pulls me into the library to speak with me.
"I've come up with a plan," Hermione starts, excitement gleaming in her eyes.
"Yeah?" I say, not really caring.
"Come on, stop moping about the DA. We'll figure that out," Hermione says, before continuing, "A plan on how to help Draco."
"Oh! Yeah, continue."
"Well, I kind of got the idea from Sirius," Hermione says, and I look at her confused, "He broke out of Askaban by turning into his Animagus form, so I was thinking... why can't Draco do that? If he becomes and Animagus, then we can open a small section of the cage that Madam Pomfrey uses to give him blood, and he can escape!"
I stare at her, bewildered, "W-what if he's not a small enough animal? Doesn't it take a long time to become an animagus? What if we mess up! Doesn't he need a wand?"
"Yes, yes, yes," Hermione sighs, "If he's not a small animal then we'll figure that out later. It does take a long time to become an animagus, but I think we'll manage. I'll make sure that we don't mess up. As for the wand, I'm not sure. I gave Draco the instructions today, along with the Mandrake leaf for the first step. Still, I've done some research and I don't know if he can transform without his wand."
"So we have to get his wand?"
"Not necessarily, but probably. I asked him to try some wandless magic yesterday when I talked with him, but I don't know if he had any success," She explains.
"Should we talk to him?" I question, and she nods.
"Yeah, I've got a study period now, you?" She asks.
"No... but I can miss Divination. I got my homework done anyway," I say hopefully.
"Fine, but only because it's Divination," Hermione replies, "But if you fail that class it's not on me!"
With that, we walk out of the library, and towards the Hospital Wing.
"Hey, where'd Ron go?" I ask, remembering my best friend isn't with us.
"Oh, probably pigging out in the Great Hall, then off to the class that you're skipping," Hermione replies sharply.
"Oh."
We arrive at the Hospital Wing, and Hermione bursts through the doors. Malfoy looks up from the book in his lap.
"Hi Draco!" Hermione calls, rushing towards his cage, and I follow behind her.
"Hello Hermione," Malfoy says politely.
"So, have you tried wandless magic yet?" Hermione asks, and to my surprise, Malfoy nods.
"I can cast lumos, but nothing else," He explains truthfully, "I honestly don't think I could transform without my wand."
Hermione's eyebrows scrunch together in thought.
"Can't we just get his wand back?" I speak up, and both pairs of eyes fall on me. "I mean, wouldn't it just be easier?"
"Umbridge is keeping it in her office," Malfoy explains.
"Yeah, so? We just break in and take it. Simple."
Hermione shakes her head "If only it were that simple. She's got to have security on it, it's probably in a safe as well. It would take a lot of planning to get it and not get caught."
"Oh," I say, slumping back.
"But," Hermione continues, and I brighten up, "It's the best shot we've got."
"Wait a second here," Malfoy interrupts, "I'm not letting you guys risk getting expelled just to help me. Forget it."
"Oh stop it Draco!" Hermione sighs, exasperated. "You're acting like a Gryffindor."
Malfoy pretends hurt, clutching his heart and faking a gasp. "How dare you!"
Everyone laughs, and for a moment everything seems alright.
"We'll get you're wand, Draco," I promise, before realizing that I said his first name.
He's also staring at me, and a small smile appears on his face. "Thanks Harry."
Then we're just smiling at each other, and Hermione starts giggling. Malf- no Draco sticks his tongue out at her.
Everything will be alright.
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