The Beast Within - Chapter 23

Xia did indeed sleep quite a lot. She was only awake for about an hour for the entire visit. When she was awake, she mostly just wanted to snuggle up to him. She woke up long enough to crawl into his lap, nuzzle his neck, and pass out. Harry didn't mind at all; he trailed his fingers along her spine as she slept. It was an interesting way to learn that dragons can purr. The 'quick visit' stretched out to the entire day. He was already making plans to spend at least two nights a week if he was able to attend Hogwarts.

Sian, on the other hand, was having a rough time. Quick movements, random smells, and even a shift in the wind would spike her nausea. Her diet currently was jerky of various kinds, fresh salad made from plants from her native area, and orange fruit chews of all things. She joined some of the cuddling, as long as he turned his head away so his breathing wouldn't bother her.

Agda constantly gave him 'bedroom eyes' when she wasn't glaring at the others at capitalizing on my time. He couldn't imagine what she would have been like if they hadn't been able to have a roll in the sheets, or nest, when he first arrived.

"Harry," Tonks whispered from the entry to the tent. "There's a couple things we still need to settle while we're here."

Harry nodded. He didn't realize that he had been on the edge of his sleep until Tonks appeared. The three dragons were warm snuggled against him. Staying awake was made all the more difficult with the three of them each purring.

Carefully, he extracted himself from the dragon pile. He placed a gentle kiss on Xia's and Sian's foreheads. Agda pulled him into a long, deep kiss that sent his head spinning. She gave him a proud smile as he stumbled a few steps.

Harry slowly shifted back into his fully human form once he was outside. Tonks handed him his clothes as they were able to fit his body. Except his pants, those he had to glare at her to get. She waved to him to follow her once he was fully dressed.

"Harry!" A loud, happy voice greeted him as they left the forest.

Harry smiled as Hagrid approached. He hadn't seen his friend since last year. There was a swell of connection in his chest once he saw the half-giant. He had noticed that there was a slight disconnect from full humans especially after spending so much time alone with a vampire. Tonks, so far, was the only human that felt normal to be around.

It seemed like Hagrid felt the same. The half-giant had always been a little disconnected from those around him. He constantly had to adjust his strength, not just around people, but everything. It was one of the reasons Hagrid didn't mind living in his shack than in the castle.

Hagrid swept him up into a hug. He squeezed Harry tightly, no longer afraid of breaking bones. The half-giant teared up a little as he set his favorite wizard down.

"It's good to see you," Hagrid said as he wiped his eyes. "Been worried about you."

"It's good to see you too," Harry said with a smile. "Sorry for not visiting earlier."

"Think nothing of it," Hagrid shook his head. "Heard about some of your adventures." He dropped his voice to a whisper and elbowed Harry in the words. "Quite the ladies' man, eh?"

Harry blushed and suddenly found his shoes very interesting. It didn't help that the 'whisper' had been loud enough for everyone around them to hear. Subtle, Hagrid was not.

"Wonderful ladies, those three," Hagrid said with a fond smile. "Never thought I'd have the chance to talk to a dragon." He smiled brightly. "They know who Nortbera is too! Said she's growing like a weed and making friends just fine. Warmed my heart."

Harry found it funny how the half-giant suddenly was so relaxed around him. It was as though he found a kindred spirit. Whatever Tonks had wanted to tell him was quickly forgotten as they caught up. Harry was more than happy to spend time with him as well. They explored more of the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid lost a bit of vibrancy as when the signs of fading webbing appeared on the trees.

"They took Aragog and his brood," Hagrid sniffled. "Got them settled in a colony in Brazil. I'll miss him, but he was getting on in years. I just didn't have the heart to handle it. Thought the Ministry would kill them all." Hagrid took a deep breath to steady his voice. "Charlie and his crew got in contact with some people he knew to take care of them."

Harry couldn't bring himself to apologize. He hadn't been afraid of spiders until he was almost eaten by a group of them bigger than he was. It wasn't much of an issue now that he could fight back. They circled around back through the forest to Hagrid's shack.

"I can't deny the forest has changed since they were moved," Hagrid sighed. "The Centaurs have relaxed, the unicorns settled in a spot and stopped their roaming, and a bunch of native critters have come back."

Harry caught the scent of a group of people as they exited the forest. He hadn't realized how much the place had overtaken his senses until then. The group appeared a moment later once he and Hagrid were out in the open. Headmistress McGonagall, Deputy Headmaster Flitwick, the Auror guard, and a rather nervous looking Ministry official all waited for him as they approached. What really caught his attention was the building behind them.

A new cabin had been built a small distance from Hagrid's shack. The difference in quality, and scale, was easy to see. Not only was the cabin better structured, but it was constructed mainly of stone. A dragon, even a human-sized one, should not live in a wooden house.

"Mister Potter," Headmistress McGonagall greeted.

"Mister Potter," Professor Flitwick said as well.

The half-goblin spoke with his usual cheer. His voice had a warmth to it that wasn't there before. Like speaking with family rather than a student. There it was again, a connection to someone that wasn't human.

"Professor," Harry nodded to Flitwick. "Headmistress."

The edge of McGonagall's mouth twitched in a hidden smile. At least she seemed to be enjoying the new title. Harry idly wondered if her work-load had actually lightened. Dumbledore had been great at many things, being a Headmaster was not among them.

"What's this?" Harry asked motioning to the cabin.

"These are your new quarters," McGonagall replied.

"Oh," Harry replied. He thought for a moment. Then nodded. "Makes sense."

The Ministry official practically collapsed in relief. It seemed like the man had prepared some sort of speech or decree about the place.

"Can I take a look inside?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Flitwick chimed in.

The half-goblin moved much faster than anyone thought he was able. He opened the front door, which was big enough for Hagrid to enter without issue and made of polished stone. Subtle magic drifted around it as Harry got closer. He cocked his head to the side.

"Wards?" Harry asked narrowing his eyes at the wisps.

"Yes," Flitwick replied proudly. "It's a defensive array to keep those uninvited from entering. You can set a list of those allowed as well as lock down the cabin for all visitors." He dropped his voice to a whisper. "We might be able to use this to allow students with lycanthrope to attend in greater numbers as well."

The door swung open to reveal a much larger space. It was styled to look almost identical to the Gryffindor Common Room. Even the furniture was arranged in the same manner. The only real difference, aside from the view, was the lack of a fireplace.

Flitwick and Hagrid led him on a tour through the place. There was the main room, a small kitchen, two full-sized bathrooms that looked like they had been copied directly from the castle, and four bedrooms with room enough for a few beds in each. Everything was large enough to comfortably fit him in his full dragon form with his wings outstretched.

"Currently," Flitwick whispered. "You are the only resident, but we took the opportunity to add more space for the future."

"Reinforced walls," Hagrid said as he knocked a large fist against one. "They'd take some effort for even me to break."

"Are you going to live here too?" Harry asked Hagrid.

"Nah," Hagrid replied with a laugh. "I've got my cabin just how I like it. Don't think I could handle having a roommate." He blanched. "No offense meant, Harry."

Harry smiled at his friend. Any further discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Fang. The large, cowardly dog was incredibly happy to see Harry. He jumped on the wizard, who caught him easily. The dog seemed confused for a moment. Hagrid had been the only one able to pick him up for years. Witches and wizards were knocked off their feet. Fang wasn't malicious, it was just that people were so comfy to sleep on. His tail started to wag in a near blur.

"Now you've done it," Hagrid chuckled. "He won't let you have a moment of peace. Took years to train him not to tackle people."

Fang proved Hagrid right. The dog wiggled out of his arms only to jump at him again. It took three more times for Fang to stop. Harry was certain that it would have continued if the dog had been younger. As it stood, Fang practically dragged Harry over to a chair. He took the hint and sat down. Fang instantly hopped up into his lap and did his best to prove he wasn't too big to be a lapdog. McGonagall approached after a few moments. She smiled brightly at the sight of Harry holding Fang like a puppy.

"If you would like," McGonagall said. "You can settle in here until the school term begins."

"What about the Express?" Harry asked.

"The Ministry thinks it's safer for you to arrive separately from the other students," McGonagall's voice was tinged with tightly controlled annoyance.

"Eh," Harry shrugged. "I'd go crazy if I had to spent eight hours on a train these days." He paused as the Ministry official started to sweat again. "Not crazy, just bored out of my mind."

"I'll be just right across the field if you need anything," Hagrid said.

"We're also placing your Auror guard in the castle," McGonagall continued. "Auror Tonks will be your personal guard. Alastor has agreed to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year as well. Auror Jones has been reassigned and will be replaced before the year begins."

Harry nodded. He understood their caution. It was still annoying even if having Tonks around would be nice. Hopefully, whoever replaced Hestia wouldn't be as afraid of him. Time would tell.

"Thank you, Headmistress," Harry said.

He let out a resigned sigh as Fang once again adjusted in his lap.

"I don't think I'm going anywhere for a while," he said while avoiding the attempts to lick his face. "Is it lunch yet?"

"The House Elves will bring you something if you make a request," Professor Flitwick answered. "There was one by the name of Dobby that volunteered to be the one staffed to care for the cabin."

Harry chuckled.

"We'll leave you to settle in," McGonagall said. "Auror Tonks will gather your personal items."

"Thank you," Harry said giving them a wave as they gathered to leave. "Professor Flitwick, Hagrid, did you want to join me for lunch?"

"That would be splendid," Flitwick replied with his usual cheer. "Hagrid?"

"Thank you, Harry," Hagrid said. "Decent of you."

"Do you think the dragons would like to stay here?" Harry asked once the others had left. "They might enjoy some modern luxuries."

"Don't know," Hagrid shrugged. "They seem to like their cave plenty." He paused. "Mind if I invite Charlie to join us? No doubt he'd love to speak with you without being rushed."

"Sure," Harry replied with a shrug.

Harry had a feeling he'd be answering a lot of questions. It surprised him how much he had missed spending time with other people. Being alone with a vampire for a week made him appreciate time with the living. A walking, talking magical void made his skin crawl. Being on Hogwarts grounds and with old friends was a balm to his soul.

Now for the important questions. What did he want for lunch? And could he eat more than Hagrid? There was only one way to find out.