Cupid Wings

2. Change

It was a bright, sunny Monday morning as Harry strode up the hill from Hagrid's hut towards the enormous school that loomed impressively overhead. Despite his limp and a slight breeze ruffling his already messy hair, he felt happier than he had done for a while. He unconsciously brushed a hand over his black jacket and over his black shirt as if to smarten his appearance, which was, by his standards, already considerably more formal than usual.

At 10.50am exactly, he met Severus and Mr Silvanus Kettleburn, the Chair of the Governors, at the Great Door. As Severus led them through the school to the Headmistress's office, Mr Kettleburn chatted happily to Harry, clearly excited to be meeting him and that the famous Harry Potter was a serious candidate for the post of Defence Professor. Harry didn't fail to notice Severus rolling his eyes on more than one occasion, his lip curling and his dark brows furrowing. It was all Harry could do not to laugh.

At the door, he turned to Severus and Mr Kettleburn and said, 'it might be best if you both wait here for a moment.'

Severus nodded and stood to one side as Harry pushed open the door and stepped into the familiar octagonal office.

He heard Mr Kettleburn say, 'but this is most irregular...' before the door shut behind him.

Harry sensed Minerva tense as soon as he stepped into her room. He sensed the fine hairs on the back of her neck immediately raised. He sensed that she flexed her fingers slowly against the arms of her chair. He sensed that her sharp canines were ready to elongate without a moment's notice. He sensed the feline growl hovering at the back of her throat. He sensed a lightness in her step as she stood up and walked around her desk to greet him; a readiness, as she signalled for him to enter her territory. Her hazel-green eyes never left him, watching him warily. She was prepared, waiting, despite the lack of forewarning...

He sensed it all because he felt it too... in her presence.

'Where's your dog?' Minerva said.

'I left him with Hagrid. I thought it would be easier this way. Hagrid is prepared.'

'He knows?'

'Only about Pads.'

'Hmmm,' she said through thin, pursed lips. 'And where is Severus?'

'Just outside with Mr Kettleburn, would you prefer them in here while we do this?'

She quirked an eyebrow as she faced him. 'I'm perfectly capable of managing by myself, Harry. This is, after all, my school.'

So, she had laid down the challenge.

He immediately hobbled to her desk and placed his cane and wand upon it. He didn't need the additional power absorbed into his body when he changed, not when he had to submit.

He turned to face her, watched by the suddenly alert portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses of the school.

'Are you registered?' she said. 'It's not in your personal file.'

'The Aurors tend to keep these things secret. Particularly a big cat like the Hunter, it causes too much intrigue, if not unwanted notoriety. They have a separate register to protect their employees.' Without using his wand or muttering the words aloud, he moved the three chairs he stood between to the side of the room.

She raised an eyebrow, waiting. He sensed fear battling with stoic, immoveable bravery. The choice between fight or flight suspended on a gossamer thread...

He crouched down and place his hands on the floor. She looked ready to change herself in an instant as she watched warily.

'Ready to spring, Harry?' she asked quietly.