The Dragon's Kitten

13 - Huge Changes

~*~*Harry's POV*~*~

Griphook had told me up to two weeks. That means I should have changed back the day before New Year's, but I didn't. The new term had already started and today was the official day of our first classes. Normally I wouldn't care but Draco had enough problems to deal with.

"Welcome back everyone. Just a few quick announcements before breakfast. It appears that Draco Malfoy has officially become Harry's permanent caregiver. I have been informed that all the correct paperwork has been seen to. This has happened because Harry has not been his normal self for a long time. Additionally even if Harry returns to normal, if he wishes to remain with his caregiver then we must all allow it. Moving on, this term has some changes in..."

The sound of Dumbledore's voice faded from my ears. I felt a sudden rush of dizziness and my body felt weak. I stumbled on the table and fell. A hand caught me before I hit the bench. Pain radiated throughout my body and I let out a pained meow. I felt my bones crack as they shifted. My muscles tightened and stretched as my body grew.

A hand touched me and I hit it away. I found myself on the floor curling in on myself. I had been prepared for pain but this was something else. I could hear and feel every bone breaking and fixing itself. Moving through my body like worms as they grew, broke, detached and fixed themselves. My tightened muscles added to the struggle to get to the right place.

Soft, cold, delicate fingers ran through my hair and suddenly the pain wasn't all that bad. I leaned into the touch knowing exactly who it was. My body stopped readjusting itself and I felt like I could breathe again. After a few minutes the pain subsided. I opened my eyes to find that I didn't really need my glasses anymore. I could see Draco perfectly fine.

Draco held his hand out towards me and I saw the scratches on his arm. He helped me up and walked me to his seat. I felt really bad for hurting him and I really just wanted to cry. I knew I couldn't because we were still in the Hall and I didn't want people knowing why I needed a caregiver.

"Feeling better now?" Draco asked.

"Yeah. I'm sorry about this." I pointed at his arm.

"Don't worry. Let's eat and then we can go." Draco sat down next to me and squeezed my hand.

I ate quite a bit more than usual because not only was the transformation painful it also left me starving. When I was done eating I stood up and walked away without Draco. He had only ever seen the human me regress once and I wasn't sure I wanted him to see it again.

Unfortunately I was stopped at the door by Ron and Hermione. Merlin I wanted to kill them for getting in my way. I clenched my fists but before anything really happened an arm was wrapped around my shoulders. Draco was standing next to me with his eyebrow raised and glaring at my friends.

He stepped to the side pulling me with him and walked out the doors. I didn't react to my friends calling my name as the doors closed. I just wanted to break down and cry. I wanted to hold on to Draco for dear life, but I had to stop myself. Draco moved his arm from my shoulders and took my hand.

"We're not going to class today." Draco said as he led me away from the Hall.

"Why?" I asked rather meekly.

"Because you're having an episode Harry. Even though you're trying to hold it back I can see it in your eyes. We'll stay in bed until lunchtime. When you're feeling better you can look at yourself in a mirror and if you're up to it attend the rest of the day." Draco said plainly.