Weasley Twins - A Fate You Can't Escape

Chapter 134 - Forest Frolics

That night Teddy stays in Charlie's room.  I kiss the baby goodnight, promising I'll see him in the morning.  He blinks sleepily at me before his eyes flutter closed as he drifts off.  I slip out of the room, practically crawling down the steps.  I still have a several hours until the shift, but my joints feel like they're all about to pop out of place.  I curl up on the couch next to Charlie and doze throughout the evening, being frequently woken up by every noise and scent in the house.  During a particularly rowdy game of exploding snap amongst the younger Weasleys, I decide to slip outside for some quiet. 

The cool January air hits me, and I shiver.  I don't actually mind the cold too much, letting it cool my overheated body.  I sit on the front step, staring blankly as the snow covered fields around the house.  I can see the moon rising on the horizon, and I know I don't have much longer to go.  From inside the house I hear footsteps as someone comes to the door.  I frown, not recognizing them to be Charlie's.  I really don't want to deal with anybody else at the moment.

"Why are you sitting out here in the freezing cold without a jacket or even a warming charm."  Fred asks, coming and sitting beside me.

"Not now Fred."  I grumble, my voice coming out rough and broken.

"If you're sick, you're only going to make it worse sitting out here."  He places a gentle hand on my arm.  "You should come inside."

"No."  I try to shrug him off of me, but I can't quite muster up the energy.

"Hazel, what's wrong?  Is there something I can do to help?"  He sounds genuine, but I don't have the capacity to deal with him right now.

A loud crack catches both of our attention as the tell tale sound of apparition echos over the field.  I am surprised to see none other than Draco Malfoy striding across the marsh, hands shoved deep in the pockets of his black coat.

"What is he doing here?"  Fred hisses, poorly disguising his distrust.

"Helping."  I snip, shakily climbing to my feet.  Draco saunters over and wraps me in a gentle hug, wrapping his arms under mine to help support my weight.  I didn't know he was coming, and the gesture warms my heart.  He's witnessed the brutality of my transformations before, and the fact that he is willing to do it again means a lot. 

"Let's get you ready, huh?"  He murmurs softly, leading me back over to the porch.  "Just a few more minutes."

He starts carefully helping me out of my jumper, earning an outburst from Fred.

"Get away from her."  Fred demands, pulling his wand out.

"Which ever twin you are, you need to step back."  Draco says cooly, not stopping as he folds my jumper.  "Actually, it's best if you just go inside."

"And leave her out here with you?  Not likely."  Fred scoffs.  I don't have the energy to participate, feeling my skin starting to itch.

"Fine.  Then stay out of the way."  Draco still speaks quietly, knowing the loud noises would overwhelm me.  Draco politely keeps his eyes on my face as he helps me out of the rest of my clothing.  My knees give out as a wave of fire washes over me, and I know it's starting.  Draco takes my hands in his, looking into my eyes.

"Hazel breathe.  Don't fight it.  It hurts worse if you resist."  He demonstrates deep breathing and I try to follow along. 

"Hazel, what's going on?"  Fred asks, but I don't pay him any mind.

"You're doing great."  Draco murmurs.  I nod, wincing as the first bones start stretching.  Joints start snapping into different positions, and the itching reaches unbelievable heights as the fur starts to come in.  I let out a scream that comes out as a howl as my jaw cracks.  I release Draco's hands as the shift completes, falling into the snow.  I land on all four paws, breathing heavily.

Fred swears loudly, scrambling for the door.  I can smell how scared he is. I turn back to Draco, nuzzling him with my nose. He pets the fur on the top of my head soothingly. The sleeve of his coat tickles my nose.

I let out a sneeze, surprising myself. Draco chuckles scratching behind my ears. A shiver goes down my spine and my tail starts to twitch.

"You know, I think I prefer you as a wolf." Draco teases and I let out an indignant yelp. "I will not take it back."

I plop my butt down in the snow and narrow my eyes at him.

"Aw, don't give me that look." He rolls his eyes. I pounce on him, knocking him back in the snow. I pin his shoulders down with my paws and give his cheek a playful lick. "Gross, now I'm covered in your spit."

I climb off of him, satisfied.

The sound of the door creaking catches my attention and my eyes snap over, watching as Fred slowly pokes his head back out. I trot over, nudging the door the rest of the way open with my snout. I press the top of my head against his hand.

"Hazel?" He breathes softly running his hand along my fur. I nod in confirmation. "Merlin, how did this happen to you?"

"Her ex bit her before in human form on the day of the full moon. She physically transforms, but not mentally." Draco explains and I growl at him, annoyed that he shared without permission. "What was I supposed to tell him?"

I huff, conceding the point.

Wait, what is that noise?

My eyes snap to the brush at the edge of the tree line behind the house. I sniff the breeze, catching a scent. Rabbit. My tail starts flicking without my consent.

"What'd you find?" Draco asks, watching me. I respond with a cheerful yip, wanting to give chase.

Somehow he seems to understand.

"Can I put a tracing charm on you first? That way if you change back in the middle of the forest, I can find you." Draco pulls out his wand. I nod my head, sitting impatiently as he performs the charm. The moment he's done, I'm off.

My paws thud lightly against the powdery snow as I bound to the tree line. The rabbit hears me coming and takes off, and I chase after it happily. I have no plans to hurt the animal, but the game is exhilarating.

Eventually I get tired of the rabbit and just enjoy smelling everything.  I can smell the scents of animals that were here weeks ago.  This is the first time I've been outside during a moon.  It's amazing.

After a while, I can sense a change in the sky, and I know I don't have a long time until I transform back.  Weirdly, I'm not looking forward to being human again.  Maybe that's just because I know my body will hurt for a few days.

I make it back to the Burrow with about ten minutes to spare.  Draco looks up at me, the soft pat of my paws alerting him to my presence.

"Did you have fun?"  He asks, sitting up from where he was slouched against the door.  I hum happily, curling up on his lap.  Well that is the intention at least.  Considering I'm a giant wolf, I just kind of squish him.

"Merlin, you're heavy."  He wheezes, rubbing my back.  I playfully growl at him, causing him to laugh.  "Sorry, but it's true."

The moon set starts, and I whimper as the first signs of change begin.  Thankfully it's easier, changing back, but it still hurts.  Draco whispers encouragement to me as my wolf fades back into my weak human form.  Draco transfigures his coat into a blanket and wraps it around my shivering body.

He grabs my clothes from where he folded them.  I go to stand, but before I can, he scoops me up princess style.  I'm too tired to protest, letting my head fall against his shoulder as he carries me inside the house.

My muscles feel like pudding as he places me down on the couch and starts helping me dress.  After I am clothed, I slump forward against his chest, breathing heavy from the exertion. 

"Thank you."  I whisper, barely conscious.  

"No problem."  He mumbles, stiffening slightly.  "That's what friends are for."

"Mmm."  I agree, drifting off to sleep with the smell of apples in my nose.

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